9 workers immediately hired at Catanduanes job fair

By Edna Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes --- A total of 247 job seekers participated in the “Trabaho Para Sa Catandungueno Job Fair” held on May 30, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol Dome, where nine applicants were hired on the spot.

Job seekers registered for both local and overseas positions offered by participating companies during the event.

Additionally, 169 local applicants were recorded as “qualified” after meeting the basic requirements set by employers. These candidates will now move on to the next stages of screening, which include technical tests and final interviews.

Twelve other local applicants were classified as near hires—those who passed the initial interview but still needed to submit the requisite documents or undergo a final interview before being formally hired.

For the overseas sector, 41 applicants qualified for vacant positions, comprising 19 males and 22 females.

To promote safe migration practices, these applicants participated in an on-site pre-employment orientation seminar conducted by the Department of Migrant Workers during the job fair.

An additional 15 job seekers abroad have been scheduled for further interviews and technical assessments with foreign employers.

The job fair was organized by the provincial government of Catanduanes through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Migrant Workers-Bicol, aiming to bring job-hunting assistance closer to local communities.

Eduardo Lovedorial, the DOLE director for Catanduanes, emphasized the importance of job fairs in providing additional employment opportunities.

“Job fairs make your job search easier by allowing you to meet employers in one place. They greatly expedite the process of finding a job,” he said

“All you need is patience and determination, and I hope you will secure a job that matches your potential and abilities,” he added.

Elvie Rose Quintal from the town of Virac expressed her gratitude for the job fair, saying, “After all my preparation and sacrifice, I am one of the fortunate ones hired on the spot by Jollibee as a service crew member. Thank you very much!”

Anabel Vargas from Baras also shared her appreciation: “I am grateful for the job fair that was held today. Being hired on the spot means I can now help my family.”

Lenard Morales from Panganiban expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank you very much to DOLE and PESO Catanduanes for providing opportunities for job seekers like me.”

According to Gerry Rubio, the Catanduanes provincial employment service officer, the job fair demonstrated the continued efforts of the provincial government of Catanduanes, DOLE, DMW, and employers to provide employment opportunities to every resident of Catanduanes. (PIA Bicol/Catanduanes)