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obStart Philippines Program’s full-cycle employment facilitation service has, indeed, prepared more young people for productive employment.”

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz expressed this observation after receiving an update report from the Bureau of Local Employment saying that 677 JobStart Philippines Program beneficiaries have found gainful work after having been immersed in the program.

“To be job-ready, one needs to have the basic technical competencies for the job; and to excel at work, to have the required non-technical life-skills. JobStart offers exactly these know-how to its beneficiaries for their entry in the labor market,” said Baldoz at the first graduation rites of JobStart at the Midas Tent in Pasay City.

The graduation is the culmination of the implementation of the pilot phase of the program that saw 601 young Filipino men and women complete the three cycles of JobStart—life skills training, technical training, and internship.

BLE Director Anna Dominique Rubia-Tutay reported that 5,424 registered for JobStart at its inception last year, but only 1,819 have been selected.

Of this number, 1,413 completed the first cycle—the life skills training—and 685 went through the technical skills training and internship cycles. Finally, only 601 graduated.

“The JobStart Client Tracking System show that 431 of the 1,413 who completed the life skills training were immediately placed in various jobs. Added to this are the 246 who found jobs on their own after the LST, or a total of 677 JobStarters who are now productive members of the labor force,” said Dir. Tutay in her report.

She said the number of JobStarters placed under the program came from Taguig City with 157 placed beneficiaries; followed by General Trias, Cavite, with 99; City of San Fernando, Pampanga, with 89; and Quezon City, with 86.

On the other hand, of the 246 beneficiaries who found jobs after completing the LST, 132 came from Taguig City, 132; Quezon City, 49; City of San Fernando, Pampanga, 45; and General Trias, Cavite, 20.

1st JobStart Philippines Program graduation: Milestones include 677 job placements and 685 internship placements

“Those who found jobs on their own, or placed in jobs after their LST training are working either as production staff, hospitality service staff, service crew, housekeeping attendant, gaming attendant, administrative/office staff, food and beverage staff, manufacturing operator, public area attendant, or store supervisor,” Tutay added.

She also said there are also 28 JobStart beneficiaries who went through technical training, and they, too, have found jobs. Of this number, 12 are from Taguig City; eight from General Trias, Cavite; seven from Quezon City; and one from City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

She further said that 47 of those who completed their internship were absorbed by the training company; 107 were retained by various manpower agencies; and three were referred for potential absorption after internship.

“JobStart is a partnership program of the DOLE, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) which aims to increase the employability of the youth by providing them access to technical and life skills training demanded by employers

“J

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz (3rd from left) warmly congratulates the first Jobstart graduates during the graduation ceremony held at the Midas Hotel, Pasay City. Joining the Secretary are (from L-R ) DOLE Undersecretary Reydeluz Conferido; Davao 1st District Representative and Chairman on House Committee on Labor and Employment Karlo Alexei B. Nograles; Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder; and Asian Development Bank Director Kelly Bird.

DOLE Good News

2 August 2015

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EditorNICON F. FAMERONAG

Director, LCO

Associate EditorCATHERINE MARIE E. VILLAFLORES

Staff WritersGERRY S. RUBIO

CELESTE T. MARINGHAZEL JOY T. GALAMAY

ALTHEA LOUISE D. MAJANMA. VERONICA R. ALMAZORA

Graphic ArtistGREGORIO I. GALMAN

PhotographerJOMAR S. LAGMAY

Circulation ManagerGIRLIE MARLYN E. ARCE

Contributing Regional Writers

DIANA JOYZ ESGUERRA - NCR

JULIENNE FORTUNATO - CAR

ARLY S. VALDEZ - Region 1

REGINALD B. ESTIOCO - Region 2

JEREMIAH M. BORJA - Region 3

FRANZ RAYMOND AQUINO - Region 4A

ROSEMARIE CAMPOS - Region 4B

RAYMOND P. ESCALANTE - Region 5

AMALIA N. JUDICPA - Region 6

LUCHEL TANIZA - Region 7

MELDY TABANAO - Region 8

GAY IRIS TANGCALAGAN - Region 9

MILDRED E. DABLIO - Region 10

SHERWIN B. MANUAL - Region 11

MICHELLE T. OLOG - Region 12

IRIS C. ASIS - Caraga

DOLEGood News

VERSEAS CORNER

With technology as the backbone, the Department of Labor and Employment –

Philippine Overseas Employment ‘s Balik-Manggagawa (BM) Online Processing System has redefined the delivery of service to vacationing or returning overseas Filipino workers, specifically on applying, issuing, and printing of their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).“We started this breakthrough service delivery in August 2014, and now, a year after, we can say that it has clearly made a dent in improving our assistance to OFWs. By harnessing the power of web-based technology, we bring our services to the convenience of our migrant workers,” labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said.

