CEBU CITY — For jobseekers in Central Visayas, Saturday’s celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) was more than an anniversary event — it was a chance to find work, pursue training and explore opportunities abroad.

TESDA-7 marked the occasion and National Tech-Voc Day by hosting the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) MEGA local and overseas jobs fair, bringing thousands of employment opportunities under one roof.

TESDA TVET alumni, displaced workers, returning overseas Filipino workers, their dependents and other job seekers were invited to take part in the one-stop employment event.

TESDA-7 assistant regional and Cebu Provincial director Carlito Quintano told the DAILY TRIBUNE that 4,825 job openings were available, including 2,266 overseas positions.

Launched in 2018, the WCO serves as a bridge between skilled workers and employers while bringing together government agencies and private institutions that can help applicants secure jobs or start businesses.

“We have partnered with 26 local and overseas employers, financial institutions, line government agencies. This initiative aims to provide immediate employment, scholarship enrollment, competency assessment updates, and entrepreneurial start-up options,” Quintano said.

Of the 26 participating companies, three were overseas employers.

The event featured vacancies in business process outsourcing, construction, property development, hospitality and supermarket industries. Several applicants were also hired on the spot.

TESDA-7 regional director Gamaliel Vicente Jr. also thanked the Cebu provincial government under Gov. Pamela Baricuatro for continuing its support for skills development through the “Sugbo Kahanas” program.

“We are most thankful for Governor PAM as her administration sustained the ‘Sugbo Kahanas’ program and allocated P130 million,” Vicente said.

Unlike a traditional jobs fair, the WCO brings employment, government and financial services together, allowing applicants to process requirements, secure documents, update competency assessments and explore scholarships and livelihood opportunities in one place.

For many job seekers, the event offered not just a job opening, but a pathway toward a new career, skills training or even an opportunity to work abroad.