TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Department of Labor and Employment – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) Office conducted the JobStart Philippines Program (JSP) Evaluation cum Planning Activity and Capacity Development on February 20-21, 2025, at Tabuk City, Kalinga. The activity sought to assess the implementation of the program in 2024 and formulate strategic plans to further increase its impact for the youth in the region.
Conducted in the scenic Tabuk City, Kalinga, the activity was a gathering of the primary stakeholders of the JobStart Philippines Program, such as representatives of local officials, Public Employment Service Office (PESOs) Managers of Baguio City, La Trinidad, Benguet, and select partner-employers.
The JobStart Philippines Program
Rooted on Republic Act No. 10869 of 2016, the JobStart Philippines Program aims to enhance the employability of vulnerable youth by offering holistic employment facilitation services. These include job searching assistance, life and technical skills training, internships, and job referrals, all implemented through PESOs nationwide.
In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Baguio City has been a long-time program implementer, whereas La Trinidad, Benguet, is the latest addition to the program network in 2025. Notwithstanding a high 75% placement rate during the previous year, relevant issues such as fund use and higher trainee quotas brought the necessity for program reassessment and planning.
Recognizing Needs, Reaching Achievements
The activity focused on the accomplishment of a number of objectives, including: Assessing the 2024 JobStart program implementation, Identification and filling of program delivery gaps; Improving regional performance in trainee placement and fund management; Empowering implementers through re-orientations and best practice sharing from Region II’s benchmarking exercises; and Reporting trainee distribution, funds, and target allocations.
A highlight of the event was the awarding of a Plaque of Recognition and Appreciation to the Local Chief Executive and PESO Alfonso Lista for being a Regional Search for Best PESO qualifier.
Strategizing Participants Through Collaboration
The activity convened key DOLE Regional and Provincial Office officials, Employment Focals, JobStart Program Coordinators, and PESO managers from the strategic cities of Baguio City and Tabuk City, and the 1st class municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet. Their dynamic interaction underscored the value of cooperation between government and private players in nation-building.
The Participants identified key gaps in the 2024 JobStart implementation and developed solutions through a workshop and SWOT Analysis. The results were presented by the participants, focusing on action plans for 2025.
Salient components of the program were identified, namely Core Skills Training, Job Matching and Referrals, Technical Training, and Internship Placement, all aimed at providing trainees with the competencies and experience necessary for employment. Additionally, the roles of collaborating employers were enumerated, including the provision of required documents to PESO and DOLE to ensure compliance and smooth program implementation.
The participants also held the JSP Placement Monitoring and Benchmarking Activity, which allowed the participants to engage with partner employers from Bagumbayan Antiques Furniture, Kalinga Act Mountain View Resort, and Alberto’s Pizzeria and Ristorante to assess placement outcomes and best practices. During the benchmarking activity, the Plaques of Recognition were also presented to the partner employers for their wholehearted and unwavering support in implementing the JobStart Program.
Looking Forward to a Future-Ready Cordillera
The JobStart Philippines Program continues to be the youth’s hope for a brighter future, empowering them with skills and prospects for sustainable work. With the re-commitment of stakeholders and implementers, 2025 will be another landmark year for the program, ushering in real changes in the lives of Filipino youth.
This program is a testament to the strong commitment of DOLE in empowering the youth, ensuring that the future workers have a better chance at a bright future. By Daryll B. Ponard
