ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- A Memorandum of Agreement was recently signed between the Iloilo provincial government, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 6 and partner employers to formalize the partnership for the implementation of the JobStart Philippines Program.

Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. and DOLE 6 regional director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez, Jr. led the MOA signing which was also joined by the representatives of the nine partner employers namely- Angelina Bakeshop, Bearland Paradise Resort, Elliecakelove Bakery Supplies Trading, Endielina’s Inland Resort Corporation, Iloilo Yoo Kwang, INA Agrifarm, Jollibee branches, Theo’s Restaurant and To Kay Ann Restaurant.

Under Republic Act 10869, JobStart Philippines Program is a program of DOLE in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Canada to enhance youth employability.

employment assessment, 10-day life skills training program, career coaching, technical training and company internships.

For this year, the province will fund the localized full-cycle implementation of the program for 20 beneficiaries while the DOLE will fund for 80 beneficiaries.

The program beneficiaries will undergo employment assessment, 10-day life skills training program, career coaching, technical training and company internships.

To note, the program has a two-track pathway- those who are ready for the job are referred to employers, while the rest go through further career guidance, technical training, and internships with employers.

Gov. Defensor thanked DOLE for the continued partnership which paved the way for employment opportunities among the youngsters.

“This is good because this intervention is what we need right now to address job mismatch and employment needs in the province,” Defensor said.

Qualified to apply for the program are those 18-24 years old, at least high school graduate, with less than one year work experience and residents of Iloilo Province.

Interested applicants may register online through the PESO Province of Iloilo Facebook Page. (AAL/LMLE/PIA Iloilo/Capitol PR)