TACLOBAN CITY — Out-of-school youth and other vulnerable groups in Northern Samar received more than just a paycheck from a recent short-term employment program—they gained hands-on experience, new skills, and renewed confidence.
The 10-day initiative, organized by the Northern Samar Public Employment Service Office (NSPESO) in partnership with DOLE–Northern Samar and spearheaded by former governor and now Congressman Edwin Marino Ongchuan, formally concluded on January 14.
A total of 268 beneficiaries participated, including 23 persons with disabilities and 27 solo parents or financially challenged individuals, each receiving P5,000 upon completion.
Participants were deployed across various offices at the provincial capitol, assisting with clerical tasks, documentation, and administrative duties. Education graduates conducted reading and numeracy sessions in public schools, while accounting and bookkeeping graduates helped local cooperatives manage finances.
Agriculture graduates lent support to municipal agriculture offices, and persons with disabilities, solo parents, and economically abused women contributed to clerical and child-care services in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
In his message, Rep. Ongchuan encouraged participants to view the program as a stepping stone for personal growth and future careers, while Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan reminded them to stay focused and responsible.
NSPESO said the program not only provided temporary employment but also fostered confidence, productivity, and a spirit of community service. It supports the office’s ongoing advocacy, “Your Link to Work,” which aims to give every Nortehanon a fair chance at building a better future.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
