BY: GENE EVANGELISTA (DMMMSU SLUC INTERN)

For single mother Roilane, supporting her four children, who are all in elementary school, is not easy.

She struggles to make ends meet with her earnings as an agent for a telecommunications company.

That’s why she went early to the Macario Ydia Development Center in Mangaldan on February 26, hoping to find additional work.

According to Roilane Vyb Ivor Cruz, a jobseeker, “It’s hard to provide for my children’s school needs, daily allowance, and food, especially since their father doesn’t give much support. I’m looking for jobs as a service crew, room attendant, or cleaner, anything I can apply for. I’m not picky. I just prefer something nearby so I can still take care of my kids.”

Roilane was among more than 50 job seekers who applied at the job fair, organized by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Mangaldan and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Nine local companies and one overseas employer participated.

Shin Caberto, Labor Employment Officer at Mangaldan, stated, “There were technical jobs, blue-collar jobs, office jobs, and skilled work. Three companies were from the BPO sector, and there were opportunities for domestic helpers.”

The job fair was open to residents from neighboring towns as well.

“PESO services are for everyone. While our priority is Mangaldan residents, we also assist applicants from other municipalities,” Caberto added.

In the end, 34 job seekers were hired on the spot.

According to the agency, more job fairs will be held soon to provide employment opportunities for more people.