The BM Online Processing System is a web-based facility that enables the Balik-

153,152 OFWs as of date have used the process: More OFWs benefit from speedy processing of OECs through DOLE-POEA’s ‘BalikManggagawa’ online processing system

Manggagawa (BM) or vacationing OFW to apply online for Overseas Employment Certificate and print the approved OEC anywhere and anytime.

BM Online aims to speed up the issuance of OEC to vacationing OFWs who will return to their respective foreign employers/principals. To better explain and help the users complete the registration process, an instructional video is available at the homepage of the BM Online.

Since its inception, the BM Online Processing System has already served 153,152 Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) to vacationing OFWs.

The top 10 OFW destination with heavy BM Online Processing System users were Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, Israel, Kuwait, Thailand, China, and Hongkong.

Meanwhile, the Top 10 BM Online implementers or local processing centers are POEA-Ortigas, Region 7 (Cebu), POEA Field Office in Trinoma Mall, POEA Field Office-Duty Free, POEA Field Office in SM Manila, Region 11 (Davao), Region 1 (La Union), Region 3 (Pampanga), Region 4-A (Calamba), and CAR (Baguio).

Baldoz said the POEA virtually harnesses the power of web-based technology in this innovation.

“Using Skype as a medium of communication, all Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) evaluators, cashiers, and site administrators were oriented on the use of the system,” Baldoz added.

“We highly encourage our OFWs to take advantage of this innovative service. To sign up for BM Online Processing System, go to http://bmonline.poea.gov.ph/ or to POEA official webpage www.poea.gov.ph and click BM Online. Upon entry, they can start filling out the form, follow the instructions, and once they have completed signing up, they will receive a confirmation email from POEA,” Baldoz further said.

Baldoz added that the BM Online Processing System can be availed of by OFWs on vacation returning to the same employer/principal and jobsite, with employment visa/ work permit, have a record in the POEA database, and previously issued OEC/e-Receipt under the same employer/principal.

“This is one of our reforms initiated—the development of online systems—to make our services accessible and free to our clients. These technology-based facilities are designed and developed to optimize our service delivery. For the BM Online Processing System, falling in line for long hours is now a thing of the past. Now, the transaction can be done quickly and easily online,” Baldoz said. (GSR)

DOLE Good News

3August 2015

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario; Labor and Em-ployment Secretary Rosalinda

Dimapilis-Baldoz; Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Julia-no-Soliman, represented by Undersec-retary ParishyaTaradji; Health Secre-tary Janette Loreto-Garin, represented by Assistant Secretary Gerardo V. Ba-yugo; Philippine Overseas Employment Administration chief Hans Leo J. Cac-dac; and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration head Rebecca Calzado signed the Joint Manual of Operations in Providing Assistance to Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Overseas, the document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of their respective agencies and overseas offices to effect a cohesive, seamless, efficient, and effec-tive delivery of government services to overseas Filipinos, particularly to those who are in distress.

In a ceremony at the Labor Gover-nance and Learning Center of the Blas F. Ople Hall at the DOLE Executive Building in Intramuros, the aforemen-tioned officials inked the Joint Manual in the presence of the media, witnessed by officials of the Office of the Under-secretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs of the DFA, Bureau of International Health Cooperation of the DOH, Phil-ippine Overseas Employment Adminis-tration, Overseas Workers Welfare Ad-ministration, Operations and Programs Group of the DSWD, members of civil society organizations and non-govern-ment organizations, and members of the House of Representatives compos-ing the House Committee on Overseas Workers’ Affairs led by Committee Chairman Rep. Nicanor Briones; Rep. Roy Señeres; and Rep. Leah Paquiz; and House Committee on Appropria-tions Vice Chairman Scott Davies Lan-ete.

