Business Bayani PH

Michael Schiffer, assistant administrator for Asia at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding marine habitats in the South China Sea and enhancing the skills of the Philippine workforce during his recent visit to the Philippines.

Schiffer engaged in a forum in Manila focused on advancing science-informed fisheries management and policy actions to enhance data availability and monitoring of marine ecosystems. The discussions aimed to support sustainable livelihoods in the Coral Triangle region, a key priority area. Experts presented recent studies on marine habitats and governance in the South China Sea, exploring avenues for collaboration among the government, academia, and civil society to promote conservation efforts.

This forum aligns with USAID’s ongoing commitment to bolster information on fisheries and marine habitats, aiding the Philippine government’s initiatives against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. For over two decades, USAID has collaborated with the Philippine government and stakeholders, investing over ₱5 billion ($88 million) to address unsustainable fishing practices and safeguard vital marine ecosystems.

Speaking on these partnerships, Schiffer highlighted the collaborative approach, stating, “Our partnerships with government, academic institutions, and civil society harness science to create high-impact research that can improve natural resource management and governance. By working together to protect our oceans, we can achieve our shared goal of inclusive and resilient growth for all Filipinos and a free, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region.”

Schiffer also participated in the launch of a new partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), USAID’s Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance (AMDev), and private sector partners, including Unilab Foundation, Inc., and the Makati Business Club.

The Memorandum of Understanding formalizes AMDev’s role in leading workforce development in the manufacturing sector to align with DTI’s Philippine Skills Framework program. The aim is to prepare the Philippine workforce for future production, meet evolving industry needs, and enhance the global competitiveness of Filipino workers through this public-private partnership.

“In its commitment to advancing the AMDev program, DTI will formulate the Philippine Skills Framework for manufacturing and actively engage in AMDev initiatives, partnering closely with the Unilab Foundation and the Makati Business Club to shape policies and advocate advanced manufacturing workforce development,” said Secretary Pascual of the Department of Trade and Industry. 

Pascual highlighted the collaborative effort, stating that through teamwork, Filipino workers can lead in global competitiveness, ready to navigate challenges and opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The USAID’s AMDev project, launched earlier this year, is a five-year, ₱622 million ($10.6 million) private sector partnership. It collaborates with government, industry, and academia to equip the Philippine workforce with the skills needed for the rapidly changing advanced manufacturing sector, contributing to economic growth.

Schiffer also held discussions with Philippine government and private sector partners on challenges and opportunities in telecommunications, including Open Radio Access Networks, the local pharmaceuticals and vaccine manufacturing industry, and the critical minerals sector. The discussions also focused on promoting the welfare of micro, small, and medium enterprises. ◼