President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday to conduct monthly job fairs to provide more Filipinos with greater employment opportunities.

“Mahigpit kong naging tagubilin sa Kalihim ng Paggawa na siguruhin na buwan-buwan ay magdaraos tayo ng job fair upang mas marami pang mabigyan ng trabaho,” President Marcos said in a speech during the 123rd Labor Day celebrations in Pasay City.

“Mula Hulyo 2022 hanggang Pebrero ngayong taon, mahigit 4,000 job fairs ang naisagawa. Isang milyong Pilipino ang nakilahok at halos 170,000 ang hired-on-the-spot doon sa mga job fairs,” he added.

In line with the Labor Day celebrations, President Marcos announced that the government, in partnership with the private sector, has been holding job fairs in 69 locations nationwide since April 23.

The President said the government has been actively attracting foreign and local investors to the country to further boost job creation.

From 2022 to 2024, the Philippines recorded around US$27 billion in investments, while Investment Promotion Agencies reported over Php4.35 trillion in total investments during the same period. These efforts have led to the creation of over 350,000 jobs nationwide.

Citing these developments, President Marcos highlighted the country’s strong economic performance, noting that the Philippines has achieved its lowest unemployment rate in two decades at 4.3 percent.

“Patuloy ang pagbuti ng kalagayan ng ating labor market. Nitong Pebrero bumaba pa sa 3.8 percent ang unemployment rate natin,” the President said.

President Marcos also recognized the contributions of Filipino workers, describing them as the “foundations and pillars” of Philippine society and other countries. | PND