Labor education grooms graduating students for labor market

With its mandate to provide labor education, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office-6 provides services to graduating students of baccalaureate and vocational courses in different universities and colleges around the region.

The Regional Office responded to the request of Iloilo Science and Technology University President Dr. Raul F. Muyong for resource persons to orient the graduating students, alumni and faculty on things they need to know in order that they land to their desired jobs. The university holds a Career Education Series in its week-long 7th University ‘s Charter Anniversary.

Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. delegated Senior Labor and Employment Officers Atty. Niezel Anen T. Sabrido and Ms. Clarisse V. Emilia to discuss on the Worker’s Basic Rights and General Labor Standards, respectively, and Regional Career Guidance and Employment Focal Ma. Lucy U. Muralla on career perspectives in the new normal.

RD Rodriguez acknowledged the efforts of the academic communities in providing labor education in their campuses. “We are glad to note that higher educational institutions integrate labor education in their activities. Our partnership with the academe produces a robust, productive and well-informed labor force.”

Earlier this month, Ms. Muralla engaged in a productive online pre-employment orientation with the students from the West Visayas State University, University of San Agustin and Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus in Iloilo City and Garcia College of Technology in Kalibo, Aklan. She also talked in the forum on career guidance and employment coaching during the Annual Career Guidance Convocational attended by students and guidance counselors from the Iloilo Doctors College.

In Antique, 4,707 graduating students from the University of Antique, Saint Anthony’s College, and Advance Central College participated in the pre-employment requirements and the labor market information (LMI) initiated by the DOLE RO No.6 through its Antique Field Office. Through online platform, Ms. Donnabelle V. Baldonado of Antique Field Office presented an informative insight on other career options and labor standards.

The Regional Office likewise recognizes the role of the guidance counselors and career advocates in assisting the students in their career preferences.

“The guidance counselors and career advocates are our partners in setting the minds of the students in the right perspective on their career choice, “ said RD Rodriguez in his appreciation to the network of guidance counselors, “their expertise builds the foundation of a strong and productive labor force.”

DOLE RO No. 6 through its Capiz Field Office strongly supported the Capiz Guidance Counselors Network (CGNet) General Assembly held in Roxas City which was attended by 213 guidance counselors, career advocates from both public and private institutions and, officials and principals from the Department of Education.

An orientation on promoting mental health in schools through crisis intervention as a response to depression and suicidal cases was one of the activity’s highlight to equip the attendees with the necessary knowledge helpful to identify and handle mental health related issues and concerns.

Capiz Field Office CGNet Focal Jahara Suzanne Baron acknowledged the efforts of the association and stressed that as DOLE’s partner in connecting the jobseekers with the skills needed by the employers, the council must also initiate activities to help battle the long-existing problem of job and skills mismatch.