A Labor Day job fair in Laoag City led to 22 hires on the spot and more applicants marked near-hired, with agencies offering one-stop support.
A Labor Day job fair in Laoag City turned into a quick path for jobseekers, with 22 people hired on the spot.
According to Misryoum, Assistant Public Employment Service Office (PESO) head Shey Pia Abaya said the event brought in at least 207 applicants. In addition to the on-the-spot hires, seven more were classified as “near-hired,” reflecting continued screening and next steps.
The turnout was described as better than expected, with participation drawing a steady crowd from the morning registration.
Misryoum notes that the numbers matter beyond the day itself, because fast hiring wins build momentum for both applicants and employers.
About 30 partner agencies and companies joined the fair, including Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center and the Philippine National Police. The presence of multiple national government offices helped set up a one-stop-shop approach for services that go beyond job matching.
Misryoum said the event also functioned as a gateway to support programs, which can make a difference for applicants who need more than paperwork to move forward.
Meanwhile, services at the fair included financial assistance for distressed overseas Filipino workers and their beneficiaries through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.. The Department of Labor and Employment also rolled out livelihood support programs, while first-time job seekers received assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Abaya emphasized that PESO’s role is not only to connect applicants with openings, but also to guide them through the actual application experience. For many first-timers, she said, the fair becomes a learning opportunity as they navigate a real job application process.
On hiring fairness, Abaya acknowledged that the “backer system” still exists and is hard to fully remove, especially in work that depends on trust or familiarity.. Even so, she said PESO and the city government continue pushing structured screening and open-access programs to support equal opportunity.
Misryoum highlighted that job fairs like this can still help set expectations for fairer processes, even when wider cultural realities are acknowledged.
The event also reflected labor market direction based on submissions used by the Department of Labor and Employment, pointing to retail, tourism, and hospitality as key employment drivers in 2025.. Among applicants, a first-time BPO seeker said he felt hopeful and anxious while exploring opportunities, and another job seeker said the fair offered options for both supporting her family and pursuing personal growth.. PESO encouraged residents to keep submitting applications and to stay alert for upcoming job fairs, underscoring that more opportunities remain available.