Davao City Job Fair to Offer Over 2,400 Positions Amid Rising Unemployment
In a significant effort to combat unemployment, the City Government of Davao, in partnership with Rotary District 3860 and the Public Employment Service Office (Peso), is set to host a large-scale job fair on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at SM City Davao Annex. This event will feature approximately 2,420 job vacancies, providing a crucial opportunity for job seekers in the region.
Local and Overseas Job Opportunities
The job fair will offer a diverse range of positions, with 1,240 vacancies from local employers and 1,143 overseas roles. Local opportunities are concentrated in key industries such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), retail, supermarket, automotive, and manufacturing. For those seeking international employment, top positions include nurses, teachers, kitchen workers, cleaners, welders, and electricians, with opportunities in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates.
Preparations and Expectations
Shirly Duran-Sahid, labor and employment officer of Peso-Davao, emphasized the importance of preparedness for applicants. She stated that the event will be considered a success if 10 percent of applicants are hired on the spot (HOTS). Sahid advised job seekers to bring essential documents, including their résumé, complete credentials, and certificates of previous employment. During the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday, February 23, 2026, at SM City Davao, she highlighted, "It is important for the job seeker to be ready and always be confident to answer questions."
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
Dexter So, secretary of Rotary Davao, explained that the job fair is part of the celebration of the 121st anniversary of Rotary Club. The initiative involves coordination with multiple agencies, including Peso, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the City Government of Davao, to benefit Dabawenyos. So added that they are exploring future collaborations with Peso to organize another job fair next year, aiming to sustain employment support.
Regional Unemployment Context
According to a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Davao Region faces growing employment challenges. In July 2025, the unemployment rate rose to 3.553 percent, up from 3.073 percent in the same month the previous year. The number of employed persons was recorded at 2.29 million. Additionally, the underemployment rate increased significantly to 10.5 percent in July, compared to 3.9 percent in April and 3.7 percent in July last year, underscoring the need for initiatives like this job fair to address economic pressures in the area.
