First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act Helps 200K Filipinos Secure Employment Documents

DOLE's

Around 200,000 first-time job hunters have benefited from the Philippine government's program offering free pre-employment documentary requirements, according to Patrick Patriwirawan Jr., the Bureau of Local Employment Director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

In an interview with The Mangahas Interviews, Patriwirawan said the government is implementing the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, which was enacted in 2018, to waive fees and charges for firsttime job seekers who need licenses, proofs of identification, clearances, and other employment documents.

Under the program, preemployment requirements such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance and other similar documents are free. As per the DOLE official, the program has already provided assistance to around 200,000 first-time job seekers, and the government is monitoring its progress.

To avail of the free assistance, a first-time job seeker must secure a certificate from their barangay stating that they are a first-time job seeker. This applies to senior

Photo source: Inquirer.net high school graduates and college graduates alike. The program is aimed at supporting the unemployed and encouraging them to enter the workforce by removing financial barriers that may hinder their employment opportunities.

WANTED: FILIPINO COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE GROUPS TO ENTERTAIN @ FILIPINO Day – June 22, 3pm-11pm

Be a part of the show:

We welcome your group to come and showcase your talent or activity to our guests during our 1-day event at The Red River Ex. There are many time options available depending on your groups’ interest and availability. This opportunity is available to groups FREE of charge and we will provide gate admission passes and parking for participants and coaches. We’d love to have you be a part of our show!

Location:

Red Barn Stage on the East Side of the Park, the stage area is located under a canopy. The surrounding area will have picnic tables for those who wish to catch a show while eating and relaxing. There will be a sound system available.

Programming and Vision: We’re looking for Filipino community groups etc. that can provide entertaining performances throughout the evening.

Availability for performance spots are on a first come, first served basis. Dancing, bands etc. etc. are all-welcome!

For more information on please contact Holly at 204-888-6990 ext 3, or holly@redriverex.com

Arecent survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) in the Philippines found that a majority of Filipinos who had registered their SIM cards found the process easy. The survey was conducted from March 26 to 29, 2023, and released on Wednesday, May 4, 2023. Of the adult SIM card owners surveyed, 56% had registered their SIM cards, while 44% had yet to do so. The survey was conducted one month before the initial deadline to comply with the SIM Registration Act, signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in October 2022.

Of those who had registered their SIM cards, 72% considered the process easy. Specifically, 44% of respondents found it “very easy,” while 28% said it was “somewhat easy.” The remaining 28% considered the process to be hard.

According to Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, around 82 million SIM cards had been registered, with Globe subscribers accounting for over 37 million, Smart subscribers for over 39 million, and DITO subscribers for over 5 million. The law requiring Filipinos to register their SIM cards was implemented to curb scams and other crimes, but critics are concerned about data breaches and privacy violations. In response, President Marcos Jr. approved a 90-day extension of the registration deadline.