On the occasion of the 121st Labor Day observance in the Philippines, job seekers trooped to the Labor Day Jobs Fair held at SM City Pampanga. This event was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with SM Supermalls, which has been the primary and official partner of DOLE in conducting job fairs in SM malls across the country for years.
The job fair was aimed at helping job seekers find employment opportunities in various industries. The event also highlighted the crucial role of partnerships between the government, private sector, and other stakeholders in addressing unemployment and promoting inclusive growth in the country.
According to Alex Inza Cruz, Assistant Regional Director of DOLE Region 3, a total of 52 employers participated in the event, offering a combined total of 8,860 job vacancies in different fields such as retail, hospitality, and other industries. The event was well-attended by job seekers of all ages, from fresh graduates to experienced professionals looking for better opportunities.
One of the guest speakers at the event was Dr. Richard Daenos, the Director of the Department of Tourism Region 3, who also emphasized the importance of the tourism industry in creating jobs and spurring economic growth. He noted that the tourism sector has been steadily growing in recent years, leading to an increase in job opportunities in related fields such as hospitality, food service, and transportation.
The job fair provided a platform for job seekers to interact with potential employers, submit their resumes, and even undergo initial screening processes. There were also booths set up by government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) to provide information and assistance to job seekers.
The Labor Day Jobs Fair at SM City Pampanga served as a reminder of the importance of creating more job opportunities for Filipinos, especially in light of the economic challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aside from SM City Pampanga, job fairs were also held in other SM malls across the region, including SM City Cabanatuan, SM City Baguio, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Marilao, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City San Jose Del Monte, and SM City Grand Central.