The Davao City Public Employment Services Office (PESO) successfully facilitated the employment of 33,128 job seekers in 2024, according to its year-end report. Among these, 32,553 individuals found opportunities in private companies, while 575 secured employment overseas.
PESO Manager Lilibeth Pantinople, in an interview with Madayaw Davao on Tuesday, attributed the impressive placement numbers to various initiatives, including job fairs, the TUPAD program, and other PESO-led activities. Throughout the year, the office organized 42 job fairs, which significantly contributed to the high placement rate.
Recognition for Outstanding Performance
On November 21, 2024, the Department of Labor and Employment Region XI recognized PESO for its exceptional job fair initiatives, awarding the office for Outstanding Job Fair Implementation. PESO’s efforts resulted in the highest percentage of Hired-On-The-Spot placements among regional offices. Additionally, PESO received the Outstanding Placement and Achievement Award for maintaining a placement rate of 90% or higher from January to October 2024.
PESO’s success is also attributed to the effective use of the PESO Employment Information System (PEIS), a digital platform where staff encode job vacancies, and companies can access applicant details. This system has streamlined the hiring process and expanded opportunities for job seekers.
Support from Local Government and Communities
Pantinople emphasized the crucial role of local government units, councilors, and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in supporting PESO’s initiatives. Their sponsorship of job fairs in remote communities ensured that employment services reached areas far from the city center. She also called for greater collaboration with barangays to establish barangay employment services offices, which will further enhance job placement services at the grassroots level.
Upcoming Job Fairs in 2025
To kick off the new year, PESO has already scheduled job fairs in three locations: Crossing Bayabas, Toril, on January 31; Tugbok Gym on February 7; and Calinan Gym on February 14. These events aim to continue the momentum of job placements and provide more opportunities for Dabawenyos.
Pantinople encouraged residents to stay updated by regularly checking the Davao City PESO Facebook page, where job vacancies and announcements are posted. “Sa Davao City PESO didto ginapost ang job vacancies, ang job seekers pwede sila maka-register online naa’y chance nga matawag sa company partner (It is on the Davao City PESO page where the job vacancies are posted, the job seekers may also register through this page, and be given a chance to be notified by company partners),” she explained.
With strong community support and proactive programs, PESO aims to sustain its achievements and extend employment opportunities to even more Dabawenyos in 2025.