Thirty young single mothers are getting an opportunity to build careers and achieve financial independence through a two-year program offering vocational training, financial education, and hands-on work experience.
The initiative, called MoveNow: Empowering Young Single Moms, Shaping Futures, is being implemented by Allianz PNB Life in partnership with child-rights organization Bahay Tuluyan. It targets single mothers aged 15 to 22 who face barriers to employment and economic stability.
For participants like “Maria,” the program has opened possibilities she once doubted were within reach.
Initially unsure of her abilities, “Maria” began learning how to prepare milk tea and iced coffee before moving on to laundry and housekeeping. As she gained confidence, she started considering bigger goals, including returning to school, working overseas, or eventually establishing her own business.
Another participant, “Jen,” hopes to secure stable employment in the hospitality industry to support her children, including one who requires additional developmental assistance. With limited work experience, the training offers her a starting point toward earning a regular income.
Under the program, participants will undergo vocational and financial literacy training, followed by three months of practical workplace experience in food and beverage services, front desk operations, and housekeeping.
Beyond technical skills, the initiative seeks to address everyday challenges that often prevent young mothers from pursuing employment.
Participants will receive assistance in obtaining government identification documents, opening bank accounts, and accessing transportation, meals, childcare, and accommodation. They will also undergo job application coaching, mock interviews, and workplace readiness sessions.
Additional support includes social worker-led case management, parenting workshops, family-planning and reproductive-health services, and referrals for safety-related concerns.
According to Allianz PNB Life Chief Marketing Officer Zanne Magararu, the initiative aims to help participants develop the skills and financial knowledge needed to support their families over the long term.
“This is not simply about helping young single mothers find a job. It is about equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become gainfully employed, make informed financial decisions, and build a more sustainable future for themselves and their children,” Magararu said.
Bahay Tuluyan Executive Director Catherine Scerri, meanwhile, emphasized that limited access to opportunities, rather than a lack of ability, often holds young mothers back.
“Young mothers do not lack potential; too often, they lack access to the support and opportunities that allow that potential to grow,” Scerri said.
“We want participants to build practical skills, make informed choices, and open up more possibilities for what comes next,” she added.
The initiative is an extension of Allianz PNB Life’s MaPanatag program, which focuses on providing support and financial protection for single mothers.
Through its partnership with Bahay Tuluyan, the company is expanding that approach to include livelihood development and employment preparation.
For “Maria” and “Jen,” the opportunity represents more than completing a training course. It offers a chance to secure their first stable jobs, improve their families’ living conditions, and pursue goals that previously seemed out of reach.
The program also highlights the importance of addressing practical barriers to employment, particularly childcare, transportation, and access to essential documents, alongside vocational training.
For the 30 participating mothers, the immediate goal is to acquire employable skills. The broader challenge will be turning those skills into lasting opportunities for themselves and their children.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: “Maria” and “Jen” are pseudonyms. Their stories have been anonymized and shared with their consent. Both are current program participants).