CATBALOGAN CITY (October 23, 2025) — The City Public Employment Service Office (CPESO) of Catbalogan City has earned a Plaque of Recognition as a finalist in the 2024 National Search for Best PESO Award (Independent Component and Component City Category) during the recent 25th National PESO Congress.
“Being recognized as a finalist and winner of the Regional Award is both an honor and a source of immense pride for us,” shared Maila C. De Guia, Catbalogan City PESO Manager. “Bringing this award home to the City of Catbalogan is a milestone that reflects our team’s dedication and hard work.”
Unlike many contenders, Catbalogan’s CPESO entered the national search without prior experience in the rigorous process. However, their strong documentation, measurable outcomes, and the city’s commitment to employment helped them advance, De Guia said.
She added that their application, endorsed by DOLE-Samar and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office VIII, demonstrated results-based governance emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability. De Guia credited their success to the team’s discipline, data-driven approach, and external guidance.
“Our participation was made possible through the unwavering support and guidance of the DOLE-Samar Field Office and DOLE Regional Office VIII. Despite the tough competition, we simply gave it our best shot—and we are proud of how far we’ve come,” the CPESO manager underscored.
De Guia shared that at the core of CPESO’s success is its dedication to continuous improvement. The office, she pointed out, incorporates the ISO-based Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle into its operations—an uncommon yet strategic choice for local government offices involved in employment facilitation.
This organized approach guarantees that all programs—ranging from job placement to livelihood support—are carried out, evaluated, and improved systematically. “We believe that when our services are responsive, accessible, inclusive, and coordinated, real and lasting impacts can be made,” said De Guia.
By aligning with national PESO performance indicators, the PESO in Catbalogan has consistently increased its employment placement rate, strengthened industry partnerships, and developed a service model focused on empowering people rather than bureaucracy, she added.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the City Government of Catbalogan under the leadership of Mayor Dexter M. Uy, whose unwavering support, leadership, and commitment have made our participation possible,” she said.
Her gratitude extended to the DOLE-Samar Field Office and the DOLE Regional Office VIII for their mentorship and support. “This recognition is a shared achievement—one that belongs not just to our team, but to every citizen of Catbalogan who has inspired us to continually aim for sustainable, responsive, and inclusive service,” De Guia said. (By Aaron A. Cotejar, PIA Samar)
