55 JOBSTART BENEFICIARIES COMPLETE SOFT/CORE SKILLS TRAINING IN STO. TOMAS CITY, BATANGAS

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IV-A, through its Batangas Provincial Office, in partnership with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Sto. Tomas City successfully facilitated the completion of the 10-day Soft and Core Skills Training for 55 beneficiaries under the JobStart Philippines Program that concluded last April 27.

The participants, aged 18 to 24 and classified as not in education, employment, or training (NEET), were equipped with essential workplace readiness skills and values to help them transition into meaningful employment.

Jobstarters with the personnels of PESO Sto. Tomas and DOLE Batangas (Photo by Leomar C. De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

Facilitators from DOLE Batangas and PESO Sto. Tomas guided the participants through modules on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, work ethics, and professional behavior. 

Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, the trainers not only imparted knowledge but also helped build the confidence and mindset necessary for young job seekers to succeed in the workplace.

Among the beneficiaries was Gilbert Patrick M. Platon, a fresh graduate of Computer Engineering, who initially struggled to secure employment due to a lack of experience. Through the program, he was able to overcome his hesitation and develop stronger interpersonal skills.

“As a fresh grad nahirapan akong makahanap ng trabaho dahil usually ang hinahanap ng mga company ay with experience kaya hindi agad ako nakahanap ng trabaho,” he said.

He shared that the training helped him become more confident and open in communicating with others, an area he previously found challenging.

“Nung una, mahiyain talaga ako pero dahil sa JobStart naturuan nila ako… maging confident sa sarili… at matutong makisalamuha,” he narrated.

Expressing his appreciation, Platon emphasized the value of the program for fresh graduates like him.

“Sa mga nagtaguyod ng programang ito maraming salamat po. Malaking tulong po ito para sa mga katulad ko na bagong graduate,” he remarked.

Gilbert Patrick M. Platon, a fresh graduate of Computer Engineering (Photo byApril Rose N. Magpantay/ DOLE-BPO)

Francel Rose M. Maldia, a Bachelor of Secondary Education graduate major in English (Photo byApril Rose N. Magpantay/ DOLE-BPO)

Another trainee, Francel Rose M. Maldia, a Bachelor of Secondary Education graduate major in English, joined the program while searching for direction after completing her studies. With the guidance of DOLE and PESO trainers, she gained both technical and soft skills that prepared her for employment.

“Siguro po yung tanong ko noon ay ‘what’s next?’… si JobStart po yung unang opportunity na pumasok sa isip ko kaya nandito po ako ngayon,” she shared.

Maldia also conveyed her gratitude to DOLE, PESO, and local officials for providing such opportunities to young jobseekers.

“First, I would like to thank DOLE po for this opportunity… This is a very great opportunity for new jobstarters like me,” she said.

Mariekris Averion one of the Jobstarters (Photo byApril Rose N. Magpantay/ DOLE-BPO)

Meanwhile, Mariekris Averion, who previously lost her job and faced uncertainty in restarting her career, found renewed confidence through the program. With the support of DOLE and PESO facilitators, she learned to embrace opportunities and believe in her capabilities.

“Narealize ko po na may mailalabas pa pala akong confidence… marami din po palang opportunity para sa akin na hindi ko gina-grab dahil kinakabahan ako,” she remarked.

She shared that the training encouraged her to actively pursue job opportunities and face challenges with determination. Averion also expressed her heartfelt thanks to the program implementers for helping individuals like her regain direction.

“Thank you po sa inyo at sa ating pong government and I hope marami pa po kayong matulungan tulad po namin,” she concluded.

Following the completion of the Soft and Core Skills Training, the 55 beneficiaries are set to proceed to the next phases of the JobStart Philippines Program, including technical training and internship with partner companies, further enhancing their employability.#