“Above all, we are deeply grateful to our modern-day heroes, the overseas Filipinos. This Joint Manual is for you: to honor your heroism, your sacrifices, and your contributions. Thank you for putting your trust and faith in us. We will continue to do our best to assist you not only in addressing your needs but also, and more importantly, help

DFA, DOLE, DSWD, DOH, POEA and OWWA sign Joint Manual of Operations in Providing Assistance to Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Overseas

achieve your dreams,” stated Foreign Affairs Secretary del Rosario.

“The challenge that lies before us now is to implement this Joint Manual with utmost consistency, efficiency, and professionalism. I am confident of the success of this Joint Manual as every-one here has the interests of our over-seas Filipinos at hear. It will enhance the Philippines’ reputation as a model for migration governance. It is proof-positive of our collective commitment for our overseas Filipinos,” he added.

“We at the Department of Labor and Employment are pleased to host this ceremony for the signing of the Joint Manual of Operations in Providing As-sistance to Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Overseas. The issuance of this Joint Manual is another important milestone in our continuing pursuit of program and service improvement for our overseas Filipinos,” said Secretary Baldoz after the signing.

“Our migrant workers today are in a more complex situation. The ever-changing geopolitical conditions in many parts of the world and the perva-sive cultural differences among societies continue to bring difficulties in the lives of Filipinos living and working over-seas. It is, therefore, imperative for us in government and for our private sector partners to be more purposive and co-hesive in our approach in dealing with

work realities and problems of our over-seas Filipinos. Thus, we expect that this Joint Manual would lead us toward this direction and bring about a higher cali-ber of government service and program delivery to those Filipino migrants in need of government assistance,” she added.

“We are glad that we are part of this initiative showcasing convergence of government services and resources for the protection of migrant workers and other Filipinos overseas. Ensuring the pyscho-social well-being of our coun-trymen abroad is vital to ensure that they are capable of meeting the chal-lenges of working or living in a foreign land,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Julia-no-Soliman said.

Meanwhile, Sec. Garin said: “We, in the Department of Health, believe that there can be no “KalusuganPangkalaha-tan” if migrant workers and other Filipi-nos overseas are excluded or left behind. Ensuring the health of our migrants and all Filipinos, whether in the country or abroad, has always been an intrinsic part of the Aquino Health Agenda to achieve Universal Health Care.

She said Phil-Health’s Overseas Fili-pinos Program has been actively work-ing towards the goal of expanding enrolment and improving benefits for overseas Filipinos.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario show the signed Joint Manual of Operations in Providing Assistance to Migrant Workers and other Filipinos Overseas held at the Ople Hall, DOLE Executive Building in Intramuros, Manila. Also in photo are (from L-R) Philippine Overseas Employment Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac; Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Parisya Taradji; and Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator Rebecca Calzado.

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4 August 2015

DOLE Good News

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz led the DOLE in recognizing top

performing attached agencies and re-gional offices at the DOLE-wide Mid-Year Performance Assessment and Re-Planning Exercise in Camiguin.

Certificate of Special Citations were awarded by Secretary Baldoz to deserv-ing DOLE offices and attached agen-cies during the event, which was also highlighted by the presentation of the different Cluster accomplishments.

The award categories were: ‘Zero Strike’ Incidence; Highest Number of E s t a b l i s h m e n t s Awarded with GawadKaligtasan at Kalusugan GKK); Highest Number on the Delivery of Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES); Biggest Number of Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) Beneficiaries; Best Implementers of NWPC Productiv-ity Toolbox and, Service Qual-ity Supply Chain; Highest Number of Child Labor-free Barangays; 100 percent Compliance to COA Observations; and 100 Percent Settlement of Cash Advances.

For the category, ‘Zero Strike Inci-dence’ Award for the first half of 2015, the top performers were the DOLE Re-gional Offices and Regional Concilia-tion and Mediation Boards (RCMB) of DOLE Regional Office 1, DOLE Re-gional Office 2, DOLE Regional Office 3, DOLE Regional Office 5, DOLE Re-gional Office 6, DOLE Regional Office 7, DOLE Regional Office 8, DOLE Re-gional Office 9, DOLE Regional Office 10, DOLE Regional Office 11, DOLE Regional Office 12, DOLE CAR; and DOLE Office CARAGA.

The DOLE RO 4-A was recognized for having the Highest Number of Es-tablishments Awarded with Gawad-

At DOLE’s Mid-Year Performance Assessment, Baldoz awardstop performing DOLE attached agencies, regional offices

Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK). This award recognizes the outstanding OSH practices, programs, innovations and contributions.

