𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐄𝐒𝐎 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

With the city’s sustained commitment to enhance workforce accessibility and community-centered employment programs, Barangay PESO Coordinators and Chairpersons from all twenty barangays gathered once again as Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Tacurong convened its Second Barangay PESO Congress on November 19, 2025, at Molave Events Place, Barangay Kalandagan, Tacurong City. The event served as a continuing platform for strengthening coordination, enhancing grassroots employment services, and reinforcing the city’s focus on community-driven workforce development.

The event began with a warm welcome from Mr. Allan S. Freno, PESO Manager, who outlined the purpose of the activity and expressed appreciation for the barangay coordinators’ dedication. He emphasized the vital role of Barangay PESO in delivering employment assistance directly to households and ensuring that programs reach those who need them most.

Following the welcome, Engr. Louie M. Esparagoza, Chief Labor and Employment Officer of DOLE-SKFO, delivered an inspirational message, reaffirming DOLE’s support for local workforce programs and encouraging coordinators to actively implement employment initiatives in their communities. Joining him at the event was Ms. Vanessa Ramo, Provincial Employment Focal Person of DOLE-SKFO, further strengthening DOLE’s presence and commitment. Engr. Esparagoza also facilitated an open forum, allowing barangay representatives the chance to raise questions and provide feedback to improve employment programs.

Representing Tacurong City Mayor Hon. Lina O. Montilla PhD, Hon. Lalaine Montilla, Sangguniang Panlungsod Member, delivered the mayor’s message of support. She recognized the coordinators’ essential contributions in uplifting families through employment and livelihood initiatives and praised the strong partnership between the city and DOLE. Highlighting the significance of their work, she shared the mayor’s message:

“𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀.” This underscored how even the daily, behind-the-scenes efforts of Barangay PESO Coordinators and Chairpersons play a vital role in creating meaningful change in their communities. A brief learning session was also conducted by Mr. Christopher Gamboa, Senior Labor and Employment Officer of DOLE-SKFO, who provided participants with updates on the Kasambahay Law and the First-Time Jobseekers (FTJS) Assistance Act. Attendees received practical guidance on applying these policies in their barangays and engaged in interactive discussions to better implement employment programs and support residents.

The 2nd Barangay PESO Congress reaffirmed the importance of continuous learning and collaboration among coordinators. Looking ahead, PESO Tacurong aims to strengthen this platform each year, ensuring barangay leaders stay updated on programs and initiatives while working together to broaden employment and livelihood opportunities for residents across the city.