ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 13, 2022 – More than 2,200 jobseekers converged at KCC Mall de Zamboanga on Independence Day, June 12, to join the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9’s in-person Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan (TNK) Job and Business Fair.

With a total of 1,915 job vacancies from 25 local and overseas employers, the whole-day job fair registered 811 qualified applicants. Out of this number, 76 applicants were hired-on-the-spot and 300 were deemed near hires.

Near hires are jobseekers who are considered hired but may need to submit additional requirements, documents, or must undergo further tests or interviews.

“We are happy about the turn-out of applicants this year which is attributable to the online job fair portal that we developed. Those who pre-registered and applied online were admitted to the interview area right away – this greatly helped in reducing the queuing lines,”said Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, DOLE 9 Regional Director.

“This is also the first time that we partnered with the Department of Education allowing their senior high school graduates to participate in the job fair. This goes to show that there are also employment opportunities for SHS completers,” he added.

Aside from the job fair, DOLE’s attached agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMD, formerly POEA), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) and Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) offered their services to walk-in clients at the One-Stop-Shop Services booth. The Department of Trade and Industry likewise offered business advisory and counseling to 6 clients.

The Technical Education and Skills Authority (TESDA) treated 90 jobseekers and workers alike to free services such as massages and haircuts as well as skills training on baking to 49 interested participants.

Meanwhile, a total of 54 individuals received their Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots at the Vaccination Drive held in partnership with the Zamboanga City Health Office.

“Coincidentally, we are also celebrating the World Day Against Child Labor on June 12 thus we invited the members of the Regional Council Against Child Labor to renew the pledge of commitment against child labor,” Atty. Buenafe explained.

Still in line with WDACL, DOLE 9 conducted a traditional poster making contest among senior high students simultaneously to raise awareness about the effects of child labor. #