Digos City- As early as the first quarter of 2012, the DOLE Regional Office No. XI through the initiatives of DOLE Davao del Sur Field Office and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) forged another school-based PESO in the province through a Memorandum of Agreement signed last January 24, 2012 with the Southern Philippines Agri-business Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST).

The signing of the MOA was attended by SPAMAST President Dr, Irvin Generalao, the Guidance Coordinator, Dr. Amelie T. Bello, the School Dean, Dr. Cesar A. Limbaga Jr., the Director of External Affairs, Dr. Delia Grace Bacaltos, Mr. Rolly Impas, Davao del Sur Provincial PESO and representative of the Province League of PESO Managers, DOLE XI Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao, DOLE-Davao del Sur OIC, Engr. Edgardo H. Diaz and the DOLE-Davao del Sur Employment cluster Head, Ms. Cristita Coro.

Director Suyao said that DOLE continues to deliver its services to the graduating students and unemployed individuals through a more capable and strengthened PESO partners.  Further, he stressed that DOLE pursues its commitment to address jobs mismatch throughout the country and promote employment by making PESO discernible not only in the LGU’s but also in schools for students to be assisted and guided with their career path and have access to livelihood opportunities. He thanked the Local Government Unit of Davao del Sur and the League of PESO Managers for the support and assistance given to Davao del Sur people through advocacy and information campaign of PESO Programs.

Earlier on that day, an orientation on PESO Programs was conducted among the graduating students of the school. A Pre-employment Seminar for Local Applicants (PESLA), Anti-Illegal Recruitment (AIR) orientation and Labor Education for Graduating Students (LEGS) was also conducted on January 25, 2012 among the 169 graduating students of SPAMAST, while 135 jobseekers successfully registered with the Philjobnet.

Meanwhile, in Davao City, 2 more school-based PESOs were enrolled. TECARRO College Foundation, Inc., located at Sandawa Road, Matina, Davao City with its OIC- School Administrator Mr. Bernardo R. Cuenza and the Guidance Counselor, Mr. Hermis A. Malto Jr. signed the MOA on January 6, 2012 .  On February 6, 2012, ENDONELA Institute of Technology foundation, Inc.  at Leon Garcia St., Agdao, Davao City was enrolled as school-based PESO with its President Joel F. Endonela who signed the MOA with Director Suyao.

In 2011, DOLE XI forged 4 PESOs in the Region and 8 more PESOs will be enrolled this year.