Make it real — JobStart Philippines has always tried to put this statement in the minds of the youth since the program started. It is a platform where the youth can realize their potential, and become productive members of society and a beacon of hope for their family. Jenny Alviola, a 20-year-old JobStarter from Dumaguete, is one of the many beneficiaries of the program who strives to make her dream a reality.
Commitment to the continuous provision of quality public service requires equivalent dedication to the pursuit of learning and improvement – this idea has been constantly upheld by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Offices (ROs) alongside the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), through Capacity Development trainings and Year-end Performance Assessments (YEPAs).
On 15 May 2013, Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, otherwise known as the K to 12 Law, was enacted to enhance the Philippine Basic Education System by strengthening its curriculum and increasing the number of years of basic education. In anticipation of the new education system's impact on labor, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) came up with the K to 12 DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (AMP).
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), has augmented its program coverage to include more Higher Education Institution (HEI) workers and professionals affected by the implementation of K to 12, and increased the financial assistance offered by the K to 12 DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (AMP). Effective since 16 October 2017, DOLE Department Order (DO) 177-17 supersedes DO 152-16 or the Guidelines of the K to 12 DOLE AMP Implementation issued on 10 March 2016.
Labor market trends, both local and global, have been constantly changing and reshaping employment policies and opportunities for the workforce. With the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a digital revolution characterized by the use of technologies for communication and economic purposes, jobs are beginning to transform, and new job categories are starting to emerge, posing the risk of job displacement and mismatch.
Over the years, the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) has been implementing and creating new strategies as regards career guidance and employment coaching to prepare the youth before they enter the world of work.
“ILO is confident that the Philippines will deliver,” proclaimed National Project and Programme Coordinator for SafeYouth@ Work Project in the Philippines Katherine B. Brimon, during her Closing Remarks at the Communications Planning Workshop last 28 February–2 March 2017 at Pontefino Hotels, Batangas City.
