Many deaf youth and under-skilled adults in the Philippines face significant barriers to education, skills training, and employment. Despite national policies supporting inclusive education, gaps in implementation—such as limited access to sign language support, inadequately trained teachers, and inaccessible learning materials—often leave deaf individuals without the preparation needed to enter the workforce. As a result, many reach adulthood without marketable skills or viable pathways to economic independence.

Even when skills are acquired, deaf individuals frequently encounter discrimination, communication barriers, and low employer awareness, contributing to high rates of unemployment and underemployment. While entrepreneurship offers an alternative livelihood path, many deaf aspiring entrepreneurs lack access to business training, mentorship, and financing. These challenges highlight the need for integrated programs that strengthen skills development, support entrepreneurship and employment readiness, and promote greater awareness and inclusion among employers and institutions.