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Department of Labor and Employment

WANDERLUST | Bridging the Gap: JIIS partners with DOLE, SeeMeSol

by Ian Ray Garcia February 3, 2026

written by Ian Ray Garcia

IN A MOVE to redefine the transition from classroom to career, Joji Ilagan International Schools (JIIS) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and SeeMeSol on February 2 at the School Odeum of the T.H.E. IMS Building. The occasion also marked the formal launch of the JIB-ACE (Alumni and Employment Excellence System).

This collaboration represents a significant milestone for the academe, signaling a shift toward tech-driven, data-informed strategies to ensure graduate success in an increasingly volatile job market.

More than just a database, the JIB-ACE system is a comprehensive ecosystem for career development, integrating SeeMeSol’s Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) recruitment solutions as the school aims to create a seamless pipeline between its graduates and industry leaders.

”Through this collaboration, we institutionalize data-driven curriculum feedback, career development interventions, and stakeholder engagement that will directly enhance the employability of our graduates and the success of our alumni,” said Nicole Nina H. Ledesma, chief operating officer of JIIS.

Ledesma emphasized that more than a static agreement, the signing is a “working alliance anchored in labor market intelligence, skill relevance, and student-centered career pathways.” She added that the goal is to build a resilient, future-ready talent ecosystem.

The partnership comes at a critical time. As technology moves faster, the gap between traditional education and industry requirements has increasingly widened. Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy, DOLE regional director, highlighted the necessity of agility in the modern labor market.

”We envision a program that can tightly link academic preparations with real-time industry needs,” Pensoy stated. He noted that this alignment is particularly vital for the tourism and hospitality sector, a cornerstone of the Davao region’s growth.

Central to the JIB-ACE launch is the technology provided by SeeMeSol. The platform focuses on digitizing the supply of talent, making it easier for employers to find the right fit through a specialized portal.

*Ledesma and Casurao with SeeMeSol founder and managing director David Padgett*

David Padgett, founder and managing director of SeeMeSol, explained their platform’s practical benefits for students.

”Our portal will go live very quickly, allowing students and alumni to create profiles, leveraging some AI tools to do some skills assessments, language assessments, and the like,” he explained.

By bridging the divide between education and employment via a digital platform, JIIS ensures that its graduates are not just degree-holders, but industry-ready professionals equipped with the right information and skills.

February 3, 2026 0 comments

Business

DOLE resolves monetary claims, workplace concerns of over 3000 workers

by Nova Mae Francas January 27, 2026

written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI resolved workplace concerns and recovered monetary claims of 3,628 workers in the region in 2025.

Of the number, 2,667 workers successfully claimed monetary benefits, while the remaining 961 workers reached settlements, were reinstated in their previous work, and were issued certificates of employment.

The common issues involved the non-payment of 13th-month pay, final pay claims, wage-related concerns, separation and dismissal issues, and other labor standards violations, including personnel and conduct-related matters.

This includes the release of P4,829,182.90 worth of final pay and separation pay to 75 delivery coordinators in Davao del Sur.

Another was the case of an IT Head who served for 22 years in an agriculture company in the city, who received P9,413,133.13 in total for his service incentive leave commutation, 13th month pay, and separation pay.

DOLE Davao said the resolution was through the Single-Entry Approach (SEnA) Program of the office.

SEnA is a 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation mechanism that offers a speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible way to resolve labor issues, preventing workplace concerns from escalating into formal labor disputes or full-blown cases.

DOLE XI regional director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy emphasized that workers’ rights are prioritized while fostering harmonious and productive workplace relations in the region.

“Through the Single-Entry Approach, we ensure that workers are able to access justice in a fast, fair, and non-adversarial manner. SEnA allows them to recover their rightful benefits without the burden of lengthy and costly litigation, while also giving employers the opportunity to resolve concerns peacefully,” Pensoy said.

January 27, 2026 0 comments

Community

McDonald’s Philippines, Davao City Partner toEmploy Senior Citizens

by Contributor September 29, 2025

written by Contributor

Davao City — McDonald’s Philippines is set to hire at least 110 senior citizens for 18 of its stores in Davao City, as part of the company’s inclusive hiring program M For All, which aims to employ senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD). The program will run from October 2025 to December 2026.

The quick service restaurant (QSR) giant recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Davao City Government, together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its Public Service Employment Office (PESO).