DOLE RO 4-A has conferred the GKK citations to Sunpower Philippines Module Manufacturing, STMicroelec-tronics, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp-Tabangao Refinery, Toshiba In-formation Equipment, Inc., Shell Phil-ippines Exploration BV Malampaya Onshore Gas Plant, Petron Corpora-tion-Rosario Terminal, Rohm Electron-ics Philippines, Inc.

Meanwhile, the National Wages and

Productivity Commission (NWPC) awarded the Regional Tripartite Wages Productivity Board (RTWOPB) of the DOLE Cordillera Administration Re-gion (CAR) for its commendable imple-mentation of Tier 2 by of providing technical assistance to enterprises and for having the highest number of estab-lishments that adapted the advisory.

The RTWPBs DOLE Regional Office 5, DOLE Regional Office 11, DOLE Regional Office 12, DOLE CARAGA, and DOLE CAR, on the other hand, were honored for their outstanding im-plementation of the programs contained in the NWPC Productivity Toolbox.

Meanwhile, The DOLE Region 6 RTWPB was the sole recipient of the SQ Supply Chain recognition.

The DOLE Regional Office 3, DOLE Regional Office 12, and DOLE Re-

gional Office 9 were acknowledged for gaining the highest number of delivered Labor and Employment Education Ser-vices (LEES), the Department’s revolu-tionary approach in educating the pub-lic, particularly the workers’ group, of their rights and responsibilities as well as DOLE’s programs and services.

The highest number of Special Pro-gram for the Employment of Students (SPES) Beneficiaries awards were be-stowed upon DOLE Regional Office 3, DOLE Regional Office 10, and DOLE Regional Office 8.

The ROs who have made notable ac-complishments on Labor Law Com-pliance System (LLCS) were like-wise recognized. S p e c i f i c a l l y , DOLE Regional Office 4-A, DOLE Regional Office 10, and DOLE Regional Office 9 were recognized for completing their target estab-lishments under the LLCS.

On the other hand, the DOLE Regional Office 3, DOLE Regional

Office 4-A, DOLE Regional Office 1, DOLE Regional Office 5 and 12; and DOLE Regional Office 9 received cita-tions for providing appropriate assis-tance to establishments with deficien-cies resulting to their compliance; and ROs 6 and 1 for exceeding the 70% tar-get compliance rate.

The regions cited for having the ‘Highest Number of Child Labor-Free Barangays” were DOLE Regional Office 6, DOLE Regional Office 10, DOLE Regional Office 12, and DOLE CAR.

On DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program implementation, DOLE Re-gional Office 4B, DOLE Regional Of-fice 7, DOLE Regional Office 10 were cited for having the highest number of beneficiaries.

DOLE SENIOR OFFICIALS WITH THE HEADS OF BUREAUS AND SERVICES. The DOLE Senior Officials, led by Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, join the Heads of DOLE Bureaus and Services for an official photo shoot during the 2015 DOLE Mid-Year Performance Assessment and Re-planning Exercise held at Camiguin Island on July 28-30 July 2015.

Turn to page 5

DOLE Good News

5August 2015

The awards not only recognized the achievements of the regional and attached agencies’ performance in program implementation. Citations were also given to ROs and attached agencies with most efficient financial management.

The DOLE Regional Office RO 11 recorded 100% full fund disburse-ment as of 30 June 2015, and as such, was awarded with a Certificate of Recognition.

The DOLE Regional Office 4-A, Regional Office 12, and the Employ-ees Compensation Commission re-ceived citations for achieving 100% settlement of cash advances of offi-cials and employees as of 31 Decem-ber 2014.

Finally, DOLE Regional Office 10 garnered the highest compliance rate on COA observations, as indicated in the Commission Audit Report for 2013 and Prior Years.

Secretary Baldoz lauded the recipi-ents of the award for their persever-ance in meeting, and sometimes even going beyond the office targets. “I am pleased with the turnout of last se-mester’s performance. It only proves that here in DOLE, officials and em-ployees are heading towards a com-mon goal, that is, to render our best work and make meaningful impact in the lives of our clients, our partners, and our country in general.”

She instructed the HRDS to keep on recognizing exemplary perfor-mance of DOLE offices and attached agencies to continually encourage them to pursue excellence in the work they do for the benefit of the Filipino workers in particular and the whole nation.

