Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday expanded its recently launched Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) amid economic pressures in the country due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that the nationwide rollout aims to mitigate the impact of rising fuel and commodity prices on Filipino families.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Angara emphasized the importance of bringing government services and opportunities closer to the youth, especially during times when many families are feeling the effects of the economic crisis and inflation. The DepEd, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), plans to implement the BPSF in two schools in each region to enhance the employability of graduates from Senior High School (SHS) and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in public schools.

Angara spearheaded the launch of the expanded BPSF at the Batasan Hills National High School in Quezon City, where over 20 private companies provided job opportunities. The BPSF also offered essential government services to SHS and ALS graduates to facilitate their pre-employment requirements, including police clearance, National Bureau of Investigation clearance, and PhilHealth registration, among others.

Based on the DepEd's report, a total of 1,428 graduates have benefited from free government clearances and other employment-related services, with 300 learners securing jobs on the spot in select pilot areas. These developments were recorded in nine schools across Metro Manila, Sorsogon, Talisay City in Cebu, and Panabo City in Davao del Norte.