Story and photos by Mariela Angella Oladive
The Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas (DOLE-6) on May 1 commemorated the 122nd anniversary of the Philippine Labor Code by hosting job fairs across six provinces, offering over 28,000 job opportunities to local residents.
The event marked a significant effort to boost employment and support economic development in the region.
Held in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, the job fairs collectively drew 6,483 registered job seekers, with 2,466 males and 4,017 females participating.
The day ended with 328 individuals securing employment directly at the event, known as “hired on the spot” (HOTS).
Negros Occidental saw the highest activity, with the most interviews and registered participants. This year’s event was notable for being the first time that job fairs were simultaneously organized in all provinces of Western Visayas for Labor Day, part of a regional strategy to widen employment access and alleviate economic challenges.
Atty. Sixto Rodriguez Jr., DOLE-6 Regional Director, highlighted the broader implications of the job fairs, tying them to the theme “Sa Bagong Pilipinas: Manggagawang Pilipino Kabalikat at Kasama sa Pag-Asenso.”
He emphasized the role of Filipino workers in national progress and the ongoing efforts to elevate those in need. “This 122nd labor day anniversary does not only recognize the vital role of the Filipino workers in the nation’s progress but also a challenge for us to work again to break ourselves from the bondage of poverty,” Rodriguez said.
Beyond immediate job placements, the Labor Day event featured various support programs. The “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” fair provided a platform for local farmers and producers to sell their goods directly to the public.
Participants also had access to skills demonstrations, financial literacy training, and services from key government agencies such as the Social Security System (SSS), PAG-IBIG, PHILHEALTH, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Financial assistance was a significant component of the day, with over P157 million distributed under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program and funds allocated for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Project (DILP) and the Government Internship Program (GIP).
Job seekers expressed their gratitude for the opportunities presented by the job fairs.
Erika Agcaoili, a recent graduate and licensure examination passer, and Efraim Latoza, a micro-finance loan officer, both recognized how these efforts could help jumpstart their careers and support their families.
The 122nd Labor Day job fairs demonstrated DOLE-6’s commitment to fostering a robust labor market and supporting the economic aspirations of individuals throughout Western Visayas.
