By Anecita O. Unson, Senior CDS for CRITS

On March 19, 2024, the Cooperative Development Authority Caraga Region represented by Regional Director Monatao Honeya R. Alawi took a significant stride toward fostering collaboration and synergy in labor-related initiatives by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Government Internship Program (GIP) This momentous event marked a pivotal milestone in our commitment to promoting youth employment opportunities, ensuring worker’s welfare and advancing labor standards across Caraga Region.

The MOA signing ceremony at Almont Hotel brought together key stakeholders from both parties, including representatives from our agency and high-ranking officials from DOLE, LGUs, NGAs, and other stakeholders. The atmosphere was imbued with a sense of purpose and shared dedication to foster wider linkages, expand area implementation, and enhance the labor landscape for the benefit of all stakeholders as DOLE will deploy five young workers as interns to CDA.

The agreement outlines a framework for cooperation and collaboration between the Cooperative Development Authority Caraga Region and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under a component of KABATAAN 2000 of EO. No. 139, series of 1993, and DOLE Administrative Order No. 260-15 which aims to provide opportunities and engage young workers to serve the general public by involving them in government programs and projects through the various GIP partner agencies and to demonstrate their skills and talents in the field of public service.

This MOA signing underscores our unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity of youth labor and building a more equitable society for all.