In a province where opportunity and ambition converge, the Career Development Support Program (CDSP) of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) has quietly become one of the most transformative initiatives under the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur. Through the leadership of Governor Lray Villafuerte and in full support of the Department of Labor and Employment, the program has already made its mark — and the numbers tell a compelling story.

From 2025 through the first quarter of 2026, the CDSP has reached 30 schools and institutions, including elementary schools, secondary schools, colleges, universities, training centers, alternative learning systems, and other government institutions serving a total of 3,589 participants across the province.

Recognizing that career decisions begin early, the program places students at the forefront, guiding them as they transition from education to employment. Through a comprehensive set of services, CamSur PESO provides career guidance and counseling, skills enhancement training, resume and interview preparation, and job matching opportunities. These are complemented by labor market information sessions that help students understand current industry demands and future career trends even before they graduate.

Governor Luis Raymund “Lray” F. Villafuerte, Jr. has been vocal about the program’s significance. In his own words, the initiative is not simply a government service, but an investment. "Investing in our youth’s future is investing in the future of our province. Through the Career Development Support Program, we are helping them build meaningful careers in the years to come,” the Governor said.

A program built on purpose

At its core, the CDSP is a program that meets young Camarinenses where they are, providing them with the support they need. Whether they are graduating senior high school students weighing their college options, job seekers trying to find their footing, or young professionals hoping to sharpen their edge, the program offers something of value to every participant.

For graduating senior high school students, the program arrives at a pivotal moment. It serves as a compass when the world of college courses and career paths can feel overwhelming. Emerging careers are spotlighted, in-demand industries are discussed, and for those who plan to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, a guide to available job openings for senior high school completers is laid out plainly.

Rodresha Asico-Torallo, the CamSur PESO Manager, has witnessed firsthand how the program reshapes the way students see themselves and their futures. "This is a great help for the youth and graduating students, as it broadens their perspective and, of course, further enhances the skills they already possess." The program also equips learners with virtues, good values, and the right attitude necessary for their career development.

Torallo also hopes that students will continue to pursue their plans to earn a college degree. "I hope they never lose hope, for they are the hope of our nation. The Career Development Support Program is one of the initiatives that can help them choose a decent and professional career path," she furthered.

Voices from the participants

The program’s true measure is found not in aggregate numbers, but in the lives of the students it touches.

When Kent Emhel Tasis was in Grade 1, his parents left for work abroad. He grew up an OFW’s child, learning early how to fill the silence of an empty house, how to manage his time, and how to keep moving forward when the people you love are thousands of miles away.

Now a Grade 12 student at Nabua National High School, Tasis attended the CDSP as one of the program’s first-time participants at his school. The experience, he says, addressed something real. "We are very grateful to the Province of CamSur for giving us this kind of activity, especially since this is the first time it has ever happened, and also for giving the children of OFWs the chance to shine,” he shared.

For Kesha Emiel Ariate, the program arrived at exactly the right moment. A Grade 10 student in Pasacao, she was wrestling with a decision that paralyzes many students her age: which strand to choose for Senior High School.

“I think it's really helpful, especially because a lot of students aren’t really that knowledgeable about what they want to be informed about, and things they might need to know .”

She had initially been uncertain about enrolling in the General Academic Strand, but the discussions led by CamSur PESO gave her the confidence to commit. Looking further ahead, two college paths stand out: Psychology, because she is genuinely drawn to understanding people, and Philosophy, because she wants to inspire them.

Educators see the difference

Teacher Arcris Jay Magpantay of Pamplona National High School has watched the program’s effect on his students firsthand. At their age, he says, it is entirely normal not to know what you want—and that’s exactly why structured exposure matters. 

"Through this activity, we are able to help them get exposed and immersed in what they should expect in their future careers, as well as in facing the challenges of their chosen profession. In this way, they will also learn how they can contribute to our community,” he shared.

Magpantay invokes a principle that drives the school’s philosophy, and, in many ways, the logic of the CDSP itself. "We believe that 'it takes a village to educate a child.' Because of this, we build connections and foster partnerships with various sectors of our community to provide quality education for our students,” Magpantay furthered.

Teacher Jesus Docot Jr., also shared, “As a Career Guidance Counselor, this is a great help for the students, especially those in Grade 10 and Grade 12. In a sense, it serves as an eye-opener for them to decide what they truly want and what career path they wish to pursue. This seminar is not something to be taken lightly, as it will have a significant impact on their lives in the future.”           

Milestone of efforts

This milestone effort reflects the enduring commitment of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, through CamSur PESO, to inclusive growth. By bringing services directly to schools, strengthening partnerships with educational institutions, and continuously enhancing training programs, the Provincial Government ensures that every student, regardless of background, has access to opportunity.

With the Career Development Program leading the way, Camarines Sur is not only preparing students for jobs but also shaping future leaders, innovators, and nation-builders. That, in the end, is how doors open.