Google.org to train fundamental digital skills of at least 25,000 Filipinos through “Go Digital ASEAN” campaign

Google.org is aiming to teach fundamental digital skills training to at least 25,000 Filipinos through the campaign “Go Digital ASEAN.” As of April 30, 2021, it has already trained 3,385 job seekers and entrepreneurs.

“We will expand partnerships with government agencies and units, private sector, civil society organizations, and the academe to strengthen digitalization programs and ensure economic and business continuity across the country,” said Sam Chittick, The Asia Foundation’s Philippine Rep.

The project aims to enable employment opportunities and business growth through the following courses: Digital Tools for Jobseekers, Harnessing Social Media to Expand Your Business, and Getting Your Business Online.

It is operated by The Asia Foundation, Pailig Development Foundation, Clevergrit Web Services, and Yoveo Digital.

The training team is currently composed of 25 partners skilled in Human Resource Management, Business Process Outsourcing, Information Technology, micro-and-small-enterprise  (MSME) development, and digital freelancing backgrounds.

The free training is conducted through online classrooms of two half-day sessions with certification issued upon completion and will focus on creating online professional profiles to maximize employment opportunities, increasing the market reach of MSMEs through social media, and supporting the digitization of agri-tourism enterprises.

Google.org reported that training participants who are “very confident” in the use of digital tools rose from 18.62% prior to training to 52.55% post-training.

Bernadette Nacario, Country Director for Google Philippines, noted that small businesses will play significant roles in uplifting the country’s economy amid the pandemic.

“There is an urgent need to support their digitalization so they can continue to keep their businesses going,” said Nacario.

The Asia Foundation is committed to supporting the Philippine government in equipping more Filipinos with skills training so they can participate in the growing digital economy she added.

SOURCE: PNA