Pagadian City - The City Government of Pagadian celebrates 45th Araw ng Pagadian with the theme: "Kakugi ug Paningkamot Giya sa Kalambuang Malungtaron." To make the event a memorable one, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pagadian had lined-up series of activities in the City.

Among those activities is the Jobs Fair in coordination with this office. The jobs fair was participated in by twelve (12) agencies/establishments, nine (9) from local establishments, and three (3) from overseas recruitment agencies. It was formally started with a short program. And it was officially opened with a welcome message by the good Mayor, Hon. Romeo P. Pulmones. In his message, he warmly welcomes all the participants: the participating agencies, both local and overseas; and most importantly the job seekers, who are the reason for the conduct of the said affair. Thereafter, he apprised the body and limelighted the accomplishments of LGU-Pagadian, the past and current projects, that have been implemented through his leadership in collaborative efforts of his local officials. He also pointed out that those projects would not be possible without the virtues of hard work and perseverance "kakugi ug paningkamot" of his constituents most especially his legislators. Hence, he also shared the same values to the job seekers and encouraged them to do the same as what he did during his time in the pursuit of employment.

Director Sisinio B. Cano, who was recently appointed as full-pledged Regional Director, explicitly shared his message to the group. In his message, he acknowledged first the participating agencies present for their unwavering support on the programs and services of the department. He also expressed his sincerest thanks to the Local Government Unit of Pagadian for holding the jobs fair on the said commemoration. Subsequently, he congratulated the unflinching efforts of the City Government of Pagadian led by Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones, which have been vividly manifested through their mentioned accomplishments as witnessed by the populace of Pagadian City. Director Cano pointed out that the jobs fair is the surest way or great venue for both employers and job seekers, where the latter are given the assurance that the employers they are applying for a job are legitimate ones. Furthermore, Dir. Cano emphasized that job hunting is not easy as it requires the virtues of patience, perseverance, and the like. Hence, he challenged the job seekers to be positive in their outlook, if not given the chance this time; he/she must not stop his quest for an employment. The job seekers could also shop for a job through the PhilJobNet. Moreover, the good director hoped for a considerable number of hired on the spot (HOTS) at the end of the day.

Ms. Lourdes B. Amores, DOLE ZDSFO Head, on the other hand and as part of her overview emphasized the value of good packaging. In her talk, she challenged the job seekers to make the best in their initial interview and likewise appeal to the future employers to possibly absorb and/or consider number of applicants around.

As an offshoot of the jobs fair, out of the total 925 interviewed applicants, 303 or 32.76% qualified applicants were hired on the spot (HOTS).

Surely, the aforementioned result is a manifestation that the jobs fair had reaped the fruits of the agencies' collaborative efforts in quest for decent employment for the Filipino workers, particularly the residents of Pagadian City and nearby municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur.

Marlyn M. Anoos, DOLE ZDSFO - Zamboanga del Sur