PUP, BoI Ink Pact to Boost Industry-Ready Graduates

The Board of Investments (BoI) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, aiming to address the workforce needs of various industries. The agreement encompasses internships, industry immersion, joint research, policy studies, and capability-building activities. Trade Undersecretary and BoI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo stated that the partnership seeks to ensure graduates are equipped with skills that are in demand by the industry. "We must ensure that our industries have access to the skills, talent, innovative thinking, and research capabilities needed to remain competitive," he emphasized in a statement. This initiative is part of a broader national agenda to cultivate a highly skilled workforce, which is crucial for supporting the Philippines' economic growth. Particularly in sectors where the Philippines holds a competitive edge, such as the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and manufacturing, a steady supply of qualified talent is key to sustained competitiveness. For a country with a significant number of overseas workers, creating domestic employment opportunities and enhancing skills also contributes to national economic stability.