CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Labor Day celebration in 2025 in Cebu promises to be unprecedented with more than 4,000 employment openings both locally and internationally set to be offered at the DOLE-7 organized event under the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas.
During a press conference on Friday, April 25, DOLE-7 Regional Director Roy Buenafe disclosed that the job fair will be conducted at SM Seaside City Cebu on May 1, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
“So far, 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,” Buenafe said.
“Local vacancies naa na sa mga 4600 vacancies nga ilang gi submit diri nato,” he added.
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Buenafe additionally mentioned that the pre-registration process is currently underway, with 1,600 individuals having already enrolled to take part in the exhibition.
“Duna na ang pre-registration alang sa among mga aplikant. Walay 1,600 kaabutan nga nag-pre-register nga applicants kini nga nagpahimutangan nga mobisita gyud sila han job fair,” iyang gi share.
To make the hiring process more efficient, DOLE-7 is establishing another one-stop shop at the location, where various government offices like SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, NBI, and PSA will be available.
Let’s focus on them because their presence is important so our applicants won’t wander around aimlessly when searching for the documents needed by their company, ensuring we can hire suitable candidates immediately.
When questioned regarding sought-after employment opportunities, Buenafe mentioned that the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector continues to be the leading area for hiring in Cebu and Central Visayas, with the retail and service industries coming in second.
Nevertheless, he admitted observing a decrease in the number of applicants attending these sectors during past job fairs, attributing this trend to an increasing skill gap.
“Mildly, we also face challenges in terms of skills. This is why we reach out to our partner from TESDA, along with the academic sector whom we ask for assistance in providing retooling and upskilling interventions,” Buenafe stated.
Acknowledging the change in workplace demands, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma mentioned earlier that the administration is currently focusing on investigating new job areas beyond traditional fields such as retail, service, and production.
These encompass possibilities within the digital sector, IT, health services, and the wider caregiving industry, as well as positions linked to environmental preservation via the green and blue economies.
TUPAD Program
In the meantime, the Department guaranteed enhanced security measures for its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) initiative as the May 2025 midterm elections draw near.
The DOLE highlighted that only those who meet strict eligibility requirements, as determined through rigorous assessment processes, will have access to the program’s short-term community employment support. TUPAD remains crucial in offering temporary jobs for people who have lost their livelihoods and those struggling with insufficient employment.
Significantly, the Commission on Elections had earlier excluded TUPAD—as well as eight additional social service programs led by DOLE—from the election spending prohibition. This was done to guarantee that essential assistance and job support continue without disruption throughout the electoral timeframe.
Aside from providing local jobs, DOLE-7 is also organizing job expos across different regions abroad.
Luchel Senarlo-Taniza, the supervising labor and employment officer at the Department of Migrant Workers Central Visayas, has confirmed registrations from Bohol (which includes 2 private recruitment agencies) and Negros Oriental (where 5 organizations are taking part).
Taniza mentioned that for the overseas job fair, they have confirmed participation from two partnering recruitment agencies in Bohol. For Negros Oriental, five public recruitment agencies will be taking part.
Taniza shares that numerous nations have presented employment prospects spanning different sectors, indicating robust global demand for competent Filipino professionals.
Japan is providing numerous opportunities that require varied skills, such as roles in general agriculture. Meanwhile, the United States has an urgent need for licensed nurses.
Saudi Arabia is looking for individuals to fill positions as cleaners, fast food preparers, coffee servers, and nurses.
Croatia is likewise seeking to employ individuals with different skill sets.
Germany has a strong demand for nurses.
Antigua is currently recruiting for positions as an installation and service technician.
At the same time, in the British Virgin Islands, openings are available for roles such as finance and accounting managers, technicians, agents, and reservationists.
Positions are open for masons, carpenters, electricians, and heavy equipment operators in Guam. Candidates applying for these jobs should have the corresponding NC II certifications.
The Department of Labor and Employment is advising all potential participants for the Labor Day 2025 job fair to get ready with their paperwork and credentials before the scheduled event day.