The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting workers displaced by Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), formerly known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the government remains dedicated to supporting these workers by organizing career fairs and providing livelihood opportunities.
He noted that DOLE’s National Capital Region office regularly holds job fairs for various industries in collaboration with Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) and other partners. These efforts align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to integrate employment and livelihood programs across government agencies.
On Friday, DOLE concluded the final day of Career Con 2025, which attracted at least 18,000 registrants. The event featured an extensive job fair with over 8,000 vacancies from more than 150 employers, a one-stop-shop for government services, resume-writing clinics, interview coaching, and career talks.
President Marcos attended the event on Wednesday at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Hosted by Jobstreet Philippines, the gathering aimed to broaden employment opportunities for Filipinos.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to securing quality jobs for the workforce and emphasized the significance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving employment growth.
“Pakaunti na lang nang pakaunti ang hindi empleyadong Pilipino ngunit hindi pa kami tapos doon. Kailangan kung anuman ang hawak nilang trabaho, dapat ‘yung tinatawag na quality job na may potential na ma-promote, na maging mas maganda, o kung sakali man ay magtatayo ng sariling negosyo na tutulungan po natin upang makapag-expand,” he said.
Meanwhile, thousands of job seekers in Manila secured employment on the spot during three simultaneous job fairs held across the city on Friday.
In a separate statement, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna congratulated the newly hired individuals and acknowledged the collaboration between PESO, led by Fernan Bermejo, and various public and private sector partners in organizing the events.
The job fairs included the “Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas” fair at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, the “Kalinga sa Maynila” fair at the Escoda-A. Linao intersection in Paco, and the “Mega Job Fair” at Arroceros Forest Park in Ermita.
At the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, job seekers also had access to free training and skills demonstrations conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), along with a one-stop-shop for pre-employment documentation and advisory services.