BALANGA CITY (PIA) — Hundreds of jobseekers gathered at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga City as the provincial government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched a job fair offering 6,900 local and overseas job opportunities for the 123rd Labor Day celebration.
DOLE, in partnership with the Provincial Public Employment Services Office (PESO), organized the event, bringing together 36 employers—31 from the local job market and five from overseas. Several government agencies also participated, providing a wide array of public services.
In a video message, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma highlighted the critical role of Filipino workers in driving economic growth and improving national prosperity.
He thanked the government for its continuing support of the labor sector and emphasized the administration’s commitment to delivering quality services to uplift the lives of workers.
“There is still much to be done, but under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will continue to provide timely, appropriate, and quality services that protect and promote the rights, welfare, and livelihood of our workers,” Laguesma said.
He assured the public that DOLE would remain a steadfast partner in implementing effective programs and services aligned with its mandate to serve the Filipino workforce.
DOLE Bataan Labor and Employment Officer John Arthure Angeles noted that this year’s job fair reflected a more targeted approach. Organizers first identified the types of jobs that Bataeños were seeking and then invited companies that could meet those needs.
“This event is a big help for our fellow Bataeños. We wanted to give them better chances of landing quality jobs that will support their families and build a brighter future,” he said.
PESO Bataan Head Maria Eva Basalo echoed this commitment, stressing the province’s ongoing efforts to reduce unemployment.
“We aim to bring employment opportunities directly to our people and support them in building stable, long-term livelihoods,” Basalo said.
The job fair resulted in several on-the-spot hires. Marianne Tallada, a 23-year-old licensed criminologist from Abucay, secured a position at a renewable energy company.
“I didn’t expect to get hired immediately, but I prepared well and I’m very happy with the outcome. This means a lot to me and my family,” she said.
Jezreel Ellamar, a computer science graduate from Limay, also found immediate employment as a customer service representative in a business process outsourcing firm.
“I’m thankful to DOLE, PESO, and the government for this opportunity. Events like this really help us find jobs that allow us to support our families,” Ellamar shared.
Carrying the theme “Manggagawang Pilipino, Kaagapay sa Pag-unlad, Sandigan ng Mas Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” this year’s Labor Day celebration honored Filipino workers as vital partners in national development and champions of a resilient and progressive Philippines. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
