IBM, DSWD partner to train tech skills to abuse victims

MANILA — IBM and the Department of Social Welfare and Development have partnered to train technology skills to those under the care of DSWD including victims of abuse and children in-conflict with the law to help them learn new skills including AI, cybersecurity.

“Meron ka man masamang past, still God is giving you an opportunity to have a bright future.”

This was the reaction of “Ice”, one of the girls under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development after she was included in the first batch of trainees of the DSWD - IBM Philippines partnership.

Skills on artificial intelligence and other technology-related topics will be taught to children at the National Training School for Girls in Muntinlupa. This is a care facility of the DSWD where most residents are victims of abuse as well as children in-conflict with the law (CICL).

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian signed a memorandum of agreement with IBM Philippines who will train initially 14 girls who mostly are 17 year olds. Gatchalian said aside from providing psychosocial help, they want the children to also know new skillsets so when they reach 18 years old and leave the shelter, they can stand on their own.

“Pag bumalik sila sa komunidad nila, handa na sila. Meron silang sapat na kaalaman na makahanap ng mga trabaho,” said Gatchalian.

The program varies per student and most take 6 months. IBM Philippines President and Country General Manager Aileen Judan-Jiao said the courses are free of charge and each graduate will receive a micro credential or a certificate which is recognized worldwide.

“AI, cybersecurity. Gusto mo mag threat analyst na nasa security operations center, pwede mo pag-aralan. Gusto mo maging AI engineer, yes may course diyan. Gusto mo maging project manager, meron,” said Judan-Jiao on some of the courses offered.

Gatchalian now plans to replicate this program to dozens of other DSWD care facilities across the country. He said this kind of program will help the victims of abuse and children in conflict with the law to become successful someday.

“Yung mga kliyente namin na nakaranas ng iba-ibang masasaklap na mga storya sa kanilang mga buhay, sila naman yung dapat bigyan namin ng sapat na armas, yung kaalaman,” Gatchalian said.

Aside from teaching tech skills, DSWD has also partnered with Caritas to help those under its care on values formation. Gatchalian hopes once these children leave their centers, they can become stronger persons and can also get good jobs in the future.