Labor Day 2025 is shaping up to be a significant event for job seekers in the Philippines, with two major job fairs scheduled in the Visayas region. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to host these fairs on May 1, coinciding with the nationwide celebration of Labor Day, which honors the contributions of Filipino workers.
In Central Visayas, the DOLE-7 will hold its job fair at SM Seaside City Cebu from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On the same day, DOLE-6 will conduct a region-wide job fair at Robinsons Place Iloilo. Both events promise to offer thousands of job opportunities for local and overseas employment.
According to DOLE-7 Regional Director Roy Buenafe, over 4,000 job openings will be available at the Cebu event, with participation from at least 43 employers. As of April 25, 2025, approximately 4,600 local vacancies have been confirmed, and 1,600 applicants have pre-registered for the event. Buenafe said, "Duna nay nag signify nga mga employers no nga mosalmot sa atong job fair sa labor day, aduna natay 43 nga employers nga nag signify." This indicates a strong interest from local businesses to hire during this crucial event.
In Iloilo, DOLE-6 has reported even higher numbers, with more than 10,000 employment opportunities expected. As of April 24, 2025, over 9,000 job openings have already been confirmed, including 8,033 local positions from 99 participating employers and 916 overseas opportunities from five international companies. DOLE-6 Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. emphasized the importance of this year's fair, stating, "This year’s Labor Day celebration is especially significant as it also commemorates the anniversary of the Labor Code of the Philippines, which continues to uphold and protect the rights of Filipino workers."
Both job fairs will feature a range of employment opportunities across various sectors. In Cebu, the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry remains the top hiring sector, followed closely by retail and services. Buenafe acknowledged a decline in applicant turnout in these sectors in previous job fairs, citing a growing skills gap. He remarked, "Medyo duna napud tay challenge sa skills. That is why we call on our partner from TESDA, as well as with the academe nga atong pahimuslan ang retooling and upskilling intervention."
Meanwhile, the Iloilo job fair will offer roles in customer service, accounting, marketing, and skilled trades such as driving and mechanics. Industries with the most openings include administrative and support services, wholesale and retail trade, construction, and manufacturing.
To facilitate the hiring process, both events will feature a one-stop shop where job seekers can access essential government services. In Cebu, agencies such as the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be present to assist applicants. Buenafe noted, "Kuyog nato sila tungod kay importante ilang presesnya arun dili na intawn maglakaw lakaw atong mga aplicante pagpangita sa dokumento nga kinahanglan sa ilang kompanya, arun makakuha jud tag hired on the spot."
In Iloilo, DOLE-6 has partnered with the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative to provide free rides within the city for job seekers. First-time job seekers will have access to free services from 16 government agencies at One-Stop Shop booths, including medical assessments and employment document processing. The Department of Health will deploy mobile clinics for health screenings and fit-to-work medical certificates, along with free laboratory tests.
Both regions are also focusing on overseas job opportunities. DOLE-7 is coordinating overseas job fairs in Bohol and Negros Oriental, with confirmations from multiple private recruitment agencies. Countries such as Japan, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, and Germany have opened positions across various industries, indicating a robust international demand for skilled Filipino workers. For instance, Japan is looking for workers in general crop farming, while the U.S. has a significant demand for registered nurses.
In addition to job opportunities, the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program will continue to provide temporary work for displaced and underemployed individuals. DOLE is implementing stricter safeguards for the program with the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, ensuring that only eligible beneficiaries can access its services. The Commission on Elections has exempted TUPAD from the election spending ban to maintain critical employment support during the election period.
As part of this initiative, DOLE-6 will distribute PHP173 million to 35,746 informal workers under the TUPAD program, with each beneficiary receiving PHP513 daily for 10 days of short-term work. An additional PHP34.5 million in grants will fund various livelihood projects, primarily benefiting 1,400 individuals.
Assistant Regional Director Melissa Navarra highlighted that while the main job fair will be in Iloilo City, similar events and cash assistance distributions will occur in other provinces across the region. The event will also feature Kadiwa ng Pangulo, where vendors from local enterprises will sell fresh produce and native products.
This year's Labor Day celebration theme, "Manggagawang Pilipino, Kaagapay sa Pag-unlad, Sandigan ng Mas Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas," reflects the vital role of Filipino workers in building a stronger nation.
As the Labor Day job fairs approach, both DOLE-6 and DOLE-7 encourage all interested applicants to prepare their documents and certifications ahead of the job fair dates. With thousands of job opportunities available, this is a chance for job seekers to secure their future and contribute to the ongoing economic recovery in the Philippines.
