ILOILO City – More than 10,000 local and overseas job opportunities opened for Ilonggos as the city government staged a massive employment fair during the 88th Charter Day celebration on Aug. 22.
The “TRAIbahO PESO Job Fair & TESDA National Tech-Voc Day”, organized by the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), drew hundreds of applicants at Robinsons Place Iloilo, offering a total of 10,772 vacancies.
Of these, 2,831 slots were for local hiring, 5,186 for overseas employment, and 2,755 in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector.
The wide range of vacancies attracted jobseekers from fresh graduates to experienced professionals eager for better opportunities.
PESO head Gab Umadhay stressed that the activity was not just about filling vacancies but about building livelihoods.
“This job fair is more than just numbers; it’s about opening doors to careers and building brighter futures for our fellow Ilonggos,” he said.
Applicants were able to meet recruiters, undergo initial screenings, and join on-the-spot interviews. Some employers immediately shortlisted qualified candidates, while others scheduled follow-up interviews within the week.
The event also highlighted TESDA’s National Tech-Voc Day, with booths set up to provide guidance on training programs and certifications to boost employability.
By linking industries, training institutions, and the workforce, Iloilo City showcased its role as a hub of opportunities and inclusive growth — turning its Charter Day into a platform not only to honor history but also to secure economic prospects for its people./PN