Workforce Development is a key component of a competitive LGU. It is in this context that DILG initiated the project TraBAJO. The activity which aimed to enhance the capacities of target LGUs to develop and manage sound and responsive Workforce Development Program was able to address current and future skills development needs in the priority economic sector on tourism, agri-business and information technology- business processing outsourcing (IT-BPO).
With the integration of ASEAN Members countries starting 2015, a highly competitive single market and production is expected. For the Philippines, there is a need to improve LGUs ability to compete and answer to the demands of the future, starting with its human resources development and capacity building. With AEC, there will be free flow of workforce coming in, as such there is a high risk that local workforce may become unemployed if investors cannot find their skilled human resources requirement or may establish their investment in other areas.
The TraBAJO Project of the Department, intended in strengthening the capacity of selected LGUs through their Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Workforce Development Program for the LGU to address unemployment through skills trainings demanded by the priority sector and offer timely, accurate information on job vacancies along with assistance in the job search as well as creation of livelihood entrepreneurship and be counted and participated in local economic development.
The activity was conducted last February 3-4, 2016 at Ninong’s Hotel, Legazpi City, with a total of fifty-five (56) participants composed of: Local Chief Executives or City/Municipal Administrator/representative (3), Public Employment Service officer (PESO) (4), Planning and Development Officer, LEIPOs/BPLOs (6), Private Sector (2), Tourism Officer/Staff (5), Municipal Accountant (2), City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officer of the Guicadale-DonPi Tourism Circuit Site, (11) Representative of NGAs such as: (DOT, DOLE,TESDA, DEPED-OSY, Bicol University, Private Sector/CCI and the DILG Provincial LED Focal Focal Person of the Province of Albay and Sorsogon.
Generally, during the activity, the participants were oriented on how to implement the TraBAJO Project by giving the Overview, Objectives and Strategies on the preparation of Workforce Development Plan. Resource Person from the Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD) and the DILG Regional Office has delineated the roles of LGU, partner agencies and the private sector in the industry forum and other activities to be conducted in relation to the project.
The Department of Labor and Employment representative also presented the Employment Trends in the Bicol Region. Other partner-agencies such as the DepEd, DSWD, DA, TESDA, Private Sector, representative from the Bicol University (SUC) gave their insights on how they can assist in the successful implementation of the project in selected LGUs.- (LGOO V May Isabel R. Rosal)