A bright future awaits Mindanao youth with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) expected to provide them more educational and employment opportunities.

“The CAB signing will open more opportunities to the Mindanao youth that will help them chart their future, especially in terms of education and employment,” said Senator Bam Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

In the past, Aquino said thousands of students were restrained from going to school because of armed conflicts in different parts of the region.

“Many of these students were forced to stay in evacuation centers far from conflict areas, depriving them a chance to finish their studies and become productive citizens,” he added.

Aquino said students could expect continuous education because the new agreement is focused on achieving long-term peace and order in the region.

“Students now have the chance to acquire the knowledge they need to have a brighter future without worrying about their safety,” Aquino stressed.

Aquino added that more employment opportunities await youth workers with the expected influx of businesses and investments in the region.

As of 2012, the senator said 300,000 of the country’s more than 1.4 million unemployed youth are in Mindanao.

“With new businesses and investments expected to put up shop in Mindanao, our young workers will have the chance to put their skills and knowledge to good use,” Aquino said.

Also, Aquino said his “Go Negosyo Act” could help young workers become entrepreneurs through the establishment of their own small business.

The Act, which was passed on third reading by the Senate, calls for creation of Negosyo Centers, under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in each city and municipality around the country.

Aquino said these Negosyo centers are designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to register and start up their businesses, as well as gain access to sources of financing.

The Negosyo Centers will also provide courses and development programs, training, give advice on business conceptualization and feasibility, financing, management, capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services.

 

Photo source: The Feed (http://tinyurl.com/l573t5m)