Local, overseas job fair in SM Seaside today

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Government is intensifying its employment initiatives with the staging of the Kalayaan 2026 Mega Local and Overseas Job Fair today, June 12 at the Mountain Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu.

Today’s fair organized by the Department of Manpower Development and Placement in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Migrant Workers, and SM Seaside City Cebu will open thousands of opportunities for Cebuanos seeking both local and overseas employment.

More than 40 local employers and several accredited overseas recruitment agencies are participating, offering vacancies across construction, retail, business process outsourcing, finance, logistics, hospitality, and maritime services.

Among the major companies joining are Aboitiz Construction, SM Group affiliates, Qualfon Philippines, TTEC Cebu, Wipro Philippines, Foundever, and Philippine Seven Corp.

Overseas agencies, meanwhile, will cater to maritime and skilled workforce placements abroad.

The fair also highlights self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities through partner organizations, broadening livelihood options for applicants.

Anchored on the national theme “Kalayaan, kinabukasan, kasaysayan”, the initiative stresses the government’s commitment to empowering jobseekers by streamlining recruitment processes.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to secure priority entry, faster job matching, on-the-spot interviews, and access to virtual employment coaching sessions designed to prepare applicants for direct engagement with employers.

The Kalayaan Job Fair forms part of Cebu City’s broader Independence Day program, which began earlier with cultural and historical commemorations.

Last week, the Cultural and Historical Affairs Office hosted a special Independence Day lecture at the Cebu City Museum titled “Ang Pagbabalik-tanaw sa Kampanya at Kalayaan ng mga Pilipino.”

The lecture featured Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, former chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and supreme commander of the Knights of Rizal (KOR), who reflected on the campaigns and struggles that shaped Philippine freedom and the enduring legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal.

The event was attended by regional officials including DILG-7 Regional Director Leocadio Trovela, DFA-7 Consular Office Regional Director Dr. Angel Espiritu Jr., and commissioners of CHAC alongside members of KOR-Central Visayas. — /BRP (FREEMAN)