DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan – The Public Employment Services Office (PESO) of Balungao, Pangasinan was named as national winner for the Best PESO in the 3rd to 4th Class Municipality Category in the Secretary’s PESO Bayanihan Service Awards for 2021.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted the awarding ceremony during the 2022 National PESO Congress on October 25 at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga.
The Secretary’s Bayanihan Service Award aims to recognize the PESOs nationwide who had exceptional and extraordinary contributions resulting to the acquisition of quality and decent employment of their respective constituents through innovation, invention, resilience and distinct accomplishment in public service despite the limitations and restrictions brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
On behalf of DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Bureau of Local Employment officer-in-charge director Patrick Patriwirawan presented the award to PESO-Balungao.
Balungao PESO Manager Racquel Caseres received the award on behalf of Mayor Maria Theresa Peralta.
She was joined by DOLE Ilocos regional director Exequiel Ronie Guzman, assistant regional director Honorina Baga, Technical Services Support Division chief Teresa Bonavente, and DOLE-Eastern Pangasinan Field Office head Mary Antonette Avila.
As a national winner, PESO-Balungao earned a plaque and a cash prize.
Caseres said the recognition will not be possible without the trailblazing programs implemented by Mayor Peralta amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the cooperation among Balungenians.
“May pag-asa sa pagkakaisa at pagbangon sa pandemya dahil nagtulong-tulong ang lahat upang mapagtagumpayan ang hamon na dulot ng COVID-19 sa aming bayan,” she added.
Meanwhile, DOLE Ilocos extends its congratulations to the other regional entries for outstandingly representing the region and showcasing their best practices in employment facilitation for their constituents especially during this critical economic recovery period.
Other regional entries were: PESO of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan through PESO Manager Alex Ferrer for provincial category; PESO Alaminos City, Pangasinan through PESO Manager Eleanor Bruno for component city category; and PESO Rosario, La Union through PESO Manager Amparo Mabalot for the 1st to 2nd class municipality category. BY: APRIL M. MONTES-BRAVO