𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

The future of work in Guimaras is bright.

The Provincial Government of Guimaras, through the Provincial Economic Development Office (PEDO) in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, successfully conducted the Employer’s Forum on December 17, 2025 at Olivia’s Kitchen, Jordan, Guimaras.

The forum gathered 55 employers from various establishments across the province to strengthen public–private partnerships, promote decent employment and skills development, and discuss available government programs and services supporting local employment. Central to the discussions was the importance of producing a quality, job-ready workforce aligned with the Kabataan FIRST agenda of the Nava Administration, which prioritizes youth employment, skills development, and inclusive economic growth in Guimaras.

Key presentations were delivered by PEDO Head Mr. Francisco Gentoral, who discussed the province’s employment programs and emphasized workforce development under the Kabataan FIRST agenda. A walkthrough of the provincial job portal was also conducted to guide employers on posting job vacancies and accessing applicant profiles.

Updates on vocational training and skills development were shared by TESDA Provincial Director Glenford Prospero, highlighting the Training to Trabaho program as a strategic partnership between TESDA and the Province of Guimaras to meet industry needs.

Meanwhile, representatives from DOLE Region VI, namely Ms. Armie Tamse and Ms. Glenn Mar Padios, discussed national employment programs such as JobStart, Labor Market Information, SPES, and the Government Internship Program, while Ms. DV Agreda oriented participants on the Career Development Service Program to help reduce job skills mismatch in the province.

An open dialogue among employers, moderated by Mr. Kennerth Jun Eusebio, provided a platform for participants to raise concerns and share recommendations on workforce availability, skills mismatch, and access to employment programs of national government agencies such as DOLE and TESDA, in partnership with the Province of Guimaras.

The activity also featured the induction of officers of the Guidance Counselors (GC) Net and Human Resource (HR) Net, led by Vice Governor Cecille C. Gumarin, who delivered an inspirational message emphasizing the value of public–private partnerships, the strong support of the 14th Sanggunian Panlalawigan in developing livelihood programs, and the importance of monitoring program outcomes to ensure lasting impact.

A huge thank you to all employers, speakers, and participants for making this activity a success!