JobStart boosts youth hiring in San Carlos City

A stronger and more collaborative approach to youth employment development in the Negros Island Region took center stage as the Department of Labor and Employment officially kicked off the JobStart Philippines Program in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

The kickoff was held through an Employers’ Forum on May 6, 2026, at Park Marina’s Liga Conference Room in San Carlos City.

The activity gathered employers, local government representatives, partner institutions, and JobStart implementers in a unified effort to open more opportunities for young job seekers and help them become more competitive in the labor market.

The forum also underscored the importance of strong partnerships among stakeholders in ensuring the success of youth employment facilitation programs.

Designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, the JobStart Philippines Program provides beneficiaries with life skills training, technical training, and internship opportunities that prepare them for actual workplace environments.

DOLE’s JobStart guidelines include registration, assessment, life skills training, technical training, and internship as key components of the program. (Department of Labor and Employment)

Through the active participation of employers and local government units, the program continues to serve as a platform for helping first-time job seekers transition into productive employment.

One highlight of the activity was the sharing of best practices by a representative from Bais City, Negros Oriental, one of the local government implementers of the JobStart Philippines Program.

The representative shared experiences and practical strategies in sustaining employer engagement, monitoring beneficiaries, and strengthening coordination among partners to ensure successful program implementation.

The exchange provided inspiration and practical insights to participating stakeholders, particularly on how collaboration and proactive partnership-building can lead to stronger program results and better employment outcomes for beneficiaries.

Beyond the presentations and discussions, the Employers’ Forum highlighted the growing solidarity and cooperation among JobStart implementers across the provinces of the Negros Island Region.

Participants recognized that the program’s success depends on continuous communication, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support among local government units, employers, and DOLE offices.

This spirit of regional collaboration has enabled implementers to learn from one another’s experiences, replicate effective strategies, and collectively address challenges in program implementation.

By working together, implementers across Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental continue to build a more responsive and inclusive employment support system for young people.

Employers who attended the forum also expressed their commitment to support the initiative by partnering with DOLE and local government units in providing internship opportunities and workplace exposure for JobStart beneficiaries.

Their participation reflects the private sector’s vital role in helping young Filipinos gain practical experience, develop confidence, and improve their employability.

The successful conduct of the forum showed how collaboration among government agencies, local government units, employers, and community partners can create meaningful opportunities for aspiring workers.

More importantly, it reinforced the shared commitment of stakeholders to empowering the youth and promoting decent and productive employment throughout the region.

Through initiatives such as the JobStart Philippines Program, DOLE continues to strengthen its efforts to prepare young Filipinos for the demands of the modern workplace while fostering stronger regional cooperation and inclusive economic participation across the Negros Island Region.