Private-public partnership to equip PDLs skills, work opportunities in Mindanao

CEBU CITY -- Aboitiz Construction, in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP-10), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)- Bukidnon and MACES Skills Training Institute, Inc. inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to provide skills and work opportunities for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the Mindanao area.

“This signing of the memorandum of agreement reflects our commitment to helping our PDLs in the rehabilitation process. We thank Aboitiz Construction for its unwavering support in this endeavor. We hope for a fruitful partnership that will mainly benefit the PDLs,” Jail Chief Superintendent and BJMP Region 10 Director Cesar Langawin said at the signing event held in Malaybalay City District Jail Reformatory System on May 29 this year. 

By combining resources and expertise, this collaborative effort aims to address unemployment among PDLs and provide them with the necessary tools and opportunities for successful reintegration in their various communities.

Aboitiz Construction Senior Assistant Vice President for People and Corporate Shared Services Raizza Manuel said that the Aboitiz Construction is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

According to Manuel, this signifies the company’s dedication to provide opportunities for PDLs and its belief in the transformative power of rehabilitation and reintegration. Part of the initiative is for the Aboitiz Construction to offer employment opportunities to PDLs who have successfully completed the skills training program and earned TESDA certificates. The target area of deployment is the firm’s project sites in Mindanao.

TESDA Bukidnon and Maces Skills Training Institute, Inc. play a pivotal role in the partnership with Aboitiz Construction.  MACES Skills Training Institute shall provide technical skills training, to equip the PDL/ participants with the expertise required for various job roles.

TESDA's involvement in the partnership ensures the provision of guidance, policies, and a streamlined certification process, facilitating the seamless transition of PDLs into the workforce, and to offer free certification processes to further support the initiative.

The initiative showed Aboitiz Construction's dedication to fostering a more inclusive and supportive community but also signifies a collective commitment to empowering individuals for a better future. (Photos: Aboitiz Construction/@Rafael Antonio)