CEBU CITY, CEBU – The Cebu Provincial Government is stepping up efforts to expand employment opportunities for Cebuanos through a strengthened partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 7.
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, DOLE 7 Director Atty. Roy Bunafe met with Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro at the Cebu Provincial Capitol to discuss strategies for enhancing the province’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) network. The meeting emphasized the importance of connecting local jobseekers with meaningful work opportunities and ensuring wider access to labor and livelihood programs across Cebu.
Enhancing PESO’s Role in Cebu
During the meeting, Director Bunafe highlighted the pivotal role of PESO in addressing employment challenges in the province. “PESO is more than a job-matching service,” he said. “It is a lifeline for workers seeking decent opportunities and for communities in need of livelihood programs.”
The discussion focused on strengthening PESO’s operational capacity, improving service delivery, and expanding outreach to both urban and rural areas. With a more robust PESO, Cebuanos can access job postings, career guidance, skills training, and labor market information more efficiently.
Governor Baricuatro expressed her support for DOLE’s initiatives. “Our partnership with DOLE ensures that every Cebuano has access to employment opportunities and livelihood programs,” she said. “We are committed to working closely with the labor department to enhance PESO services, especially in our rural communities where access to jobs can be limited.”
Flagship Programs to Boost Livelihoods
The meeting also covered several of DOLE’s flagship programs designed to uplift workers and small-scale entrepreneurs:
- TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) – Provides emergency employment for individuals affected by economic disruptions or natural disasters.
- ITAK (Integrated Training for Agrikultura at Kabuhayan) – Focuses on equipping participants with technical and agricultural skills for sustainable livelihoods.
- LAMBAT (Livelihood Assistance for Marginalized Barangay Associations and Traders) – Supports community-based enterprises, especially among vulnerable sectors and small-scale traders.
Bunafe emphasized that these programs are crucial in addressing unemployment, promoting self-reliance, and providing immediate relief to disadvantaged workers. “By leveraging DOLE’s programs, PESO can deliver more inclusive employment services to the people of Cebu,” he said.
Expanding Opportunities in Rural Communities
Governor Baricuatro highlighted that the partnership between PESO and DOLE is particularly vital for rural communities, where economic opportunities are often limited. “We aim to bring jobs and livelihood programs closer to barangays outside the urban centers,” she said. “This ensures that no Cebuano is left behind in our economic growth and development initiatives.”
The governor also underscored the need for a responsive and proactive PESO system, one that can anticipate local labor needs, provide relevant training, and assist residents in finding gainful employment.
