DOLE, PESOMAP-WV holds 2024 Regional Congress

Guimaras- In its quest for continuous facilitation of employment opportunities in the local government units, DOLE RO 6 in collaboration with the Public Employment Service Office Managers Association of the Philippines-Western Visayas (PESOMAP-WV) gathered for the 2024 PESO Western Visayas Congress at Fatima Farm Resort, Guimaras.

Around 143 PESO Managers were joined by local government officials. DOLE officials and guests discussed significant issues concerning employment facilitation and the current situation in the labor market.

Dir. Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr. of the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) highlighted in his keynote addressed the participation and involvement of the PESO in employment facilitation on top of the different programs and services offered by DOLE through the BLE.

In his message, Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr.  rallied all stakeholders to equip the workforce with skills and knowledge to enable them to come at par with technological and economic disruptions that influence the nature of work and the challenge of the automation, artificial intelligence, and digital revolution that could transform industries, create new jobs and redefine skills for success, “ It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our workforce is equipped with  the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive to the new era,” RD Rodriguez on his challenge to the PESO Managers and local government leaders.

He also emphasized the significant role of the PESO in fighting discrimination, child labor, forced labor, and unfair working condition that continuously plague the society, ‘As employment advocates and champions of workers’ rights, we have a moral obligation to safeguard the well-being of every worker, protecting them from undue exploitation and ensuring their rights are respected,” emphasized Atty. Rodriguez.

He encouraged everyone to actively participate in all activities of the congress, share experiences and best practices, and join in all deliberations.

An advocate of economic freedom and poverty alleviation, RD Rodriguez reiterated his call to fight poverty. “We should never lose sights of our dreams to free the people from poverty, which is one of the evils of society today,’ he stressed.

The Regional Director also thanked the PESO Managers and the local government officials for religiously implementing DOLE programs and services for poverty alleviation. “This program,” he said, “is a means to achieve a greater end and with you as our partners, we can win this battle against poverty and free the workers from indebtedness and alleviate their economic conditions.”

RD Rodriguez, capped his message by releasing Php1M TUPAD assistance to local government officials present for implementation in their respective areas. He also offered a Php5M livelihood or TUPAD assistance for the LGUs that could institutionalized their respective PESO.

With the theme, “Ensuring sustainable Employment in Changing Agricultural and Tourism Economy,” the Congress featured various topics relevant to PESO mandate and thrust in the different local government units.  Ms. Virginia M. Goboy echoed the Regional Results on National Employment Summit (NES).

The concept of Return-to-Work Program, being bannered by the Employees Compensation Commission, (ECC) was elaborated by Dr. Christine C. Marquez, OIC-0WCPRD, ECC. The program enabled workers who meet by accident to return to work, thus restoring their confidence and dignity.

Asst. Regional Director of the Department of Tourism Regional Office 6 highlighted the sustainable and environment focused tourism and employment through her discussion on the topic, “Journey to Green and Blue Tourism and Employment.”

Empowering the PESO as frontliners in protecting workers who wish to go abroad is another major agenda of the conference. Peso Managers were oriented by Ms. Rhea Glynda D. Calantas of the Department of Migrant Workers’ programs and services. On the workers’ welfare, Ms.  Krisdel Soberano discussed on the Overseas Workers Welfare and Services; while Overseas Workers Welfare Officer I Ricky Cordova discussed the topic, Deciding to Work Abroad, Recruitment Process: Selecting Manning and Recruitment Agencies, Preparing a Workers and Family for Career as Migrants; and Welfare Case Management.