A welcoming and inclusive workplace for seniors

As McDonald’s Philippines continues to scale and open more stores across the country, there is also an increasing demand for a dynamic workforce. And while a big percentage of McDonald’s talent pool are working students and fresh graduates—the Gen Z—the company also strongly believes in providing employment opportunities for individuals in their 60s and beyond.

M for All is part of McDonald’s Philippines’ people practices, providing its staff with job security, an inclusive workplace, and a world-class training and development program. Since Chairman and Master Franchise Holder Dr. George T. Yang opened the first store in Manila in 1981, McDonald’s Philippines has practiced direct employment and non-contractualization, providing job security for its over 65,000 workforce.

“McDonald’s Philippines is committed to generating employment opportunities for Filipinos, regardless of their age, gender, and background,” said Adi Hernandez, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact. “Our inclusive workplace is a welcoming environment not just for working students and working-age individuals, but also out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities, and through this partnership, senior citizens. We’re excited to partner with Davao City for the M For All Program, and we’re looking forward to more opportunities for collaboration and partnership that will benefit the people and communities.”

Since its launch in 2019, M For All (formerly Alternative Workforce Program) has been employing senior citizens in its stores. This 2025, the program has been relaunched and implemented in the City of Manila, Pasay City, Caloocan City, Parañaque City, Pasig City, San Fernando City in Pampanga, and Bacoor, Cavite, covering 61 company-owned and franchise stores.

M For All is McDonald’s Philippines’ first partnership program with Davao City, and is the first activation outside Luzon. The program will also be launched in partnership with other LGUs in Luzon and Visayas in the coming months.

Under the M For All program, each qualified applicant is engaged over a period of five months, reporting for work four hours a day, five days a week. Each applicant is assigned at the store lobby area, interacting with guests and customers, presenting their orders and drinks, and managing the tables. Aside from receiving government-mandated wages (which also include a percentage of the mandated 13th-month pay), they are also covered by a group life insurance paid for by the company.

Thirty years in Davao City

The beloved QSR has been committed not just to providing feel-good experiences to its customers, but has also been making a difference in the lives of the people it employs and the communities it serves.

In Davao City alone, over 2,000 store managers and service crew are finding their Best Me at the 22 McDonald’s stores in the city, helping generate employment for residents of the city and nearby areas while also contributing to local economic growth.

McDonald’s Philippines and Davao City kick off the M for All program in the city through the signing of a memorandum of agreement. Also supported by the Department of Labor and Employment and its Public Service Employment Office, M for All will hire 110 senior citizens for McDonald’s stores in Davao City.

Said Hernandez: “Since opening our first store in Davao City in the 1990s, McDonald’s Philippines has seen impressive growth and development in the city. For over 30 years, McDonald’s has seen families create feel-good memories, employees develop into the best versions of themselves, and the entire Davao City become stronger and more progressive.”

Last July, the 800th McDonald’s store was launched at Davao Global Township, the first “Green & Good” store in Mindanao. As a Green & Good store, McDonald’s Davao Global Township features solar panels, rainwater harvesting tanks, power-saving motion sensors, LED lights, and efficient air-conditioning systems. These features significantly reduce energy consumption as well as the use of natural resources. Green & Good also promotes a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. The Davao Global Township store has bike-friendly features, which attracts not just serious cyclists but also biking beginners and enthusiasts.

September 29, 2025 0 comments

Business

Productive citizens

by Nova Mae Francas September 10, 2025

written by Nova Mae Francas

City, McDonald’s ink MOA to employ senior citizens

THE CITY government and McDonald’s Philippines, along with the Department of Labor and Employment XI, signed the memorandum of agreement for the work opportunity program for senior citizens on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Tess Domingo, director for Golden Arches Development Corp.’s Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partnering & People System Human Capital Group, said the food chain is committed to hiring 110 senior citizens for its 18 branches in the city starting this year.

“We are grateful for our partnership with DOLE and PESO, and hopefully we can hire more people in more cities around the country,” Domingo said, adding that the program is the first of its kind for McDonald’s in the country.

In June this year, the City Council approved the Senior Citizens Work Opportunity Ordinance, authored by 2nd District Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus.

In his speech, Mahipus said the MOA embodies the spirit of collaboration between the government and the private sector in providing livelihood opportunities.

“By opening your doors to this program, you are not merely offering discounts and privileges; you are extending respect and appreciation to our elderly,” he said.

In a message delivered by Councilor Enzo Villafuerte, Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte said the agreement recognized that many retired Davaoeños are still capable and productive.

