TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) -- Thirty-two (32) job seekers in the province were hired on the spot during the 122nd Provincial Labor Day Job Fair on May 1.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Lanao del Norte, in collaboration with the provincial government, and the municipal government of Tubod, led the initiative to provide employment opportunities for residents.
A total of 3,057 jobs were offered, including positions like salesman, service crew, electrical engineer, welder, and more. A total of 27 establishments participated, with three offering overseas job vacancies.
DOLE Lanao del Norte Provincial Head Criste Perfecto said the job fair was organized to help individuals secure employment, particularly those facing job loss or entering the workforce for the first time.
“This Job Fair is for the Labor Day, kay gusto nato ang mga tawo, ma-cater jud sila sa ilang panginabuhian. Lisod baya ang opportunity for them to look for jobs especially katong mga nawad-an og trabaho, katong gusto mujoin sa labor force,” she said.
(This job fair is for Labor Day because we want people to secure their source of income. It is really challenging for them to find jobs, especially those who have lost their jobs and those who want to join the labor force.)
Job seekers who found employment expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
Ginafhel Lagarde, who secured a position as an accounting clerk at a nearby mall, expressed her happiness. She highlighted the significance of proximity to her family as a major factor influencing her decision to work in Tubod.
Jade Geno, who was hired as a stockman at another mall, shared his delight in promptly securing a job after an earnest job hunt. Before this role, he served as a lotto teller and worked as a stockman on a construction project.
"Malipayon ko kay nahire ko dayon diri, walay dugay-dugay. Sa higayon nga nangita ko og trabaho, diri ra jud ko makakita ug trabaho og dali,” he said.
(I am happy because I got hired here. It did not take long. The moment I started looking for a job here, I immediately found one.)
Lovelymar Horcerada, a licensed professional teacher, also appreciated the opportunity provided by DOLE and the province.
"Dakong pasalamat sa DOLE ug sa atong province sa Lanao del Norte kay gioffer ni nga opportunity sa parehas nako nga nagkinahanglan og trabaho. Dako og kalipay og katabang sa usag usa nga nanginahalngan og trabaho,” she said.
(A big thanks to the DOLE and our province in Lanao del Norte for offering this opportunity to both of us who needed a job. It is a great joy and help to us who need work.)
The Philippine Army also conducted recruitment for Officer Candidate Course and Candidate Soldier Course during the event. Public Employment Service Office Lanao del Norte Manager Evelyn Lopez said plans are underway to hold examinations for this recruitment in the province so that the applicants no longer need to travel to Cagayan de Oro City just to take the examination.
A one-stop shop facilitated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, National Bureau of Investigation, Commission on Elections, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Statistics Authority, and other agencies aided applicants in processing requirements for their job application.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also conducted skills demonstrations and scholar profiling, while Beta Sigma Lambda Iligan offered legal counseling and notarial services.(LELA, PIA Region 10 -Lanao del Norte)
