Over 300 applicants join DOLE anniversary job fair

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional (DOLE) in Western Visayas assisted 360 job seekers during the DOLE 88th Anniversary Job Fair on December 8 this year.

The activity was highlighted with the hiring on the spot of 11 applicants for local employment and one for abroad. 110 jobseekers were also considered as near hired.

“Nakatulong talaga ang job fair na ito dahil nakahanap ako ng trabaho at makaipon ng panggastos papuntang Manila,” said Mark Vember Arlos who will start his employment in a construction firm. He is the eldest of four siblings and is planning to venture in Metro Manila soon.

For G-Ann Prandas, the job fair is an opportunity for the jobless, “Damu wala obra kag kabudlay sang pangabuhi. Salamat sa job fair sang DOLE. (There so many jobless and the way of life is not easy. I am so thankful to the job fair of DOLE).”  A BS in Hotel and Restaurant Technology graduate, she is excited to work in a food shop where she can practice what she learned in school.

OIC-Regional Director Atty. Sixro T. Rodriguez, Jr. is glad with the result of the job fair.  He said that the Regional Office will continue providing more employment opportunities especially that the country is now moving towards recovery.

DOLE-Western Visayas also took opportunity in promoting the vaccination program of the national government. In partnership with the local government unit of Iloilo City, DOLE Western Visayas facilitated the vaccination of recipients who are mostly TUPAD beneficiaries. Bicycles under the Bikecination Livelihood Program were also distributed to qualified vaccinated informal workers.

The PRC and the members of the Regional Coordinating Council which consists of RTWPB, NCMB, POEA, OWWA/NRCO, NLRC, TESDA and OSHC also helped in the conduct of the job fair by assisting clients on their concerns in their respective agencies.

The message of Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III was read by Iloilo Field Office Head Melisa S. Navarra who represented RD Rodriguez in the opening program. She also recognized the different stakeholders in their participation that contributed to the success of the activity.

Apart from the Job Fair, DOLE also released a Php2,687,824 livelihood assistance for the Milkfish Production through Fishcage Culture in Coastal Marine Waters as Alternative Livelihood Project for displaced sailors in Jordan, Guimaras and a Php 1,000,000 TUPAD assistance for the employment of 232 construction workers, backyard poultry and livestock raisers and fruit vendors in the municipality of Buenavista, Guimaras.

The livelihood awardees were also recognized in the program. Mr. Lorgie N. Delfin of Capiz and the Kristohanon nga Mangunguma sang Brgy. Baga-as kag Kusol (KAMABAKU) of Negros Occidental are this year’s Best Regional DOLE- Assisted Livelihood Project for the individual and group category respectively.