Marcos vows continued aid for job seekers, nano entreps

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support Filipino job seekers and small-scale entrepreneurs during his visit to the Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas job fair held at the Antipolo Sports Hub in Rizal on Friday.

Highlighting the administration’s focus on grassroots empowerment, President Marcos emphasized the importance of assisting even the smallest business ventures.

“Binibigyan pati ng suporta sa equipment, sa training, at kahit mabigyan ng kaunting puhunan para makapag-start po ng kanilang mga bagong negosyo kahit na maliliit lamang… Ngayon napunta na po tayo sa micro enterprise, nano enterprise ang tawag din,” he said, referring to government efforts to provide capital, tools, and training to budding entrepreneurs.

The President also expressed gratitude to the private sector for participating in the event and offering opportunities to job seekers.

“At magpapasalamat din ako sa mga employer… upang ‘yung mga nag-a-apply sa iba’t ibang klaseng trabaho ay mabigyan naman ng pagkakataon,” he added.

The initiative, which forms part of the administration’s whole-of-government approach to uplift marginalized sectors, featured 766 job vacancies from 10 participating employers.

Among the beneficiaries were some 300 job seekers under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Additionally, around 1,800 graduating members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) received financial aid of ₱3,000 each.

The Department of Labor and Employment also contributed by distributing livelihood assistance packages and conducting an orientation for 122 individuals under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health provided free anti-dengue supplies, essential medicines, pneumonia vaccines, medical consultations, X-rays, ECGs, and other laboratory services to attendees.

The job and health fair in Antipolo is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote inclusive economic recovery and empower communities across the country.