ZAMBOANGA CITY– After graduating from their Life Skills Training in August, over a hundred youths from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, will move on to the next phase of the Jobstart Philippines program of the Department of Labor and Employment.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the program aims to assist the school-to-work transition of young Filipinos by enhancing the knowledge and skills they acquired through formal education or technical training so that they will be work-ready.

“Simply put, we are helping unemployed youth become more employable by equipping them with necessary skills. This program is being implemented in partnership with the Public Employment Service Office of LGU Pagadian City and partner employers,” Atty. Buenafe added.

Under the LST, Jobstart trainees’ personal competencies and work habits were developed and enhanced to prepare them for professional success. DOLE 9 and PESO Pagadian City sought the services of YES Academy to deliver the life skills training in 10 days.

Upon completion of the LST, trainees were given training allowance of Php 3,200.00 each and a certificate of completion for perfect attendance.

Pagadian City Mayor Samuel “Sammy” Co and City Councilors witnessed the graduation of the trainees held at the Executive Function Hall, Pagadian City.

Mayor Co hopes that the implementation of the program in the City will increase the employability of Pagadianon youth.

As the program envisions full cycle employment services, the trainees shall undergo the next phase of the program which involves technical training, job matching and internship.

Upon completion of internship with partner employers, trainees will be further assessed and evaluated by the PESO to determine their overall job readiness and whether they should be referred for employment or would require further training. END/Karen Grafia with report from Michael Macrohon & Engr. Yusep Abduhasad – DOLE ZDSFO