Iloilo City: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 6 in Western Visayas is encouraging job seekers and individuals considering a career shift to participate in the 123rd Labor Day Job Fair on May 1. The event promises a broad array of opportunities, with about 9,000 job vacancies already available and expectations of reaching up to 10,000 positions, including roles both locally and overseas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Jorge Ferraris II, the Officer-in-Charge of the DOLE-6 Technical Support and Employment Promotions Division, outlined during a press conference that positions such as customer service representatives, sales associates, service crew, bus conductors and drivers, and food handlers are among the top vacancies. He urged interested individuals to pre-register for the event, which has already seen 1,500 job seekers sign up. The fair will feature participation from 98 local employers and five overseas employers.
To facilitate attendance, DOLE-6 is collaborating with the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative to provide free transportation. Sixto Rodriguez Jr., DOLE-6 Director, mentioned that 'Libreng Sakay' buses will transport job seekers to and from the fair's venue at Robinsons Place Iloilo.
First-time job seekers will benefit from free services at one-stop shop booths, supported by DOLE's 16 partner agencies. The Department of Health will contribute by deploying two mobile clinics to conduct health assessments and issue fit-to-work medical certificates. Additionally, they will offer free laboratory tests, including screenings for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, X-rays, and urinalysis.
In conjunction with the job fair, DOLE will distribute PHP173 million in emergency employment payouts to 35,746 beneficiaries under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. Each participant will receive a daily minimum wage of PHP513 for a 10-day period. Moreover, DOLE will release a PHP34.5 million grant for various livelihood projects, primarily focusing on agriculture, benefiting 1,400 recipients.
Assistant Regional Director Melissa Navarra highlighted that the Labor Day celebrations will extend beyond Iloilo City, with job fairs and payouts also scheduled in Bacolod City and Capiz. This year's theme, 'Manggagawang Pilipino, Kaagapay sa Pag-unlad, Sandigan ng Mas Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas,' underscores the essential role of Filipino workers in national development.
