Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 1 has recognized the provincial government of Ilocos Norte-Public Employment Service Office (PGIN-PESO) as the 2025 Best Performing PESO in the Ilocos Region under the provincial category, highlighting the province's effective employment programs and outstanding public service delivery. Among provinces, Ilocos Norte posted the highest employment rate of 99.2 percent based on the latest Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

According to Philippines News Agency, the recognition was based on several performance indicators such as the number of job seekers successfully placed in employment through PESO services, conduct of job fairs and employment facilitation activities, and the implementation of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), including career guidance and job-matching services for residents.

'This recognition is a shared success, and we are honored to celebrate it with all of you,' said Provincial PESO Manager Anne Marie Lizzette Atuan in a statement on Wednesday as she attributed the achievement to the support of the provincial government, strong collaboration with public and private employers, and continuous efforts to make employment opportunities more accessible for Ilocanos. For four consecutive years now, the PGIN-PESO sustained this recognition for achieving a nearly 100 percent employment rate.

Atuan said the office has also strengthened its services through career orientation programs, JobStart, emergency employment and livelihood initiatives, and an online jobs portal that connects job seekers with employers more efficiently.

For her part, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos lauded the leadership of Atuan along with other partner agencies, employers, and other stakeholders in support of employment generation and workforce development, recognizing the province as the leading PESO performer in Region 1 for its innovative, accessible, and results-driven employment services.