ILOILO — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 and several national government agencies have launched a region-wide career development initiative aimed at addressing the persistent job-skills mismatch in Western Visayas amid rapidly changing industry demands and digital transformation.
The Career Development Support Program (CDSP), formally launched through the signing of a memorandum of agreement on May 1, 2026, seeks to strengthen coordination among education, training, and employment sectors to better prepare workers for available jobs and emerging industries across the region.
Leading the initiative, Labor and Employment regional director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. stressed that the program goes beyond simple job placement and aims to build long-term economic opportunities for workers.
“Our goal is not only to provide jobs but to open doors toward sustainable livelihoods and long-term growth,” Rodriguez said.
He underscored the urgent need to align workforce competencies with evolving labor market demands driven by technological advancement and industry shifts.
“Every Filipino has a place in our economy, and every aspiration deserves a chance to be realized,” he added.
The CDSP will implement the CARE framework — Career guidance and assessment, Access to training or job matching, Referral for employment or livelihood, and Employment — designed to create a seamless pathway from education and training to actual employment.
The program will cover Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo province, and Iloilo City.
Under the framework, individuals will undergo career assessment and guidance to help identify their strengths, interests, and suitable career paths.
Participants will also gain access to training opportunities and job matching services to ensure they acquire qualifications aligned with labor market needs.
The initiative also seeks to connect job-ready individuals with employers and livelihood opportunities while promoting continuous workforce development and skills upgrading to maintain competitiveness in the labor market.
Among the agencies partnering with DOLE-6 are the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
The Federation of Public Employment Service Managers of the Philippines-Western Visayas, guidance counselors, and human resource professionals also joined the collaborative effort.
The signing ceremony was attended by Higher Education regional director Raul Muyong, Science and Technology regional director Rowen Gelonga, and representatives from various educational and regulatory institutions.
Officials said the multi-agency initiative is expected to help bridge the longstanding disconnect between education, training, and actual industry requirements while improving employment opportunities in the region.
As Western Visayas continues adapting to global economic and technological changes, authorities said the CDSP is expected to play a crucial role in developing a more competitive, inclusive, and future-ready workforce./PN
