TACLOBAN CITY – In an effort to provide employment assistance to marginalized youths in Tacloban, the city government through Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez on Wednesday, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Labor and Employment VIII for the implementation of the JobStart Program.
The MOA signing held at the CMO Boardroom was headed by Mayor Romualdez, DOLE VIII Regional Director Cyril Ticao, Leyte Employment Office Chief Bernardita Navarra and Tacloban PESO manager Emilia Cruz.
According to Director Ticao, the program aims to offer training and internship programs for youth-at-risk in Tacloban.
“Those who will be selected will undergo ten days of life skills training, up to three months of technical training and another three months of work experience with a “matched” employer/establishment,” said the DOLE regional director.
Mayor Romualdez welcomed the development and said that the program will be a big help to marginalized youths in Tacloban, especially those living in relocation sites.
Meanwhile, PESO Manager Cruz disclosed that 100 slots are available for Tacloban City.
“We will start accepting applicants this June as we still have ongoing talks with partner companies, said the PESO manager.
Recipients of the program are youths aged 18 to 24; at least a high-school graduate; not employed, studying, or undergoing training at the time of registration; and with less than one year, or no work, experience. A stipend of 200 pesos will be given those who will qualify throughout the duration of the training.
The program is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Canada.
(HENRY JAMES G. ROCA/CIO)
