CEBU, Philippines - In his speech as keynote speaker in the 63rd Commencement Exercises at the Cebu State College of Science and Technology Agro-Industrial and Forestry College, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde assured the graduates that more jobs await them this year despite the global economic crisis.
Remonde said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed all government agencies to save at least 1.5 percent of their Maintenance and Operating Expenses so that the government can allocate a budget for the creation of jobs in the coming years.
The government has pegged a savings of P70 billion a year, reportedly enough to create 180,000 jobs in six months.
Likewise, Remonde re-introduced the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, which creates 500,000 jobs. At least 200,000 slots have reportedly already been filled.
Remonde, an alumnus of CSCST, advised graduates to always work hard and persevere.
“Ang kakabos dili babag sa paglampos,” he said. — Jasmin R. Uy/JMO (THE FREEMAN)