Foundever®, a global leader in customer experience (CX) solutions, has formalized a strategic partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to bolster youth employability in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet. Through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), both parties committed to strengthening the skills and career readiness of young Filipinos, paving the way for more sustainable and meaningful employment opportunities.
The collaboration falls under DOLE’s nationwide JobStart Philippines Program, which aims to enhance the employability of the country’s youth through a comprehensive approach involving career coaching, life skills development, technical training, and internship placements with partner employers. This initiative aligns with the Philippine government’s broader objective of achieving inclusive economic growth by bridging the gap between education and employment.
“This collaboration marks a significant step in our commitment to opening up better career opportunities for the local community. Through JobStart, we’re not just filling jobs—we’re empowering the next generation of Filipino talent with marketable skills and the confidence to thrive in whatever work setting they’re in,” according to Jephte Moneda, Director for Recruitment Marketing & Sourcing at Foundever.
The impact of the program is already evident. In Baguio City, 56 young individuals have undergone training under JobStart, with 44 of them now employed by Foundever. Meanwhile, the newly launched JobStart program in La Trinidad has commenced its life skills training, with technical training and internship placements scheduled to follow in the coming months.
Outside Northern Luzon, Foundever’s partnership with JobStart has also seen success in Metro Manila. In 2024, JobStart Caloocan produced twelve graduates, with seven securing employment. Plans are already in place to expand the program to Pasig City by 2025.
The MOA signing ceremonies were attended by key stakeholders, including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, DOLE-CAR Regional Director Imelda E. Romanillos, and Foundever leaders. In La Trinidad, Mayor Romero Salday, DOLE-CAR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Olivia Obrero-Samson, and Foundever executives, including Jephte Moneda and Joy Dela Cruz, were present to witness the formalization of this impactful partnership.
With life skills training already underway in La Trinidad, successful trainees will soon proceed to technical training and internship opportunities, further cementing the commitment of Foundever and DOLE to empower the Filipino youth with sustainable career pathways.