The Academic Industry Tripartite Council- Region XI (AITC XI) School Fair 2015 with the theme, “Through a Different Lens: The Academic Community with DOLE-XI and Partner Agencies” was conducted last November 24-25, 2015. The school fair held at the activity center of Abreeza Mall, Davao City was initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment Region XI (DOLE XI) in collaboration with the Tripartite Council of the Academic Industry and partner government agencies. Official representatives and students from a total of 15 academic institutions, and a total of 10 partner government agencies participated and set up their respective booths in the two-day event.

This school fair aimed to showcase  the programs of DOLE  through the exhibits and the witnessing of the grantees from the academic community. This event also aimed to intensify the relationship of the academic community with DOLE through having them sign up in the various programs of the agency. Lastly, the agency aimed to have at least five (5) new member schools through the school fair.

This given, major activities of the event include the learning sessions, the appreciation speeches of grantees, the awarding sessions, and the recognition of new partner schools. Thus on the first day, Atty. Jason P. Balais, OIC- Asst. Regional Director of DOLE XI discussed the Amendments on DO#40-I-15. He tackled the Philippine Labor Employment Plan, its updates, and the SEBA certification. Ms. Ediltrudes L. Cabiles of DOLE XI- TSSD on the other hand, led the discussion of the WODP for faculty and staff. She tackled the grants for scholarship and trainings of WODP. TESDA representative Ms. Arlene Bandong, and CHED representative Ms. Susan F. Labotup also discussed their respective scholarship and training programs for faculty and non-teaching staff. Lastly, Mr. Loiuevic Loquino, a representative from the Tagum Senior High Trade School shared his success story from being a struggling student to currently being successfully employed. He served as a witness grantee of the effectiveness of the K-12 program.

On the second day, Dr. Albert Jubilo, Vice Chair of the Labor Sector of AITC XI/ADdU discussed 21st century education to cope with the ASEAN Integration. He set this talk on the general challenge of converting the current 20th century system to catch up with the 21st century. Dr. Maria Paz Dabon of the University of Mindanao then shared the success story of their partnership with DOLE. She focused on the vital role of this partnership to the overall success of their academic institution. Also, Ms. Cecilia Dayhon led the Labor Education for Tertiary Level Graduating Students. She discussed DOLE’s relevance to the lives of the employees and thoroughly tackled the Just and Authorized Causes for an Employees’ Termination, their due processes, and the Benefits and Rights of the Employees—from minimum wages, leave benefits, to social legislations. Ms. Arlene Bandong of TESDA discussed the opportunities and trainings for TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) teachers, which in turn oriented the audience on TESDA’s programs. Lastly, Ms. Lariele P. Arce, the Regional Employment Focal of DOLE XI presented the JOBsFit Program. She generally discussed the Labor Market Information which points out the mismatch between the student body’s education and training to the needs of the market.

Several certificates were also awarded to academic institutions. Ms. Sonia Delfin of DOLE XI-TSSD awarded three (3) institutions with GLS, four (4) institutions with OSHS, and twenty-three (23) with both GLS and OSHS. Ms. Mafe R. Cadanilla of DOLE XI-TSSD on the other hand, awarded Davao Wisdom Academy and Holy Cross of Davao College with the Tripartite Certificate of Compliance on Labor Standards. She also recognized thirteen 13 academic institutions as new members of AITC.

Other activities in the school fair include the intermission numbers from the Joji Ilagan Career Center Foundation and the Brokenshire College Main, question and answer sessions, raffle draws, and video presentations from the participating AITC members.

KATHLEEN TRIXIA T. LANDIG
GIP Intern