MANILA - Training and job opportunities for the youth and a professional delivery service sector are the end goals of a joint project of the United States-backed YouthWorks PH and YesPinoy Foundation of actor and entrepreneur Dingdong Dantes.

The partnership will expand training and job opportunities for the youth in the courier industry, one of the few economic sectors that have seen growth during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

YesPinoy Foundation, through technology solutions and courier service company DingDong PH, which Dantes also owns, and YouthWorks PH will set up a Delivery Service Riders Training Program, as announced during the virtual launch on Friday.

The program will be registered with the Regional Industry Board of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

It will be added to the list of existing TESDA-approved industries that offer training positions for youths, such as in the construction, energy, food processing, and cookery industries.

YouthWorks PH is a private sector-led initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Philippine Business for Education (PBEd).

USAID Philippines acting Mission Director Sean Callahan said the new partnership "takes advantage of the substantial growth of courier services since last year and provides the opportunity to professionalize the industry."

PBEd executive director and YouthWorks PH chief of party Love Basillote, meanwhile, said the program helps ensure the youth is empowered to lead productive lives amid the crisis.

"Times continue to be tough, especially for (the) youth. This partnership ensures that our youth are enabled and empowered to lead productive lives and contribute to nation-building," Basillote said. "We are delighted that we are able to expand our network of partners and include YesPinoy Foundation in our push for initiatives that will benefit Filipino youth." (PNA)