The Bureau of Local Employment joined the Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) in its webinar titled “Employment Summit for People with Visual Impairment” on 6 May 2022. The Bureau was invited to discuss DOLE’s employment opportunities and programs for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The seminar was launched with the support of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) and the Nippon Foundation, and was attended by various PWD organizations.

Ms. Stephanie Jaurigue, focal person for PWD concerns of the BLE, presented relevant laws concerning PWD employment and the various programs of the Department that may be availed by PWDs, including the JobStart Philippines, Government Internship Program (GIP), and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). Attendees were also enjoined to sign up at PhilJobNet.gov.ph, the Philippine government’s official jobs portal maintained by the Bureau, and join the nationwide job fairs conducted by the DOLE Regional Offices and Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) to aid them in their search for employment.

An open forum was conducted after the presentation with concerns and clarification on program details addressed by Ms. Jaurigue. Participants expressed strong interest in the programs presented and were very enthusiastic to make use of the Bureau’s job search platforms for employment. Before the program ended, Ms. Jaurigue reiterated the commitment of the Department to assist PWDs in their search for gainful employment and livelihood.

END/9 May 2022