IBM’s SkillsBuild Program Brings Hope to DSWD Youth
MANILA, Philippines — Seventeen-year-old Ice Bear, a young girl under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, recently found a new path toward her childhood dream. Since arriving at the DSWD shelter in 2022, she filled her days with books, schoolwork, chores, and learning practical skills like baking and dressmaking. Now, thanks to IBM’s SkillsBuild program, she is closer than ever to becoming an IT specialist.
IBM’s SkillsBuild program was launched on July 18 in partnership with the DSWD and Caritas Philippines. This initiative aims to equip young individuals under DSWD care with digital technology skills through a combination of online and face-to-face training sessions. Fourteen young girls form the first cohort, receiving mentorship from IBM volunteers over a three-month period.
“[This will] bring back hope that next year, when we do return them to their communities, they will be ready and equipped to face the challenges, whatever that is,” a government official said during the launch held at UP-Ayala Land TechnoHub in Quezon City.
To support their learning, the girls will live in a dormitory equipped with 24/7 Wi-Fi and laptops, allowing them to study at their own pace following IBM’s training model. This setup takes them out of their usual shelter environment in Marillac Hills, Mandaluyong City, fostering a focused learning atmosphere.
Healing and Values Formation Complement SkillsBuild Program
Caritas Philippines plays a vital role in this program by offering guidance on values formation, especially for girls who have experienced abuse, neglect, or conflicts with the law. According to local leaders, Caritas serves all community members regardless of religion, focusing on healing and personal growth.
“Most of the out-of-school youth and those in residential facilities at the DSWD come from a broken and dark world,” a Caritas executive explained. They use narrative therapy to help the girls revisit and heal their personal stories, encouraging them to rewrite their futures with hope and strength.
Young Dreams Take Flight Through SkillsBuild Program
Ice Bear shared her excitement upon learning about the SkillsBuild program. She expressed her eagerness to join, seeing it as a crucial step toward her goal of becoming an IT specialist. She looks forward to mastering digital technology topics like cybersecurity and programming.
“This seems like my stepping stone. Then I still have a journey to travel that I know will be successful with the help of IBM,” she said. Currently a Grade 12 student at the DSWD facility, Ice Bear plans to enroll at San Beda University–Alabang next year to study Information Technology.
Volunteering as a Rewarding Experience
Among the IBM volunteer mentors is Joyson Barrago, a 43-year-old IT Tech Lead from Mandaluyong City. He described volunteering for the program as both a blessing and an opportunity to give back. “This is really personal… I am built by God,” he shared.
Barrago acknowledged how his busy career in IT often made him lose sight of deeper meaning. Mentoring these young girls has renewed his sense of purpose. He is committed to sharing his knowledge and skills to help them succeed.
“As much as I can, I will teach them the IT skills that they need at least on their level and probably someone who has been here on planet earth for 43 years,” he added.
For more news and updates on IBM’s SkillsBuild program, visit Filipinokami.com.
