DOLE-Rizal Provincial Office (DOLE-RPO) gives work opportunity to one of its office-based interns, last 01 December 2022.

Jomari O. Comota is a 24-year-old Government Intern residing in Floodway, Cainta, Rizal. Since he is from a big family, Comota admitted that his family experienced many difficulties in life. His mother works as a night watcher in their barangay while his father is a street sweeper in their municipality. Their combined income is only sufficient to sustain their family’s needs.

After he graduated in high school, their struggles in life led him to look for a work that is suitable for him so that he could help his parents in providing their daily needs.

In fact, when he was 18 years old, Jomari worked as a seasonal employee in a renowned cake company. Unfortunately, his contract was not renewed. While looking for another job, he helped his parents in their small barbecue business.

In 2019, Jomari was able to avail of the Special Program for
Employment of Students (SPES) assigned at the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cainta. SPES is DOLE’s youth employment-bridging program which aims to provide temporary employment to poor but deserving students to augment the family’s income. During his time as a SPES beneficiary, he became familiar with different clerical-related works.

In the same year, he was also offered to study in all-expenses paid diploma course in One Cainta College. He did not think twice and accepted the opportunity. Through hardwork and perseverance, Jomari graduated in One Cainta College with a Diploma in Office Management.

Jomari believed that after he got his Diploma, he acquired the necessary knowledge and skills that will land him a better job. He tried to apply as a call center agent but apparently, Jomari did not make the final cut.

Undaunted by the rejection, he continued with his search for a job until he came across a job posting at the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Cainta needing Government Interns under the DOLE Government Internship Program (GIP). The GIP aims to provide opportunities to individuals with ages 18-30 to gain work experience by serving the government offices. Each GIP beneficiary is entitled to receive a daily stipend of Php435.00 based on the highest prevailing minimum wage in Region IV-A. The job opening prioritized the hiring of beneficiaries who are dependents of minimum wage earners to help augment the income of their families to mitigate the impact of price increase of basic commodities due to oil and Covid19 crises.

Joamari, whose parents are earning minimum wage, was immediately hired by the Department last 08 September 2022. He was assigned to assist in the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program in Rizal. Since his diploma course is aligned with clerical work, he easily adjusted to the work environment.

In an interview, Jomari recalled his memorable experience during his stay as a Government Intern. “Noong nagfifield (work) po kami, nakakatulong po kami sa mga beneficiaries na naapektuhan din po ng pandemic,” he said. Finally, his peers and superiors recognized his dedication and passion for work and the Office decided to promote him as one of its Technical Clerk on 01 December 2022.

Jomari extends his gratitude to DOLE-RPO for giving him a new work opportunity. “Maraming-maraming salamat po dahil sa ibinigay niyong opportunity sa akin. Mas lalong pagbubutihin ko po ang pagtatrabaho dito sa DOLE-Rizal.”

by:


FLINT OSRIC T. GOROSPE
Community Facilitator


CHARMAINE D. BAISA
LEO III