DOLE-1, career development partners push stronger employment support in Ilocos Region
The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 1 (DOLE-1) has strengthened its partnerships with educational institutions and other stakeholders to improve career guidance and employment services across the Ilocos Region.
The initiative was discussed during the 2026 Regional Career Development Support (RCDS) Forum held on 13 November in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, where government agencies, schools, and industry partners gathered to coordinate efforts in preparing students and jobseekers for employment.
In a message delivered by DOLE-1 Regional Director Honorina Dian-Baga, Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano stressed the need to translate the Career Development Support Program's (CDSP) Five-Point Agenda into concrete programs and measurable results.
He said the government aims to ensure that Filipinos have access to the information, skills, opportunities, and support necessary to make informed career decisions and participate in the labor market.
Serrano also called for closer coordination among educational institutions, training providers, and industries to ensure that career development services respond to actual labor market requirements.
One of the forum's major activities was the signing of memoranda of agreement with Colegio de La Union Inc., STI College Laoag, and Lyceum-Northwestern University for the establishment of Job Placement Offices in their respective institutions.
The partnership seeks to provide students with easier access to labor market information, career guidance, and employment facilitation services as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Participants also discussed the implementation of the CDSP Five-Point Agenda, the Department of Education's regional initiatives for career development, and the Commission on Higher Education's Student Financial Assistance Program.
Other presentations covered Mariano Marcos State University's career guidance initiatives for tertiary students, the Professional Regulation Commission's workforce development programs, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority's vocational and career guidance services for public and private technical-vocational institutions.
An open forum allowed participating agencies and institutions to exchange views and identify ways to improve the delivery of career development services.
The gathering concluded with the signing of a Declaration of Partnership and Commitment among stakeholders, reaffirming their support for accessible, inclusive, and responsive career development services throughout Region 1.