Ilocos Norte: Fifty-five out of 137 applicants were immediately hired during the Kalayaan job fair here on Thursday, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Ilocos Norte.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mia Fhanny Dorotan, a graduating accountancy student of the Mariano Marcos State University, was among the lucky applicants who secured employment at the job fair. Dorotan expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am happy that I got the job even before my graduation." As a former beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), she emphasized the importance of this opportunity to earn for her review.
Another successful applicant, Micah Sapaden, a 23-year-old from Batac City, was also hired on the spot, securing a billing staff position at the Venvi Group of Companies in San Nicolas town. "I worked as a volunteer of the City Social Welfare and Development Office in Batac for three months prior to this. I am so thankful for this opportunity because I was hired on the spot," Sapaden mentioned.
The full-day job fair, held at SM City Laoag, was funded by the Office of Ilocos Norte Second District Representative Angelo Marcos Barba, in collaboration with other government agencies. Barba highlighted that the job fair aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision to provide gainful employment to Filipinos, enabling them to support their families without needing to go abroad. Barba also noted the initiative's role in supporting government efforts to reduce poverty and promote economic growth.
A total of 37 employers, offering 1,481 vacancies, participated in the event, which was part of the country's 127th Independence Day celebrations. Anabelle dela Cruz, human resource staff of Venvi Group of Companies, stated, "All we want for applicants is their willingness to learn. Even students or out-of-school youth are most welcome to apply because we have so many jobs available for them."
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to receive pre-employment assistance amounting to PHP5,000, subject to assessment by the DSWD under its Sustainable Livelihood Program.
