More than 1,100 Senior High School (SHS) graduates received job offers immediately during Labor Day job fairs held nationwide. A total of 1,148 graduates were hired on the spot, showcasing the confidence employers have in the capabilities of these young individuals.
Approximately 11,000 SHS graduates participated in the job fairs, many finding opportunities that could alleviate their families' financial burdens.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that the success of these graduates is a testament to the effectiveness of the K to 12 program in providing a pathway to employment.
Our goal is to further expand these opportunities so that every Senior High School graduate is equipped with the skills and confidence needed to secure decent employment.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara
The introduction of dedicated Green Lanes at the job fairs, implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), allowed graduates to bypass long lines. By simply presenting a School ID or Certificate of Completion, they could expedite their job applications.
For Angel Balacayo, a graduate from Pacific Southbay College Inc. in General Santos City, the priority lane was instrumental in her job search. She secured employment at KCC Mall of Gensan and expressed gratitude for the streamlined process.
The priority lane during the Job Fair was a huge help for Senior High School graduates like me because it sped up the entire job application process.
Angel Balacayo
This year’s Labor Day job fairs built on the success of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair held in March, where over 1,400 SHS and Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates were also hired on the spot.
Alongside job placements, around 5,900 graduates benefited from free pre-employment requirements, such as NBI and police clearances, as part of the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act.
By removing financial barriers that often hinder young Filipinos from entering the workforce, the government aims to ensure that a high school diploma serves as a gateway to economic stability and a brighter future.