VSU seals partnership with DOLE for stronger career services

Visayas State University has formally institutionalized its Job Placement Office (JPO) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Labor and Employment Region VIII, establishing a dedicated hub for free and accessible employment services for students, graduates, and alumni.

The ceremonial signing took place on September 11, 2025, alongside the Regional Awards for the Search for Best Public Employment Service Office (PESO) 2024 in Pawing, Palo, Leyte.

DOLE was represented by Regional Director Atty. Dax B. Villaruel, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Joan N. Noya-Nidua, and Senior Labor and Employment Officer Rosilito T. Ygaña. 

Meanwhile, VSU was represented by Ms. Rhodora Abalajen-Bande, Job Placement Officer and Career Placement Services Coordinator, and Dr. Christina A. Gabrillo, Director for Student Affairs and Services.

A milestone for VSU Career Services

The creation of the VSU Job Placement Office (VSU-JPO) marks a major step for the university’s Career and Placement Services (CPS) Unit under the Office of the Director for Student Affairs and Services (ODSAS). 

With this move, VSU becomes part of the National Employment Facilitation Service Network (NESFN), a nationwide system of Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) and Job Placement Offices established under the PESO Act or Republic Act (RA) 8579, as amended by RA 10691.

As part of the MOU, DOLE will provide policy direction, training, labor market information, and capacity-building support for VSU’s JPO. 

Meanwhile, VSU, through its CPS, will set up facilities, maintain a labor market database, design career development forms and services, and help disseminate DOLE’s employment programs. 

Both parties will also establish a Joint Implementing Committee to oversee the MOU’s effective execution.

The MOU with DOLE directly supports President Prose Ivy G. Yepes’ vision articulated in her State of the University Address last month, where she emphasized that VSU’s mission goes beyond simply conferring degrees. She also stressed the importance of tracking the career trajectories of graduates to ensure that their education leads to meaningful employment aligned with their disciplines.

Through the VSU-JPO, the university will deliver structured career guidance, pre-employment coaching, and stronger connections to industry partners, positioning the office as a direct link between the academe and the labor market. It will also serve as a feedback mechanism on emerging industry skill requirements, helping shape curriculum updates and program revisions. 

In this way, VSU graduates will leave the university with qualifications that match workforce demands and make them competitive in a rapidly changing job market.

With the Job Placement Office now in place, VSU extends its role beyond the classroom and connects academic preparation with meaningful career opportunities after graduation.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

• Next