DOLE BATANGAS AND PROVINCIAL PESO FEDERATION PUSH FOR INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THREE EMPLOYMENT OFFICES IN THE PROVINCE

In a strategic move to fortify employment facilitation and strengthen grassroots labor networks across the province, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Batangas Provincial Office and the Batangas Provincial Federation of PESO Managers Inc. initiated high-level talks from July 8-9, 2026 with local chief executives (LCEs) from the municipalities of Nasugbu, Balayan, and San Juan. The initial dialogue focused on the full institutionalization of the Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) in these key localities. 

Dir. Predelma M. Tan with the members of Batangas PESO Federation during the meeting with LGU Representatives (Photo: Contributed/Official Documentation)

The high-impact initiative was led by DOLE Batangas Provincial Office Head, Director Predelma M. Tan, alongside the Batangas Provincial Federation of PESO Managers Inc. President, Mr. Noel Silang. The joint delegation engaged in rigorous, structured discussions with the local town mayors to assess the baseline status of their existing placement desks, evaluate current staffing configurations, and address local human resource requirements.

This institutionalization campaign directly advances the national workforce development agenda of DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino. Guided by Secretary Tolentino’s strategic policy to decentralize public service and build permanent, professionalized employment corridors in every local government unit (LGU), the partnership seeks to elevate temporary employment desks into full-fledged, statutory institutionalized offices. Under Secretary Tolentino's vision, institutionalized PESOs serve as the foundational bedrock for sustainable regional economic growth by providing localized, uninterrupted access to state employment programs.

Dir. Predelma M. Tan with the members of Batangas PESO Federation during the meeting with LGU Representatives (Photo: Contributed/Official Documentation)

During the series of exploratory meetings, the delegation underscored the technical necessity of transitioning from an ad-hoc arrangement to a permanent, codified PESO structure. The talks highlighted how establishing a permanent office with dedicated, plantilla personnel resolved long-standing operational constraints, such as staff turnover and fragmented service delivery.

Furthermore, Director Tan and Mr. Silang emphasized that a fully structural, well-staffed PESO significantly increases an LGU’s capacity to handle modern labor market dynamics. A permanent office ensures the continuous and efficient implementation of core public services, including intensive job matching, comprehensive labor market information collection, career guidance, and prompt implementation of labor protection programs. 

Dir. Predelma M. Tan with the members of Batangas PESO Federation during the meeting with LGU Representatives (Photo: Contributed/Official Documentation)

The administrative lobbying met favorable results across all three pilot municipalities. The respective local chief executives expressed a highly positive response to the administrative framework presented, acknowledging that an institutionalized office directly aligns with their local economic goals. 

The municipal leadership of Nasugbu, Balayan, and San Juan formally expressed their commitment to support the policy measures required for full institutionalization. Moving forward, DOLE Batangas and the PESO Provincial Federation will continue to provide structural technical assistance to these LGUs as they draft the necessary local ordinances and budget allocations to finalize the creation of permanent PESO offices.

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