Bagong Pilipinas fair links Cabatuan youth to jobs

1 of 8

Aligned with the government’s push to expand employment opportunities, skills development support, and public assistance for learners, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair 2026 was held at Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School in Cabatuan, Iloilo on March 25, bringing together job seekers, employers, and government agencies in a coordinated effort to make employment and basic services more accessible to the community.

A total of 144 senior high school technical-vocational-livelihood learners availed themselves of the services, including 70 female participants.

One applicant was hired on the spot, while 10 others were nearly hired, marking a significant milestone for the students.

Organizers said the initiative recognized that employment goes beyond job availability and also requires skills, readiness, and stronger links between education and the workforce.

The event provided a platform for learners and job seekers to engage directly with employers and service providers, making opportunities more tangible and within reach.

The program opened with a message from Valente L. Lauro, principal IV, who underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping a future-ready generation.

Lauro said the job fair serves as a vital avenue for learners to explore career paths, build confidence, and take their first steps toward meaningful employment.

Echoing this, Crisisto A. Eco, CESO III, regional director of the Department of Education Region VI, said employment is not solely about job vacancies but also about equipping individuals with the right competencies.

“Through this job fair, we bring together employers, training institutions, and our learners so that opportunities will not remain distant but will become real, reachable, and attainable,” Dir. Eco stated.

In her message, Ruby Therese P. Almencion, Ph.D., assistant schools division superintendent and officer in charge of the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent of the DepEd Schools Division of Iloilo, urged participants to embrace the milestone.

“This is your moment. All your hard work, your sacrifices, your late nights and early mornings have led you here. You are not just finishing school; you are stepping into your future. All of us here stand with you,” Dr. Almencion affirmed.

Meanwhile, Cabatuan Mayor Elizalde G. Pueyo described the initiative as a reflection of a shared commitment to bring government services closer to the people.

“We are not merely opening booths, but opening doors of opportunities. Today’s activity serves as a stepping stone toward your future in the world of work,” Hon. Pueyo said.

Representing the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VI, Richie G. Buyco, supervising labor and employment officer, commended the participants’ readiness and encouraged them to seize every opportunity.

“May this job fair serve as the bridge for your talents to be discovered. Every opportunity brings you one step closer to your dreams,” Mr. Buyco shared.

Participating employers included Davao Manpower, Angelina Bakeshop, ECA Manpower Services Inc., DD Foods Inc. – JD Bakery Café, F. Gurrea Construction Inc., Damires Hills Farm and Spa, and Vallacar Transit, offering jobs across a range of industries.

Government agencies, including Pag-IBIG, the Philippine Statistics Authority, TESDA, the Social Security System, PhilHealth, and the Philippine National Police, also set up service desks to assist participants and bring essential programs closer to the public.

DOLE Region VI Regional Director Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. said that bringing employers, partner agencies, and the youth together in one venue reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive employment and service delivery.

“This is part of our continuing effort to empower individuals and strengthen communities through decent and productive employment,” said RD Rodriguez. (DOLE)