BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO
More than 1,600 Filipinos benefited from a government-led job fair and health service initiative under the “Bagong Pilipinas” program, spearheaded by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
One of the participants was 24-year-old Charlene Peralta, a Business Administration graduate who has been struggling to find a job that matches her qualifications.
“It’s really difficult to find a job, especially without experience, because employers are looking for people with years of experience,” Peralta said. She added that while there are programs to help job seekers develop skills, these should be expanded to cater to various industries.
In response to employment challenges, the government launched a jobs and health services program on March 14 in Santa Rita, Samar. PBBM led the event, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing opportunities to Filipinos nationwide.
“This is what we are doing, not only here in Samar but in different parts of the country,” Marcos said. “We need to do this to give our fellow Filipinos a chance to improve their lives.”
Various government agencies participated in the event, offering assistance and services to job seekers. The initiative is part of the administration’s broader efforts to address unemployment, which was recorded at 2.16 million in January 2025.
“Everyone looking for a job will be given the chance to find decent and stable employment for their families,” Marcos assured.
More job fairs are expected to be held in different provinces to help more Filipinos secure employment and access essential services.
