Foundever® in the Philippines is intensifying its workforce development initiatives in support of the government’s push to address the country’s critical skills gap and prepare Filipinos for the evolving future of work.
This effort comes amid growing concerns over rising unemployment and the widening mismatch between industry demands and workforce capabilities. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s unemployment rate climbed to 3.7% in June 2025, with 1.95 million Filipinos jobless—an increase from 1.62 million recorded in the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, a report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) revealed that about two-thirds of Philippine employers consider the skills gap a major barrier to growth, with 68% of workers requiring reskilling to stay relevant, well above the global average of 59%.
In response to these challenges, the Philippine government has launched several key initiatives aimed at improving workforce readiness and employability. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently signed Republic Act No. 12063, also known as the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, which promotes stronger collaboration between schools and industries. The law encourages flexible learning pathways and micro-credentialing systems that align academic programs with real-world labor demands.
In addition, the President created the Education and Workforce Development Group (EWDG) under Administrative Order No. 36, issued on August 13, 2025. This inter-agency body, chaired by the President, will coordinate efforts among the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The EWDG will also craft a 10-year National Education and Workforce Development Plan aimed at closing gaps between education systems and employment opportunities.
Supporting these national objectives, Foundever® Philippines is actively rolling out programs designed to address the country’s skills mismatch and promote lifelong learning. The company has developed initiatives that enhance both technical proficiency and soft skills such as adaptability, confidence, and career resilience.
Among its flagship efforts is the BPO Immersion Training for Senior High School (BITS) program, which introduces students to the dynamics of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. Foundever® also partners with organizations such as Tuloy Foundation and Caritas Manila to empower underprivileged youth with employable skills and exposure to real-world work environments.
The company maintains close collaboration with the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) and the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) to operationalize the EBET Act. Through these partnerships, Foundever® contributes to building a digitally capable workforce ready to meet global standards.