More than 16,000 local and overseas job vacancies were offered to applicants in the ongoing Labor Day Job Fair of the Department of Labor and Employment-Bicol (DOLE-5) here and in other provinces in the region on Wednesday.

The one-day event was simultaneously conducted at the Ayala Malls in Legazpi City, Albay province; SM Daet in Camarines Norte; Robinsons Place in Naga City, Camarines Sur; Virac Town Center in Virac, Catanduanes; Masbate Social Center in Masbate City, Masbate province; and Sorsogon Provincial Capitol gymnasium in Sorsogon City.

In her message, Ching Banania, DOLE-Albay provincial head, thanked different government agencies for their support, time and collaboration in celebrating Labor Day.

“Muli tayong naging mahalagang instrumento na makapagbigay daan para sa magandang hinahanarap ng ating minamahal na mga naghahanap ng trabaho. Ang amin pong tanggapan ay patuloy na magbibigay ng serbisyo publiko at magsisilbing kaagapay para sa ating pangkalahatang pag-unlad sa abot ng aming makakaya (Once again, we have become an important instrument that paves the way for the good future of our beloved job seekers. Our office will continue to provide public service and serve as support for our overall development as much as we can),” Banania said.

DOLE-5 recorded a total of 5,257 job seekers who have registered online, with Albay leading the registration count at 1,401; followed by Masbate with 1,148; and Sorsogon with 1,303 registrations.

At least 135 employers are participating in the simultaneous events.

Meanwhile, as part of the Labor Day observance, 179 Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiaries received their stipend amounting to PHP776,965.

DOLE-5 also awarded livelihood assistance worth PHP13 million to 488 beneficiaries, along with Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) wages amounting to PHP426.2 million for 92,674 individuals.

Various services were also available such as labor advisory, career vocational and employment counseling, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) entrepreneurship seminar, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) skills training orientation.

Kadiwa ng Pangulo stalls also featured 326 sellers, promoting local products and entrepreneurship.

In a statement, DOLE officer-in-charge Regional Director Imelda Romanillos said the agency stands in solidarity with the Filipinos in observing the 122nd Labor Day with the theme, “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Manggagawang Pilipino, Kabalikat at Kasama sa Pag-Asenso”.

She encouraged active participation in the events, emphasizing the opportunities presented for both job seekers and employers. (PNA)