DOLE, PESO delegates gather for the 2023 National Search for Best PESO

Public Employment Service Office Managers Association (PESOMAP) officers pose for a photo opportunity with Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma (front, 5th from left) and Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres (front, leftmost), and Rizal 4th District Representative Juan Fidel Felipe F. Nograles (front, rightmost), and local chief executives including Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” L. Petilla (front, 6th from left) and Palo, Leyte Mayor Remedios “Matin” L. Petilla (front, 3rd from left).

The grandeur of national achievements and unwavering dedication to public service took center stage at the resumption of the National Search for Best PESO during the 23rd National PESO Congress. Dignitaries, officials, and esteemed guests gathered at the Leyte Academic Center in Palo, Leyte on 25 October 2023 to applaud and honor the Public Employment Service Offices for their exemplary contributions to society.

The ceremony, a highlight on the DOLE calendar, was a testament to the PESO’s commitment to recognizing excellence in various sectors. The program was opened by a hopeful message from Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, who congratulated the PESOs for their efforts in bridging the gap between job seekers and employers, facilitating a more efficient and equitable labor market by providing vital resources, guidance, and opportunities for all stakeholders. Afterwards, the awarding proper began with the provincial categories, the highly urbanized city category, the component and independent component city category, the municipal categories, and the job placement office category. The respective winners are as follows:

In addition to these, a new Job Placement Office was also added to the Secretary’s Hall of Fame. The University of Batangas, having won the SBP for years 2018 and 2019, was included in the roster after receiving an equivalency of one more SBP award for their Bayanihan Service Awards wins in 2020 and 2021.

To cap off the awarding ceremony, special awards were given to the DOLE Regional Offices (RO) with the most successful SBP entries (DOLE RO1 with one award, DOLE RO6 with one award, DOLE RO10 with two awards, DOLE RO3 with three awards, and DOLE CALABARZON with three awards) and the most number of PES National Certificate IV holders (DOLE RO8 with 75 holders, DOLE RO10 with 20 holders, DOLE RO11 with 24 holders).

In the wake of this remarkable event, the legacy of the Public Employment Service Offices will continue to inspire the pillars of the labor world, leaving an indelible mark on the national landscape. Their contributions, both acknowledged and unsung, are woven into the fabric of the nation’s economic progress, and their impact will resonate far beyond the walls of the ceremony venue.

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