Western Visayas job fair offers 7,500 slots

By Mariela Angella Oladive

More than 7,000 local and overseas job opportunities were offered across Western Visayas during the Department of Labor and Employment’s 124th Labor Day job fair on May 1.

Observed annually, Labor Day highlights workers’ rights and employment generation efforts across the country.

Themed “Disenteng Trabaho para sa Lahat: Isang Hangarin, Bagong Pilipinas Sama-samang Mararating,” the regionwide activity aimed to expand access to decent and sustainable employment.

According to DOLE Western Visayas, 3,982 local vacancies and 3,518 overseas jobs were offered by more than 70 participating employers, including 10 overseas firms.

DOLE Regional Director Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. led the opening program at Robinsons Place Iloilo.

He said the initiative aligns with the employment agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“The Department of Labor and Employment continues to pursue the agenda of the Marcos administration in providing employment opportunities where every worker is given access to decent employment with fair wages, security, and dignity,” he added.

He also encouraged job seekers to maximize the opportunities provided during the one-day event.

As of 1 p.m., 49 hired-on-the-spot applicants and 67 near-hires were recorded.

Aside from job matching, DOLE set up a one-stop shop for on-site processing of employment requirements, along with services from the DOLE Help Desk and Kadiwa centers.

Job seekers were also provided free rides for easier access to the venue.

The celebration also featured the release of livelihood assistance checks and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, or TUPAD, payouts for beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the TUPAD Tuloy Pasada Program was highlighted in line with Executive Order No. 110, which declared a state of national energy emergency and authorized the implementation of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport, or UPLIFT.