DOLE conducts ocular visit; Identifies UMak as potential Job Placement Office
Officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) conducted an ocular visit to UMak’s Office of the University Secretary (OUSec) and Center for Linkages and Placement (CLP) on August 7 as one of the requirements for UMak’s accreditation as a Job Placement Office (JPO).
In an exciting development for job seekers, DOLE has identified UMak as a potential hub for job placement services. This recognition highlights the University’s stronger commitment to bridging the gap between education and employment, providing students with invaluable resources and support as they launch their careers, and opening doors to more diverse opportunities for graduates.
Look here to see UMak’s Active Partners: www.umak.edu.ph/clp/industry-partners
The visit, led by DOLE-National Capital Region Senior Labor and Employment Officer Genevieve De Castro and Labor and Employment Officer III Leila Legato, along with DOLE-Makati/Pasay Field Office OIC Director Gerard Peter Mariano and PESO-Makati Head Josephine Camata-Copada aimed to formally evaluate UMak’s readiness and capability to serve as one of the key JPOs. This role includes assisting the City Government of Makati, the DOLE, and the PESO in providing various employment facilitation services to UMak students and graduates.
The delegation took the opportunity pay a courtesy call and congratulate Elyxzur Ramos, PhD, CESE, the newly installed 10th President of UMak, who expressed his enthusiasm for the four-way partnership. On behalf of the University, President Ramos committed to supporting the employment facilitation activities. He noted that most of the programs have been in place for several years, carried out by the CLP and its predecessor offices—the Center for Linkages, Career Development and Placement and the On-the-Job Training and Placement Services Center. These initiatives are integral to UMak’s mission of developing resilient, innovative, socially-responsible and excellent industry-ready practitioners and leaders, thereby helping ensure 100% employability of its graduates.
On its part, DOLE-NCR, through the Makati/Pasay Field Office, will provide technical assistance in the implementation of the programs and services, which include the Labor Education for Graduating Students, Makati Internship Program, Career Guidance and Employment Coaching, Life Skills Training, among others. Likewise, PESO-Makati will provide technical and administrative assistance in the conduct of Job Fairs and other referral and placement initiatives.
The OUSec-CLP team was on hand for the visit headed by USec Juvy Hermosura and CLP Director Cynthia Jose, together with Placement Coordinator Ronald De Leon, and Placement and Linkages Coordinators Erikka Vargas and Mary Love Operio. Also present from the DOLE-Makati/Pasay Field Office was their Special Program for the Employment of Students Coordinator Trisha Mae Campanil, and from the PESO-Makati Employment Information and Placement Division was Ryan Caasi.
CLP was earlier identified by the DOLE-Makati/Pasay Field Office as a potential JPO and was invited to an exploratory meeting at their office in March, along with other potential Makati/Pasay-based educational and training institutions. UMak was the first institution to respond positively to the invitation for accreditation as JPO. The Memorandum of Agreement on the JPO partnership is being finalized and is scheduled for signing in September. This partnership reflects UMAK’s commitment to supporting its students and alumni in their career development and enhancing their prospects in the job market.
Written by: Shanichelle Manzano
