THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Northern Mindanao said attendance to its recently-concluded two-day job fair has doubled compared last year, registering a total of 6,727 applicants this year.
Of which, 252 applicants were hired on the spot, the labor department reported.
Mildred Dablio, Dole-Northern Mindanao information officer, said 243 got accepted for local jobs while only nine were hired on the spot for overseas jobs. About 3,720 applicants were also near-hire, or those that are considered hired, but still need to submit additional requirements to the firm where they applied.
Dablio explained that although nine were only accepted for overseas work, she pointed out that 818 applicants for overseas are almost accepted but still need to comply more requirements.
A total of 14,975 job opportunities were made available for the Mega Job Fair last May 1 and 2 held at the Limketkai Atrium in Cagayan de Oro City.
Some 118 companies, 96 are private firms, 13 are agencies for overseas work, and nine are government agencies that are opening their doors for job seekers.
Most of the local job vacancies offered are from construction and call center companies, while most of the overseas manpower services are needed in the United Arab Emirates and middle-east countries.
The region-wide job and business fairs replicate the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan concept forged by Dole and the Department of Trade and Industry which aims to bring employment opportunities through entrepreneurship for our workers in the informal sector.