A total of 322 youth from Panabo City, Tagum City, and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) have successfully completed the Soft/Core Skills Training (SCST) under the JobStart Philippines program, a youth employment initiative of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
DOLE and its partner Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) reaffirmed their commitment—under the continuing support of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.,—to equip more young Filipinos with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed in the workplace and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive Bagong Pilipinas.
The ten-day training, conducted through DOLE’s Davao del Norte Field Office in partnership with local PESOs, focused on developing essential workplace competencies such as professionalism, communication, and decision-making—skills critical to thriving in today’s labor market.
Each graduate received ₱4,000 as part of their allowance. In addition, new employer partners signed Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) during the event, expanding placement opportunities for JobStart trainees across the province.
Those who have not yet secured employment will proceed to the next phase of the program, which includes technical training and internships designed to match participants with suitable career paths.
In a recorded message, Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr., urged the youth to embrace their role in shaping the nation’s future.
“Remember, this is just the beginning of your JobStart journey. Use your talents not only to build a better future for yourselves but also to make meaningful contributions to our communities and to nation-building para sa mas matatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” Patriwirawan said.
The graduation ceremony was led by DOLE Regional Office XI Assistant Regional Director Atty. Kim S. Lagcao, who encouraged the graduates to carry their momentum into the next phase of the program.
“As you move forward to your technical training and internships, and for some, directly into employment, we encourage you to keep learning, keep striving, and keep showing up with the same determination that brought you here today,” Lagcao said.
