Manila Bulletin
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First job made easier: Nationwide DepEd-DOLE Serbisyo Fair targets SHS, ALS graduates
Philippines
National
First job made easier: Nationwide DepEd-DOLE Serbisyo Fair targets SHS, ALS graduates
First job made easier: Nationwide DepEd-DOLE Serbisyo Fair targets SHS, ALS graduates
Published Mar 25, 2026 04:31 pm
The Department of Education and the Department of Labor and Employment expand the “Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair” nationwide, helping Senior High School and Alternative Learning System graduates secure jobs, clearances, and employment opportunities in one stop. (DepEd photo)
Senior high school (SHS) and Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates across the country will soon find it easier to land their first jobs as the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) expand the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) nationwide.
The program will now be rolled out in at least two schools per region, bringing job opportunities, government services, and pre-employment requirements directly to students transitioning from school to the workforce.
During the nationwide launch held at Batasan Hills National High School in Quezon City on Wednesday, March 25, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the initiative also seeks to ease the burdens families face amid global economic pressures and rising living costs.
“Sa panahon na nararamdaman ng maraming pamilya ang epekto ng krisis sa ekonomiya at pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, mahalaga na inilalapit ng pamahalaan ang mga serbisyo at oportunidad sa ating mga kabataan (At a time when many families are feeling the effects of the economic crisis and rising prices of goods, it is important that the government brings services and opportunities closer to our youth),” Angara said.
“Sa pamamagitan ng Serbisyo Fair, hindi na kailangang gumastos at pumunta pa sa iba’t ibang tanggapan upang makuha ang mga dokumentong kailangan para makapaghanapbuhay (Through the Serbisyo Fair, there is no longer a need to spend or go to different offices just to obtain the necessary documents for employment),” he added.
One-stop support for first-time job seekers
Designed with students in mind, DepEd said the Serbisyo Fair allows SHS and ALS graduates to complete essential job requirements in a single venue, eliminating the need to travel to multiple government offices.
Participants can process key documents such as police and NBI clearances, PhilHealth registration, and other pre-employment requirements.
DepEd said this streamlined setup significantly reduces both the cost and time burden for young job seekers, particularly those from low-income families.
Angara emphasized that the initiative responds to the growing financial pressures faced by Filipino households. He added that bringing services directly to schools helps students avoid additional expenses when preparing for employment.
Bridging school-to-work transition gaps
The partnership between DepEd and DOLE is anchored on improving the school-to-work transition—a critical stage at which many graduates struggle to secure employment due to limited access to resources.
DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres said the initiative helps align education with labor market demands.
“Through this partnership, we are bridging the gap between academic preparation and the realities of the labor market,” Torres said. “Our goal is to increase employability and expand access to employment opportunities for senior high school graduates,” she added.
On-the-spot hiring opportunities for students
Unlike traditional job fairs, DepEd said the Serbisyo Fair is conducted within school campuses, making it more accessible and less intimidating for young applicants.
Private companies actively participate by offering job vacancies, conducting on-site recruitment, and hiring qualified applicants immediately.
DepEd said initial pilot results highlight the program’s impact: 300 learners hired on the spot, 1,428 beneficiaries accessing free government services, and implementation in nine schools across Metro Manila, Sorsogon, Cebu, and Davao del Norte.
During the national launch, DepEd said around 600 students engaged with more than 20 participating companies, signaling strong demand for accessible employment pathways.
Expanding opportunities for Filipino youth
DepEd said the nationwide expansion of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair forms part of the government’s broader push to strengthen youth employment under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda.
By integrating job matching, document processing, and employer engagement into a single platform, DepEd said the initiative aims to ensure that more SHS and ALS graduates can transition smoothly into the workforce.
For many students, DepEd noted, the program represents a critical first step—not just toward employment, but toward long-term career growth and financial independence.