MANILA – In a significant move to enhance employment opportunities, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has joined forces with the University of the Philippines (UP) and the UP Alumni Association (UPAA) to establish a localized Public Employment Service Office (PESO) at UP Diliman in Quezon City.
The launch of the job placement office, situated at the ‘Ang Bahay ng Alumni,’ took place on a recent Friday, drawing attendance from key figures of both DOLE and UP. This new initiative aims to create a bridge between job opportunities and UP students, alumni, and the local community, reinforcing the university’s dedication to comprehensive education and career development.
Operating as a localized PESO, the UP Job Placement Office (UP-JPO) will offer a range of free employment services. These include job testing, referrals, placements, and career coaching, alongside organizing job fairs, livelihood events, and career orientation sessions, mirroring the activities typically conducted by local government PESOs.
The launch event was attended by notable personalities such as Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr., and various other DOLE officials. Representing UP were Ramon Santos, Jr., the UP-JPO Administrator, Robert Lester Aranton, the Alumni Regent and President of UPAA, and Dr. Leo Cubillan, UP’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, among others.
Prior to the launch, a tripartite agreement was signed on December 11, 2023, between UPAA, DOLE, and UP, marking the formal commencement of this partnership. Preparatory activities included consultations, training sessions for UP-JPO staff, and office renovations.
This pilot project between DOLE and UP Diliman is set to serve as a model, with plans to extend similar job placement offices to other UP campuses across the Philippines.