About PHP1.3 million under the holiday employment assistance program of the Ilocos Norte provincial government’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), was distributed to 113 beneficiaries on Friday.

During the salary distribution at the Provincial Capitol auditorium, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos thanked the beneficiaries – students, young jobseekers, and unemployed or underemployed adults – for their readiness to serve during the busy holiday season. Each beneficiary received PHP12,300 for 20 days of work.

For student-beneficiaries, 60 percent came from the provincial government and 40 percent from DOLE.

“Your services mean a lot to us at the provincial government through assisting our local government units, supporting our tourism activities and helping our communities,” Marcos said, as she urged the beneficiaries to continue being active in the provincial government’s programs and initiatives in the future.

She said the provincial government has new job openings that they may consider applying for permanent employment.

On Friday, Provincial PESO manager Anne Marie Lizette Bitancor-Atuan stated that the Holiday Employment Assistance Program is designed to offer short-term job opportunities for the youth during the holiday season.

At the same time, the program assists local governments and the Provincial Tourism Office in managing increased public activity by deploying trained staff for visitor reception, information, and event support, ensuring safe, organized, and welcoming environments across the province.

Target beneficiaries are from financially challenged families and may work up to 20 days in government offices or tourism facilities to gain experience, especially student beneficiaries. (PNA)