By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Department of Labor and Employment Region 6 (DOLE-6) posted a 47.18% hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) rate during the 123rd Labor Day Job Fair held on May 1 at Robinsons Mall Iloilo.
Out of 1,117 jobseekers, 527 were hired on the spot, while 137 were classified as “near hired,” pending submission of requirements or further interviews.
“This HOTS rate underscores the effectiveness of the job fair in connecting qualified candidates with immediate employment opportunities,” DOLE-6 said in a statement.
Themed “Manggagawang Pilipino, Kaagapay sa Pag-unlad, Sandigan ng Mas Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” the fair featured 106 local employers and five overseas recruitment agencies offering more than 9,000 job vacancies.
A one-stop shop was also set up to provide government services to jobseekers.
Participating agencies included the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), PhilHealth, Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The PNP issued free police clearances to certified first-time jobseekers endorsed by their barangay officials.
The DOH deployed two mobile clinics offering free medical services, including X-rays, urinalysis, and HIV/STD screening.
In line with the celebration, DOLE-6 also released PHP36.5 million in livelihood assistance to 1,422 beneficiaries across Western Visayas.
