Baguio, DOLE ink Jobstart PH deal

BAGUIO CITY — The city government here and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on May 23 for the implementation of Jobstart Philippines in the Summer Capital.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong represented the city government, Director Imelda Romanillos represented DOLE and Director Patrick Patriwirawan represented the BLE in the MOA signing.

Jobstart Philippines is a flagship program of the DOLE that aims to shorten the youth's school-to-work transition by enhancing the knowledge and skills acquired in formal education or technical training by jobseekers in order for them to become more responsive to the demands of the labor market.

Public Employment Services Office (PESO)-Baguio head Michelle Agbuya said the program focuses on bridging the gap between young Filipinos and the job market by enhancing their employability and competitiveness in the workforce through the provision of life skills and technical training.

The program seeks to facilitate internships where participants gain practical experience which help them apply their skills in real-world settings, including career guidance and labor market information to help them make informed decisions about their career paths.

She said the program targets Filipino citizens aged 18 to 24 who have completed at least high school and are not currently engaged in education, employment or training and that priority is given to those with less than one year of work experience.

Jobstart Philippines training components include a 10-day life skills training program to prepare participants for the workplace, followed by technical training tailored to specific job requirements.

It also offers full-cycle employment facilitation services like job matching and referrals to employers to help reduce job search time, Agbuya said.

The program is in accordance with the RA 10869 or the Jobstart Philippines Act enacted in 2016.

In 2022 alone, Jobstart assisted over 7,423 young people, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing youth employability and addressing skills mismatches in the labor market, she disclosed.

Agbuya said the program stands as a comprehensive platform for young Filipinos, equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary for success in the labor market.

"By focusing on holistic development through training and internships, the program aims to empower the youth and contribute to a more productive workforce in the Philippines," she said.