Zamboanga City (PIA) – The city recently advanced employment and economic opportunities by hosting the 24th National Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Congress.
Organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-9 in collaboration with the PESO Managers Association of the Philippines (PESOMAP), this annual event drew over 1,500 delegates from across the country, marking a significant occasion for the city’s labor market and local industries from October 16 to 18, 2024.
As DOLE-9 Regional Director Albert Gutib emphasized, “One focus is to update our PESO managers and job placement officers, including those of us in DOLE, on policies and laws that can improve employment nationwide.”
The event served as a platform for employment officers to discuss strategies and share best practices while bringing tangible benefits to Zamboanga City’s economy. The influx of visitors and delegates boosted local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which catered to the needs of attendees.
Hosting a major event like the PESO Congress led to a surge in economic activity. With over 1,500 delegates attending, local hotels, restaurants, and transport services benefited, creating a positive ripple effect on employment and income generation. Entrepreneurs in the city, especially those selling local produce and crafts, showcased their products to a national audience.
The impact will be seen in employment and the generation of income for entrepreneurs selling their produce to our guests,” Dir. Gutib emphasized. This injection of economic activity not only benefited businesses but also raised awareness of Zamboanga City’s potential as a hub for commerce and tourism.
The congress also increased awareness of the region’s PESO services, which provide crucial employment and livelihood assistance to job seekers. With the highest poverty incidence in the Mindanao region, the Zamboanga Peninsula stands to gain from enhanced access to employment opportunities, both locally and abroad.
Additionally, the event promoted the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan 2023-2028, DOLE’s 10-year roadmap to enhance employment services nationwide. PESOs play a key role in connecting job seekers with employers and offering career development support, making this congress an essential step in the city’s efforts to reduce unemployment and poverty. (JPA/MLE/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)
