ILOILO – The first-ever Provincial Barangay Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Coordinators Summit, organized by the Iloilo provincial government through its PESO, drew over 1,600 participants from barangays across the province.
Held on November 28 at the Passi City Arena, the summit aimed to enhance the capabilities of barangay PESO coordinators in addressing local employment concerns. Acting PESO-Iloilo Head Cynthia Dario stressed the event’s goals of strengthening employment facilitation at the barangay level, establishing community-based support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and addressing employment-related challenges through dialogue and training.
The one-day summit featured discussions on the coordinators’ roles, employment facilitation strategies, labor statistics, and current labor trends.
According to Dario, nearly all barangays in the province have designated PESO coordinators who will undergo further training to ensure they are well-equipped for their responsibilities.
Barangay PESO coordinators’ key responsibilities include:
* maintaining a registry of skilled workers and labor force in their barangays
* assisting municipal PESOs in disseminating job opportunities during fairs or special recruitment activities
* supporting the implementation and monitoring of programs from Provincial PESO, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. emphasized the important role of barangay PESO coordinators in gathering data on OFWs, particularly those affected by conflicts in Israel and Lebanon.
These efforts are part of the provincial government’s “Oplan Bulig Ilonggo” program, which connects OFWs with their families and provides support during crises.
“The data you collect are vital. They enable us to effectively match job opportunities with the workforce in our communities,” Defensor said.
The summit also included community activities such as a group dance, a question-and-answer session, and raffle draws. Afternoon discussions featured prominent speakers, including:
* former Provincial PESO Head Francisco T. Heler Jr., who discussed the transformative impact of localized employment services
* Dr. Arlyn E. Siaotong, Iloilo Field Office IMSD Chief, who tackled current labor and employment issues
* acting Provincial PESO Head Cynthia P. Dario, who outlined the roles and responsibilities of Barangay PESO Coordinators
Key officials in attendance included 4th District Provincial Board member Rolando Distura, Sara’s Mayor Jon Aying, DOLE Region 6 assistant director Melisa Navarra, Department of Migrant Workers Region 6 head Rhea Glynda Calantas, OWWA Region 6 officer-in-charge Director James Mendiola, and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias.
Passi City’s Vice Mayor Elyzer Chavez welcomed participants on behalf of Mayor Stephen Palmares./PN
