General Santos City – In celebration of its 88^th Founding Anniversary on 8 December 2021, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 conducted the first ever limited face to face Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan (TNK) Job and Business Fairs and recorded a total of 593 registered job applicants.

Of those registered, a total of 164 qualified for the different vacancies coming from 45 local companies and 3 overseas recruitment agencies. Moreover, said activity reported 16 applicants as near-hires and three hired on the spot (HOTS)

For this year’s pilot face-to-face TNK, DOLE 12 utilized the online platform by providing Quick Response (QR) Code to online registrants to lessen the long cue of job applicants during the said activity.

DOLE 12 Assistant Regional Director Arlene R. Bisnon who represented RD Raymundo G. Agravante, read the message of Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” H. Bello III and reminded applicants to show their best during the interview in order to land a job.

“We hope to see you secure your desired positions in the employer of your choice and contribute to the continuing economic re-opening of the country,” added ARD Bisnon.

Remelda C. Dalipe, 33 years old and a former OFW from Bahrain who was affected by the pandemic, was one of the Hired on the Spot (HOTS) during the said job fair. She is now eager to start her job as housekeeper in one of the malls in General Santos City.

“Happy gyud ko magkatrabaho kay at least hindi na ko kailangan mubalik abroad” said Ms. Dalipe

(I am happy to be able to land a job, at least I do not need to return abroad)

In the same activity, the Technical Education and Skills Development 12 arranged a free demo on table and napkin skirting while the Department of Trade and Industry 12 provided business coaching to interested job seekers. The Philippine Red Cross was also available to provide medical services when needed.

Further, the DOLE-Regional Coordinating Committee 12 composed of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration 12, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration 12, Employees Compensation Commission 12, National Labor Relations Commission 12 and Occupational Safety and Health Center 12 provided pre-employment services to jobseekers.

This year’s founding anniversary theme “Tuloy-tuloy na pagTUPAD sa Serbisyong Tapat”, echoes the Department’s commitment to provide meaningful employment opportunities despite the challenge brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. End/CDGamboa