By Mary May A. Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY – Some 500 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and various partner-stakeholders participated in the two-day Partnership Forum cum Job Fair 2014 conducted here recently by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP) in partnership with the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte through its Public Employment Services Office (PESO).
The two-day activity gathered various stakeholders from the different sectors that have significant contribution especially in providing employment opportunities to qualified 4Ps beneficiaries.
It also aimed to strengthen the partnership and renewal of commitment between partner-stakeholders in keeping with the challenge and mandate of uplifting the lives of said beneficiaries within the province.
“Do not hold back from those who ask your help when it is within your power to do so,” Governor Roberto Y. Uy said in his message as read by his executive secretary.
DSWD-SLP Dipolog Cluster expressed its gratitude for the sincere commitment of all partners in making the said event a success.
The problem of poverty can be remedied through strong partnership and collaborative efforts between private and public sector by converging its resources and expertise, said a DSWD official.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) have also extended their utmost support to the event.
Banking institutions, microfinance institutions, insurance company, employment agencies and NGOs also extended their support to the said activity.
These groups include Paglaum Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Katipunan Bank, Cebuana Lhuiller, Citi Hardware, Rural Transit of Mindanao Incorporated, Mediatrix Homes Incorporated, Vicente Lao Construction, Concha Construction, Dipolog Trusted Employment Agency, Maanyag International Manpower Agency, Dipolog Trusted Employment Agency, Philippine Call Center Institute, Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents’ Association, ABCDE Foundation, Technology and Livelihood Development Center and Philippine National Red Cross – ZN Cluster.
DOLE-9 Assistant Regional Director Albert Gutib, DSWD-SLP Provincial Coordinator Alex Z. Sabal, ZN-PESO Manager Ryan Victor Miranda, 4Ps Provincial Link Focal Person Jose D. Cruz, Dipolog SWADT leader Ma. Eva E. Avila were also present during the said event.
