At least 169 of 530 jobseekers were hired on the spot during the Kalayaan Jobs Fair on Wednesday, marking the 126th Independence Day celebration.

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Labor and Employment in the Caraga Region (DOLE-13) 57 employers offered more than 4,000 local and overseas jobs during the event.

“The main highlight of the celebration was the conduct of the jobs fair, which brought unemployed individuals from Butuan City and nearby towns closer to employment opportunities. The activity garnered a placement rate of 31.89 percent,” DOLE-13 said in a statement.

Cherrylyn Dacera, of Barangay Los Angeles, who was among those hired during the event, thanked the government for giving them opportunities to find decent employment.

“The DOLE is a big help for jobseekers like me. I am thankful for this opportunity to be one of those hired instantly during the activity,” Dacera, 27, said.

Meanwhile, DOLE reported the release of PHP52 million payment in a series of payout activities across the region to 10,831 persons who have rendered community work through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program on the same day.

It also said 493 groups got PHP14 million worth of starter kits for their livelihood activities under the Integrated Livelihood Program.

Davao jobs fair

Some 84 jobseekers were also hired on the spot from Wednesday’s Kalayaan Job Fair in the Davao area, the DOLE-11 said.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners and employers for making the job fair a resounding success,” it said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

In a statement, Jason Balais, the DOLE-11 assistant regional director, said 84 of those hired instantly were for local employment, while one qualified to work abroad.

Of the 1,348 jobseekers who flocked to the job fair, 211 were near-hired applicants.

Of those nearly hired, 145 are for local jobs, and 66 are overseas. (PNA)