The city government of Iligan, through its Public Employment Service Office, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment-Lanao del Norte, and MSU-IIT, spearheaded the Triple Celebration Job Fair. (Photo: LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — More than 3,000 local jobs were offered at a job fair at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) gymnasium.
The two-day job fair coincides with the 126th Philippine Independence Day commemoration, the 74th Adlaw sa Iligan (Iligan Day), and MSU-IIT’s annual “Alay sa Graduates 2024” (Tribute to Graduates).
A total of 45 companies and agencies offered various job positions, such as production workers, customer service representatives, engineers, service crews, and more.
The city government of Iligan, through its Public Employment Service Office, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment-Lanao del Norte, the MSU-IIT Career Center, the Vice Chancellor for Student Services cluster, and the Alumni and Endowment Fund Center, spearheaded the job fair to support employment and economic growth for the graduating students and other job seekers in different areas.
“The commitment of DOLE is that we will always support the Public Employment Service Office because they are our partners in the LGU and all those interested in conducting job fairs. This is one way to facilitate employment. One way to improve the economy of the Philippines is through employment. When people have work, there is progress; it has a ripple effect when individuals in the country are employed,” DOLE-Lanao del Norte Provincial Head Criste Perfecto said.
Meanwhile, MSU-IIT Chancellor lawyer Alizedney Ditucalan expressed hopes that job seekers would find long-term employment.
“What made the event more meaningful is the fact that we are celebrating Araw ng Kalayaan, or Independence Day. I think finding your job, finding your forever—I’m referring to employment—is a manifestation of declaring independence because you will also probably enjoy financial independence. You will no longer be dependent on your parents because you will now have financial independence,” he said.
Moreover, Dindo Manulat from the city government emphasized to job seekers the importance of character alongside skills. He urged respect for everyone, from co-workers to top executives, highlighting that good character and humility are crucial for success.
The job applicants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity they received. One of them was Elanie Lou Tabuada, a graduating student of biology at MSU-IIT specializing in plant biology. Elanie Lou Tabuada applied as a researcher for her course, emphasizing the importance of quality in laboratory work, particularly in addressing climate change through research.
“It is very helpful sa mga tao nga nagkinahanglan og trabaho. As a fresh graduate, lisud mangita og trabaho kay mostly mangita sila og experiences nga wala pa gyud sa amoa isip fresh grad, and very helpful pud siya,” she said.
(It is very helpful for people who need jobs. It is difficult for a fresh graduate to find a job because most employers look for experience, which fresh graduates typically do not have yet. It is also very helpful.)
Meanwhile, Gilbert Batucan from Barangay Tubod, Iligan City, is a 40-year-old job seeker who currently supports his family by driving a sikad (trike). He recently applied for a mechanical fitter position at a construction company based in Surigao. He expressed gratitude for not having to travel to Surigao anymore just to apply for a job.
In addition to job opportunities, various agencies and organizations provided services to job seekers. The Beta Sigma Lambda Exclusive Fraternity and Sorority Iligan Chapter offered free legal services, including legal counseling, basic document drafting, and notarial services.
Moreover, the Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund, and Philippine Statistical Authority brought their services to meet the requirements needed by the job seekers through the One-Stop-Shop.(LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
