Solid North Party-list Representative Ching Bernos is urging the Marcos administration to bolster digital literacy programs for young Filipinos, pointing to technology-focused training as a viable bridge to employment for those unable to attend college.
Bernos highlighted that the surge in remote and digital career opportunities has heightened the demand for tech-savvy workers, rendering digital skills training vital for job-seeking youth.
”As digital and remote jobs continue to increase in popularity, digital literacy trainings could help our youth fill gaps in skills that are needed in the sector.”
The lawmaker emphasized that these initiatives could serve as a financial lifeline for senior high school graduates who are temporarily locked out of higher education, allowing them to earn an income to eventually fund their college degrees.
”Such trainings could be of particular use to our senior high school graduates who have not been able to enroll for college and would like to find jobs that would help sustain higher studies in the near future.”
As a member of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, Bernos called on the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to prioritize these graduates. Currently, TESDA offers various digital and ICT courses, including web development, content creation, digital marketing, and artificial intelligence.
Bernos, a long-time advocate for out-of-school youth livelihood programs, pointed out that financial struggles remain the primary obstacle to higher education, especially since scholarships cannot accommodate everyone.
“The sad reality is that many young Filipinos who wish to enter higher learning institutions are unable to because they do not have the means, and we only have so many scholarship slots to give.”
She concluded that targeted government assistance is crucial to keeping the academic dreams of these young Filipinos alive by giving them the tools to earn and save.
“Pero sa tulong ng pamahalaan, makakakapit sila sa pag-asang makakapag-ipon sila para matupad ang kanilang pangarap na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral.”