Nearly all participants in the latest batch of JobStart Philippines trainees in Iloilo City have successfully transitioned into the workforce, with 43 out of 50 young Filipinos now employed after completing the program.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) confirmed that the graduates, formerly part of the not in education, employment or training (NEET) group, were hired by partner companies following their internship and skills training.
JobStart Philippines is a government-led employment facilitation initiative designed to prepare Filipino youth for the labor market through life skills coaching, career planning, technical training, and internships.
“The strong partnership of the stakeholders and the jobs provided by our partners are meaningful manifestations of our commitment to support the youth, develop their talents and skills, guide them in their outlook towards work and assist them to a bright future,” said DOLE Regional Director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez Jr.
Nineteen of the 43 newly hired trainees completed the full-cycle track and were recognized during a graduation ceremony held March 6 at Robinsons Mall, Iloilo City.
The full-cycle program offered a comprehensive pathway from life and technical skills development to hands-on work experience, which enabled trainees to demonstrate professionalism and strong work ethics during their internships.
These traits reportedly earned the trust of partner employers, including Accentline, Inc., Waffle Time, and CK Trumart, who provided the trainees with meaningful job placements.
Atty. Rodriguez expressed gratitude to the companies for offering decent and stable employment to the graduates and reaffirmed DOLE’s commitment to youth employment initiatives.
The success of the program in Iloilo was made possible through the collaborative efforts of DOLE, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Iloilo City, and local business partners.
JobStart Philippines is supported by Republic Act No. 10869 and initially piloted through a partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Canada.
The program targets youth aged 18 to 24 who are out of school and unemployed, aiming to reduce the country’s youth unemployment rate by providing early access to productive work.
With an increasing number of graduates moving directly into full-time roles, the program continues to gain momentum across various regions of the Philippines.
DOLE regional offices have been tasked with scaling up implementation in coordination with local government units and employers.
