VSU earns DOLE Academic Workforce Integration Award for strengthening career pathways

The Visayas State University (VSU) affirms its commitment to student success beyond graduation as it received the “Academic Workforce Integration Award” from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region VIII.

The recognition was conferred on March 5, 2026 in a ceremony held at Fans Hotel in Palo, Leyte, where DOLE Regional Director, Atty. Dax B. Villaruel, handed the certificate to the university. 

The award honors VSU’s sustained efforts in bridging education and employment through the establishment and operationalization of its Job Placement Office (JPO).

A recognition of VSU’s commitment to employability

Operating under the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (VPSAS), through the Director for Student Affairs and Services (DSAS), the VSU-JPO serves as a central hub for career development initiatives, employment facilitation, and industry linkage.

For Assoc. Prof. Rhodora Abalajen-Bande, VSU Job Placement Officer and Coordinator of the Career and Placement Services, the recognition reflects the university’s proactive stance in enhancing student support systems.

“This award says a lot about VSU’s proactive stance in strengthening student affairs and services, particularly in providing prospective employment opportunities for our fresh graduates,” she disclosed. 

“There are already established programs like job fairs, but we know there is more that we can do by maximizing our partnership with DOLE,” she added.

From partnership to impact

The award marks a significant milestone following VSU’s formal institutionalization of its Job Placement Office through a Memorandum of Understanding with DOLE Region VIII in September 2025.

This partnership established a dedicated platform for free and accessible employment services for students, graduates, and alumni—aligning the university with the National Employment Facilitation Service Network under Republic Act No. 10691, which mandates the creation of Job Placement Offices in educational institutions.

Expanding opportunities for students

Building on this foundation, the VSU-JPO is now rolling out more targeted initiatives aimed at improving student employability and access to work opportunities.

Among these is the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), a joint initiative that allows students and out-of-school youth to engage in short-term employment for 20 days.

“We are starting with SPES this year,” Assoc. Prof. Abalajen-Bande explained. “Sixty percent of the wage is shouldered by VSU, while forty percent is covered by DOLE. We are grateful that four VSU offices have already expressed their willingness to participate, with strong support from DSAS Director Dr. Christina A. Gabrillo and VPSAS Dr. Aleli A. Villocino. These are baby steps, but we are getting there.”

Beyond financial support, the program also creates opportunities for students to gain practical experience while contributing to university operations.

“The good thing about this is the potential of having additional human resources for VSU at a subsidized amount, while at the same time giving more opportunities to our students—especially those who have the necessary skills and deserve financial intervention,” she added. “We are hoping to expand this in the coming years.”

Strengthening livelihood and community engagement

In addition to employment programs, the JPO is also exploring livelihood initiatives in collaboration with DOLE and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) network in Western Leyte.

Assoc. Prof. Abalajen-Bande acknowledged the strong support from the DOLE Ormoc Field Office and the PESO Managers Association of Western Leyte (PESOMAWEL), which encouraged VSU to participate in livelihood development programs.

“We are immensely grateful to our partners who encouraged us to take part in these initiatives,” she said. “It is not easy to commit to programs that require close monitoring, especially livelihood projects. But with their support, we are currently working on this and ensuring that participants are well-prepared.”

The university is currently planning to implement around ten individual livelihood projects, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and participant readiness.

A continuing journey toward workforce readiness

The “Academic Workforce Integration Award” not only recognizes VSU’s current achievements but also highlights its evolving role in shaping career-ready graduates.

As the university strengthens its Job Placement Office and expands its programs, it reinforces its mission of connecting academic preparation with real-world opportunities—ensuring that every Viscan is equipped not only with a degree, but with a pathway to meaningful employment.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 

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