DOLE BATANGAS CAPACITATES NEW PESO, JPO MANAGERS AND STAFF

To strengthen their capacity in delivering employment facilitation services and implementing government labor programs, newly appointed Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and Job Placement Office (JPO) managers and staff from across Batangas underwent a comprehensive one-day orientation held at the DOLE Batangas Provincial Office Training Center, The Olan's Place, Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas, August 11.

DOLE Batangas Provincial Director Predelma Tan graced the activity and emphasized the crucial role PESOs play in bridging the gap between job seekers and decent employment opportunities.

New PESO Managers and staff with DOLE Provincial Director Tan during the orientation. (Photo by L. De Torres)

She underscored that by equipping PESO and JPO personnel with the right knowledge, tools, and values, the province can move closer to achieving full employment and sustainable livelihoods for all Batangueños.

Ms. April Magpantay, DOLE Batangas Provincial Office Employment Unit Focal Person, spearheaded the orientation covering the core functions of PESO, including the conduct of job fair, referral and placement initiatives, career development support programs, and labor market information services. Participants also learned about the PESO Act of 1999, as amended by Republic Act 10691, which institutionalizes the role of PESOs nationwide as frontline employment facilitation centers.

Ms. Magpantay discusses the core functions of PESO, which are the referral and placement, labor market information, and the career development support program. (Photo by L. De Torres)

In addition, Labor and Employment Officer II, Ms. Ricaela Salazar, discussed the youth employment bridging program of Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), and Republic Act No. 9231, which aims to eliminate the worst forms of child labor and protect working children’s rights.

Provincial Welfare Unit Head and Labor and Employment Officer III, Salvacion Kalalo, shared comprehensive insights on Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) and other livelihood assistance packages to support informal sector workers, displaced employees, and marginalized communities.

With the new knowledge and deeper understanding of their mandate, PESO and JPO managers are expected to deliver more efficient, people-centered services in their respective localities.

As Director Tan remarked, the work of PESOs and JPOs not only covers the matching of job seekers with jobs but about transforming lives and building a workforce that will drive Batangas toward inclusive and sustainable growth.

Ultimately, she emphasized that the PESOs and JPOs are conduits of the Department in achieving full, decent, and productive employment for all.

APRIL ROSE N. MAGPANTAY (LEO III)