Jobseekers told not to post personal info in social media

CEBU - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has warned jobseekers against some social media posts that are neither associated with nor endorsed by the agency.

DOLE-7 officer-in-charge Lilia Estillore cautioned applicants against social media posts requiring them to put their personal information and other credentials in accordance with the supposed hiring of interns under the DOLE Government Internship Program (GIP) in Cebu City.

“This is not the way we do the hiring of GIPs. We do not share and amplify for the world to see the personal information of the applicants in adherence to Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act,” she said.

The GIP is a component of the KABATAAN: 2000, which provides opportunities to beneficiaries and engages them to serve the general public in government agencies/entities’ programs and projects at the national and local level. Beneficiaries or interns will receive stipends all throughout the duration of their internship, which is a minimum of three months to a maximum of six months.

Estillore urged them to be wary and stay vigilant as scammers and any sorts of unscrupulous individuals are becoming prevalent nowadays, who are using various social media sites to advance their ulterior motives.

She said the DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment also issued a memorandum enjoining all regional offices including the Public Employment Service Offices to validate the accreditation of any GIP hiring posted on social media sites.

“This is to ensure protection of the information of our jobseekers,” Estillore said, adding interested job applicants may visit the PESO in their localities or the DOLE Regional Office and its Field Offices to inquire about the GIP program.

“We do not promote the sharing of personal information of our program beneficiaries unless we explicitly receive their consent. Otherwise, that is prohibited by law,” she said.

She said jobseekers are advised to check the DOLE-7’s official Facebook page, DOLE Region 7, and its official website  - ro7.dole.gov.ph - for the latest issuances and announcements. (Ferdinand Patinio)