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| The Department of Labor and Employment North Leyte Field Office held the Employers Engagement Forum on May 17 as part of this year's JobStart Philippines Program implementation. Photo: DOLE Region 8 |
TACLOBAN CITY – In collaboration with the city government of Tacloban through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the Department of Labor and Employment North Leyte Field Office held the Employers Engagement Forum on 17 May 2022 at Sophia's Way Event Center and Restaurant as part of the first phase of JobStart Philippines Program implementation for this year.
Twenty new and returning partner employers, including establishment owners, managers, and HR representatives, participated in the activity, which provided an overview of the JobStart program, focusing on the significant roles of the employers and the different phases of implementation, namely the life skills training, technical training, and internship phases.
Atty. Cecilio I. Balea, OIC-Assistant Regional Director, gave an inspiring speech at the event. "We are truly thankful that we have you to support us in making this program a success for the ultimate benefit of our youth here in Tacloban," Balea said.
Ms. Naisy Brosas, a representative from DepEd Region VIII, was also present. The DOLE invited Ms. Brosas because it is planned that this year's beneficiaries will receive career guidance counseling during their Life Skills Training.
The activity culminated with an open forum in which the DOLE and PESO Tacloban emphasized that this year's implementation will target a broader range of industries, including BPO and medical companies seeking to become partner employers.
A further highlight of the one-day event was sharing testimonials from previous partner employers, which paved the way for new employers to become JobStart partners this year.
Ms. Samantha Chan, the managing director of Jollibee Tacloban, expressed her appreciation for the program by citing the benefits and experiences they gained through their partnership with JobStart. Despite encountering obstacles, Mr. Noel G. Yu, Manager of McDonald's Tacloban, praised DOLE and PESO Tacloban's proactive guidance and assistance throughout their four-year partnership with JobStart.
Meanwhile, DOLE-NLFO Chief Engineer Emmanuel Y. de la Cruz thanked all the employers who responded to the invitation and urged them to become JobStart partners without hesitation.
"We really hope that you will partner with us in this endeavor to effectively facilitate employment for our youth by honing their skills and providing the needed interventions," said Engr. De la Cruz
Employers invited to the forum expressed an interest in committing to and partnering with the JSP Program. Then, requests for contributions and expressions of interest were solicited from them. —Tacloban News Update (Source: DOLE Region 8)