ACC-JPO Earns DOLE Recognition, Strengthens Pathways for Graduates
Abuyog Community College (ACC) takes a landmark step in empowering its graduates and job seekers as its Job Placement Office (JPO), under the leadership of Prof. Franco Salamanca, was officially recognized as a partner of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office VIII.
This milestone was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing held on September 11, 2025, at Fan’s Hotel, Palo, Leyte. The event brought together DOLE Regional Director Atty. Dax B. Villaruel, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Joan N. Noya-Nidua, Technical Support Services Division Head Virgilio A. Doroja, Jr., and representatives of three Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including ACC, Southern Leyte State University, and Visayas State University.
Bridging Education and Employment
The establishment of Job Placement Offices across Eastern Visayas colleges is DOLE’s strategic move to institutionalize employment facilitation services within academic institutions. “Through these Job Placement Offices, we are ensuring that students and graduates have greater access to career development, job opportunities, and labor market information,” said Atty. Villaruel. For ACC, this means stronger job matching, career coaching, labor market awareness, and greater opportunities for its graduates to transition from campus to the workplace with confidence.
A Partnership that Serves ACCians Better
Prof. Salamanca, together with Chief Don Doroja and Dr. Clemelle L. Montallana, College President, represented ACC in the ceremonial signing. Prof. Salamanca highlighted that this partnership signifies ACC’s commitment to providing lifelong support to its graduates. “With DOLE as our partner, we can now serve our graduates and job seekers better. This is not only a milestone for the college but also a testament to our mission of nurturing every ACCian toward success,” Salamanca shared.
Strengthening Youth Employability
The recognition of ACC’s JPO is expected to benefit thousands of students and graduates by bringing services closer—ranging from job fairs, skills training, and job matching to access to government programs supporting youth employment. This development reflects DOLE’s broader mission of advancing full, decent, and productive employment in the region, while strengthening the bridge between academe and industry.
A Leap Forward for ACC
With this new partnership, Abuyog Community College continues to raise the bar in serving its community—not only as a seat of learning but also as a launchpad for students’ career journeys.