Over 1,400 SHS, ALS grads land jobs in gov’t job fair

More than 1,400 graduating Senior High School (SHS) and Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates were hired on the spot through the nationwide rollout of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF).

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said at least 1,488 learners secured immediate employment through the initiative. Of the total, 1,188 SHS Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) graduates and ALS learners were hired during the synchronized rollout.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative helps remove long-standing barriers that delay graduates from entering the workforce.

“In times of crisis, it is our duty to bring government services and real-world opportunities closer to our learners to ensure they have a fighting chance as they enter the workforce,” Angara said.

“By eliminating the high costs of pre-employment requirements, we empower our graduates to focus on building their careers immediately,” he added.

Labor Undersecretary Carmela Torres added that the joint rollout expands access to jobs, particularly for first-time jobseekers navigating the transition from school.

“We want our youth to know that the government is listening and providing the necessary assistance and services as they take their first steps toward a career. Through the BPSF, we are not just offering jobs; we are offering employment pathways,” Torres said.

Beyond job matching, the program also addressed a key hurdle for fresh graduates: paperwork.

At least 5,975 learners were able to secure free pre-employment documents, including birth certificates, as well as National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and police clearances—requirements that often come with fees and processing delays.

The initiative aligns with First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, which mandates waived fees for first-time jobseekers securing government-issued documents. Angara co-authored the measure during his time in the Senate. —VAL, GMA Integrated News