The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) and the Department of Labor and Employment (Department of Labor and Employment) – Masbate formalized a landmark partnership through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the institution’s Job Placement Office (JPO).
The initiative is the first of its kind among higher education institutions in the entire Province of Masbate, positioning DEBESMSCAT as a pioneer in strengthening campus-based employment facilitation and advancing student and graduate employability services.
The ceremonial signing was led by SUC President III Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, together with Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Erwin H. Malto and Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Dean Ms. Grace B. Abella, representing the college.
Also designated during the activity was Mr. Joper C. Escalante as Head of the DEBESMSCAT Career and Job Placement Unit, who will serve as the official Job Placement Officer responsible for overseeing employment facilitation programs and services within the institution.
Representing DOLE Masbate were Provincial Head Lynette H. Dela Fuente, Labor and Employment Officer III Marjorie A. Dejumo, and Program Coordinator Melissa D. Cantre, underscoring the agency’s continued support in expanding employment opportunities for the academic community.
Under the agreement, the Job Placement Office will operate as a non-fee charging facility that will assist students, graduates, and alumni through job referrals, career coaching, labor market information dissemination, and employment facilitation services. It also aims to strengthen industry-academe linkages and align graduate competencies with evolving labor market demands.
Beyond the signing ceremony, both institutions engaged in a dialogue exploring wider collaboration opportunities, including the implementation of DOLE programs such as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Government Internship Program (GIP), Kasanayan Program, and other employment and livelihood interventions that may be extended to the DEBESMSCAT community.
The partnership underscores DEBESMSCAT’s continuing efforts to expand opportunities for its stakeholders while strengthening collaboration with government agencies in support of employment generation, skills development, and community empowerment.
Ladies and gentlemen,
