Ang Pahayagan

BALANGA CITY — For 23-year-old licensed criminologist Marianne Tallada from Abucay, the Labor Day Job Fair held at the Bataan People’s Center here proved to be a life-changing event, as she was hired on the spot by a renewable energy company.

Tallada was among the hundreds of jobseekers who flocked to the job fair, organized by the provincial government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as part of the 123rd Labor Day celebration, which offered a total of 6,900 local and overseas job opportunities.

DOLE, in partnership with the Provincial Public Employment Services Office (PESO), brought together 36 employers – 31 from the local job market and five from overseas – for the event. Several other government agencies also participated, providing a wide range of essential public services to the attendees.

In a video message, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma underscored the critical role of Filipino workers in driving economic growth and fostering greater national prosperity. He also expressed his gratitude to the government for its continued support of the labor sector and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering quality services aimed at improving the lives of workers.

“There is still much to be done, but under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will continue to provide timely, appropriate, and quality services that protect and promote the rights, welfare, and livelihood of our workers,” Laguesma assured. He emphasized DOLE’s unwavering commitment to being a steadfast partner in implementing effective programs and services aligned with its mandate to serve the Filipino workforce.

DOLE Bataan Labor and Employment Officer John Arthure Angeles highlighted the targeted approach of this year’s job fair, explaining that organizers first identified the specific types of jobs that Bataeños were seeking and then strategically invited companies that could effectively meet those demands.

“This event is a big help for our fellow Bataeños. We wanted to give them better chances of landing quality jobs that will support their families and build a brighter future,” Angeles said.

PESO Bataan Head Maria Eva Basalo echoed this commitment, emphasizing the province’s ongoing and dedicated efforts to significantly reduce unemployment rates within Bataan. “We aim to bring employment opportunities directly to our people and support them in building stable, long-term livelihoods,” Basalo stated.

The job fair yielded several immediate hires, with Marianne Tallada being among the first to secure employment. “I didn’t expect to get hired immediately, but I prepared well and I’m very happy with the outcome. This means a lot to me and my family,” Tallada shared, expressing her elation and the significant impact the job would have on her and her loved ones.

Jezreel Ellamar, a computer science graduate from Limay, also found immediate employment as a customer service representative in a business process outsourcing firm.

“I’m thankful to DOLE, PESO, and the government for this opportunity. Events like this really help us find jobs that allow us to support our families,” Ellamar said, highlighting the crucial role of job fairs in connecting jobseekers with employment.

Carrying the theme “Manggagawang Pilipino, Kaagapaysa Pag-unlad, Sandigan ng Mas Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas (Filipino Workers, Partners in Progress, Pillars of a Stronger New Philippines),” this year’s Labor Day celebration honored Filipino workers as indispensable partners in national development and key pillars of a resilient and progressive Philippines. (Rick P. Quiambao- PIA)