The Human Resource Develop-ment Service (HRDS) presented the offices that topped the list per catego-ry, as reported by the Internal Audit Service, Financial and Management Service, Bureau of Labor Relations, Bureau of Working Conditions, Bu-reau of Local Employment, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, National Wages and Produc-tivity Commission, and Occupation-al Safety and Health Center. (MCT/mkbr)

At DOLE’s Mid-Year . . . (from page 4)

and by mentoring and tooling them to improve their job searches and outcomes,” Baldoz said, emphasizing the program’s objective to raise youth job placement rate to 80 percent from the current 60-65 percent rate.

For the pilot program, JobStart was implemented in four areas, namely, Quezon City, with 796 selected participants; Taguig City, 440; City of San Fernando, Pampanga, 410; and General Trias, Cavite, 200.

The DOLE had signed memorandum of understanding with the chief executive officers of these four local government units (LGUs) and agreements with employers for internship slots for the pilot implementation of JobStart.

“The agreements with private sector employers to take on beneficiaries as interns ensure that the process is employer-led. At the onset, a training plan is agreed upon between the JobStart team, the intern, and the employer. This plan will cover technical and life skills and on-the job training at the enterprises,” Baldoz said.

Among the top 10 internship positions offered by employers are: (1) Service Crew, with 169 pledged positions; (2) Sales Agent, 138; (3) Production Crew, 130; (4) Manufacturing Operator, 105; (5) Hospitality Service Staff, 99; (6) Store Supervisor, 96; (7) Gaming Attendant, 60; (8) Housekeeping Attendant, 40; (9) Technician, 27; and (10) Ink Jet Opertors and Marketing Staff, 10 each.

“The Philippines is already reaping the fruits of the government’s strategic investments, which started in 2010 after President Benigno Aquino III assumed public office,” Baldoz said.

The fruits of these investments are our youth, the next generation of future workforce. I am confident that, with sustained cooperation from our partner agencies in implementing JobStart, unemployment will soon be addressed as there will be more workers with skills set that meet industry needs—job-ready—and readily-absorbable by the labor market,” she finally said. (HJTG)

“However, addressing migrant health needs a collective effort, not just from the DOH, but from all sectors involved in migration. Thus, this Joint Manual is an affirmation of the DOH’s position on taking the whole of government and whole of society approach in promoting the health of our migrants and overseas Filipinos, including their families,” she added.

Two years in the making, the Joint Manual of Operations in Providing Assistance to Migrant Work-ers and Other Filipinos Overseas was developed consistent with the directive of President Aquino III to transform Philippine missions abroad into Centers of Care and Excellence for Overseas Filipinos.

It is only under the present administration that the DFA, DOLE, DSWD, DOH, and other concerned government agencies dealing with overseas Filipinos worked together to put into a single document very clear and specific terms the sharing of responsibilities and resources in responding to various concerns of Filipino migrant workers.

The Joint Manual, which has obtained the endorsement and approval of the House of Representatives through the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, is comprehensive in its breadth and depth, and cov-ers almost every conceivable situation migrant Filipinos may find themselves in while abroad. It provides clear and concise step-by-step processes, lines of accountabilities, modes of reporting and coordination, and even specific timelines and sharing of resources and obligations.

It can be recalled that the Joint Manual was drafted in response to the request of Rep. Señeres for the DFA and the DOLE to come up with a common or consolidated Work Plan and Manual of Opera-tions, as well as to the request of Rep. Paquiz to develop a comprehensive standard protocol for assisting OFWs.

The HCOWA, chaired by Rep. Briones, approved the Joint Manual last June 10 after a series of con-sultations between the HCOWA and concerned executive departments. Civil society organizations and non-government organizations, such as the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, Center for Migrants Advocacy, Global Filipino Movement Foundation, Inc., and the OFW Family Club the HCOWA, also participated in the drafting of the Joint Manual and provided inputs.

The Joint Manual, which immediate takes effect upon its signing, shall be jointly reviewed and revised after three years and every three years thereafter.

1st JobStart . . . (from page 1)

DOLE, DFA . . . (from page 3)

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz delivers her welcome message during the Jobstart’s 1st Graduation Ceremony held at the Midas Hotel, Pasay City.

DOLE Good News

DOLE Good News

6 August 2015

Romblon OFW receives DOLE’s Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap-buhay Program livelihood assistance

RuelFornal, an OFW from Odiongan, Romblon, had set his heart and mind to work abroad to support his growing family.

