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LEGAZPI CITY — Some 281 applicants were hired on-the-spot during the job fair organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and held at Ayala Malls in this city on Labor Day, May 1.
DOLE Bicol chief Ma. Zenaida Campita said in an interview Monday that the activity was participated by 45 local companies, three government offices (the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and Department of Public Works and Highways) and eight overseas recruitment agencies.
“We are glad because with the re-opening of the economy, the turnout of job seekers was incredible. Many were hired on the spot and for sure, a lot will get employed at the end of this job fair,” Campita said.
She said business process outsourcing companies and construction firms remained the top leading companies in need of workers.
Ailyn Bañares, 21, and from Bacacay town, was among those hired at the job fair as a stock clerk/receptionist of a company.
“Early bird catches the worm – this saying is real. I arrived at venue at 7 a.m. and luckily got a job and [I am] still overwhelmed,” Bañares said.
Meanwhile, Ina Margarette Genodialo and Regina Apinado, both graduating students of Bicol University, thanked the DOLE for organizing the event because it made scouting for a job easy for them.
“We’re excited and happy [that] at least we have the chance to apply in person and both of us are very positive that we’ll find our luck considering a lot of jobs [with or without experience] are available,” Genodialo said in an interview.
Albay Governor Greco “Grex” Lagman, the guest of honor for the event, commended the DOLE for providing employment to Albay folk.
“Hiring of workers continues on May 11 and 12 wherein there’ll be another job fair as part of the ‘Magayon Festival’ [at the Albay Astrodome in Legazpi City] in coordination wth Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority),” Lagman said.
In Polangui town, many government employees availed themselves of the free medical check ups, also on Monday, sponsored by local government unit headed by Mayor Adrian Raymund Salceda and council.