President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday vowed to expand job fairs nationwide to create more employment opportunities, particularly for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

Speaking at the “Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas” job fair at the new city hall of Tagum City, Davao del Norte, organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to improving Filipinos’ quality of life.

He said the national government is working closely with local government units to ensure the success of job fairs.

“This is in fulfillment of our mandate and our promise to raise the standard of living of every Filipino family, especially our beneficiaries of 4Ps and the TUPAD,” Marcos said in Filipino.

TUPAD is an emergency employment program for a limited period while the 4Ps program aids indigent households with financial assistance for educational and health purposes.

The event featured 28 employers and attracted some 4,000 job seekers, primarily beneficiaries of DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and DOLE’s TUPAD programs.

DOLE provided cash assistance to 1,000 TUPAD workers, while DSWD extended support to 3,000 graduating 4Ps beneficiaries.

“Filipinos are truly great, all of our countrymen. They just need an opportunity like this job fair. That’s why I will do everything so that this program can spread throughout the country. I wish you success,” Marcos added.

The President urged the participants to seize the opportunities, saying they could help in achieving his administration’s bid for a “more prosperous, productive and progressive New Philippines” through their hard work and concern for others.

“I believe that each of you has the ability and determination to make your life productive. Let’s live the new Filipino, the Filipino who is disciplined, hardworking, respectful and caring. This will lead us to the New Philippines that we dream of,” he added.

He assured that the government is strengthening the delivery of services to help job seekers find quality jobs “and serve as step towards achieving your dreams in life and for your families.”

Government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Home Development Mutual (Pag-IBIG) Fund, and Social Security System also participated, providing pre-employment documentation and advisory services.

A Kadiwa ng Pangulo market fair, with 38 sellers offering affordable goods and agricultural products, was also part of the event.

Marcos visited the Kadiwa stalls before delivering a speech. (PNA)