Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) participated in the Basic Employment Service Training (BEST) for Job Placement Officers (JPOs) held last November 14, 2025, at the DavNor TechVoc Center, Capitol Compound, Mankilam, Tagum City. Mr. Leopoldo D. Aquino Jr., Director of the Office for Corporate Partnerships (OCP), represented Mapúa MCM in the training, which gathered JPOs from partner institutions to strengthen competencies in delivering effective employment facilitation services. 

Organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Regional Office XI, in partnership with the Province of Davao del Norte, the training aimed to reinforce the implementation of DOLE’s Employment Promotion and Facilitation Program. Providing participants with a deeper understanding of the core responsibilities of JPOs and enhancing their ability to support students and jobseekers in accessing employment pathways. 

The program began with opening remarks from Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy, Regional Director of DOLE XI, who emphasized the importance of strengthening employment services at the institutional level. This was followed by a series of focused discussions, starting with Ms. Cleya Mae Bautista, Regional Employment Alternate Focal of DOLE XI, who provided an overview of DOLE Employment Promotion and Facilitation Services and the national framework for employability initiatives. Mr. Niel Jan Genovia, Regional GIP Focal, discussed DOLE Youth Employability Programs, highlighting opportunities that help students and jobseekers transition into meaningful work. 

Furthermore, Ms. Elvi Cathe Lzil O. Moliva, Regional Employment Focal Person, presented the BEST Criteria for JPOs, outlining the standards, competencies, and expectations essential for delivering effective employment services. The final session was led by Ms. Sirikit Enoroba, Regional DILEEP Focal of DOLE XI, who discussed the DILP and TUPAD programs and emphasized their role in supporting marginalized workers and strengthening community-based employment initiatives. 

This training helped equip the delegates with competencies essential for strengthening their institution’s employment facilitation programs, highlighting the importance of JPOs in promoting decent and productive work. Through updated tools, best practices, and policies, the initiative empowers JPOs at the grassroots level and reinforces the link between educational institutions and the workforce sector. 

This initiative directly contributes to key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 4 – Quality Education by strengthening Mapúa MCM’s capacity to guide learners toward meaningful career pathways. It advances SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth by improving systems that promote productive and inclusive employment. It also aligns with SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by fostering accountable and efficient public service practices, reflecting the Mapúa MCM’s commitment to community-oriented development.