A job fair described as the most inclusive to date was held in Muntinlupa, giving giving equal employment opportunities to LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens.
Dubbed as "Diversity and Pride at Work," the job fair was held Nov. 29 at the Ayala Malls South Park, a collaboration of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) National Capital Region South Sector, and the Muntinlupa City government through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac graced the job fair.
A total of 103 establishments, including the country's leading brands and companies, participated in the event with 4,837 jobs solicited.
About 277 applicants qualified for final interviews with their respective companies while 288 were hired on-the-spot.
Senior citizen Rogelio Rocero was one of those hired on-the-spot.
"Nagpapasalamat ako na kahit senior citizen na ako, nabigyan pa rin ako ng pagkakataon na makapagtrabaho sa pamamagitan ng job fair na ito. Malaking tulong ito sa akin lalo na sa aking pamilya (I am grateful that even though I am already a senior citizen, this job fair has given me the opportunity to work and support my family),” he said.
"Equal opportunities for all" is part of Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon's economic agenda, including employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
One of his programs is the collaboration among DOLE, PCCI, and PESO to aim for economic development.
Trina Reyes-Biazon, the mayor’s wife, works closely with the local LGBTQIA+ community through the Gender and Development Office to empower marginalized sectors and allow them to participate in city building.