In a bustling event at Ayala Malls in Legazpi City, the Department of Labor and Employment in Bicol (DOLE-5) hosted a one-day job fair on January 31, 2025, offering over 3,000 job vacancies. The fair saw employers actively interviewing applicants, aiming to fill these positions promptly.
Director Imelda Gatinao of DOLE-5 emphasized the event’s goal to directly connect graduates with employers, enhancing their employment prospects. She highlighted the collaborative effort with other agencies to generate job opportunities, particularly for first-time job seekers in the Bicol region, which is rich in educational institutions.
Gatinao also pointed out the economic benefits of such job fairs, noting that employed individuals contribute to the local economy by purchasing goods and supporting local businesses, thereby fostering economic growth.
While the exact number of on-the-spot hires was not immediately available, Gatinao stressed the importance of these events in matching job seekers with suitable employment, reducing the time and cost associated with job hunting. She added that such initiatives help retain local talent and strengthen the region’s industries.
In addition to the job fair, DOLE distributed livelihood kits worth PHP39,735 to beneficiaries of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). A payout of PHP21.7 million was also made to 5,511 beneficiaries under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged (TUPAD) program.