“With this work opportunity, our dabawenyo senior citizens will be able to supplement their retirement income and maintain physical and mental health. We are optimistic they will bring positive change to the McDonald’s Davao family,” Duterte said.

Lorenzo Borja, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs chief, said applicants can qualify for the program regardless of age of applicants (60 years old and above), provided they meet the requirements set by the employer.

Qualified senior citizens will be employed as members of the regular crew and render four-hour shifts daily for five months. Meanwhile, their salary is the same rate as a regular employee.

“You will be seeing them in our stores, welcoming you to our stores, and will also be there to help you in terms of cleanliness and customer experience,” Austin Torres, senior public affairs manager of McDonald’s, said.

The City Council is also looking to enter into a similar agreement with Jollibee and Burger King soon.

September 10, 2025 0 comments

Health

PhilHealth and DOLE seal partnership for workers’ welfare

by Contributor July 30, 2025

written by Contributor

THE PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) signed a memorandum of agreement to promote the PhilHealth YAKAP among the Philippine workforce.

Led by PhilHealth Acting CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado and Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma — with Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go and DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Santos M. Benavidez as witnesses, this initiative aims to enhance workers’ access to primary care.

As of June 4, 2025, over 386,000 employees all over the country are expected to benefit from the program.

The PhilHealth YAKAP is an enhanced primary care benefit package providing coverage for consultations, indicated laboratory and cancer screening tests, and prescribed essential medicines designed to promote prevention and early disease detection to help curb financial hardship for the members.

The MOA cements the commitment of both agencies to work together in expanding primary care services through information campaigns, capacity-building activities, and strategic engagement with employers, industry groups, and labor organizations.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing that the partnership between DOLE and PhilHealth reflects the administration’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino worker is empowered, protected, and provided with essential healthcare services.

For more details on benefits and services, members may call PhilHealth’s 24/7 touch points at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.

July 30, 2025 0 comments

Community

Behind bars, beyond limits: DOLE empowers PDLs with first-of-its-kind livelihood grant

by Contributor July 10, 2025

written by Contributor

ILIGAN CITY — History was quietly made behind the walls of the Iligan City Jail–Male Dormitory as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) formally turned over a ₱350,000-worth livelihood grant—the first of its kind under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) for any jail facility in Region X.

This pioneering initiative, titled “Handicrafts Behind Bars,” marks a bold departure from conventional rehabilitation approaches. Through the grant, the jail’s registered PDL association “Workers Behind Bars” will serve as lead implementer, managing a suite of creative and sustainable livelihood activities that aim to enrich both lives and livelihoods within confinement.

Existing programs such as bamboo crafting and recycling of materials will receive expanded support, allowing PDL to enhance their skills in transforming local and discarded resources into valuable artisan goods. These ventures have already begun planting seeds of entrepreneurship and self-worth among participants.

Further broadening the scope, new crafts—such as dream catcher weaving and bead making—are set to commence. These tactile, expressive arts will provide therapeutic engagement and a sense of personal investment, helping PDL rediscover purpose through creative expression.

The ceremony was a gathering of DOLE officials, jail administrators, and PDL representatives, with Jail Warden JCInsp Carmelo A. Corsame delivering a rousing welcome. Messages from DOLE provincial head Criste O. Perfecto and Workers Behind Bars chair Elmar S. Patilan echoed a shared commitment to breaking cycles of hopelessness through skills training and structured opportunity.

The DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), also called the Kabuhayan Program, is a grant-based initiative by the Department of Labor and Employment in the Philippines that supports vulnerable groups—like displaced workers, parents of child laborers, and persons with disabilities—through startup funding, business enhancement aid, equipment provision, and restoration support for livelihood projects. Implemented via DOLE regional offices or accredited partners, it aims to promote self-employment, reduce poverty, and strengthen community resilience by providing up to ₱20,000 for individuals and up to ₱1 million for group projects.

Beyond its immediate impact, the grant signals DOLE’s evolving role in restorative justice. It amplifies the principle that every individual, regardless of circumstance, deserves the chance to build toward a better future, especially when community, policy, and compassion converge.

With stakeholders aligned and PDL eager to begin, Region X now stands as a trailblazer in jail-based enterprise. The journey ahead holds promise—not just for crafted goods, but for lives re-crafted through dignified work and meaningful transformation.

July 10, 2025 0 comments

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