ILOILO — Nearly 10,000 job vacancies will be up for grabs as the Iloilo Provincial Government’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) stages its Mega Job Fair 2025 on July 18 at Robinsons Place Jaro, Iloilo City — a major initiative to address unemployment and job mismatch in the province.
According to PESO provincial head Dr. Cynthia Dario, the job fair will offer a total of 9,910 employment opportunities, comprising 3,543 local job vacancies and 6,367 job orders.
A total of 60 local companies are participating, alongside 8 business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, 16 overseas employers, and the Philippine Army, which is recruiting for one vacant post.
“This is our biggest annual event, especially timed for fresh graduates. We’re hoping to help many of them land jobs, including those looking for opportunities abroad,” said Dario.
Pre-registration began last week and continues until the event, while walk-in applicants will still be accommodated on-site. As of this writing, more than 156 applicants have already signed up.
The fair is open to all jobseekers, including fresh graduates, returning workers, and those aspiring for overseas jobs.
Applicants are advised to bring updated résumés, certificates, and passports if applying for work abroad. PESO will also set up help desks with partner government agencies to assist applicants with documentary requirements and job readiness.
Participating agencies include the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Dario emphasized the value of gaining work experience, even from entry-level or temporary positions. “Don’t be too picky. Every job is a stepping stone toward achieving your long-term career goals,” she said, echoing the call of Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. for jobseekers to seize the opportunity./PN
