DOLE-6 holds 9th career summit

The DOLE RO 6 in coordination with the Regional Guidance Counselors and Career Advocates Network (GCNet), Regional Human Resource Network (HRNet) and the Public Employment Service Office Managers (PESOMAP) successfully conducted the 9th Regional Career Guidance Advocates and Human Resource Practitioners’ Summit at Iloilo City on Dec. 13-14 this year.

With 463 face to face and online attendees, the activity focused on the theme, “Strengthening Intermediaries’ Relevance in Shaping the Future of the Filipino Human Resource Amidst the Pandemic.”

Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriquez, Jr. acknowledged the role of the key stakeholders in career formation of the youth, ’We must be one with our goal to achieve a meaningful and productive career. We need you. You are our indispensable partners for change.”

He also rallied the stakeholders in reducing or eliminating job-skill mismatch which is one of the challenges in the labor market, “We are strengthening our partnership and regrouping our resources to battle the perennial problem of job-skill mismatch. You are the light in guiding the youth in the path of the career they chose, keep the spark burning until they see they rays of success.”

Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III sent a message of support and encouragement to the participants through Undersecretary Renato L. Ebarle. He considered the activity as a boost in the Department’s continuing effort to mainstream career advocacy which is needed as the country recovers in this pandemic.

Sec. Bello emphasized the need for a workforce resilient to possible disruption brought by the changes in the world of work and the promotion of lifelong learning to stay updated and relevant to improve the effectiveness of the workforce through the involvement of the different stakeholders.

“The improvement of the workforce requires your help as intermediaries in your respective schools, companies and localities,’ was the Secretary’s encouragement to the stakeholders to help the workforce survive the challenges of the pandemic, “take an active part and contribute to the discussions that will help our workforce rise above the challenges amidst this pandemic and the post pandemic situation.”

Assistant Secretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay also lauded the participants in their contributions to DOLEs programs and services. “Not even the pandemic could stop the dedication and passion of our allies in delivering the best services of our constituents. “

Also the concurrent Director of the Bureau of Local Employment, Asec. Tutay commended DOLE RO 6 as the only region in the country that conducted a career summit this year.  “You are tireless in serving more clients through different channels in conducting career guidance and employment coaching to the key stakeholders nationwide.”

“Let us continue to empower one another to face up the new barrier and hurdles presented to by the compounded global effect of the pandemic and the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolution,” ASec. Tutay said.

Department of Education Regional Director Ramir B. Uytico, CHED Regional Director Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal (represented by Dr. Jimmy G. Tolosa), TESDA Regional Director Jerry G. Tizon (represented by Aklan TESDA Head Dr. Esther B. Babalo), PRC Regional Director Romel B. Balisang and International Labor Organization Director Khalid Hassan delivered messages for their respective agencies as key stakeholders.

Competent speakers in the field of career guidance, employment coaching and human resource enhanced the stakeholders’ knowledge and skills on their areas of specialization and in coping with the varied shifts, patterns and challenges posted by the pandemic and the Industrial Revolution.

Among the invited speaker was Mr. Phu Huynn, an International Labor Organization specialist on employment expounded the impact and relevance of Labor Market Information in career guidance and employment coaching today.

Former Labor Attaché and former DOLE RO 6 Regional Director Ponciano Ligutom updated the participants on how to overcome career challenges in the local and international area.

The CHED updates and curriculum development and course offerings of schools was discussed by Dr.  Danebeth G. Narzoles, CHED Supervisor II. The gaps on career guidance and employment coaching from the employers and HR consultant’s perspective was delivered by Ms. Pamela Y. Daquita, employment and human resource consultant.

Considering the challenges of the participants in carrying their task amidst the pandemic, a talk on burn-out and depression was shared by Dr. Diosdado V. Amargo who is a psychiatrist.

Ms. Ma. Theresa Tunguia, newly-elected President of the National Federation of Career Guidance Advocates Association of the Philippines described the summit as a beauty amidst adversity.  Amidst the challenges of online learning, and the use of virtual platform, Ms. Tunguia believed that the summit would provide essential knowledge to the participants.” We will not only gain new insights but also be able to relate new found knowledge in our respective functions and advocates,” she also stressed that the activity should serve as a constant reminder that their contribution matters, “we are here because of our contributions to our institutions, and the agency we belong are crucial component of a successful society.”

As a renewed commitment, the key stakeholders signed the Memorandum of Understanding and forged their pledge of commitment to play their role in the attainment of an effective and efficient implementation of the career guidance program.