As an oiler in Libya, he was doing well, and was optimistic about his prospects. However, when political turmoil enveloped the oil-rich North African Muslim nation, his company was affected. With civil strife erupting in Libya, he decided to go home in the Philippines to ensure his safety and ease the worries of his family.

Assisted by the Rapid Response Team of the Philippine government, Fornal returned to the Philippines, bringing back his high hopes of starting anew with his wife and six-year old son who had only recently started his elementary studies.

“Mahaba-haba pa ang lalakbayin para sa kinabukasan ng anak ko,” he related to OWWA Family Welfare Officer Glory Lee Foja.

Upon OFW Fornal’s return, the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration awarded him a P10,000 livelihood grant under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap-buhay Program. Fornal used the amount to kick-off a piggery. Fornal himself looked for local employment, and found one as a driver for a private hospital in the province.

“Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa OWWA dahil binigyan ako ng tsansa na muling makapagsimula. Delikado na roon sa Libya at nagbobombahan, kaya’t naisip ko nang bumalik para sa kinabukasan ng aking anak na Grade 1”, Fornal said.

The Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap-buhay Program, which falls under creation of enterprises strategy of the DOLE, caters to returning OFWs and distressed women worker-returnees, particularly household service workers, from Arab countries, and is being jointly implemented by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) and the OWWA in partnership with the PESos and other stakeholders.

Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado of the OWWA and NRCO Director Chona Mantilla have committed to provide timely and strengthened reintegration programs for the OFWs, especially for those affected by crises, such as political instability, in other countries, through the BPBH Program and through other various livelihood grants, financial assistance, loans, and psycho-social and welfare services among others.

Around 178 farmers of Compos-tela, Cebu are expected to ben-efit from the P2, 210,000 liveli-

Farmers of Compostela given hope in DOLE’s 2.2-M worth of livelihood assistance

hood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 7.

Beneficiaries are members of the eight women’s and farmers’ associa-tions in Compostela, DOLE 7 OIC Re-gional Director Exequiel R. Sarcauga said.

Mulao Women-Farmers’ Association and Cabadiangan Tinabangay Farmers Irrigation Association each will receive P225,000. The Farmers Association of Compostela and the Farmers of Com-postela will be granted with P 425,000 each.

Said associations will focus on rice, corn, and vegetable production and their financial assistance will be used to procure fertilizers, seeds, and farm insecticides among others.

Famous for dairy production espe-cially on white cheese making are Ba-sak Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Nag-kahiusang Mag-uumasa Tag-ubi; Mga Anak sa Pobreng Mag-uuma; and Mu-lao Women-Farmers’ Association.

Each will receive P212,500 in liveli-hood assistance which will be used to purchase carabaos for dairy production project.

Mr. Nestor M. Campaner, represent-ing Mayor Joel Quino, received the fi-nancial assistance during the turn-over ceremony at the DOLE Regional Of-fice.

“In behalf of our Mayor, I would like to thank the DOLE and its staff who became instrumental for the release of this assistance to our farmers,” Cam-paner said.

The amount released to them, he said, will be a big help to their farmers especially those living in the mountain-ous areas. He particularly cited their white cheese making that’s seen to im-prove in terms of production because of the assistance given.

Said livelihood assistance is facili-tated through the DOLE’s Bottoms-up Budgeting (BuB). Under the program, development needs of poor cities and municipalities are taken into consider-ation as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plans. Such plans are formulated with strong participation of basic sector organiza-tions and other civil society organiza-tions. (LSTaniza)

LGU representatives from Compostela, Cebu receive the financial livelihood assistance from the DOLE through OIC Regional Director Exequiel R. Sarcauga (left). (photo: LSTANIZA)

DOLE Good News

7August 2015

Cagayan de Oro City--- The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office

No. 10 Regional Director, Raymundo G. Agravante signed a Memorandum of Undertaking on 24 August 2015 at the Seda Hotel, Corrales Avenue, this city to implement the Jobstart Philippines in the city to boost the skills for increased chances of employment to some 200 Out-Of-School Youths through the partnership with the Local Government Unit through its City Mayor, Oscar S. Moreno, and with the technical and financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Canada.

The signing was witnessed by Oro’s employers, heads and representatives of DOLE attached agencies, CDO Public Employment Services Office (PESO) staff, and the media partners.

