BACOLOD City — In celebration of the 124th Labor Day, thousands of job seekers flocked to the main atrium of SM City Bacolod on May 1, 2026, for one of the largest job fairs in the region.
The event was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment–Negros Island Region (DOLE-NIR) in partnership with the Bacolod City Government.
Carrying the theme, “Disenteng Trabaho Para sa Lahat: Iisang Hangarin, Bagong Pilipinas, Sama-Samang Mararating,” the activity highlighted the government’s continued commitment to providing accessible employment opportunities and essential services to the public.
In her welcome message, Gretchen Pasiolan, officer-in-charge of the DOLE Negros Occidental Field Office, underscored the importance of recognizing the value of Filipino workers and creating meaningful opportunities for all.
“Today, we join the entire nation in celebrating Labor Day—an occasion to recognize the dignity of work and the people behind it,” Pasiolan said.
“Through activities like this job fair, we aim to bring government services closer to those who need them most,” she added.
The Labor Day job fair served as the centerpiece of the celebration, complemented by a Caravan of Government Services, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo under the TUPAD program, and the distribution of various assistance packages from DOLE.
Pasiolan also highlighted the event as a milestone for the newly established DOLE-NIR.
“This is the first job fair of the DOLE Negros Occidental Field Office under DOLE-NIR, led by Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe. It marks a new chapter as we strengthen the delivery of programs and services across Negros Occidental,” she said.
Facilitated by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Bacolod City, the job fair offered a wide range of local and overseas employment opportunities, attracting applicants from across the province.
PESO Bacolod Coordinator Jovelyn Canoy described the event as one of the biggest job fairs in recent years.
“Whether you are starting your career or seeking new opportunities, this is your chance to move forward,” Canoy said.
“We remain committed to opening doors and bringing opportunities closer to the people—because every dream deserves a chance,” she added.
As part of the broader Labor Day activities, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also launched its Skills Passport, aimed at improving workforce competitiveness and skills recognition.
Meanwhile, a pre-Labor Day job fair organized by PESO in Barangay 26 on April 30 also yielded positive results. The community-based initiative successfully connected residents with potential employers, with 42 applicants endorsed and 32 qualifying for employment.
Local officials, including Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, were recognized for their continued support in advancing employment programs and empowering local communities.
The series of activities underscores the government’s sustained efforts to promote decent work, strengthen workforce development, and drive inclusive economic growth in the region./PN
