Some 100 youth from Panabo City successfully completed the series of training and internship under the JobStart Philippines Program on January 28, 2022. The completers, together with their parents, attended the JobStart Wave 3 Graduation Rites conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment XI and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) at Panabo Multipurpose Cultural Tourism and Sports Center, Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

The JobStarters have undergone three cycles to complete the program, which includes life skills training, technical training, and internship within the required time frame.

During the ceremony, the partner employers, namely Panabo Multipurpose Cooperative, SND Foods International, and Gaisano Grand Mall of Panabe, gave recognition to those who excelled during their training and internship. The recognition for the Most Outstanding JobStart Trainee was awarded to Jessa V. Dolorosa, Kenneth S. Gabatin, and Jeric R. Albos. The Leadership Award was given to Kate Jean E. Amador, Kenneth S. Gabatin, and Arvin C. Bitang, while the Most Improved JobStart Trainees were Vanessa O. Corpuz, Reyshiel D. Tabaranza, and Rey G. Gumba.

DOLE XI OIC-Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy commended the completers and wished them the best of luck in their efforts to move forward. “Remember this milestone, as well as the lessons you’ve learned from this experience. We hope that this will be the start of your wonderful journey to become the better versions of yourselves,” he added.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for Employment and General Administration Cluster Dominique R. Tutay congratulated the completers through a video message, “I was proud and thrilled to hear your stories. Another wave of competency, diligence, and integrity has been produced. Congratulations, our JobStarters!”

Of the 100 completers, 66 were hired by various partner and non-partner employers, while the rest opted to continue their studies.

The graduation ceremony was also graced by DOLE-Davao del Norte Field Office Chief Angelina A. Talingting, DOLE XI Regional Employment Focal Marlito D. Ayala, and representatives from PESO and the Local Government Unit of Panabo.

JobStart Philippines is a program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that aims to develop the youth’s skills and discover their potentials as they prepare to enter the world of work. The program provides the youth with career coaching, life skills and technical trainings, and internships with employers.