More than 10,000 residents in Metro Manila have benefited from the nationwide "Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat" service fair which was led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
DOLE-National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Director lawyer Sarah Buena S. Mirasol said the program aims to address employment challenges while fostering inclusive development across the region.
In partnership with local government units (LGUs) and Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs), the program featured various components such as job fairs, financial assistance, and livelihood support projects, all tailored to promote sustainable employment.
"Through job fairs and other DOLE programs, we hope to offer Filipinos opportunities that meet their needs, helping them secure sustainable employment," Mirasol said.
Metro Manila hosts job fairs, livelihood aid distribution
As part of the initiative, Metro Manila recently conducted four major job fairs at key locations—Barangay 54 in Pasay City, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria, and Novaliches, Quezon City.
These events attracted 857 job seekers and successfully facilitated immediate hiring for 109 applicants on the spot.
Complementing the job fairs, the program provided region-wide livelihood grants and financial aid through initiatives like the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), the Government Internship Program (GIP), and the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).
“The TUPAD Payout provides temporary employment to help beneficiaries address immediate needs, while the livelihood program provides the necessary tools and training for them to start their own businesses,” Mirasol explained.
Youth-focused initiatives, such as SPES and GIP, play a vital role in the program by equipping participants with essential skills development and work experience for long-term employment, according to DOLE.
“Our youth programs are specifically designed to prepare students and interns for successful careers in the workforce,” she added.
Financial aid and employment impact
In total, 8,534 individuals received P56,218,371 in financial assistance under TUPAD, while livelihood programs disbursed P2,524,140 to 87 beneficiaries.
The youth sector also saw considerable support, with 408 students benefiting from P2,143,732 under SPES and 886 interns obtaining P5,523,175 in financial aid through GIP.
The program’s success underscored DOLE-NCR's commitment to resolving employment challenges in Metro Manila, Mirasol said.
By offering comprehensive support ranging from financial assistance to livelihood opportunities, Mirasol said that DOLE continues to drive economic empowerment and promote a more inclusive future for residents of the region.