The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Tarlac has inaugurated its first satellite office at the Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Gymnasium in Poblacion Norte, Municipality of Paniqui.
The newly opened DOLE Tarlac District 1 Satellite Office aims to improve public service accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness, not only to Paniqui residents but also to people from neighboring towns.
DOLE Undersecretary Atty. Felipe N. Edgardo Jr. highlighted the importance of having a satellite office in the area, as it allows the agency to tailor services to meet the unique needs of the local community, ultimately improving program delivery.
“One of the reasons Paniqui was selected as a satellite office location is the commitment of both the agency and the local government to bring services closer to our clients. This is the first satellite office in Tarlac province, and we are planning to establish another in a different district,” Edgardo explained.
The services available at the satellite office include the facilitation of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), job fairs, public employment services, and labor market information.
The office also processes applications for occupational safety and health standards, Social Security System benefits, maternity and death benefits under the Social Amelioration Program, and the Government Internship Program, among others.
A second DOLE satellite office is planned to be established in Concepcion town to serve residents in Tarlac’s third district.
The ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony of the first district’s satellite office coincided with National Women’s Month celebrations.
As part of the event, DOLE awarded livelihood assistance to 13 graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. Additionally, the Paniqui local government unit received P1 million worth of livelihood starter kits for 33 residents planning to start businesses in rice retailing and frozen food products.
Key highlights of the Women’s Month celebration included “Health and Wellness for Juana,” “Serbisyo para kay Juana,” and a learning session attended by approximately 1,000 residents. (PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
