Dole-Davao Region sets job fair for PWDs

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Davao Region will hold a job fair exclusive for person with disabilities (PWD) on July 20 at the City Hall building.

The exclusive jobs fair is in line with the week-long celebration of the 34th National Disability, Prevention and Rehabilitation Week on July 17 to 23.

Dole regional director Joffrey Suyao, speaking during Monday's Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City, said they are still finalizing how many jobs will be opened in the fair on Friday.

But, he said Dole-Davao Region already listed a total of six employers so far who have confirmed their participation in the exclusive jobs fair.

"As much as possible, there should be more jobs to be opened," Suyao said.

He said among the firms that the Labor department invited in the region to participate this Friday's event are contact centers, spas and graphics companies.

"Sa call centers, kung physical disability pwede mag-trabaho sa mga call centers (In the call centers, if it's only physical disability, PWDs can still apply)," Suyao said, adding that many PWDs are employed in the local contact centers.

The holding of an exclusive jobs fair is the initiative of the department to assist PWDs and have them in the mainstream in terms of economic development.

Suyao added that every government office is required to employ at least five percent of the total plantilla employees, but added an eligibility given by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) is a basic requirement.

"PWD applicants will have to undergo qualifying requirements, including interviews and examination," Suyao said.

Raquel Nuñez, Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) regional technical assistant division chief, said they provide CSC review and tutorial for PWDs for free every semester to help them get to pass the Career Service Professional examination of the CSC.

Also in Kapehan, Davao City Federation of Persons with Disabilities president Teogenes Comiling said there are a total of 238 PWDs currently employed in the City Hall. Of the number, 200 are jobs orders while only 38 are regular employees.