In today’s rapidly changing job market, one thing is clear. Skills only matter when they lead to real opportunities. That is the idea guiding Wadhwani Foundation’s latest move in the Philippines, as the global non-profit strengthens its employability skilling efforts through a localized pilot in Mega Manila, while continuing to support entrepreneurship nationwide at zero cost.
Announced on January 30, 2026, the initiative reflects a practical, people-first approach to workforce development. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, the Foundation is testing how closer coordination between training providers and employers can help Filipinos move more smoothly from learning to earning.
A Local Skilling Pilot Focused on Real Jobs
Mega Manila, which includes Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal, is the country’s largest economic hub. It is also where job demand and skills gaps are most visible. This is why Wadhwani Foundation chose the region as the testing ground for its ecosystem-led skilling pilot.
The goal is simple but powerful. Skills training should lead to employment, not just certificates. By working closely with local employers, training institutions, and ecosystem partners, the Foundation aims to ensure that people are trained for roles that are actually in demand and placed into jobs within their communities.
This approach strengthens job-to-training linkages, improves coordination across stakeholders, and allows for more measurable employment outcomes. For learners, it means clearer pathways to work. For employers, it means access to talent that is ready for real-world roles.
Traditional skilling programs often struggle with one key issue. Training and hiring do not always speak the same language. The Mega Manila pilot addresses this by anchoring skills development in local hiring needs from the very start.
By aligning curriculum, industry requirements, and placement efforts, the Foundation hopes to learn what works best on the ground. These insights will later guide decisions on whether and how similar models can be applied in other parts of the country.
This pilot is not about scaling fast. It is about scaling smart.
Entrepreneurship Programs Continue Nationwide
While employability skilling becomes more localized, entrepreneurship support remains nationwide. The Foundation confirmed that its Ignite program will continue unchanged across the Philippines.
Ignite supports students and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to explore entrepreneurship as a career path. Through hands-on exposure and practical learning, participants develop early-stage entrepreneurial skills that can help them start ventures or bring innovation into the workplace.
For young Filipinos who see entrepreneurship as a way to create their own opportunities, Ignite remains a valuable entry point.
No Disruption to Existing Partnerships
One concern that often comes with pilot programs is whether they replace existing efforts. Wadhwani Foundation is clear on this point. All current programs and partnerships in the Philippines remain fully active.
The Mega Manila skilling pilot complements the Foundation’s national, platform-led programs rather than replacing them. Partners and beneficiaries across the country will continue to receive support without disruption.
This balance between innovation and continuity allows the Foundation to experiment locally while maintaining its broader mission nationwide.
A Clear Commitment to Zero-Cost Programs
A defining feature of Wadhwani Foundation’s work is accessibility. All entrepreneurship and skilling programs in the Philippines continue to be offered at zero cost to partners and beneficiaries.
Commenting on the strategy, Ajay Kela, CEO and Board Member of Wadhwani Foundation, shared:
“Our mission is to enable job creation and improve livelihoods at scale. In the Philippines, we are piloting a more locally anchored skilling approach in Mega Manila to strengthen job outcomes, while continuing to support student entrepreneurship nationwide through Ignite. This allows us to learn quickly, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that programs translate into real opportunities for people, while remaining fully committed to zero-cost delivery.”
The message is consistent. Access should never be a barrier to opportunity.
Looking Ahead for Skills and Jobs in PH
By combining national platforms with targeted local pilots, Wadhwani Foundation is creating a more responsive model for workforce development. One that recognizes regional differences, listens to employers, and focuses on outcomes that truly matter.
For Filipino learners, this means clearer transitions from education to employment. For communities, it means stronger local job pipelines. And for the broader ecosystem, it offers a tested model that can evolve based on real results.
As the Philippines continues to navigate economic shifts and workforce transformation, initiatives like this show how collaboration, clarity, and local insight can turn skills into livelihoods.