Iloilo city: The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in Iloilo City is optimistic about the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) passing an ordinance this year to institutionalize Barangay Employment Service Offices (BESO). This initiative aims to streamline employment facilitation at the barangay level.

According to Philippines News Agency, PESO manager Gabriel Felix Umadhay explained that the BESO initiative would enhance the efficiency of service referrals across all barangays. By establishing a BESO, job seekers can report their employment preferences directly to their local BESO, eliminating the need to visit recruitment centers. The initiative covers both long-term and short-term employment opportunities, including local and overseas jobs, business processing outsourcing, and emergency employment programs from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The establishment of BESO will also provide a more direct channel for assisting distressed overseas Filipino workers, allowing their families to report concerns directly to the local service office. Currently, the ordinance for BESO institutionalization is under deliberation by the city council. The proposed ordinance allows barangays to appoint a BESO in charge, allocate additional honorarium for secretaries or treasurers if budget permits, or designate a barangay kagawad (councilor).

Councilor Jose Maria Dela Llana, chair of the committee on social services, emphasized that while PESO offers technical assistance, BESO is designed to empower employment services at the barangay level. The BESO's role includes facilitating coordination with PESO, aiding in data gathering, and submitting necessary information to the Department of Labor and Employment. Dela Llana noted that every barangay, regardless of its size or demographics, would benefit from having a dedicated BESO.