South Cotabato, Philippines — As graduation season begins, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato is strengthening efforts to provide employment opportunities for fresh graduates.
Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. announced that they are seeking investors to enhance current employment programs, with a focus on expanding job placements for new graduates.
“For two consecutive years, nakakuha kita sang 20,000 new jobs for fresh graduates, and we’re still working na tani ma-maintain kag madugangan pa gid ang amo na nga numero,” Governor Tamayo said.
He emphasized that the provincial government is actively seeking investors, particularly for the proposed IT Park, which is expected to raise local employment.
The development is currently in the planning and feasibility stage, but Governor Tamayo assured the potential is high.
“May mga investors subong nga ginalantaw ko basin maka-generate approximately 5,000-7,000 per investor,” he said.
Governor Tamayo also emphasized the importance of opening opportunities for the youth, particularly those who have just finished their education.
“Gapaninguha kita nga makahatag gid kita sang employment sa mga gin paskwela naton sa college,” he said.
He added the importance of balanced governance in implementing such programs, saying, “Kapag hindi abi mabalanse sang gobernador ang management at governance na meron siya—ito yung pinakamalaking problema na haharapin ng ating probinsya.”
Recalling his first term in office, Governor Tamayo shared that the municipality of Lake Sebu once had high unemployment rates among professionals, but local interventions have helped reverse the circumstance as they were able to employ more than 200 people.
“Tinatawag nila ito noon na Association of Unemployed Professionals,” he shared. “Ngayon, ito na ay naging Association of Young Professionals, dahil karamihan sa kanila ay employed na.”
To further support job seekers, the provincial government is also looking at two strategies: direct employment or support for small business startups.
As South Cotabato continues to pursue development projects and private partnerships, Governor Tamayo aims that fresh graduates this year will find more than just a diploma, but also doors of opportunities toward stable employment.
