185 ZSCMST Graduates Secure Temporary Employment Through DSWD Cash-for-Work Program
In a significant boost for fresh graduates, 185 alumni of the Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZSCMST) are poised to gain temporary employment via the Cash-for-Work Program administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic completion and workforce entry while supporting public service efforts.
Assessment and Validation Process Underway
The DSWD-Zamboanga Peninsula office has commenced its assessment and validation process for program applicants, starting on Monday, April 20, 2026. This critical step ensures that candidates meet the necessary criteria for participation, paving the way for their integration into the workforce.
Mandatory Orientation Scheduled for Successful Applicants
Applicants who successfully pass the validation process will attend a mandatory orientation session on April 28. According to a statement from the DSWD-Zamboanga Peninsula, "The session will outline their duties, workplace expectations, and program guidelines prior to their official deployment." This orientation is designed to prepare graduates for their roles and ensure a smooth transition into their temporary positions.
Assignment Details and Compensation
The beneficiaries will be assigned to various offices, including the DSWD regional office, ZSCMST, Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU), and other partner government agencies across Zamboanga City. Their roles will involve supporting administrative functions and ongoing public service initiatives over a period of 25 days.
In return for their contributions, participants will receive a daily wage of P439.00, which aligns with the prevailing regional minimum wage. This compensation provides financial support as they gain valuable work experience.
Program Scope and Institutional Selection
ZSCMST is one of only two state-run higher education institutions in Zamboanga City selected to implement the program this year, alongside ZPPSU. The program targets a total of 370 college graduates from both institutions, highlighting a concerted effort to address unemployment among recent graduates in the region.
Initiative Background and Objectives
This employment drive is part of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-Cidss) Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) Cash-for-Work Program (CFWP). The program's primary goals are to assist fresh graduates in transitioning into the workforce and to enhance government service delivery through their contributions.
By providing temporary employment opportunities, the DSWD aims to mitigate the challenges faced by new graduates while fostering a culture of public service and community engagement.
