As Davao City continues to attract investments and expand key industries, efforts are underway to ensure that local graduates are equipped with the skills needed to participate in the region’s growing economy.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Davao Region recently convened industry leaders, academic institutions, and government partners for a stakeholder forum titled “Future-Proofing Davao’s Workforce: A Strategic Forum for Industry–Academe Competency Alignment.” The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the academe and industry to better prepare students for emerging employment opportunities across the region.
Davao’s steady economic growth has been supported by investments in critical infrastructure and services, including energy, utilities, and water supply. Among the companies contributing to this development is the Aboitiz Group, which operates several projects in the city—from power distribution through Davao Light and Power Company, power generation through Therma South, Inc. (TSI), renewable energy initiatives through Aboitiz Renewables, and bulk water supply through Apo Agua Infrastructura.
Representatives from these organizations joined the forum alongside other industry partners, sharing insights on workforce needs and participating in the validation and review of academic programs from selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The engagement supports efforts to ensure that training programs remain relevant and aligned with current industry requirements.
“The active engagement between industry and academe is essential in preparing students for the realities of the workplace,” said Kristoben Seredrica, TSI Human Resource Senior Manager. “By working together, we can help create pathways for graduates to build meaningful careers while supporting the region’s continued development.”
DOLE Davao Region welcomed the participation of industry stakeholders, noting that collaboration across sectors plays an important role in building a skilled workforce capable of sustaining Davao’s economic momentum. As investments continue to expand across the city, partnerships between government, industry, and academic institutions remain vital in ensuring that the benefits of growth translate into meaningful livelihood opportunities for Davaoeños.
