ILOILO – Tigbauan town emerged as the province’s top-performing Public Employment Service Office (PESO), besting 15 other participating local government units in the 2025 Governor’s Award: Provincial Search for Best PESO, which recognizes excellence in expanding employment opportunities and delivering job placement services to Ilonggos.
Tigbauan received a plaque of recognition and a P30,000 cash prize during the awarding ceremony on November 4, underscoring its achievements in strengthening local employment services.
The municipality prevailed over contenders from Estancia, Guimbal, Janiuay, Alimodian, Badiangan, Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Calinog, Lemery, Leon, Oton, Passi City, Sara and Tubungan.
Balasan secured first runner-up honors with a P25,000 cash prize, followed by Estancia in second place with P22,000, Oton in third with P20,000, and Passi City in fourth with P15,000. All received plaques of recognition.
The annual competition recognizes local government units, partner agencies and barangay PESO presidents for their contributions to improving employment facilitation, strengthening institutional partnerships and widening access to livelihood and job opportunities across Iloilo.
The Office of the Provincial Public Employment Service Manager (OPPESM), headed by Cynthia P. Dario, said the awards reflect the commitment of local employment offices and their partners to providing responsive services and helping more Ilonggos secure employment.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, who led the awarding ceremony, emphasized that the provincial government considers PESOs vital instruments of economic development rather than mere job placement offices.
Under Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s Social Justice Agenda and MoRProGRes development vision, Banias said the province is strengthening institutional support and allocating more resources to employment facilitation, career guidance and workforce development.
He stressed that preparing Ilonggo workers for changing labor market demands requires coordinated efforts among government agencies, local governments and employment stakeholders.
“In a rapidly changing global economy, a whole-of-province and whole-of-nation approach to employment is not just an option; it is a strategic necessity. Total human capital development is one of our Governor’s highest priorities,” Banias said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of PESO managers, coordinators and partner institutions in connecting jobseekers with employment opportunities and improving the delivery of employment services in their respective communities.
“The work you do transforms lives. You match the aspirations of our people with the opportunities of the future. Congratulations to all the awardees today. Let us continue to build a well-nourished, well-educated, and productively employed Iloilo,” Banias added./PN
