Job fair for the youth set in Mandaluyong

A "Job Fair for the Youth" will be held in Mandaluyong City gymnasium on Oct. 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and targeted to benefit thousands of jobless and out-of-school youth ages 17 to 25.

An initiative of Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr. through the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the job fair aims to provide job opportunities either for casual or permanent positions to unemployed youth.

"The target is not only to lessen the number of unemployed, but also the unemployable. We have designed programs to encourage self-reliance not prolong dependence," said Abalos.

He added, "Mandaluyong is widely recognized as one of the most active local government units in Metro Manila with effective employment program. This is attributed to the confidence and support of the business sector to the able."

PESO officer-in-charge Victor Navasero said that some 50 big companies are expected to participate in the event, wherein thousands of job vacancies will be made available to applicants.

Among the vacancies are marketing officers, telecommunications handlers and operators, cashiers, secretaries, janitorial services and others.

Participating firms include SM Makati, Ace Hardware, Printwell, Puregold Price Club, Cinderella Marketing Corp., Tambunting Pawnshop, Rustan’s Marketing Specialists, Lion Star Resources & Management, North Park Noodle House and Jollimart, among others.

In July alone, a total of 6,474 job vacancies were solicited in the "Trabaho Para sa Kinabukasan Mo" job fair, wherein 253 applicants were hired on the spot. The number of applicants who were interviewed reached 4,419, while 3,378 were listed for further interview.

Last September, a total of 300 applicants were hired on the spot during the "Youth Job Fair" held at the Highway Hills Elementary School and spearheaded by the Mayor’s Office and PESO in cooperation with Department of Labor and Employment and the Samahan sa Mandaluyong ng mga Kabataang Nagkakaisa.