DOLE-Canada job program to pilot run in Legazpi City

The Department of Labor and Employment has chosen the city government of Legazpi as recipient for the JobStart program funded by Canada in the Bicol region.

City Public Employment Services Office (PESO) chief Diosdado Raneses said DOLE has made the announcement during the JobStart planning workshop recently conducted by the DOLE Bureau of Local Employment, Embassy of Canada and Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the Water Front in Cebu City.

“JobStart is one of the programs of DOLE for young Filipinos intended to give them opportunity for employment, especially the out of school youth aging from 18 to 24 years old who encountered financial difficulties,” Raneses said.

Raneses noted that the women organizations in the city will also be prioritized for employment opportunities.

“During the planning workshop DOLE said that the women’s organization will be given high percentage for employment opportunities but they first need to undergo life skills trainings and other seminars as part of enhancing their skills and abilities,” he said.

He added that after the training, the beneficiaries will enroll in a technical, vocational institute in order for them to qualify for better employment. However, those job-starters who will not pass the training will be given opportunity to retrain.

In preparation for the implementation of the JobStart program, Raneses said that his office has conducted a series of job fairs and skills training.

The JobStart Philippines Program is an employment facilitation initiative of the DOLE with funding support from the government of Canada and technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank. The program seeks to assist young Filipinos start their careers and find meaningful employment.

It aims to enhance the knowledge and skills acquired by jobseekers in formal education or technical training in order for them to become more responsive to the demands of the labor market.