Kalayaan Job Fair Opens 10,000 Job Opportunities

The Department of Labor and Employment Region 6 held the Kalayaan Job Fair on June 12 at SM City Bacolod, drawing 2,309 job seekers and offering more than 10,000 local and overseas job openings.

The event resulted in 77 hired-on-the-spot applicants securing positions such as branch personnel, cashiers, pharmacy assistants, loan specialists, staff nurses, and unit heads.

Another 170 job seekers were tagged as near-hires, expected to complete their employment requirements soon.

DOLE Region 6 also provided financial aid and social services to local beneficiaries as part of its commitment to support Filipino workers and their families.

A total of PHP1.5 million in livelihood assistance under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program was awarded to 29 members of the Guin-olayan Agrarian Reform Cooperative.

For emergency employment, PHP15.7 million was released under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, covering 3,062 informal workers in 21 barangays in Bacolod City.

With the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan,” DOLE Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. emphasized the agency’s mission to fight poverty through employment and livelihood.

“We are called to collectively fight poverty and help provide food on the table,” Rodriguez said.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) trade exhibit ran alongside the job fair, showcasing local produce, garments, and affordable goods to promote grassroots entrepreneurship and food security.

DOLE also marked the World Day Against Child Labor with the signing of a memorandum of agreement and a pledge of commitment with NGOs and partners to strengthen the campaign against child labor.

Children received gifts and school supplies through Project Angel Tree, while parents attended livelihood and entrepreneurship sessions.

Profiled child laborers and their parents also received wellness support, including free medical and dental consultations.

A one-stop shop was set up during the event, providing job seekers access to services from agencies such as the PSA, SSS, TESDA, PAG-IBIG, NBI, PhilHealth, and others.