‘Freedom’ jobs offered during Independence Day

CEBU, Philippines — Over 3,000 job vacancies were offered yesterday at the “Kalayaan Job Fair 1024” in SM Seaside City Cebu as part of yesterday’s “celebration of freedom,” yesterday being the country’s 126th Independence Day.

The fair was conducted by the Cebu City government through Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)- 7, Cebu City Tourism Commission, and SM Seaside City Cebu.

Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said the job seekers were taking a step towards the realization of their dreams.

"On occasions such as these, I'm reminded of a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt. She said, 'the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams'," he said.

"You could also interpret this event that this is your…day to freedom. What kind of freedom? Freedom from unemployment, freedom from uncertainty, and maybe even freedom from financial difficulties," he added.

Garcia hoped that the job fair would help individuals propel their futures toward the right direction.

Meanwhile, DMDP Head Ma. Suzanne O. Ardosa said that their target for yesterday's job fair was that not less than 20 percent of the registered job seekers would land a job. DOLE, on the other hand, targeted 18 percent.

"Sa dili pata mag job fair kay mag-conduct man ta’g meeting, employer's forum, nga atong istoryahan ang mga employers nga kung mahimo daghang ma-hired on the spot, kay mao man na ang atong purpose kung ngano nag-conduct ta’g job fair," she said.

Ardosa advised those who failed to get hired to try again and never give up, as she advised that they could also enhance their skills or learn new skills by taking up technical-vocational courses.

She said they could either go to the DMDP office or that of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and seek what trainings are available for them. — Donna Rose Egos/RHM (FREEMAN)