Iloilo city: The Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas (DOLE-6) is optimistic that the "Trabaho Agad Job Fair" will serve as a significant platform for opening up meaningful career opportunities and ensuring a brighter future for families. "This celebration reminds us that the freedom won by our forefathers is not only a part of our history, but is also a continuing responsibility. True freedom is realized when every Filipino is given the opportunity to live with dignity, earn a decent livelihood and provide a better future for their families," stated DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. during the opening ceremony of the one-day job fair.
According to Philippines News Agency, the job fair aims to connect job seekers with employers who are in search of skilled, qualified, and dedicated workers. Rodriguez encouraged participating employers to make use of the hire-on-the-spot process to provide immediate employment opportunities for deserving applicants. More than 5,200 domestic and overseas job vacancies were available at the event held at Robinsons Place Iloilo.
Rodriguez also highlighted the department's steadfast commitment to eliminating child labor as part of the international observance of the World Day Against Child Labor. "This year's observance serves as a reminder that every child deserves the right to education, protection, and a childhood free from exploitation. Children belong in schools, playgrounds, and safe environments-not in hazardous workplaces," he emphasized. He called on everyone to work toward a future where every Filipino has access to decent work and where every child is free from labor, enjoying their fundamental rights.
During the event, Department of Social Welfare and Development Western Visayas Social Welfare Officer Lisa Camacho underscored their shared commitment to creating opportunities for decent and productive employment while upholding the rights and welfare of every child. She noted, "As we open doors for job seekers to access meaningful livelihood and employment opportunities, we also strengthen our collective efforts to eliminate child labor by addressing one of its root causes-poverty and lack of economic opportunities for families."
Furthermore, DOLE-6 distributed PHP7.9 million worth of checks under its Integrated Livelihood Program to the local government unit of Maasin, Iloilo. This funding will support livelihood projects proposed by various local associations, which include the Maasin Bamboo Association, Maasin Market Vendors Association, Maasin Barangay Kagawad Komite on Agricultural Association, Maasin Overseas Filipino Workers and Beneficiaries Association, and the Katilingban sang Pumuluyo nga Naga-atipan Sang Watershed sang Maasin. Collectively, these five associations consist of 396 members.
