Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos stressed the significant role of job creation in her remarks made during the La Union Province’s 168th Foundation Anniversary celebration held on March 2, 2018.
Governor Marcos cited as an example the important role of job creation and investment in accelerating the growth of her home province of Ilocos Norte.
Years ago, she had identified the negative impact of migration: “Migrate tayo nang migrate sa ibang lugar kasi wala naman masyadong opportunities; wala naman gaanong trabaho rito.”
Hence, one of the main thrusts of her governorship had always been employment: “Kung sinabing trabaho, talagang napasok natin ang tourism, which is generating so many jobs, at ngayon mayroon ding call centers na lumalaki,, at libo-libo na ang na-employ sa Ilocos Norte.
“Nag-invest kami sa jobs, para manatili ang mga brightest at best na kabataan. We are investing in people – in capacity building, in skills training, and in bridging the gap between the business community as well as the universities.”
Governor Marcos stressed the problem of job-skills mismatch, saying, “We are trying to bridge that gap and make sure that everyone that goes to the effort and really studying should also get a job.”
Last year, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Ilocos Norte was awarded the Best Performing PESO in Region One, with latest records showing the province’s unemployment rate at 4.2%.
In addition to regular job fairs, mobile outreaches, mobile passporting programs, and other program directly geared towards rapid licensing and job creation, Governor Marcos has also spearheaded the involvement of youth in community development, particularly through the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office (INYDO), inculcating in them the importance of contributing to a better Ilocos Norte for their families and succeeding generations.
