IN A bid to help the unemployed sector in Northern Mindanao, a non-government, non-profit fraternity organization conducted a one-day job fair Monday, April 8, at the event center of Centrio Ayala Mall.
Hundreds of applicants participated in the first job fair of Carmen Valley Masonic Lodge No. 250 (CVML) that was done in partnership with Philhealth and in coordination with the local Public Employment Service Office (Peso).
"We decided to have this kind of activity kasi (because) this is part of 'poverty alleviation.' We want to channel employment to the unemployed sector especially now na kakatapos lang ng graduation (has just ended)," said Ian Alfredo Magno, worship master (equivalent to president) of CVML.
"This is actually our way of helping society, especially na nag-shift na tayo (that we shifted) from the old set-up sa (of) education to the K to 12 (curriculum). This is the last year na magkakaroon tayo ng (that we have old) graduates from the old set up. The next batch of graduates will be coming two years after," he added.
The Carmen Valley Masonic Lodge has managed to tap around 55 companies from all over Northern Mindanao that offered more than a hundred jobs for food, entertainment, energy, construction, and other sectors.
The job seekers, equipped with their cover letter, resume and I picture, ventured on the opportunity to get hired on the spot.
Apart from the aforementioned poverty alleviation activity, the Carmen Valley Masonic Lodge No. 250 has been adopting several schools.
According to Lemuel Gonda, the junior warden (equivalent to vice president) of CVML, the CVML has adopted Bulao Elementary School in Bulao, Iponan.
However, after seeing the school's improvement, Gonda said the organization has began looking for another school to adopt for the next school year and decided on Kawakawan Elementary School in Barangay Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City.
"More on feeding program, maghatag og tsinelas (giving slippers), mga school supplies and during closing and opening sa klase (of classes), naa mi (we have) sponsor nga mga (of the) awards (for them) sa ila," Gonda said.
The CVLM 250 is home to friends and brothers, who share one strong fellowship of cherished brotherhood under the fatherhood of God (whatever name they call Him), said Magno.