“A total of 1,137 jobseekers found immediate employment as they were among those who got Hired On The Spot (HOTS) during the recently concluded Kalayaan 2013 Job Fair held at the Luneta Park on June 12, 2013,” reported Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region Director, Atty. Alan M. Macaraya
This year’s theme, “Kalayaan: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran,” was truly evident as the DOLE Family along with participating employers, corporate sponsors, and government partners joined hands in making this event possible. “It is inspiring to note how each stakeholder moved hand in hand in mounting a mega job fair such as this. Each had their share of hard work amidst the very unpredictable weather, all in the pursuit to facilitate the employment of 5,517 jobseekers, who came to Luneta looking for work. The DOLE takes the lead of providing the initial step, paving the way for freedom from unemployment and eventually, freedom from poverty,” said Director Macaraya.
About 3,159 jobseekers, who qualified for the positions they applied for, will be placed soon, upon the submission of documentary requirements. DOLE-NCR will continue to monitor the placement of these qualified job applicants. The number of those for further interview posted at 14,703 which means that each job seeker is being considered for further interview by 4 or 5 employers. This gives our job seekers a higher chance of employment. “This is our commitment to the Philippine government as DOLE joins the entire nation in celebrating the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence,” Dir. Macaraya said.
As early as 5:30 in the morning, DOLE-NCR is all armed and prepared for the Kalayaan 2013 Job Fair. DOLE-NCR officers and staff are up and about, together with colleagues from DOLE Attached agencies, Bureaus and Services, getting ready to cater to the needs of the large number of jobseekers who are expected to participate in the job fair.
This year’s Kalayaan Job Fair offered 65,647 job vacancies available for all types of applicants in various fields of endeavour in industries identified as Key Employment Generators (KEGs). Out of the total number, 20,647 vacancies were posted for local employment and about 45,000 vacancies for overseas employment with the corresponding job orders from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
The job fair also opened opportunities to those who wanted to join the government service with DOLE taking the lead, looking for 233 Labor Laws Compliance Officers. The Philippine National Police (PNP) with 9,000 vacancies for additional police officers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development is looking for 324 enumerators and the Armed Forces of the Philippines opened its doors to those who wanted to join the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Marines, and the Philippine Air Force.
There were 1,701 registered jobseekers, who availed of the One Stop Shop offering various pre-employment documentation and advisory services courtesy of NBI, BIR, PRC, SSS, NSO, PhilHealth, and the Pag-ibig Fund. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) served one hundred twenty eight (128) OFWs, who were interested in the programs and services OWWA offers for returning OFWs and their families.
TESDA provided free haircut and massage services for the relaxation and comfort of our jobseekers. Some 387 jobseekers who needed training, registered at the TESDA booth to avail of the Tech-Voc scholarship grants.
The Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) and the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) set up the Kasambahay Information booth to provide advisory services on the salient features of the Kasambahay Law and to address the concerns and inquiries on its Implementing Rules and Guidelines.
Through the Libreng Tawag booth, applicants got connected with their loved ones abroad courtesy of Smart Communications Incorporated.
This project was made possible through the public private partnership initiative spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment in cooperation with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), and the PESO Association of Metro Manila (PAMM).
Its corporate sponsors include SMART Communications, Inc., the Federation of Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (FFCCCII), the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), the Philippine Association of Local Service Contractors (PALSCON) and Banco De Oro (BDO).
Other partner and support agencies include the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer - June 30, 2013