A nationwide hiring drive is underway on Labor Day, with the Department of Labor and Employment saying more than 190,000 local and international job openings are available to applicants across over 90 venues nationwide.
A total of 2,274 employers are expected to take part, spanning sectors such as retail, manufacturing, construction, business process outsourcing, and hospitality. The effort comes as the country continues to grapple with unemployment and broader economic pressures on workers.
The job fairs are designed to link applicants directly with employers while widening access to key government services. Positions in high demand include sales clerks, factory workers, construction personnel, customer service agents, and food service employees.
At the same time, applicants can complete documentary requirements through one-stop service booths offering clearances from agencies like the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, and Philippine Statistics Authority.
“For this year, we have 2,274 employers joining the nationwide job fairs, providing over 190,000 jobs,” DOLE Assistant Secretary Lennard Serrano said.
Beyond recruitment, the program also incorporates assistance for vulnerable and displaced workers. DOLE is rolling out initiatives such as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, which offer short-term jobs and financial aid, particularly for marginalized groups, including those who lost employment or work in the informal sector.
The government is also coordinating with various agencies to assist overseas Filipino workers returning from the Middle East crisis. These workers are being assessed and matched with local employment opportunities, along with access to reskilling and upskilling programs through the TESDA.
The Philippines’ unemployment rate eased to 5.1% in February 2026 from a more than three-year high of 5.8% in January. The number of unemployed individuals declined to 2.66 million from 2.96 million, while total employment rose to 49.43 million from 47.94 million the previous month.
