The Department of Labor and Employment in the Davao Region (DOLE-11) offered 5,724 job openings during the 124th Labor Day job fair on Friday at six venues across the region, opening a dedicated green lane for priority applicants, including senior citizens, senior high school graduates and persons with disabilities.

As of 3 p.m., 1,073 job seekers had registered. Of these, 55 were hired on the spot (HOTS), while 112 were identified as near-hires pending submission of requirements and final interviews.

Jerome Villa, 33, who was hired as an electrician in Laguna, said he needs the job to support his family.

“I am happy and at the same time anxious, but I am very much ready,” he said.

DOLE-11 Director Randolf Pensoy said the job fair was held simultaneously in Davao City, Digos City (Davao del Sur), Tagum City (Davao del Norte), Malita (Davao Occidental), Nabunturan (Davao de Oro), and Mati City (Davao Oriental).

“Our participating employers across the six venues totaled 97. Registered attendees started arriving at 10 a.m.,” Pensoy said in an interview.

He added that this year’s job fair also prioritized graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

DOLE also actively promotes employment opportunities for senior citizens aged 60 and above who are physically and mentally capable of working.

The initiative focuses on providing light, safe, and part-time jobs, often in partnership with private businesses.

“They can work in fast food chains. They can entertain and talk to customers,” Pensoy said. (PNA)