By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here reported its accomplishments for the past year as well as its thrusts and directions for 2015 in a press conference held last Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Grand Astoria Hotel.
DOLE IX Regional Director Sisinio Cano shared that their office has generally exceeded its targets set for 2014 for many of their programs and services.
“We have served more than the total amount of targeted beneficiaries like the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and the Government Internship Program (GIP),” Director Cano said, showing figures on screen.
For the SPES, 2014 targets about 11,639 students for employment, but the actual number served is 12,385. For the GIP, 718 interns were served and were exposed to work in different government agencies, as compared with the target of 678.
Other targets in the similar outcome indicator with those above such as provision of labor market information to both individuals and institutions and clients served for the public employment service have also soared above target.
“We have had minor delays like in the provision of salaries for the students, but these were immediately addressed,” Director Cano explained, adding that all the beneficiaries have already received their salaries.
On the other hand, the DOLE has also addressed the need for employment of the vulnerable sectors through their Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs.
Zamboanga City Labor Employment Officer Ian Lahi also disclosed “internally displaced persons have been provided with emergency employment to help them cope with their needs.”
Cano also reported “the regional office is second nationwide for being one of the most outstanding offices in meeting its targets.” He attributed this recognition to DOLE-IX employees “who have been very active and dedicated in their duties.”
Meanwhile, Director Cano shared that the agency is seeking to go down to the barangay level to map out skills of potential workers for employment. “We shall be exploring this possibility to address unemployment in the grassroots,” he said.
The DOLE is currently implementing a variety of programs for both the employed and unemployed sectors.
Director Cano said that jobseekers may come visit their office anytime for assistance in jobs placement and matching.
