Manila: More than 10,000 local and overseas jobs will be offered during the Iloilo provincial government's one-day mega job fair on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Office of the Provincial Public Employment Service Manager (OPPESM) Manager Cynthia Dario stated that 98 employers will participate in the event, including 84 local firms offering 5,991 vacancies and 14 overseas recruiters with 4,397 job openings. "This is a regular activity of the provincial government that we hold every year. We schedule it in the middle of the year as we anticipate an influx of job seekers during the graduation season," Dario mentioned in an interview.
The job fair will include special lanes for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens. Five local companies will accept applications from PWDs, three will hire senior citizens, and 20 will accept senior high school graduates. "All of these companies will also cater to our returning OFWs as part of our reintegration program for repatriated migrant workers," Dario added.
Overseas job opportunities will be available for positions such as beauticians, cleaners, nurses, electricians, hairdressers, welders, manicurists, and nail technicians in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lithuania, and the United States. On the local front, openings include roles such as assistant cook, kitchen helper, marketing assistant, waiter, warehouse clerk, accounting assistant, sales clerk, service crew, customer service representative, call center agent, delivery rider, bagger, dishwasher, cashier, baker, cook, merchandiser, bellman, room attendant, houseman, and production helper.
Seventeen government agencies will establish help desks to assist applicants in securing pre-employment requirements. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program, will offer employment assistance of up to PHP7,000 to applicants hired on the spot.
Fifteen local government units are set to provide free round-trip transportation for job seekers attending the event. "This is their opportunity to get closer to their dream jobs. Through our office, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. invites job seekers to visit the Capitol lobby and social hall for the mega job fair from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.," Dario said.
The event marks the third job fair this year, following those held in March for Women's Month and in April during Semana of Iloilo.
