Caraga’s career dev’t forum calls sectors to intensify skills trainings for students
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) -- Various stakeholders expressed their commitment to support the programs on appropriate skills training for the youth, during the 1st Regional Career Development Support Forum and Exposition on September 11, conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga.
The gathering supported the strategies outlined in the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan (PLEP) 2023-2028, which aims to enhance employment facilitation services and foster collaboration among government agencies and social partners.
Some 300 individuals coming from the local government units, basic and higher educational institutions, national government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders actively took part in the said event.
Anita Turla, career guidance-designate of Butuan City School of Arts and Trade (BCSAT) Taguibo-Annex, Butuan City, shared that their school implements technical-vocational programs which include skills training that are regularly provided to the students. “Our teachers are well-trained for the different skills that they also impart to their students,” she said.
She also called on parents of the students to support whatever field of interest that their kids want to engage with. “Your children will surely excel once you show them your full support,” she added.
Arriane Arrah Sialana, guidance-designate/career advocate of Jagupit National High School in Santiago District, Agusan del Norte, encouraged the Grade 10 students to do well in their chosen strand and strive hard to fulfill their dream job or career path.
“Difficulties may come your way and overcoming them will lead you to success. That’s why never give up on your dreams. Your teachers are here to support you,” she said.
Atty. Joffrey Suyao, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga, emphasized the necessity to implement the needed career opportunities and direction for the youth [Gen Z) to get their dream jobs after having completed their education.
"We are gathered today not only to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences, but also to take meaningful steps toward ensuring career development opportunities in the region. This is why the focus of today's discussion is very vital as we prepare for Gen Z's success, resilience, and adaptability," he said.
Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to the group of people who were born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s, who are regarded as being very familiar with the internet.
"We have to continue to empower our youth especially the Grade 10 and college students and provide them with the right tools for the career that they will choose for their life. We will also delve into the labor market information/forecast in the region to assess possible career opportunities that will be in demand in the coming years," added Dir. Suyao.
Suyao also revealed that DOLE offers an advantageous tool for navigating the job market through the labor market information.
"This provides a comprehensive overview of various occupations and l sectors that are expected to grow, thereby serving as a significant instrument for making well-informed career and educational choices," he explained.
Christian Phillip Lozano, regional focal person for the Career Development Support Program (CDSP) of DOLE Caraga, presented the Department Order No. 245, series of 2024: Implementing Guidelines of the Career Development Support Program.
He said the CDSP aims to help people advance their chosen career paths through employment counseling, find the right jobs through career counseling and identify relevant upskilling or re-skilling initiatives through vocational counseling.
"The CDSP components refers to the services focused on conducting financial and business counseling and career guidance to assist program beneficiaries develop their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills and increase their knowledge on setting up businesses, developing organizations, availing of opportunities for productivity, or other organizational interventions," he added.
Technical Services Support Division Chief Annie Tangpos, also of DOLE Caraga, discussed the Jobs and Labor Market Forecast 2025-2026. She also explained the gaps and challenges on economic imbalance risks.
"The data suggesting that in 2023, services contribute 55.6 percent; industry 33.4 percent; and agriculture, forestry, and fishing 11 percent to Caraga region, while there may be growth opportunities in expanding service-related businesses, improving service quality, and investing in sectors like tourism or technology services," she said.
"The services sector, especially those related to consumer spending (like retail and hospitality) can be highly sensitive to economic downturns. If there's a recession or economic slowdown, spending on services can drop significantly," added Tangpos. (JPG, PIA-Caraga)
