A total of 65,000 job seekers were hired on the spot various nationwide job fairs in 2024, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) disclosed on Monday, Jan. 20.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said the 1,800 job fairs last year attracted over 400,000 participants seeking employment.
“With the support of PESOs (Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) in each LGU (local government units), we successfully held 1,800 job fairs last year, drawing more than 400,000 registered participants. Of these, 65,000 were hired on the spot after completing the hiring process,” Laguesma said.
The job fairs featured a wide range of opportunities, with the retail, service, and manufacturing sectors leading in immediate hires.
Laguesma also underscored the government's focus on emerging sectors, such as the digital economy, healthcare, and the green economy, to generate more job opportunities for Filipinos.
“We believe these industries will play a significant role in creating additional employment opportunities in the future,” he added.
The department further assured the public that the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program would follow stricter eligibility guidelines, particularly with the upcoming May 2025 elections.
"We are committed to ensuring that all TUPAD beneficiaries meet the necessary qualifications to prevent any misuse during the campaign period," Laguesma stated.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted nine DOLE social services programs, including TUPAD, from the election spending ban, ensuring continued support for displaced workers.