MANILA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was expecting a slightly lower number of jobseekers at the Independence Day Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan Job and Business Fair at the Luneta Park in Manila due to bad weather, a labor official said Tuesday.
“Because of the rains, we are looking to have a low number of participants, but we still encouraged them to go to the job and business fair site in their area,” Bureau of Local Employment Director Dominique Tutay said in an interview at the Senior Citizen’s Garden, Rizal Park - where the job and business fair for the National Capital Region (NCR) was set up.
Tutay observed that more than a hundred applicants were at the event Tuesday morning.
She noted that they were also expecting a lower number of jobseekers to be hired on the spot (HOTS) this year, compared to more than 2,000 last year.
“The HOTS last year is more than (2,000) but I think today, we expect a little lower than what we achieved from last year because of the weather,” Tutay said.
The DOLE official acknowledged the presence of applicants and employers – government and private companies -- offering local and overseas employment opportunities.
“We thank all the jobseekers and the participating government, local and private employers,” she added.
Meanwhile, Tutay advised job applicants to follow up their applications by contacting the companies that promised to give them a call, two weeks after not hearing or receiving any feedback from them.
“Sometimes, the Human Resources Department is overwhelmed with work and they forget to call the applicant. So, I think it’s all right for the applicant to follow up his application,” she said.
The job and business fairs are being held simultaneously in 21 sites across the country in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. (PNA)
