Koronadal City, South Cotabato — In a remarkable display of public-private sector collaboration during the T’nalak Festival celebration, the recently concluded Job Fair recorded the participation of 1,367 registered job seekers, with 95 applicants hired on the spot (HOTS), reflecting a placement rate of 11.50%
The activity, spearheaded by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), aimed to provide accessible employment opportunities for local and overseas job seekers, including fresh graduates, unemployed residents, and displaced workers.
A total of 61 employers joined the event — 47 local companies and 14 overseas recruitment agencies — bringing with them an impressive 7,185 job vacancies (4,370 local and 2,815 overseas). This wide array of job opportunities provides job seekers with access to a diverse range of industries, including business process outsourcing (BPO), retail, healthcare, construction, and hospitality.
Out of the total registrants, 826 were qualified based on the initial screening conducted by employers during the fair. Among the 95 successful HOTS placements, the following positions emerged as the Top 5 most in-demand roles:
- Call Center Agent – 21 hires
- Sales Consultant – 18 hires
- Cashier – 17 hires
- Sales Associate – 15 hires
- HR Staff – 8 hires.
These figures reflect the sustained demand for customer service, sales, and administrative roles in today’s dynamic labor market.
Provincial officials lauded the job fair’s outcome, emphasizing its contribution to individual employment but also to the broader economic recovery efforts in the post-pandemic landscape.
“Ang job fair makabulig para mapadali and meeting sang employers (local and overseas) kag jobseekers sa isa ka venue at a specific date para ma reduce and travelling cost, time, and effort,” Montoya said.
She also added, “Nagapasalamat kami sa mga employers as ila padayon nga suporta sa Job Fair kag I hope mapadayon kamo sang koordinasyon sa PESO for future edeavors when it comes to employment facilitations.”
The fair also provided pre-employment services such as resume assistance, free printing, and labor rights consultations. Government agencies, including SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth, also offered on-site support and services.
Organizers consider the fair a success and plan to hold similar employment initiatives across the province in the coming months to sustain momentum and further reduce unemployment. The event was part of the province’s commitment under its employment facilitation programs, ensuring that every South Cotabateño has access to opportunities for growth, development, and livelihood.
