President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graces the “Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas” job fair organized by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Social Welfare and Development at the New City Hall in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Saturday (Feb. 15, 2025). In his speech, Marcos said the government will push for more job fairs to boost the country’s employment. (Screenshot from Radio Television Malacañang)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has pledged to expand job fairs across the country to create more employment opportunities, particularly for beneficiaries of government assistance programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).
Speaking at the “Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas” job fair held at the new city hall of Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Marcos underscored the government’s commitment to improving Filipinos’ quality of life through accessible and sustainable employment.
The event, organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), featured job opportunities from 28 employers and attracted around 4,000 job seekers.
Marcos emphasized that the national government works closely with local government units to expand and institutionalize job fairs nationwide, ensuring that more Filipinos, particularly those in vulnerable sectors, can secure stable employment.
“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.
The TUPAD program provides temporary emergency employment for displaced workers, while the 4Ps program assists low-income families with financial aid for education and healthcare.
At the event, DOLE provided cash assistance to 1,000 TUPAD workers, while DSWD supported 3,000 graduating 4Ps beneficiaries, equipping them with resources to transition into the workforce.
Encouraging Filipinos to seize job opportunities
Marcos encouraged job seekers to take advantage of the employment opportunities provided, saying these initiatives are part of his administration’s goal of fostering a “more prosperous, productive, and progressive New Philippines.”
“Filipinos are hardworking and talented. They need opportunities like this job fair. That’s why I am committed to expanding this program nationwide,” he added.
He also urged job seekers to embody the values of discipline, perseverance, and respect, which would contribute to their personal growth and the country’s economic progress.
Employment and business assistance
Various government agencies participated in the job fair, offering pre-employment documentation, skills training, and advisory services. Among them were:
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Provided entrepreneurship assistance and small business loan guidance.
- Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) – Assisted applicants with housing loan inquiries.
- Social Security System (SSS) – Information on employment benefits and social security programs.
Alongside the job fair, a Kadiwa ng Pangulo market fair was also held. It featured 38 local sellers offering affordable agricultural products and essential goods. Marcos personally visited the Kadiwa stalls before addressing the crowd.
Strengthening services for job seekers
The President assured Filipinos that his administration remains committed to strengthening government programs that connect job seekers with quality employment and help them achieve their aspirations.
“The government is here to support you in finding decent jobs and reaching your dreams for yourself and your families,” he said.
With the success of the Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas initiative, Marcos aims to replicate similar programs nationwide, reinforcing his administration’s vision of a New Philippines with empowered, self-sufficient, and hardworking citizens.