Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the College’s Job Placement Office (JPO) on November 12, 2026, at the NBSC Boardroom in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Facilitated by the Student Affairs, Services, and Development Division (SASDD), the partnership aims to improve access to career guidance and employment opportunities for students and graduates.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Jovelyn G. Delosa, Ph.D., welcomed Charlton James R. Busa, OIC-Provincial Head of the DOLE Bukidnon Field Office, along with Senior Labor and Employment Officer Jessamie A. Jorquia, PESO Representative Joanne B. Abella, and DOLE Bukidnon staff Hannah Klaire P. Dehay and Sidney Verano. Also present was Lorraine Requiron of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich. Dr. Delosa thanked them for their support of NBSC’s employment initiatives.
College President Christie Jean Villanueva-Ganiera, Ed.D., CESE, spoke about NBSC’s responsibility to prepare students not only for academic success but also for life after graduation. She noted that providing quality education and developing locally and globally competitive graduates must go hand in hand with helping them secure employment. She assured DOLE that NBSC would fulfill its obligations under the agreement.
SASDD Director Rowena E. Bagongon, MA, explained the partnership’s main objectives. These include providing the JPO with technical guidance and monitoring from DOLE, improving access to labor market information and employment programs, and strengthening coordination among NBSC, DOLE, local PESOs, and prospective employers.
Under the agreement, the JPO is expected to offer free career coaching, job referrals, and placement services. Students and graduates will also gain access to resources such as PhilJobNet, job fairs, and national employment and livelihood programs. These services may likewise benefit those seeking to explore career options before completing their degrees.
Following the presentation, Dr. Ganiera and Mr. Busa signed the MOA, affirming their commitment to work together in improving the College’s employment services and connecting graduates with potential employers.
Mr. Busa then expressed DOLE’s willingness to work closely with NBSC and affirmed the Bukidnon Field Office’s full support for the JPO’s future activities.
In his closing remarks, Vice President for Administration and Finance John Kevin A. Artuz, JD, MS, said NBSC remains committed to producing graduates who are qualified and ready for employment. He also pointed out that the partnership should benefit the people of Manolo Fortich, extending the College’s employment initiatives beyond its own student population.
The agreement strengthens the link between academic preparation and employment, giving NBSC students and graduates access to guidance as they enter the workforce. It also opens avenues for the College to extend its services outside its campus, allowing more members of the Manolo Fortich community to benefit from employment-related initiatives.
Written by: Alliana Isa E. Vivares
Photos by: Alliana Isa E. Vivares
