Filipinos troop to Independence Day job fairs

Job fairs set up across the Philippines as part of government initiatives for Independence Day celebrations have so far attracted more than 10,000 applicants, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported on Tuesday.

 

The numbers came from eight of 14 regions taking part in the program, said DOLE spokesperson Nicon Fameronag.

 

“Mag-increase pa ito… Hindi pa kumpleto kasi… We have 14 regions participating with 17 venues,” Fameronag said, noting the figure came from partial field reports before noon.

 

There are 150,000 jobs available through the job fairs, according to DOLE.

 

Of those who registered, 3,408 were cited as qualified and 2,777 were scheduled for further interviews.

 

On the other hand, 719 were hired on the spot (HOTS).

 

The HOTS were mostly in the “entry level positions” of the companies that hired them, said DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment director Criselda Sy.

 

“Kung highly technical yung vacant position, you would expect the applicant… for further interview. Babalik talaga sila sa company for further matching concerning the requirements of the company,” Sy added.

 

Official data showed that the unemployment rate last January was 7.2 percent. 

 

The labor force as of end-January was 62.7 million, according to the National Statistics Office. —VS, GMA News