JobStart Philippines launches in Surigao City
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The city of Surigao has joined the Jobstart Philippines program, a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) initiative designed to prepare young Filipinos for employment.
The program offers career coaching, life skills, technical training, and internships with employers, targeting youth aged 18-24 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between the city government and DOLE on January 15, held at the Espina conference room, City Hall.
City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II, DOLE Caraga Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao, City Legal Officer Lex Joshua Andrew Silvosa and other key officials attended the event.
Through its Public Employment Service and Development Office (PESDO), Surigao City passed DOLE's assessment and evaluation, earning the grant for the Jobstart Program. All expenses are funded by DOLE, with the program set to benefit 100 out-of-school youth who will undergo the full cycle of life skills training, technical training, and job placement, with stipends to support their participation.
In his message, Mayor Dumlao emphasized the program's impact on the employability of Surigaonons, stating, "This program is something the people didn’t know they needed."
Dir. Suyao also announced an additional 50 slots for TUPAD beneficiaries, expanding livelihood opportunities in the city.
Other attendees included TSSD Chief of DOLE Caraga Annie Tangpos, Senior LEO of DOLE Caraga Lilian M. Solis, Provincial Director of DOLE Surigao del Norte May C. Velonta, and PESDO Manager Arciazel Lagrama.
This initiative marked a significant milestone in empowering Surigao City’s workforce and fostering economic progress, showcasing the city government and DOLE's strong collaboration. (Surigao City-PIO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
