Delivered on October 23, 2014
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| Penny Bongato (Photo courtesy of Elaine Romero) |
According to
the National Economic Development Authority, unemployment rate in April 2013
increased to 7.5% from 6.9% in 2012. Majority
of the unemployed were high school graduates at 31.7 percent. Followed by: college graduates at 21.3 percent) and college
undergraduates at 14.6 percent. About half (48.2 percent) of the unemployed were
aged 15-24 years old.
NEDA Deputy Director-General Emmanuel
Esguerra said, “There is a need to improve the employ-ability of worker
applicants, particularly those with secondary and tertiary education.” He
further stated that we need a more effective partnership among firms, academe
and the government to work on curriculum
design."
Curriculum gaps—these seem to be the
problem. Graduates don’t have the employ-ability skills needed by companies. This seems to be a continuing saga. Is there
a way out of this? Is there something we can do to change our situation? The
good news is there is. The other good news is that You are part of the
solution.
Tonight I will share with you how YOU can make a
difference and help our students be ready and prepare themselves to join the work
force. Tonight I will show you HOW you can help. Are you ready?
