More opportunities will open up for children under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs) as the agency sealed a breakthrough partnership with IBM Philippines.

The memorandum of agreement was signed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and IBM PH President and Country General Manager Aileen Judan-Jiao at the Marillac Hills – National Training School for Girls (NTSG) in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Wednesday.

Under the Skills Build System, IBM will provide digital technology-based training to selected children from DSWD-managed CRCFs, starting with the NTSG, which caters to minor girls who are survivors of sexual abuse or human trafficking or are children in conflict with the law.

Through free online short courses offered by IBM, the partnership seeks to help build confidence, competence, and a brighter future for CRCF clients, particularly those who are about to reach the legal age and will soon be up for independent living.

Gatchalian said this first-of-its-kind initiative is close to the heart of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who wishes nothing but to bring renewed hope to Filipinos who need it the most, particularly the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized sectors. (PNA)