ILOILO City – Tackling unemployment and child labor in one coordinated move, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 is offering more than 10,000 job opportunities in today’s Kalayaan Job Fair 2025 at SM City Bacolod, as part of the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration.
With the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan,” the event aims to empower jobseekers while also reinforcing social protection measures for vulnerable families.
A total of 57 local employers are offering 8,852 job vacancies, while four overseas recruitment agencies are opening 1,534 opportunities abroad — spanning sales, customer service, construction, logistics, BPO (business process outsourcing), and skilled trades such as driving, kitchen work, and utility services.
DOLE-6 regional director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez Jr. encouraged all eligible applicants, including high school graduates and tech-voc completers, to take advantage of the job fair, emphasizing inclusivity and accessible employment.
The job fair also features a one-stop shop of government agencies to assist attendees, streamlining services such as documentation, employment verification, and financial support.
Meanwhile, in line with the global observance of the World Day Against Child Labor, DOLE-6 will also host the signing of a Pledge of Commitment and a Memorandum of Agreement at 888 Mall, Bacolod City, alongside the launch of Project Angel Tree. This initiative extends services and benefits to identified child laborers and encourages their parents or guardians to engage in livelihood sessions, health consultations, and wellness activities.
To further promote inclusive economic recovery, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program will be introduced at the event venue to support local farmers and producers by linking them directly with consumers./PN
