ILOILO – At least 45 jobseekers were hired on the spot during the Semana sang Iloilo Job Fair organized by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)–Iloilo, underscoring the event’s role in directly linking Ilonggos to employment amid ongoing efforts to boost local job generation.
Held at Casa Real de Iloilo on April 9, the job fair facilitated interviews for more than 300 applicants, with dozens immediately securing positions in participating local companies.
According to PESO-Iloilo manager Cynthia Dario, the hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) applicants represented a significant portion of those interviewed during the event, reflecting both employer demand and the readiness of the local workforce.
Aside from employment matching, the job fair also drew numerous Ilonggos to government help desks staffed by agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), providing access to essential services and information.
The event emphasized inclusivity, with four participating jobseekers identified as persons with disabilities, highlighting efforts to ensure equal access to employment opportunities.
In addition to local hiring, several government employment programs were showcased, including the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), JobStart Program, Provincial Internship Program (PIP), and Short-Term Employment Program (STEP). Applicants were also screened and interviewed for these initiatives.
The program also featured the awarding of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 2026 Likhang Kababaihan Business Plan Competition winner, Janica Rose Fasonilao, in recognition of her entrepreneurial initiative and contribution to women empowerment.
Meanwhile, DMW Region 6 director Glenda Aligonza presented a Plaque of Appreciation to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. for his continued support and partnership in implementing programs and services for overseas Filipino workers.
Dario said the job fair served as a vital platform to connect Ilonggos with meaningful careers while strengthening collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.
“The Semana sang Iloilo Job Fair 2026 stands as a testament to the continued collaboration between government agencies and stakeholders in promoting inclusive employment and economic growth in the Province of Iloilo,” Dario said.
Among those present during the program were Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, 4th District Board Member and Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Labor and Employment Rolando Distura, and DOLE-6 Iloilo Field Office head Dr. Arlyn Siatong./PN
