Independence Day job fair offers more than 3,000 vacancies

CEBU, Philippines — Flyers. Envelopes. And a freedom to dream. This was the scene during the Kalayaan Job Fair held at SM Seaside City Cebu yesterday.

With 32 employers opening their doors, over 3,100 job vacancies were offered, making applicants try their best shot at various companies.

The fair is part of the Cebu City government’s celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day, through the Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP).

It is also in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Central Visayas, Cebu City Tourism Commission, and SM Seaside City Cebu.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” C. Hontiveros graced the event as he imparted a welcoming message to the attendees.

"As we commemorate more than a century of hard-fought freedom, we are also reminded of the every day struggles many of our fellow Cebuanos face in finding stable employment," he said.

"This job fair is a concrete step forward bridging that gap. A venue where opportunities meet potential and dreams meet direction," he added.

Moreover, DOLE-7 opened 37 slots for the Government Internship Program for those who seek to work in government agencies.

“Sa Department of Labor and Employment, ambag na namin ito para sa Kalayaan Job Fair. Very important also that makapagbigay din kami ng tsansa sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho sa gobyerno,” said DOLE-7 Director Roy L. Buenafe.

The Government Internship Program or GIP aims to offer opportunities and to involve young workers in serving the general public through projects of government agencies.

Claire Valeree Calumba, 19, a senior high school graduate, is the first applicant to be hired on the spot.

Calumba shared how the experience felt nerve-wracking at the beginning considering it's her first time applying for a job.

"Wala ko ka expect na makuha dayun ko," she shared.

DOLE is eyeing at around 25 to 30 percent of the hired rate by the end of the event.

"We will not go for 10 percent kahibaw ko daghan mi ma hire ani sa GIP, so I think we will go by 25 to 30 percent job applicants na madawat karung adlawa," he said. — Raphael Veloso, CNU Intern/JG (CEBU NEWS)