LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Bicol held a large-scale job fair in a mall here on Independence Day, offering nearly 2,000 employment opportunities to job seekers across the region.

DOLE-Bicol public information officer JV Gasga said that a total of 29 employers participated in the “Trabaho Agad” job fair, providing at least 1,965 job vacancies.

“Twenty-eight local employers provided 1,417 job openings, while one overseas recruitment agency offered 548 positions for deployment to Lithuania and Saudi Arabia,” Gasga said.

The job fair was part of the region’s Independence Day celebration anchored on expanding access to decent work, sustainable livelihoods, and government services.

Simultaneous activities were held across the region, with the main event taking place in Legazpi City, Albay province.

In a video message delivered during the event, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino emphasized the importance of honoring the nation’s freedom by creating opportunities for Filipino workers and job seekers.

Tolentino paid tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of Filipino heroes whose legacy made the country's independence possible.

He expressed hope that the job fair would help more Filipinos secure employment and improve their quality of life.

Tolentino thanked local government units, Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs), participating government agencies, and employers for their collective efforts in bringing employment opportunities and government services closer to the people.

DOLE-Bicol officer-in-charge Nepomuceno A. Leaño II underscored the agency’s commitment to translating the spirit of independence into meaningful opportunities for workers.

“On behalf of our DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, we celebrate Independence Day and continue to strengthen the true spirit of freedom through the provision of decent jobs, sustainable livelihoods, and equal opportunities for every Filipino. These programs demonstrate our concern and dedication to improving the lives of Bicolano workers,” Leaño said.

Gasga said the job fair was complemented by the distribution of assistance under various DOLE programs aimed at enhancing workers’ economic resilience.

Under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, 2,779 beneficiaries received emergency employment assistance amounting to P18.5 million.

Almost 400 beneficiaries were granted P13.2 million through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) to establish or expand sustainable income-generating projects.

Youth employment initiatives were also highlighted during the event with a total of 213 beneficiaries under the Government Internship Program (GIP) receiving stipends amounting to P972,677.25, while 100 JobStart beneficiaries were provided P535,000 in allowances to support their transition into gainful employment.

Further promoting inclusive participation in local economic activities, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo para sa Manggagawa (KnP) initiative engaged TUPAD beneficiaries in community-based projects, including product marketing and site maintenance activities.

The celebration also served as a platform for entrepreneurship and local enterprise development. Through partnerships with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, around 90 exhibitors and sellers showcased locally produced goods and business opportunities, helping expand market access for micro and small entrepreneurs.

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