ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — Department of Labor and Employment 9 thru its Zamboanga del Sur Field Office (ZDSFO) in partnership with the Public Employment Service Office of LGU Pagadian City conducted a JobStart Orientation and Signing of Agreement with 100 JobStarters last July 16, 2021 at City Executive Function Hall, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe shared that the JobStart Program enhances employability of youth by reducing their job-search period and increasing their employability through training on life skills and technical skills required by industries, paid internship and full-cycle employment facilitation services.

Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co during his keynote message stressed the importance of learning and developing valuable life skills in order for them to succeed in their chosen career path as well as to increase their chances of employability. He reminded them to make the most out of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Engr. Joseph Isaias M. Quipot, VI, Manager of Pagadian City PESO asked for full cooperation of the JobStarters to complete the full cycle of the program.

Dr. Maryjane Omamdam, president of Career Guidance Association of Zamboanga del Sur also discussed Career Guidance and Mental Health to Jobstarters to equip them with valuable knowledge as they begin their training and internship.

DOLE ZDSFO thru Ms. Clarilo O. Traje, the program focal of JobStart oriented the beneficiaries about the details of the program, while Pagadian City PESO thru Mr. Arren Brendon Z. Gomera discussed the life skills training of YES Academy.

Through the program, trainees shall receive an allowance for the duration of life skills training and technical skills training and shall undertake internship with partner establishments for a maximum of three months with stipend not less than 75% of the prevailing minimum wage in the locality.

The local government unit of Pagadian City through its PESO is the chosen implementer of Jobstart Program in Zamboanga Peninsula.END/With a report from Engr. Yusep A. Abdusahad, DOLE ZDSFO