Over 3,000 job seekers secured employment on the spot during the nationwide career fairs conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in celebration of the 127th Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 12 June.

According to the latest preliminary report from the Bureau of Local Employment, a total of 25,876 job seekers registered across 50 job fair sites nationwide, organized by the DOLE Regional Offices and the Public Employment Service Offices.

Of this number, 3,364 applicants were hired on the spot, primarily for positions such as cashier, service crew, production operator, English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, bagger, sales associate, clerk, production crew, loan officer, and store clerk.

In addition, 4,676 job seekers were classified as near-hires, pending final evaluations or document submission, while 21,419 were deemed fully qualified for the available positions.

Vulnerable groups also benefited from the job fair. Among those hired on the spot were 274 senior high school graduates, one person with a disability, and 10 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program.

Additionally, 55 private company interns and 37 beneficiaries of the Government Internship Program (GIP) were hired.

A total of 1,573 employers participated in the event, offering 153,187 local and overseas job vacancies.

Beyond recruitment, the event featured a one-stop shop of government services to assist in issuing pre-employment documents.

Participating agencies also provided Jobseeker Auxiliary Services, including career development support, labor consultation, and programs on livelihood, skills training, and entrepreneurship.

As a result, 1,150 job seekers received career development support to improve job readiness and career prospects; 940 expressed interest in skills enhancement training; 323 availed of livelihood assistance; 79 explored entrepreneurship opportunities; and 9,142 accessed government services from agencies such as Pag-IBIG, SSS, and PhilHealth.

The numbers are expected to increase as the DOLE proceeds to monitor and verify job fair data from its regional offices.

Additionally, the Labor department is set to organize a related job fair on 19 June at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati.