The 2024 Kalayaan Job Fair, hosted by SM City Iloilo and the Iloilo City government as part of the nationwide 126th Independence Day festivities, successfully provided on-the-spot employment to over 100 job seekers. The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between local talents and potential employers.
According to the Iloilo City Public Employment Services Office (PESO), the event attracted a total of 1,512 applicants. Out of these, 1,079 were found eligible for the various job openings offered by the 63 participating companies.
A noteworthy 110 individuals were hired immediately, while 707 others have been slated for further interviews, reflecting the fair’s effectiveness in matching candidates with suitable employment opportunities.
“Our goal was to hire at least 150 individuals on-the-spot, and while we achieved 110 hires, the turnout and participation were extremely positive,” said PESO-Iloilo City Manager Gabriel Felix Umadhay. “This shows the community’s eagerness to seize new job opportunities.”
The fair featured more than 2,000 job openings from local businesses, emphasizing the city’s commitment to promoting local employment and supporting community development.
By focusing on local companies, the event sought to provide Ilonggos with options that would allow them to work near their families and contribute to the local economy.
“We prioritized local businesses to ensure that our residents can find job opportunities within their community,” Umadhay added.
Moving forward, PESO Iloilo City has scheduled another Job Fair on June 13-14, which will cater to individuals seeking employment abroad, particularly in the Middle East.
The upcoming event is part of the city’s broader strategy to offer diverse job opportunities to its residents, whether they wish to work locally or internationally.