31 March 2013
After a series of successful jobs fairs for technical vocational graduates in Metro Manila, Secretary Joel Villanueva announced plans for the possible expansion of the program to the entire country.
Villanueva, director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), said the plan is still in the drawing board, but added he is upbeat about realizing it to get graduates into the workforce soon.
"After completing their tech-voc courses and being assessed and certified, TESDA helps its Specialistas connect with the right job that will enable them reach their full potentials and help uplift the condition of their families," he said.
TESDA together with the Department of Labor and Employment, local government units and partner institutions recently organized a series of jobs fair that drew thousands of applicants all over Metro Manila.
"We will tap our offices in the provinces to organize similar jobs fairs for TESDA Specialistas. The goal is to fill the void from graduation to employment so as not to waste time and opportunity," Villanueva said.
Of the 18,207 applicants who trooped to various venues from March 11 to 25, a total of 1,441 were hired on the spot either for local or overseas employment.
Another 10,642 individuals were lined up for further interview.
Dubbed Hanapbuhay para sa mga TESDA Specialistas: A Jobs Bridging Program, the event gathered 265 companies and agencies in search of local employees, and another 78 firms looking for workers for deployment overseas.
Among the in-demand jobs include those in business process outsourcing; information and communication technology; tourism, hotels and restaurant; construction; and manufacturing; Villanueva said.
The jobs bridging events were held on separate dates and venues that were organized by TESDA District Offices in Quezon City; MUNTIPLARLAS-TAPAT (Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Taguig and Pateros); CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela); Manila; PASMAK (Pasay and Makati); and PAMAMARISAN (Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina and San Juan).
The events also served as a one-stop shop where jobseekers availed themselves of documentation services from the National Statistics Office, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Professional Regulation Commission, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Pag-ibig Fund.
"We will continue to step up our efforts in providing relevant and quality training to our labor force. But in between, we will also do our duty in matching skills with the right job, and this is what the jobs bridging program hopes to accomplish," Villanueva said.
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