A total of 407 applicants were hired on the spot, while 7,752 were considered for possible employment during the three-day initial leg of the “Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso!” Philippine Tourism Job Fair, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

The first leg of the jobs fair was held in Pasay City, Cebu City, and Davao City from Sept. 22 to 24.

According to DOLE, at least 9,000 job hunters have participated in the job fair.

DOLE underscored the government’s efforts toward employment recovery, with the participation of 157 employers who offered 8,310 job vacancies.

The Luzon leg was held in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, with 71 employers participating in the jobs fair offered 3,620 vacancies.

Of the 3,000 applicants who flocked to the venue, 45 were hired on the spot, while 7,752 others were considered near-hires.

“Those near-hires who may be hired or placed depending on the outcome of their interview and compliance with the pre-employment requirements of the hiring company,” the DOLE explained in a statement.

The DOLE-National Capital Region (NCR) said among those who were immediately hired were hired as Gaming Associates by Winford Manila Resort and Casino.

Meanwhile, in the Visayas leg held in SM City Cebu, 44 employers offered a total of 2,114 job vacancies.

Of the 4,000 applicants who visited the jobs fair, 332 were immediately hired while 182 others were considered near-hires.

In the Mindanao leg held in Abreeza Mall Davao, at least 2,576 vacancies were offered by 42 participating employers.

Among the 1,000 applicants, 30 jobseekers were hired on the spot, and 442 were considered near-hires.

Moreover, 530 applicants were referred to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for further skills training.