The Lapu-Lapu City government, through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), successfully hosted the Pre-Valentine's Day Job Fair 2026 at Gaisano Grand Mall on Friday, February 13. This event provided a significant boost to the local workforce, with more than 300 applicants securing new jobs on the spot.
Immediate Employment Opportunities
According to data released by PESO, nearly half of the 744 registered applicants at the city's second job fair this year were hired immediately, a process known as hired-on-the-spot (HOTS). Specifically, 323 individuals secured urgent employment, demonstrating the fair's effectiveness in connecting job seekers with immediate opportunities.
Government Commitment to Employment
In a statement, Mayor Ma. Cynthia "Cindi" Chan expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes, noting that the hired applicants can now provide support for themselves and their families. She emphasized the city's ongoing efforts to bring job opportunities closer to the people and strengthen the connection between employers and those seeking work.
PESO's Positive Assessment
Kim Francisco, the head of PESO, shared his enthusiasm in a message to SunStar Cebu, highlighting the high level of participation in the job fair. He congratulated the over 300 applicants who were hired on the spot, stating that this impressive number reflects the readiness of job seekers and the active involvement of companies.
"Congratulations to the 323 who were hired-on-the-spot! Also contributing to that was a great mix of industries and establishments who joined the job fair which sparked interest in exploring career opportunities," Francisco said.
Diverse Job Offerings
The job fair featured a wide array of employment options, with 1,469 vacant positions available from 23 different companies and employers. Attendees were presented with numerous choices across various sectors, including:
- Construction
- Hotel and restaurant
- Retail
- Logistics
- Customer service
- Education
- Business process outsourcing (BPO)
This diversity ensured that job seekers could find roles matching their skills and interests, contributing to the high hiring rate.
Collaborative Efforts
The event was conducted in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7, underscoring a collaborative approach to addressing employment challenges in the region. Such initiatives aim to foster economic growth and stability by facilitating direct connections between employers and potential employees.
The success of the Pre-Valentine's Day Job Fair 2026 highlights Lapu-Lapu City's proactive stance in tackling unemployment and supporting its residents' livelihoods through accessible and efficient job-matching services.
