The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) strengthened its efforts to bringing decent and quality employment closer to Filipinos as 2,467 jobseekers were hired on the spot (HOTS) during the nationwide TRABAHO AGAD (Job Fairs) held in support of the 2026 Handog ng Pangulo on 14 September 2026.
In total, 28,795 job seekers participated in the job fairs held across 86 sites nationwide, where 1,352 employers offered 157,097 local and overseas job vacancies, giving applicants a wide selection of employment options to find jobs suited to their skills, qualifications, and career goals.
Among those hired were service crew, cashier, production operator, massage therapist, security guard, office staff, bagger, production crew, sales executive, and production crew, who secured immediate employment opportunities through the nationwide initiative.
DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino emphasized that the job fair reaffirms the Department’s commitment to making employment services more accessible and responsive to the needs of jobseekers, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring government services closer to the Filipino people and create more opportunities for decent and sustainable work.
The job fairs also created inclusive employment opportunities for various sectors of society. Based on initial data, the hired job seekers included 277 senior high school graduates who successfully launched their careers. At the same time, 39 4Ps beneficiaries and 34 members of indigenous communities gained sustainable routes out of poverty. The event also marked a fresh start for three displaced OFWs and 11 TUPAD workers transitioning to stable roles, as well as 12 persons with disabilities and 28 senior citizens who secured equal-opportunity positions.
Meanwhile, 13,342 jobseekers availed of government services offered by the National Bureau of Investigation, Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Pag-IBIG Fund, providing them with access to social protection and other government assistance.
Youth employment, skills enhancement
Secretary Tolentino underscored that the initiative seeks to shorten the school-to-work transition of the Filipino youth, ensuring that young jobseekers can move from education to meaningful employment without unnecessary delays. He emphasized that they “shouldn’t have to wait long to get your first real shot at work.”
One of those who got that opportunity was Novelyn Samblacenio of Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, who was hired on the spot as a data encoder during the job fair held at SM CDO Downtown.
Samblacenio said she was fulfilled and excited after securing a job, sharing how the job fair helped her move closer to her goal of finding employment: “I feel so fulfilled and excited. To those who are looking for a job right now, no matter if you are a first-time jobseeker or with experience, just try it until you succeed. Thank you so much, Handog ng Pangulo, as well as to DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino,” she said.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Jane Alvarez of Pasig City, who was a former TUPAD beneficiary, was hired as a cashier during the job fair.
She noted that the application process was easy and that she appreciated how applicants were assisted throughout the process: “Madali lang po iyong application, inaasikaso ka talaga nila. Very thankful po ako kasi malaking bagay itong job fair,” she said.
Their experience also highlights the importance of helping jobseekers adapt to changing workplace demands. While data encoding and payment processing remain entry level jobs for many jobseekers, the fields are evolving through the use of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), with emerging opportunities in areas such as AI data annotation and AI-powered self-service kiosks.
Recognizing these changing workplace demands, DOLE continues to strengthen skills development initiatives to help workers and jobseekers stay competitive and adapt to new technologies. Through government programs, workers and jobseekers are given opportunities to acquire practical, industry-relevant, and recognized skills that can improve their chances of finding and keeping decent employment.
For instance, during the Handog ng Pangulo job fair, a total of 3,467 jobseekers availed of various skills enhancement opportunities under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), helping them strengthen their qualifications and improve their readiness for employment.
TESDA offers training and qualifications in areas such as Data Encoding and Management, along with other technical and vocational skills needed in today’s evolving labor market.
Monthly TRABAHO AGAD (Job Fairs)
Secretary Tolentino thanked employers, local government units, and other partners for their support for the nationwide TRABAHO AGAD (Job Fairs) held as part of the 2026 Handog ng Pangulo, which helped bring employment opportunities closer to jobseekers and gave young Filipinos a chance to secure meaningful work.
He said DOLE will continue bringing job fairs to more towns and provinces every month, reinforcing the government’s commitment to bringing jobs closer to Filipinos and ensuring that jobseekers have opportunities to find decent work wherever they are in the country. | PR from DOLE
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