CAMIGUIN (PIA) — Lowering financial barriers for job seekers to obtain necessary documentation and enabling more individuals to enter the workforce, the Provincial Government of Camiguin issued Provincial Ordinance No. 2024–16, or the first-time job seekers residents assistance ordinance.
Shella G. Babanto, provincial board member and chair of the Committee on Labor and Employment, emphasized that the ordinance supports first-time job seekers, fulfilling the mandate of National Law RA 11261, or the act waiving government fees and charges in the issuance of documents required in the application for employment of first-time job seekers.
The law waives all government fees for clearances and permits, such as those issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police, barangay clearance, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if married), medical certificate (except for laboratory tests), and other government documentary requirements that employers may require from job applicants.
“Based on the ordinance, ang scope ani is tanan nga mga residents dinhi sa atoa sa probinsiya nga mga first-time job seekers, and those who are qualified under implementing rules and regulations sa atoang RA 11261. Katong mga graduates, non-graduates, senior high school graduates, high school graduates, basta kay gusto na ka mutrabaho and it’s your first time,” Babanto said.
(According to the ordinance, this applies to all residents of our province (Camiguin) who are first-time job seekers and those who qualify under the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11261. This includes graduates, non-graduates, senior high school graduates, and high school graduates, as long as it is their first time seeking employment.)
Individuals who have not yet obtained employment, such as carpenters, construction workers, and housekeepers, are considered to be seeking a job for the first time, apart from students. They can also apply for certification if they have not obtained it yet.
She further clarifies that the charges for certificates and permits covered by this ordinance extend its support beyond residents seeking local employment, encompassing those pursuing opportunities abroad.
To obtain the certification, applicants must visit the barangay hall and seek assistance from the chairman or designated staff. Before receiving the certificate, they must sign an Oath of Undertaking.
“Kato na certification, mao na to iyang dala-dalaon every time magkuha siya sa mga requirements and clearances,” she added.
(After receiving the certificate, the applicant must present it when securing clearances and permits.)
Job seekers are encouraged to visit their respective barangays after securing employment to give updates to the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and barangays for efficient monitoring as well as maintaining accurate data for evaluation and reporting. This collaboration between barangays and the PESO office ultimately strengthens the effectiveness of job placement services for all residents. (ADJ/PIA-10/Camiguin)
