First Future 2.0 MEL Plan

The First Future 2.0 MEL Plan is designed to guide the implementation and assessment of workforce development initiatives aimed at improving youth employment outcomes in the Philippines, particularly in response to the severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing that youth aged 15–24 comprise nearly half of the unemployed population and that many Grade 12 graduates do not pursue higher education, the project focuses on creating inclusive, skills-based pathways to employment for non-degree holders. Through industry-vetted re-skilling and upskilling programs, First Future 2.0 seeks to expand employment opportunities, increase workplace mobility, and improve long-term career prospects for Filipino youth. 

The MEL Plan supports the project’s goal by systematically tracking progress and generating insights through quarterly monitoring, data quality assessments, and learning activities such as key informant interviews and focus group discussions. These tools ensure that learning outcomes and workforce development interventions are responsive to both youth needs and industry standards. At its core, the plan is structured around two major outcomes. The first outcome focuses on developing widely accessible and industry-approved training programs. This includes mapping career pathways for entry-level employees and designing re-skilling and upskilling content aligned with these paths. The second outcome aims to create a sustainable pipeline of future employees by embedding training programs within DepEd schools, companies, and post-secondary training institutions. Key outputs include capacitating partner institutions, launching and relaunching the First Future website to showcase training opportunities, targeting a general reach of 4,000 users, and motivating youth to enroll in these programs. 

Through this MEL framework, First Future 2.0 not only ensures quality and accountability but also contributes to broader impacts: expanding the pool of competent job candidates, supporting employee retention and productivity, and ultimately giving young Filipinos greater hope for upward mobility based on their skills and competencies.

Read the entire MEL Plan

Read the Detailed Implementation Plan and Spending Plan