Job seekers like 29-year-old Jennica Fernandez traveled all the way from San Fabian to Calasiao, Pangasinan, with one goal in mind: to finally land a job.

A computer science graduate, Jennica hopes to become a cashier at a department store. She has applied several times, but has yet to be hired.

“Sana po matanggap na... para magkaroon na rin ng income,” she said.

Jennica was one of thousands of hopefuls who joined the 123rd Labor Day Job Fair in Region 1, which offered over 22,000 job opportunities.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), top in-demand positions included production division operators, jail officers, and call center agents.

DOLE-Region 1 Director Exequiel Roni Guzman said the region continues to work on improving its employment rate.

“The latest is 96.4 or .5%. So, hindi masyado mataas ang unemployment. Mataas ang employment rate sa Region 1. Mas mataas sa national,” Guzman said.

As part of the celebration, the Department of Health (DOH) also gave free medical services such as consultations, urinalysis, CBC, X-ray, and drug test referrals.

“Specific po ito para sa mga job applicant... kahit 'yung nag-a-apply for future use nila kung di sila matanggap,” DOH-Region 1 Director Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco said.

The event also featured the Kadiwa Market, a DTI discount caravan, TESDA pampering services, and a learning session for informal workers.

Similar job fairs were also held in Lingayen, Urdaneta, San Fernando City in La Union, Sta. Cruz in Ilocos Sur, and San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte.