The 3-day Job Fair that ran from March 4 to March 6, 2025, at the Province of Abra showcased a resounding success by linking job seekers with meaningful career opportunities. The highly important event was a fruitful collaboration by the Provincial Government of Abra through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and the Department of Labor and Employment – Abra Field Office (DOLE-AFO) led by Sr. LEO Christopher Tugadi. The activity highlighted the government’s effort to combat unemployment and empower citizens, especially new graduates and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.
The fair was strategically conducted in two key locations to ensure ease of access and high participation. The Abra Capitol Atrium was the venue of the Kawayan Festival Job Fair on March 4 and 5, 2025. The Gabaldon Building of the University of Abra was the site of the “Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas para sa mga 4Ps” on March 6.
Grand Opening Highlights
The activity began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 4, 2025, which was attended by DOLE-CAR TSSD Chief, Emerito A. Narag, PhD., and Job Fair Regional Focal, Froilan Flores. 20 local and 7 overseas employers took part in presenting a variety of job vacancies from different industries. The job fair resulted in 40 job applicants hired on the spot—an effort towards filling the employment gap between the establishments and job seekers.
One-Stop-Shop Facilities for Job Applicants
Among the activities of the fair was the one-stop-shop which catered to first-time job applicants and walk-in clients. At the one-stop-shop, assistance was given to first-time job seekers in resume preparation, interview tips, and job application procedures. Relevant government agencies such as the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) accommodated the job seekers in the processing of their documents.
Sustainability for 4Ps Beneficiaries
The last day of the job fair highlighted opportunities for 4Ps beneficiary graduates, or the individuals and families who have successfully transitioned out of the program by achieving a level of financial stability and self-sufficiency.
In close coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the DOLE through the “Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas para sa mga 4Ps” initiative was launched to assist the 4Ps graduates towards employment opportunities and self-sufficiency resources.
A Joint Venture towards Employment
DOLE Regional Director Imelda E. Romanillos, CESE, Acting Governor Atty. Russel Bragas, and DSWD Regional Director Malaya Catbagan-Aplaten, PhD., noted that the job fair was not merely a site of instant employment placements but was also an avenue to empower participants with the resources and information necessary to advance in the job market.
This program is in consonance with DOLE’s mandate of promoting gainful employment opportunities, develop human resources, protect workers and promote their welfare, and maintain industrial peace. Through Republic Act No. 8759, or the PESO Act of 1999, the establishment of PESOs underscore the necessity of providing accessible employment services to Filipinos aligning with the DOLE’s mandate to enhance employment opportunities and foster human resource development.
A Testament to Government-Driven Change
The Abra Job Fair is a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting economic growth through addressing joblessness and empowering job applicants. With programs such as these, more people are able to turn their dreams into realities. By Daryll B. Ponard
