ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 2, 2022 – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 Zamboanga del Norte Field Office (ZDNFO) conducted Labor Education for Graduating Students (LEGS) seminars to graduating students of Colegio de San Francisco Javier, Saint Estanislao Kostka College, Jose Rizal State University Main Campus in Zamboanga del Norte on May 16, 24 and 26, 2022, respectively.

The three-day in-person seminar was attended by 300 participants with over 2,000 viewers reached via the simultaneous streaming on Facebook.

“With the challenges we faced during the pandemic, it is imperative for DOLE to prepare future workers on work ethics, the culture of productive and decent work, and other dynamics in the workplace. This will increase these students’ chances of landing a suitable job,” said DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe.

The LEGS seminar program is designed to guide “would-be workers” on their rights at work and responsibilities. It is aimed at enlightening students on how to apply for work, locally or overseas.

Mega Jane Ligutom, Labor and Employment Officer III, provided the students with labor market information, hints in finding the best jobs and DOLE’s services on employment facilitation, workers protection and social security coverage for the employees.

Divine Buenaventura Aranas of Colegio de San Francisco shares learnings she culled from the seminar:

“The program has taught me that employment is similar to a market in which job seekers sell their abilities and employers buy them. A strong first impression is crucial in securing a job, thus self-packaging is essential.”

RD Buenafe said that as of May 30, 2022, a total of 4,149 graduating students from 11 schools region-wide have undergone these seminars.

“In partnership with schools and universities, we are working on reaching out to more students before the year ends,” he added.

Other components of LEES are Labor Education for Graduating Students (LEGS) and Continuing Labor Education Seminar (CLES). END