Officials from the different Public Employment Services and Development Offices (PESO) in the region were lauded in the recently conducted Year End Planning and Assessment (YEPA) activity of the Department of Labor and Employment.

The Regional PESO YEPA, with the theme: “Pinagtibay na Bagong PESO: Tulay sa Pag-asenso sa Buhay ng Manggagawang Pilipino,” was held last January 12 to 13 in Maragusan, Compostela Valley.

The activity covers the accomplishments of the PESOS for 2016 and the setting of targets and plans for the new year 2017.

Overall regional accomplishment for 2016 for regular employment include 72,018 total applicants placed which is 172.92% of the set target of 56,348; 89,114 applicants were referred for placement 124.65% of the 71,494 target; 108,864 applicants registered 133.21% of the 81,725 target and 273,073 job vacancies solicited 127.81% of 157,869 target.

The conduct of the activity was led by Regional Employment Focal Person Lariele P. Arce together with DOLE XI chiefs: Davao City Field Office Chief Dennis Badilles who was the OIC for the Office of the Regional Director (ORD), Technical Services and Support Division Chief Paul V. Cruz, Compostela Valley Field Office Chief Albert Degamo, Davao del Sur Field Office Chief Henry Montilla and Davao del Norte Field Office Chief Erlinda Mamitag.

The event was also graced by Maragusan Municipal Mayor Maricel Colina-Vendiola.

DOLE XI Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao, in his message read by Chief Dennis Badilles ORD OIC, congratulated the PESOs for their success in 2016.

It can be noted that the region has bagged National PESO awards during the 16th National PESO Congress. Winning PESOS include the University of Mindanao (UM) – Tagum Campus for Educational Institution Category, Panabo City for Component City Category, and Municipality of Magsaysay for 3rd-4th class Municipality Category.

Awards were also given to the different PESOs during the appreciation night.

Moreover, 130 delegates have participated during the recently concluded activity.

Kriztja Marae G. Labrador/LCO-DOLEXI