DOLE Bureau of Local Employment Division Chief, Ms. Ruth R. Rodriguez, highlighted the noble intention of Jobstart Philippines. She informed that the program includes a complete package of employment facilitation – from assessment, life-skills and technical trainings, skills matching, internship, then to referral to prospect employers. “This program also aims to make internship more meaningful than

Jobstart Philippines boosts 200 OSY Kagay-anons’ employability

mere mixing coffee and photocopying documents,” Ms. Rodriguez enthused. And, “From previous pilot results, 57% apprentices are now employed,” she humbly added.

Mayor Moreno who showed his utmost support to the program, thanked DOLE and ADB for the improved collaboration, which illustrated the ideal local and national government partnership. “This program serves as a tool in making us the “trailblazers” in setting the way for those following suit,” Mayor Moreno challenged.

In fact, Mayor Moreno substantiated the activity, that during his term, he already created a committee composed of member national government agencies and their local counterparts, named as the TESDEC (Technical Education Skills Development and Employment Committee), whom he also suggested to take part in the implementation.

Director Agravante believes in the full capability of the Local Government of Cagayan de Oro (LGU-CDO). He commended the PESO as already

CDO City Mayor Oscar Moreno and DOLE 10 Regional Director Raymundo Agravante (4th & 5th from right, respectively) show the signed MOU to implement the Jobstart Philippines program in the city. The signing was witnessed by employers, heads and representatives of DOLE attached agencies, CDO Public Employment Services Office staff, and media partners.

institutionalized and the monthly Job Fairs they have conducted. “I believe these reasons paved the way of the LGU to be one of the pilot areas of Jobstart Phil.,” he contended.

Likewise, ADB Associate Project Analyst, Ms. Marie Jessamine T. Mitra, appreciated all the efforts and support of DOLE and the LGU. She agreed with Mayor Moreno that the MOU signing served as a good example for the good collaboration and partnership with the governments of the Philippines, Canada, and the Asian Development Bank. Ms.Mitra has the confidence on the program in answering the gaps in employment.

After the signing, a forum with the employers and other partners answered some clarifications on the program.

Interested applicants to the program must be 18-24 years old, at least a high school graduate, no work experience or have no more than one year of experience, currently not in employment, not enrolled in school or in any training, and actively seeking for work, may apply at the PESO - City Hall. (Mildred E. Dablio)

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office I (OWWA RWOI) invites Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including

their dependents in Region I to avail of the free computer courses offered by the agency through the “Microsoft Tulay IT Training Program.”

The free computer courses are open to spouses and high school-level children of married OFWs, and parents and single siblings of single OFWs who have valid OWWA membership. Member-OFWs who are currently on vacation are also welcome to avail of the program.

The free computer courses are offered at the IT Learning Center, OWWA Regional Welfare Office I, 2nd Floor, Kenny Plaza Building, Quezon Ave., City of San Fernando, La Union. Classes are offered Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm, and facilitated by IT Instructor, Mr. Ian J. Galutan.

OWWA RWOI, in partnership with the City Government of Dagupan, also offers free computer courses to OFWs and their

OWWA Region I offers free computer courses for OFWs, dependents

dependents in Dagupan City every first and second Fridays of the month. The classes are held at BELEN Building, PoblacionOeste, Dagupan City.

Among the courses offered in the program are Computer Fundamentals I (1 Day); Computer Fundamentals II (3 Days); Internet and World Wide Web Fundamentals (2 Days); Digital Media Fundamentals (2 Days); Web Design

Fundamentals (2 Days); Word Processing Fundamentals (2 Days); Presentation Fundamentals (2 Days); Database Fundamentals (2 Days); and, Spreadsheet Fundamentals (2 Days.

To avail of the program, interested applicants should submit the following requirements: Proof of OWWA Membership (Any of the following: Official Receipt of OWWA Payment; OFW Information Sheet; Passport with LAC-stamp); and Proof of Relationship to the OFW (Any of the following: Marriage Certificate for spouses of OFW; Birth Certificate for children, parents or sibilings of single OFW). (JPMarbella)

Parents and other dependents OFWs in Region I who have valid OWWA membership avail of the free computer classes offered by the agency through the “Microsoft Tulay IT Training Program.”

OWWA RWOI IT Instructor Ian Galutan (rightmost) pose with his students as they flash their certificates after completing their computer courses. The students, who are dependents of OFWs, availed of the free computer courses offered by the OWWA through the “Microsoft Tulay IT Training Program.”