ZAMBOANGA CITY – Graduating students of Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZSCMST) were given the opportunity to apply for jobs in an exclusive career and job fair on May 25-27, 2023 held in the school’s gymnasium.

To prepare them with relevant information on the realities of the world of work, the Department of Labor and Employment – Zamboanga City Field Office (DOLE – ZCFO) provided students with Labor Education for Graduating Students (LEGS) prior to the job fair.

“The LEGS forms part of DOLE’s on-going educational awareness campaign under the Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES) which aims to prepare graduating students to enter the world of work.

The seminar covers DOLE’s services on employment facilitation, workers protection and social security coverage for the employees,” said Albert E. Gutib, regional director.

ZCFO Chief Ma. Elena T. Alabata shared that the 3-day activity also included learning sessions on personality development, resume and job interview preparation facilitated by speakers with expertise on the subject matter.

“The culminating activity was the Job Fair where the students experienced actual job hunting and interview,” Alabata added.

Through partnerships with the private sector, 7 participating companies from the tourism and retail industries offered 193 vacancies. Out of the 700 students in attendance, 12 are near-hires who only need to submit lacking documents.

Present during the event were Dr. Jaime G. Jalon, ZSCMST President, Ma. Socorro A. Rojas, Zamboanga City PESO Manager, Anna Marie D. Fernando, Graduate Placement Assistance Officer and Dr. Robert V. Panaguiton, Dean College of Education and Liberal Arts. END/With reports from Corazon Fatima Fallorin, ZCFO