DepEd, DOLE roll out one-stop job fairs to aid SHS, ALS graduates

The government is rolling out nationwide “one-stop” job fairs in schools to help senior high school (SHS) and Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates secure employment faster while reducing the cost of applying for work.

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the expanded Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) will be implemented in at least two schools per region, bringing together employers and government services in a single venue.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative aims to ease the financial and logistical burden on first-time job seekers.

“Hindi na kailangang gumastos at pumunta pa sa iba’t ibang tanggapan upang makuha ang mga dokumentong kailangan para makapaghanapbuhay,” Angara said during the launch at Batasan Hills National High School in Quezon City.

(There is no longer a need to spend and go to different offices just to secure the documents needed for employment.)

One-stop access to jobs and documents

Under the program, applicants can both apply for jobs and process key employment requirements on-site, including police and NBI clearances, PhilHealth registration, and other pre-employment documents.

This setup eliminates the need to visit multiple offices, reducing both time and expenses for young job seekers.

Angara noted that the fairs bring services closer to communities, particularly benefiting students who would otherwise need to travel.

Hundreds hired on the spot

Initial runs of the program have already yielded employment outcomes.

Across nine pilot schools in Metro Manila and key provinces, around 300 learners were hired on the spot and 1,428 beneficiaries accessed free government services

At the Quezon City launch alone, about 600 learners participated, with more than 20 private companies conducting recruitment activities.

“May mga na-hire on the spot kahit hindi pa gumagraduate. So malaki ang pag-asa makakuha ng trabaho,” Angara said in a separate interview.

(Some were hired on the spot even before graduating. This shows there is a strong chance of securing employment.)

Bridging education and employment

Labor officials said the initiative helps address the gap between schooling and employment.

DOLE Undersecretary Carmela Torres said bringing employers directly to schools improves access to job opportunities for fresh graduates.

“Through this partnership, we are bridging the gap between academic preparation and the realities of the labor market,” Torres said.

The expansion of the job fairs forms part of the government’s broader effort to bring services closer to communities and expand employment pathways for Filipino youth.

With the nationwide rollout, more SHS and ALS graduates are expected to gain quicker access to both jobs and essential requirements as they transition into the workforce, DepEd said. —LDF, GMA Integrated News