THE 2024 Kalayaan Job Fair in celebration of the 126th Philippine Independence Day drew a remarkable turnout at the GMall of Davao, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City. Out of 731 applicants for local employment, 11% or 83 jobseekers were hired on the spot (HOTS), marking a significant milestone in the region’s employment efforts.
The job fair was officially opened by DOLE XI assistant regional director Atty. Jason P. Balais who emphasized the importance of the event in his opening remarks. “Let us carry the spirit of Independence Day in our hearts as we navigate today’s job fair. Together, let us build a future that honors our past and fulfills the promise of a brighter tomorrow for all Filipinos,” he said.
Joining the celebration were DMW XI OIC-regional director Labor Attache Marie Rose C. Escalada, group HR manager of Gaisano Malls Gay Victorino B. Talja, and the representative from the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) Davao City, Shirly Sahid.
The job fair offered 4,370 vacancies solicited from 44 employers, comprising 37 local and seven overseas employers. The event attracted 1,348 applicants, with 731 seeking local employment and 617 aiming for overseas opportunities.
Jashim Busacao, 20, from Bangkal, Davao City, was overjoyed when he immediately secured employment as a production crew member with Monde Nissin Corporation. Reflecting on his journey, Jashim shared, “This is my fourth time joining DOLE’s job fairs, and I finally got lucky today.” His experience underscored the perseverance and hope that job fair instills in jobseekers, providing them with valuable opportunities to achieve their career goals.
Additionally, 211 applicants were classified as near-hired, needing only to complete documentary requirements or attend final interviews/assessments. This included 145 for local employment and 66 for overseas roles. DOLE will continue to monitor the status and progress of these near-hired applicants with their respective employers.
The top positions filled during the fair included operations management trainees, cashiers, and customer service representatives. The top hiring employers were the Philippine Seven Corporation (7 Eleven) with 30 hires on the spot, DSG Sons Group, Inc. (Gaisano Mall) with 14, and Monde Nissin Corporation with 11.
In conjunction with the job fair, a “Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggawa” fair was also held, featuring 11 enterprises from Davao City, Davao del Sur, and Davao del Norte, who are beneficiaries of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. They sold local products such as bread, pastries, garments, and bottled goods and generated P32,179 in sales for the day. “Your patronage not only helps sustain their livelihoods but also contributes to the vibrant local economy of Davao Region,” shared Balais.
Further, 13 government agencies joined One-Stop-Shop Services and reinforced DOLE’s efforts to provide efficient services. Their presence and support were invaluable in ensuring that jobseekers received comprehensive assistance, making the event a truly holistic experience.
The 2024 Kalayaan Job Fair highlights the commitment of DOLE XI and its partners to provide employment opportunities and support to jobseekers in the region, fostering economic growth and stability for all Filipinos.
