In a significant boost to employment, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that approximately 65,000 job seekers were hired on the spot during the 1,800 job fairs held across the country in 2024. This announcement was made by DOLE Secretary Bievenido Laguesma during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon forum on January 15, 2025. Laguesma highlighted that these job fairs, supported by local government units and Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), saw participation from over 400,000 individuals seeking employment.
The job fairs primarily offered positions in the retail and manufacturing sectors. However, Laguesma also pointed out the government’s focus on emerging markets for future job creation. These include sectors related to the digital economy, information technology, healthcare, and the green and blue economies, which are seen as promising areas for generating new employment opportunities.
In addition to the job fair successes, Laguesma addressed concerns about the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. He assured the public that stringent guidelines are in place to ensure that only eligible individuals benefit from this emergency employment program, especially with the upcoming May 2025 elections. TUPAD provides temporary community work for displaced workers, and its integrity is being safeguarded against potential misuse during the election campaign period.