At least 11,300 job vacancies were offered to jobseekers during the Ibalong Festival 2026 Grand Job Fair at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation here on Monday.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino led the activity.

“We really need to bring these opportunities closer to our young people, as many of them are seeking employment,” Tolentino said.

He said a similar job fair can be expected here in September or October.

Tolentino said the government also aims to address underemployment by helping ensure that workers’ skills align with available job opportunities.

“The President’s directive is to address not only unemployment but also underemployment,” he said.

He said the private sector must also create more job opportunities, while government agencies, such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, provide upskilling and retraining programs to help match workers’ skills to available jobs.

Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail said the activity goes beyond filling vacancies by connecting jobseekers with opportunities that could help support their families and improve their future.

“It’s about opening doors,” Ismail said during his speech.

He encouraged jobseekers to apply to several companies to increase their chances of securing employment.

“If possible, apply to several companies to increase your chances,” he said.

Legazpi City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) head Diosdado Reneses said that nearly 55 employers, five overseas employment agencies, and 20 government agencies participated in the job fair.

Among those hired on the spot was 22-year-old fresh graduate Vincent Kirby Balingbing of San Jose in Malilipot.

“The service they provided today was really good, especially from PESO Legazpi. The location was very accessible despite the many employer booths. The process was easy, especially for college graduates,” Balingbing said.

Another fresh graduate, 23-year-old Jhon Paul Borromeo of Sogod, Bacacay, was likewise hired on the spot.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity. There are already jobs available, especially for fresh graduates like me,” Borromeo said.

Marco Macasinag, 21, said the activity made his job search easier because several opportunities were available in one venue.

“As a fresh graduate, I am very thankful that they held this kind of event because it helps people like me who are really looking for work at this moment,” Macasinag said. (PNA)