(L-R, seated) DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, and PESOMAP President Luningning Y. Vergara signed the Memorandum of Agreement of PESO Institutionalization with the goal of increasing the number of institutionalized PESOs in different local government units in the country making the delivery of employment facilitation services more effective, efficient, and accessible.
Manila, Philippines – In a landmark event, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Public Employment Service Office Managers of the Philippines (PESOMAP) ceremonially renewed their commitment to PESO Institutionalization through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This event, held on 20 February 2024, serves as an integral step in further strengthening the collaboration between national government agencies, aligning with the goals of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028 and the Five-Point Agenda for PESOs.
Central to this initiative is the promotion and prioritization of Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) institutionalization as frontline partners in linking jobseekers with available employment opportunities, contributing significantly to the social and economic development of communities. By institutionalizing PESOs, the government underscores its dedication to offering sustainable solutions to employment challenges, fostering inclusive growth nationwide.
(L-R, seated) DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, and PESOMAP President Luningning Y. Vergara; (L-R, standing) BLE Director Patrick P. Patrwirawan, Jr., Councilor Neil Adrian Cruz, DOLE Undersecretary Felipe N. Egargo, Jr., PESOMAP PRO Josephine Osea, DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, and DOLE Assistant Secretaries Dominique Rubia-Tutay and Warren M. Miclat.
The event was attended by DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., and PESOMAP President Luningning Y. Vergara who served as signatories of the Memorandum. Additionally, DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, DILG Undersecretary Mario Iringan, and PESOMAP Public Relations Officer Ms. Josephine Osea witnessed the signing.
Also in attendance were DOLE Undersecretary Felipe N. Egargo, Jr., DOLE Assistant Secretaries Dominique Rubia-Tutay and Warren M. Miclat, BLE Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr. and Councilor Neil Adrian Sabino Cruz from the Philippine Councilors League.
Secretary Laguesma emphasized in his message that the ceremonial signing highlighted the importance of having an institutionalized PESO in every local government unit stating that it “is paramount to the operationalization and realization of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028’s strategy of expanding access to employment and work opportunities for the Filipino workforce.”
“The DOLE firmly believes that permanent PESOs staffed by qualified managers will expedite the delivery of comprehensive employment facilitation services in the labor market. Thus, institutionalization remains a key priority,” he said.
Furthermore, Secretary Abalos, Jr. highlighted the overarching objective of the MOA which is to make employment opportunities more accessible to the Filipino people. He commended recent interventions that enabled the country to reach the lowest unemployment rate in 20 years stating that the presence of quality jobs is a good indicator of a booming and progressing economy.
PESOMAP President Luningning Vergara, in her address, underscored the significance of the MOA in advancing the mission of PESOMAP. She expressed her gratitude to both Department heads and emphasized the crucial role of PESOs in connecting individuals with meaningful employment opportunities and fostering economic prosperity within local communities.
Currently, there are 643 institutionalized PESOs in different municipalities, cities, and provinces nationwide. After its implementation, the MOA aims to significantly increase this number signifying the government’s shared dedication to addressing the challenges in employment and providing relevant and much-needed access to decent jobs for every Filipino.
###
Facebook
lmid@ble.dole.gov.ph
Website