Bacolod: The Department of Labor and Employment-Western Visayas (DOLE-6) is urging companies and recruitment agencies to increase their hiring efforts during the 2025 Kalayaan Job Fair at SM City Bacolod on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. announced in a press briefing on Wednesday that the job fair will offer 10,386 vacancies, welcoming not only those seeking new employment but also fresh college graduates, high school graduates, and technical-vocational completers. Rodriguez expressed optimism about higher placements similar to the May 1 event, where many were hired on the spot. He encouraged participating agencies to maximize their hiring efforts at the event.
This year's Kalayaan Job Fair will feature 57 local companies offering 8,852 jobs and four recruitment agencies with 1,534 overseas vacancies. Job opportunities span industries such as wholesale and retail, food and beverage, transport and logistics, construction, financial services, insurance, and information technology-business process outsourcing. Positions in sales and marketing, accounting and administrative support, customer service, and skilled trades like drivers, kitchen staff, and utility workers will also be available.
DOLE-6 will provide a help desk at the job fair to assist applicants, while representatives from partner-government agencies will offer onsite services and assistance. Rodriguez expressed gratitude to the companies and employers for supporting DOLE's mission to provide employment opportunities and maintaining a dynamic labor market.
Additionally, DOLE-Negros Occidental provincial head Carmela Abellar mentioned that local farmers' and producers' products will be available for purchase at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo store at Ayala Malls Capitol Central. Furthermore, the DOLE will commemorate the World Day Against Child Labor with a pledge of commitment and memorandum of agreement signing with partner-stakeholders at the 888 GT Mall, focusing on the prevention and elimination of child labor.
