THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recorded a historic 4,476 hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) applicants during its nationwide “Trabaho Agad” Job Fairs held on Independence Day.
In a nationwide video message, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino hailed the June 12 job fairs as a “massive success” after thousands of Filipinos secured jobs.
Data from the DOLE Bureau of Local Employment showed that 4,476 applicants were hired on the spot this year, the highest figure in the past five years.
It surpassed the 3,665 hired-on-the-spot applicants in 2022, 3,422 in 2023, 3,651 in 2024, and 3,722 in 2025.
Held in 61 locations, the job fairs directly linked employers with jobseekers, enabling qualified applicants to receive immediate job offers and quickly enter the workforce.
Those hired on the spot filled a wide range of positions, including production operators, service crew members, cashiers, sales associates, baggers, teachers, packagers, customer service representatives, clerks, and store clerks.
The job fairs also promoted inclusive employment by opening opportunities for senior high school graduates, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, Indigenous peoples, repatriated overseas Filipino workers, and persons with disabilities.
Tolentino described the record hiring turnout as proof of the department’s success in connecting Filipinos with decent and productive jobs.
He credited the close collaboration between DOLE regional offices and Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) for the successful implementation of the initiative.
He also thanked partner agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Civil Service Commission, for helping transform the venues into one-stop public service hubs.
Beyond job matching, the fairs provided one-stop-shop documentary processing services through participating agencies, such as the NBI, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund, allowing applicants to complete employment requirements more efficiently.
The fairs also provided career development and skills enhancement services. A total of 4,214 job seekers availed of career support programs, 1,462 joined skills training activities, 51 beneficiaries received livelihood assistance, 155 explored entrepreneurship opportunities, and 10,391 individuals accessed services from partner government agencies.
