DOLE-NCR gearing up for 2015 labor day celebrations; over 30,000 vacancies up for grabs

THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment — National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR), in cooperation with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), has firmed up its preparations for this year’s Labor Day celebrations with the theme, “Disenteng Trabaho at Kabuhayan, Alay Natin sa Bayan.”

Araw ng Paggawa 2015 will feature the 2015 Labor Day Job & Livelihood Fair to be held at The Forum 1 & 2 of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Complex in Pasay City on May 1, 2015 from 8:00AM to 4:00PM.

Over 30,000 job vacancies here and abroad await recent graduates, unemployed/displaced workers, returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and beneficiaries of the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

In addition to the local and overseas job fair, DOLE-NCR Regional Director Alex V. Avila said that this year’s celebrations will also feature livelihood services, especially for returning OFWs, who want to pursue an entrepreneurial path.

These services include livelihood counselling, skills demonstration for baristas, masseurs and hair cutters, among others. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - NCR will also be present to accommodate referrals for the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

“In order to assist jobseekers and workers coming to the fair, we are also setting-up a onestop-shop for pre-employment documentation, and legal and welfare assistance,” Avila added.

The one-stop-shop will include the services of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA) for birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc., the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for issuance of tax identification numbers (TINs), the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Likewise, other DOLE bureaus and attached agencies such as the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC), Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR), National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), National Wages and Productvity Commission (NWPC), National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will be offering their services during the event.

To date, 75 employers looking to hire around 12,000 jobseekers for local employment, and 28 private recruitment agencies seeking to place about 18,000 overseas workers have confirmed their participation at the job and livelihood fair.

Other government partners in this huge undertaking include the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government of Pasay City.

Sponsors of the 2015 Labor Day Job & Livelihood Fair include the Federation of Fiilipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (FFCCCII), PhilCopy, Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors (PALSCON), Smart Communications, and media groups Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Philippine Star.

Cashier, financial adviser, and customer service representative positions top the list of vacancies available to jobseekers.

Employers are seeking to employ about 674 cashiers, 500 financial advisers, and 480 customer service representatives on Labor Day. They also have a need for 440 sales consultants/associates, 315 drivers, and 200 team leaders. Other top positions that make up the top 10 vacancies are 195 promodizers, 180 delivery helper, 155 maintenance/store cews, and 150 production helpers.

DOLE-NCR Regional Director Alex V. Avila shares that his agency’s partnership with the Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors (PALSCON) and other companies has resulted to the strong participation of over a hundred employers that will be on-site during the fair.

“I am glad that PALSCON is continuously working with us in creating a venue for jobseekers, displaced workers, returning OFWs, including the beneficiaries of the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and even those currently employed to seek employment, or access information about livelihood opportunities,” he said.

As of April 27, 2015, 8:00 AM, the top three PALSCON members with the most number of vacancies are Citiworks Manpower Resources Corporation (800 vacancies), Mirof Resources, Inc. (536), and BLE Best Manpower International Services, Inc. (529).

Other companies (non-PALSCON) with the most number of vacant postings are Philippine Family Mart CVS, Inc. (610), Direct Sales Support & Personnel Services, Inc., and Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp. (MIESCOR).