PASAY CITY, Philippines – President Benigno S. Aquino III yesterday signed into law the amended R.A. 8759, otherwise known as the PESO Act of 1999, paving the way for Filipino jobseekers, especially those in the rural areas, to find better employment in the country.
The signing took place during the 15th National PESO Congress being held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
The amended PESO Law defines the role of the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE), local government units (LGUs), and accredited non-government organizations (NGOs) in the establishment and operation of job placement offices all over the country.
The amended PESO Law further expands and strengthens the PESO, which serves as a venue for Filipino jobseekers to explore employment opportunities and other labor market information.
In 2010, when the Aquino administration assumed office there were only 1,756 established PESOs, 64 of them fully institutionalized.
At present, there are 1,925 PESOs nationwide, of these 390 were institutionalized between2010 to 2015.
PESO Act of 1999 mandated the establishment of PESOs in all capital towns of provinces, key cities, and other strategic areas, but because the original law lacked funding provisions, LGUs were not able to establish their respective PESOs.
The PESOs have served as venues for Filipinos to explore employment opportunities and other labor market information. To date, there are PESOs in 75 provinces, 142 cities and 1,374 municipalities in the country.
The PESO Act has also provided training activities, certification tests, career guidance, and job referral services.
PNoy signs into law amended PESO Act
