Applicants flock to the Department of Migrant Workers job fair at Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City on Friday (March 21, 2025). The job fair offered 3,470 job opportunities for women seeking overseas employment. (PNA photo by Marita Moaje)
In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) held the “Mega Job Fair Para sa mga Kababaihan,” opening up 3,470 overseas employment opportunities specifically for women.
Held on Friday at Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City, the event spotlighted the growing role of Filipina workers in various industries abroad. DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay emphasized the importance of honoring women’s contributions to the country’s workforce.
“This is our way of paying tribute to our women workers. We recognize their value in society and take pride in standing alongside them,” Bay said in an interview. “Many of them have found success in skilled and professional roles once dominated by men.”
The job fair featured openings in diverse sectors such as hospitality and tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, skilled trades (including factory work), beauty and wellness (like hairdressing and nail care), and maritime services.
Countries hiring included Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Hungary, and Brunei.
“Women are breaking barriers,” Bay noted. “They’re no longer limited to household roles. Today, Filipinas are welders, electronic technicians, and even seafarers aboard international cruise ships.”
Seeking better pay and growth
For many attendees, working abroad represents a path toward financial security and career development.
Dona Nakpil, 26, a hospitality worker, is eyeing a job in the cruise or hotel industry. “The pay here in the Philippines just isn’t enough. I realized working overseas could offer more financial stability,” she said.
Angelika Bercita, also 26, recently returned from a nine-month stint in Qatar and is now targeting the maritime sector. “I’m hoping to work in Europe. I’ve completed safety and security training, and I believe that gives me an edge,” she shared.
Recruitment and manning agencies were on-site, actively hiring and collecting resumes for future placements. Danilo Bendal, talent sourcing supervisor at Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, said cruise ships are urgently hiring for food and beverage, housekeeping, dining, and casino roles.
“Female applicants are increasing, which is a very promising trend for the industry,” Bendal said.
Cheryl Badar of All Seasons Manpower added that nurses and teachers are also in high demand abroad. “Saudi Arabia is hiring large numbers of nurses, while the U.S. continues to recruit Filipino teachers. These roles offer excellent pay and often don’t require placement fees,” she explained.
Job seekers can verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies through the DMW’s official website: https://dmw.gov.ph/licensed-recruitment-agencies.
