Tagum City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced plans to broaden the reach of job fairs across the Philippines, aiming to boost employment, particularly for beneficiaries of key government assistance programs. Speaking at the "Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas" job fair in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Marcos highlighted the government's dedication to improving the lives of Filipinos.
According to Philippines News Agency, the event, organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), featured a collaboration between national and local governments. This partnership aims to ensure the successful implementation of job fairs, which are critical for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
President Marcos reiterated his commitment to raising the standard of living for Filipino families, particularly those benefiting from the 4Ps and TUPAD initiatives. TUPAD provides temporary employment opportunities, while the 4Ps program offers financial aid for educational and health needs. The job fair featured 28 employers and drew approximately 4,000 job seekers, primarily beneficiaries of DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and DOLE's TUPAD programs.
DOLE extended cash assistance to 1,000 TUPAD workers, and DSWD supported 3,000 graduating 4Ps beneficiaries. Marcos emphasized the importance of such opportunities, stating his intention to expand the program nationwide to foster a more prosperous and productive society.
He encouraged participants to embrace these opportunities, stressing their potential to contribute to a 'more prosperous, productive, and progressive New Philippines.' Marcos assured that the government is committed to enhancing services to help job seekers secure quality employment, thereby aiding their personal and familial aspirations.
Additionally, other government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry, Home Development Mutual (Pag-IBIG) Fund, and Social Security System, participated in the event, offering pre-employment documentation and advisory services. A Kadiwa ng Pangulo market fair, featuring 38 sellers with affordable goods and agricultural products, was also part of the event. Marcos visited the Kadiwa stalls before addressing the attendees.
