The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI recorded at least 73 applicants who were Hired-On-The-Spot (HOTS) during the 2022 Kalayaan Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) Fair from June 10 to 12, 2022 at the NCCC Mall Buhangin, Davao City.
Among the HOTS applicants was Ms. Ma. Rozitte Shane Villagonzalo, 29, who was hired as a nurse bound for United Kingdom by ASC Global Recruitment, Inc. “This is my first time to attend a job fair and it became extra memorable when I got hired on the spot. I have always thought that nurses like me are least likely to get hired at a job fair but I was mistaken. In fact, everyone has a chance and is welcome here,” she shared.
Most of the HOTS were customer service representatives, service crew, and sales staff. Of the total 822 applicants who registered for the three-day job fair, 275 applicants were classified as “near hires” or job seekers who are considered hired but are required to submit additional requirements and documents.
Hosted by the DOLE-Davao City Field Office (DCFO), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) XI, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Davao, and NCCC Mall, the 2022 Kalayaan TNK Fair brought together 42 local employers, eight (8) overseas employers, and one (1) government agency, with a total of 10,887 job opportunities. The job fair adapted a hybrid recruitment process in the new normal in which the pre-registration, screening, and job matching stages were managed via online systems, whereas interviews with the job seekers were conducted face-to-face at the venue.
“We are always glad to welcome both our job seekers and employers to this activity. The opportunities that we have at this job fair is an indication that our economy in Davao Region is revived as we shift from response to recovery. As shown in our employment rate in the first quarter of 2022, we have reached 95.2%, slightly higher from last year, and a significantly lower unemployment rate of 4.8%,” said DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy in his message during the event. RD Pensoy also delivered the message of Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III which emphasized the commitment of the Department to remain steadfast in pushing for the protection of workers’ rights and developing responsive policies and programs to afford every Filipino worker with full, decent, and productive employment.
Several companies have been constantly participating in job fairs organized by DOLE XI. Mr. Rubelito A. Babiera, HR Recruitment Officer of 3ME Manpower Services, said that job fairs have been advantageous on their part as employers especially after community lockdowns and high alert levels due to the pandemic. “We have a lot of frontline positions to fill. Through this job fair, we have the opportunity to screen better candidates. It is also an excellent source for young talents,” he added.
Apart from the job fair, eight (8) groups of DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) beneficiaries in Davao City displayed their products at the venue and made a combined sales of P29,617.00.
The activity was attended by DOLE XI-DCFO personnel led by Chief Erlinda G. Mamitag and Employment Program Foal Person Lorraine Grace G. Ugsang, DOLE XI Regional Employment Team, PESO Davao personnel led by PESO Manager Lilibeth D. Pantinople, and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) XI personnel led by Chief Ma. Carolina B. Agdamag.
The Kalayaan TNK Job and Business Fair was in line with celebration of the 124th Anniversary of Philippine Independence with the theme “Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas.”### MFKM
