More than 2,000 job seekers gathered at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central Activity Center yesterday, for the annual MassKara Job Fair, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
It was the city’s biggest employment event, organized by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)-Bacolod in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Mayor Greg Gasataya led the opening ceremony, joined by Councilor Jason Villarosa, PESO head Mae Llamas, executive assistant and PESO coordinator Jovelyn Canoy, and DOLE officials and representatives.
“Rest assured that we will continue to develop more programs and initiatives to provide greater opportunities for our local workforce,” Gasataya emphasized in his message.
This year’s job fair offered nearly 11,000 vacancies from over a hundred participating local and national firms. This gave applicants a wide range of employment options across various industries.
Canoy highlighted that many participating companies were open to hiring entry-level applicants, including fresh graduates and senior high school completers.
“In response to the mayor’s call, I’ve observed that several of our partner firms have recalibrated their qualifications—without compromising the quality of job seekers they hire,” Canoy said.
Among more than 83 applicants hired on the spot was Lyza Lou Abella, a single mother and call center agent who finally found an opportunity in public service. She will soon join PESO-Bacolod as a staff member.
“I never expected to be hired on the spot. I just wanted to find a job with regular working hours so I could spend more time with my two kids,” Abella shared.
Also hired on the spot were Andria Pit and Michaela Calibut, both out-of-town applicants who will begin their new roles at a pharmacy in Bacolod.
The MassKara Job Fair remains a cornerstone of PESO-Bacolod’s efforts, opening doors to meaningful employment for Bacolodnons.*
