ZAMBOANGA CITY — To ensure that partners in the field of public employment and job placement in Zamboanga del Norte are up to date with programs and service offerings, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 through its Zamboanga el Norte Field Office (ZDNFO) held Public Employment Service Office (PESO)/ Job Placement Office (JPO)/ Guidance Counselor (GC) Meeting on May 11, 2021 at J&C Royal Traders Inn, Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte.

“It is important for the DOLE to keep in touch with our partners in the PESO because we consider them as the little DOLE in their respective municipalities. That’s why we empower our Field Offices to engage with them and come up with activities that will help these partners,” said Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe.

“We see to it that the PESO, JPOs and GCs are well-equipped with tools they need to carry out their mandate,” he added.

A total of 19 participants composed of 9 PESO Managers/Representatives, 1 JPO and 9 guidance counselors from the Department of Education attended the meeting.

Presiding Officer and DOLE ZDNFO Chief Lourdes B. Amores guaranteed that partners will be capacitated through provision of materials and information on new developments.

The participants were oriented on the following topics: Registration of Workers’ Association (RWA), DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), Government Internship Program (GIP), SPES, Career Guidance Seminar and Labor Education for Graduating Students.

As an attached agency of the DOLE, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) was also given the opportunity to discuss programs and services.

An open forum was held at the end of the learning sessions to give participants an avenue to air issues and concerns. Some of the concerns discussed touched on PESO Institutionalization wherein DOLE assured PESO Managers that the office can provide technical assistance in negotiating with their respective local government units.

Ruby Joy H. Gomez, GC of Bacong National High School, commented that the activity is very informative. “Hopefully for next activities like this, DepEd will still be invited. This activity is very important for our Career Guidance Program at school,” she expressed. END/With a report from DOLE Liloy Satellite Office