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| The JobStart Program empowers vulnerable youth by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and financial support to secure decent employment. File photo |
TACLOBAN CITY – The JobStart Program has helped 100 vulnerable youths from Tacloban City to achieve their dreams of gaining decent employment. The program, a collaboration between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Tacloban City local government unit (LGU), offers a complete employment facilitation initiative for young individuals.
On March 3, 2023, a joyous celebration was held at Robinson's North Mall in Abucay, Tacloban City, as the 15th batch of the JobStart Program proudly marked their graduation. The graduates were beaming with pride as they received their certificates, representing their hard work, dedication, and perseverance throughout the program.
The graduation ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including DOLE 8 Director Henry John Balbuena, City Administrator and concurrent officer-in-charge of PESO, Anacleto Rei A. Lacanilao III, and Director Patrick Patriwariwan of the Bureau of Local Employment.
The program ran from August 2022 to January 2023 and consisted of three phases. The first phase provided life skills training, and the second offered technical skills training. The program's beneficiaries were then given three months of internship with partner establishments such as Macdonald's, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Dunkin' Donuts, Shakey's, and Youth Plus Medical Group, Inc.
The beneficiaries received financial support throughout the program, including a daily allowance during the life skills program, stipends during the technical training phase, and compensation during the internship phase.
The JobStart Program aims to address the country's high youth unemployment rate by providing young individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to be competitive in the job market. It seeks to equip young individuals with the necessary tools to secure decent employment and contribute to the country's economic growth.
The Tacloban City LGU recognizes the importance of the program in helping young individuals secure decent employment. Through the partnership with DOLE, the city government continues to provide opportunities for the youth of Tacloban City to achieve their dreams and have a brighter future. —iTacloban (Source: CIO)