To address workforce challenges through employer-led skills development in high-growth industries, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA), will launch the SkillsUpNet Philippines Phase 2 (SUN PH 2) on February 4, 2025, at the ADB Office in Ortigas. This is a key strategy to ensure that workforce training directly responds to industry demands, equipping Filipino workers with skills that drive economic growth and business competitiveness.
Building on the success of the first phase (June 2021 – December 2023), which provided PHP 15.4 million in grants to five employer networks and trained 671 workers (including 319 women), SUN PH 2 aims to further scale its impact by targeting additional sectors and regions critical to economic growth. Inspired by the success of Phase 1, DTI initiated additional training programs, benefiting 858 more workers, including 604 women.
Expanded Priority Sectors and Regions
For its second phase, SkillsUpNet Philippines will focus on six key sectors, each strategically matched to priority regions where they can drive economic growth and job creation.
The Creative Industry – Animation sector will be prioritized in NCR, CALABARZON (Region IV-A), and Central Visayas (Region VII), leveraging the strong presence of creative hubs and animation studios in these areas. The Agribusiness sector, focusing on coffee and bamboo, will be developed in NCR, Ilocos Region (Region I), Davao Region (Region XI), and SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII), where agricultural resources and supply chains are well-established.
In line with the country’s shift towards sustainability, Renewable Energy (covering Energy, E-Vehicle, AMR, and Solar Energy) will be promoted in NCR, CALABARZON (Region IV-A), and Central Visayas (Region VII), regions that show strong potential for clean energy adoption and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Logistics and Supply Chain, a crucial driver of economic activity, will be strengthened in NCR, Ilocos Region (Region I), Western Visayas (Region VI), and Davao Region (Region XI) to enhance connectivity and efficiency in trade and commerce.
The IT-BPM sector, a key contributor to digital transformation and employment, will be prioritized in NCR, Western Visayas (Region VI), Central Visayas (Region VII), and SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII), regions that have growing IT ecosystems and talent pools. Finally, Construction (including Engineering Services and the Built Environment) will be developed in NCR, Ilocos Region (Region I), CALABARZON (Region IV-A), and Central Visayas (Region VII) to support the country’s infrastructure development and urban expansion.
Tourism, a vital industry for economic growth and employment, will be a priority in NCR, Ilocos Region (Region I), CALABARZON (Region IV-A), Western Visayas (Region VI), and Davao Region (Region XI), where tourism plays a significant role in regional economies.
Industry Boards as a Key Strategy
A core strategy of SUN PH 2 is the mobilization of Industry Boards to gather enterprises into employer networks, ensuring that training programs align with industry needs. Industry Boards will play a crucial role in identifying skill gaps and training priorities, encouraging participation in the program, facilitating the formation of employer networks for grant applications, and supporting the sustainability of training initiatives.
Competitive Grants for Employer Networks
The program will award competitive grants ranging from USD 20,000 to USD 80,000 to networks of employers, enabling them to fund short-term skills training initiatives. To participate, MSMEs must form a network of at least 10 enterprises within the same sector and region. Each network must formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), designating a lead enterprise responsible for submitting the grant application and managing training activities.
MOA Signing and Program Launch
A highlight of the event will be the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among ADB, TESDA, and DTI-PTTC GMEA, signifying their commitment to advancing workforce development through SUN PH 2. This agreement will reinforce the collaborative effort to equip Filipino workers with industry-relevant skills and boost MSME productivity.
MSMEs interested in joining SUN PH 2 can register as part of an employer network and apply for training grants. Applications will be evaluated based on their potential to address workforce needs and enhance productivity. ♦
Date of Release: 03 February 2025
