More than 1,800 jobseekers were hired on the spot during a series of nationwide sectoral job fairs organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) last month.

The initiative is part of an intensified effort by the labor department to provide immediate employment for vulnerable groups, specifically targeting displaced construction workers and graduating students from the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) and Alternative Learning System (ALS) tracks.

Labor officials reported that construction-focused fairs held in 14 regions on 25, 26, and 30 March offered 28,986 vacancies.

Of the 2,166 participants, 395 were hired immediately. DoLE plans to hold follow-up events for the construction sector in May, specifically in the National Capital Region and the Negros Island Region.

“Finding a job is really difficult,” said Eddie Garma, a driver in Region II who secured a position with a construction firm during the fair. “I hope that DoLE and its offices continue these job fairs so that more people like me can be helped.”

In partnership with the Department of Education, DoLE also conducted fairs for graduating senior high school students to ease the transition from school to the workforce.

The youth-focused events drew more than 7,300 students and resulted in 1,700 immediate hires. Some of these successful applicants were also enrolled in the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

The agency cited that the fairs provided access to more than 43,000 total vacancies across various industries, signaling strong employer demand for entry-level and technical workers.

DoLE said the sectoral approach improves placement efficiency by matching specific skills with industry-specific demands. The agency maintains a calendar of upcoming job fairs on its website and the Bureau of Local Employment platforms to ensure consistent engagement between employers and job seekers.

The agency continues to coordinate with local government units and industry partners to expand these opportunities and support workers entering or re-entering the labor market.