Tacloban City – In a first-ever Municipal Career Advocacy Congress (MCAC) in Region 8 which took place at the Kangara Gymnasium, Carigara, Leyte on January 17, 2013, DOLE-RO8 OIC-Regional Director Exequiel R. Sarcauga addressed the lingering problem of job mismatch to some 1,500 high school and college students as well as their parents, teachers, and guidance counselors present in said activity.

“Regardless of who chooses what course to take in college, be it you or your parents, it has to be an informed decision. By this, it means choosing a course which would still be available 5 to 6 years after graduation... A course which responds to the ever-changing need of the industry... a course which would lead you to be globally competitive and eventually be employed,” says RD Sarcauga in his keynote speech.

The Congress was conducted during the LGU’s 442nd Founding Anniversary.

“Prior to the MCAC a job fair was likewise conducted. A total of 105 applicants registered. Twelve (12) were hired on the spot and a large number of them were considered for second and final interview,” Assistant Regional Director and Head of North Leyte Field Office Engr. Cyril L. Ticao explained.

Along with DOLE-RO8, the first-ever MCAC was attended by heads and representatives of different agencies like CHED, Dep-Ed, PRC, DOST, TESDA and Hon. Trinidad G. Apostol, Municipal Mayor of Carigara, Leyte.

Highlighting the event was the lecture-series on career in the industries and government interventions on career guidance which was discussed by said agencies who play distinct roles in the world of work.

With a theme, “Follow the guide.Tag a career. Like the Future,” the undertaking was the first LGU version of the recently concluded 1st Regional Career and Employment Advocacy Congress held on November 9, 2012 at Ritz Tower de Leyte, Tacloban City and the National Career Advocacy Congress on May 24-25, 2012 in Manila.