ROCHELLE ANN L. UBAUB/ DNSC Intern
THE PUBLIC Employment Service Office (PESO) continues to provide job opportunities to more people, especially the marginalized, through job fairs and livelihood programs in the city.
From January to the second week of April, PESO conducted 12 job fairs, with around 155 hires and about 555 total hires recorded. More job fairs are scheduled, including one at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Obrero, on April 25 in Barangay 25-C, and April 27 in Barangay Catalunan Grande.
Shirly D. Sahid, Labor and Employment Officer II at PESO, said the office is also promoting inclusive programs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). These programs aim to give equal job opportunities to different sectors in the community.
“We are happy with the positive feedback. The response has been overwhelming, especially for our programs for senior citizens and PWDs,” Sahid said.
PESO is also continuing the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), with 580 slots given by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Around 500 students have already been deployed, while others are waiting for placement. The program now accepts applicants starting from Grade 10, including senior high school and incoming college students.
“The number of student beneficiaries increased compared to last year. From 520, we now have 580 slots, which shows stronger participation and support,” Sahid added.
Sahid highlighted that the most in-demand jobs are in business process outsourcing, retail, manufacturing, housekeeping, and automotive.
Beneficiaries are placed in partner companies such as Jollibee, McDonald’s, SM, and Penong’s, working mostly as service crew or in cart arrangement.
“We consider a job fair successful if at least 10 percent of applicants are hired,” Sahid explained.
Aside from job fairs, PESO also works with five private agencies and requires memoranda of agreement for all partnerships. Senior citizens are given at least four working hours per day, with shifts in the morning and afternoon.
With continuous programs, strong partnerships, and increasing participation, PESO helps reduce unemployment and gives more opportunities for students, senior citizens, and PWDs in Davao City.
