CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — Employment and livelihood opportunities reached Novo Ecijanos as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) held activities at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Training Center in Cabanatuan City in celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day.
The DOLE Trabaho Agad Job Fair was the event’s highlight, featuring 35 employers offering more than 2,000 job vacancies across key industries including wholesale and retail, manufacturing, financial and insurance activities, manpower services, information and communication, and education.
DOLE Nueva Ecija OIC-Provincial Director Ethell Galvan said the activity aligns with the agency’s effort to provide immediate employment opportunities for jobseekers during the Independence Day celebration.
The job fair was organized in partnership with the City Government of Cabanatuan through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), which assisted in coordinating employer and jobseeker participation.
Eight national government agencies were also present to assist jobseekers with requirements and other concerns.
These included the Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine Statistics Authority, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Philippine Army.
DOLE also awarded livelihood starter kits under its Integrated Livelihood Program to five beneficiaries, each engaged in different livelihood projects such as sari‑sari stores, printing services, and rice retailing, with total assistance amounting to P150,650.
Galvan clarified that livelihood assistance is provided in the form of equipment and capital goods, not cash, to ensure sustainable income sources for beneficiaries.
As part of the activity, another batch of 55 beneficiaries underwent Entrepreneurial Development Training in preparation for livelihood assistance worth over P1.6 million.
Participants included parents of child laborers and individuals from Cabanatuan City, Bongabon, and General Mamerto Natividad.
In line with the World Day Against Child Labor campaign, DOLE also highlighted its advocacy against child labor during the event.
Galvan noted that planned activities are set for August 2026 in coordination with partner agencies and local government units.
Meanwhile, 531 beneficiaries received payouts under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD program, each receiving P6,000 for 10 days of community work, for a total allocation of around P3.1 million.
The payout was held at the Old Capitol in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.
Cabanatuan City PESO Head Ronneil Sanopo said the initiative reflects a broader meaning of independence, emphasizing that true freedom includes access to decent work and livelihood opportunities.
“Ang tunay na kalayaan ay hindi lamang sa pahina ng mga aklat ng kasaysayan; ito ay kalayaang-pinansyal at pangkabuhayan na nagpapahintulot sa bawat isa na maitaguyod ang kanyang pamilya, abutin ang kanyang mga pangarap, at mabuhay nang may dangal,” he stressed.
(True freedom is not only found in the pages of history books; it is financial and economic freedom that enables everyone to support their family, pursue their dreams, and live with dignity.)
The convergence of these programs and services aligns with the national government’s thrust under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to expand access to jobs and sustainable livelihood opportunities for Filipinos. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
