Manila: At least 1,148 Senior High School (SHS) graduates from public schools have been hired on the spot during the Labor Day job fairs held across the nation, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative was part of a collaborative effort between the DepEd and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The job fairs were implemented with dedicated green lanes specifically designed for SHS graduates to streamline their path to employment.
In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the importance of immediate employment for graduates as a means to break the cycle of poverty. He emphasized the goal of expanding such opportunities to ensure that each graduating learner from Senior High School possesses the necessary skills and confidence to secure a respectable job.
In addition to job placements, approximately 5,900 graduates were provided with free pre-employment documents, including National Bureau of Investigation and police clearances, to further assist them in their job search.
Overall, the job fairs saw the participation of around 11,000 SHS graduates nationwide, reflecting a significant effort to enhance employability among young Filipinos.
In a related event in March, more than 1,400 SHS and Alternative Learning System graduates were also hired on-the-spot during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, indicating a continuous commitment to improving employment outcomes for the country's youth.
