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.
The OFW Family Circles of Tacurong City joined the OFW Province-Wide Family Day on November 15, 2025 held at the Socio-Cultural and Sports Complex Gymnasium of Sultan Kudarat, together with OFW organizations from all municipalities across the province. Representing the City of Goodwill were three active associations: the Lighthouse Seafarer’s Wives Association, the Global Brgy OFW Association, and the Barangay Buenaflor OFW and Family Association.
Tacurong showcased notable performances, with the Lighthouse Seafarers’ Wives winning 2nd Place in the Hataw Dance Contest, while Ms. Edna Zaide of the Global Brgy OFW Association earned 3rd Place in the Spoken Word Poetry category. Tacurong also made its mark in the OFWs Can Sing Competition, represented by Mr. Rulyn Distor of the Barangay Buenaflor OFW and Family Association, highlighting the artistic talents of the city’s OFW community.
A major highlight of the celebration was the Ceremonial Signing of the Convergence Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DMW XII, OWWA XII, DOLE XII, TESDA XII, and the LGUs of Sultan Kudarat, including Tacurong City. Mayor Lina O. Montilla, PhD, personally attended and participated in the signing, reinforcing the city’s commitment to protecting and supporting OFWs and their families. The agreement strengthens cooperation to expand information on legal overseas employment, intensify anti-illegal recruitment and anti-trafficking campaigns, establish and enhance OFW Help Desks, provide TESDA skills training and certification, and ensure full-cycle reintegration support including employment and livelihood assistance.
The City Government of Tacurong, under the leadership of Mayor Lina O. Montilla, PhD, remains steadfast in honoring the sacrifices of every OFW and ensuring that they and their families receive continuous support throughout their migration journey.
Another round of the Career Development Support Program (CDSP) session was conducted on November 14, 2025, at Rajah Muda National High School as part of their Career Guidance Day.
Through the efforts of Ms. Cindy A. Loyola, the Career Guidance Designate, the program started with a lively parade led by the RMNHS Drum Corps, with students dressed in their chosen future professional attire.
The CDSP session was successfully delivered during the Career Guidance Talk by Ms. Rhelyn May V. Obeja, CDSP Focal Person of PESO Tacurong. She emphasized the importance of making informed and effective career choices by introducing students to the world of work, including the current labor market situation at both the local and national levels.
Additionally, Mr. Ronald P. Dela Peña, PhD, School Head, encouraged students to value their education as a vital tool in achieving their career goals. He also reminded them to view challenges not as hindrances but as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
The activity became even more meaningful when Mr. Romel Madamesila, an RMNHS teacher, shared his inspiring success story. Once a dreamer who faced life’s challenges, he is now a teacher dedicated to motivating learners and instilling the value of education.
To make the event more engaging, a total of 172 students from Grades 7 to 12 showcased their desired future professional attire, fostering unity and helping them visualize their goals and aspirations.
Staying true to its mission, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) continues to extend its programs and services to its clients, especially students, as they will soon play a significant role in the growth and development of the labor market.
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) – Tacurong City successfully conducted its Career Development Support Program Activity at San Pablo National High School on November 6, 2025. The said activity was made possible through the efforts of Ms. Nesa Thea Muñoz, the school’s Career Guidance Designate.
A total of 120 students from Grades 10 and 12 participated in the session, which focused on labor market trends and introducing them to the world of work. The discussion also highlighted the various services offered for the students and job seekers.
Ms. Marie Joy Garcia, the school’s Academic Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the session in helping students make informed decisions about their future career paths.
Adhering to its purpose, the Public Employment Service Office- Tacurong is dedicated to providing programs and services that guide students and future professionals toward clarity and direction in achieving their career goals.
The Civil Service Commission Region XII recently held the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐆𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐢, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐄-𝐇𝐑𝐌, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 on September 16, 2025, recognizing outstanding individuals and institutions in government service.
Representing Tacurong City in this prestigious event were:
𝐌𝐫. 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐒. 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐨, PESO Manager, who, together with 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐎. 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚, 𝐏𝐡𝐃, City Mayor of Tacurong, and 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐄𝐥𝐬𝐚 𝐁. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨, 𝐌𝐏𝐀, City Human Resource Management Officer, received recognition for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐆𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, with Tacurong proudly standing as the only representative from Region XII to make it as a national semi-finalist under this category.
Also joining the delegation is 𝐌𝐚’𝐚𝐦 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐞 𝐃. 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚, Farm Superintendent II of the City Agricultural Services Office, City Government of Tacurong, who is also a recipient of the 𝐆𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 at the Regional Level. This recognition highlights the dedication, passion, and hard work of Tacurong’s leaders and public servants who continue to embody excellence in governance and service to the people.