In celebration of Labor Day, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 2 spearheaded a massive job fair in Cagayan Valley, offering more than 3,000 vacancies to jobseekers across the region. The event, held on May 1, aimed to provide immediate employment opportunities and bridge the gap between local talent and diverse industries.
The job fair featured participation from numerous employers representing various sectors, including manufacturing, business process outsourcing (BPO), retail, construction, and hospitality. According to DOLE officials, the vacancies included both local positions within Region 2 and overseas employment opportunities for those looking to work abroad.
Key government agencies were also present at the venue to provide “one-stop-shop” services for applicants. Representatives from the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) offered assistance, allowing jobseekers to process essential pre-employment documents and inquiries in a single location.
Preliminary data from the event indicated that several applicants were “hired on the spot” (HOTS), meeting the immediate manpower requirements of participating companies. DOLE Region 2 Director Jesus Elpidio Atal Jr. emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to reduce unemployment and provide sustainable livelihoods for workers in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Batanes.
The Labor Day fair also included skills demonstrations and livelihood orientations for individuals interested in entrepreneurship or technical-vocational training. By bringing together employers and jobseekers, the regional labor department continues to prioritize economic recovery and workforce development in Northern Luzon.