ILOCOS NORTE – The Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) of Ilocos Norte continues to report a 99 percent employment rate, distinguishing itself as a leading performer in Region 1 with its extensive range of employment programs.
According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke in a media interview on Wednesday, the province saw about 350,000 individuals gainfully employed in 2023.
The provincial government actively posts hundreds of job vacancies daily on its dedicated portal, https://www.workinilocosnorte.ph. Further, Ilocos Norte facilitates year-round job fairs and runs several initiatives such as the Special Program for the Employment of Students, the Jobstart program, and emergency employment and livelihood assistance programs aimed at marginalized groups, including out-of-school youth.
Since its inception in 2012, the Task Force Trabaho program, launched by the provincial government, has created approximately 50,000 jobs. Residents like Jordan Mistranza, a local call center agent, praise the ease of job hunting in the province thanks to the collaborative efforts of the provincial government, private companies, and other agencies. "I am thankful for the many job opportunities that came my way. I no longer have to travel far to get the job I want," he stated.
Kenneth Natividad, a former intern at the provincial government, now employed as a content writer in the Communications and Media Office, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the valuable training and growth opportunities offered by his employment with the provincial government.
Additionally, over PHP10 million was distributed on Tuesday to 1,616 marginalized workers hired under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating mga Displaced/Disadvantaged (TUPAD) program. Atuan noted that this disbursement marks the first batch of the year's emergency employment initiative, with over a thousand more job vacancies expected to be available in May, coinciding with the Labor Day celebrations.