Job fair TNK helps Tangub working student get full-time work

"I am overwhelmed that I am now employed," said Ardeth M. Bitco, 23, a graduate student of a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management who was Hired on the Spot (HOTS) as Administrative Staff by Bersheba Country Farm during the Tangub City Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) Job Fair and One-Stop-Shop at the Sinanduloy Cultural Center, here.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10 Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Office (Mis. Occ. PFO) Chief Ebba B. Acosta said the Tangub Local Government coordinated with the office for their hosting of the said job fair.

She said 231 jobseekers from the city and neighboring municipalities attended.

Acosta reported that there were a total of eight applicants who were considered HOTS from the 14 participating organizations, providing 101 employment vacancies both locally and worldwide throughout the day's activity.

Moreover, Acosta said the job seekers benefited not only from the job openings but also from the one-stop-shop of government services provided by various agencies like Philippine Health Insurance (Philhealth), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), Social Security System (SSS), and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) through their respective programs and services.

Acosta said 14 participating local companies were Yamaha Transcycle, Fast Unimerchants Inc., Mindanao Rock, Vicente T. Lao Construction, Rural Transit Mindanao Inc., Cebu General Services Inc., Motorstar, Millenium Distribution System, Bersheba Country Farm, Jenerick International Inc., Jolly Management, HSO Construction Corporation, Asialink Financial Corporation, and Alphasys Philippines.

HOTS Bitco is so economically disadvantaged in her family that even her younger sibling had to stop school and let her finish first. Despite the fact that her family had to take that risk, she obtained part-time work as a nail artist at a certain salon to supplement their family's finances.

Bitco did not expect to be employed immediately after graduating college in a month. "It has a big impact on me knowing that I will have a job right after graduation. I can help my family with our financial needs little by little," Bitco said.

"Malipayon ko nga makatabang in return sa akong pamilya hilabina sa akong igsuon nga ni sakrispisyo ug undang sa pag-eskwela para makahuman ko. Salamat kaayo DOLE and LGU Tangub nga mas sayon na karon ma-hire ug sa uban na HOTS na kauban nako," Bitco said.

(Much more, I am delighted with the fact that now I can financially help my family, especially my younger sibling, who sacrificed years by stopping school. Thank you so much to DOLE and LGU Tangub for making it easier for me and even for all others who were hired on the spot to have a job)

Likewise, Motorstar hired another qualified applicant from Barangay Caniangan in the city as a mechanic. "I am happy and excited," Matias R. Bustamante, 30, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology non-graduate, said. He is the youngest of 12 siblings and was left to care for his 82-year-old mother without the assistance of his other siblings.

Bustamante filed a voluntary resignation from his previous position as a motorcycle agent due to the pandemic, and he was unemployed for the remainder of the year. Such circumstances reduced his confidence to go back to work, so he stayed at home "or tambay" until he was hired again. This brought back the smile on his face as he embarks on another chapter in his life now that he is employed again.

"Sukad namatay si papa adtong high school pa ko, ang among kinabuhi lisod na gyud kaayo. Ako na ang katabang ni mama sa gastoson, pero malipayon man ko makatabang. Nanghinaot lang ko magdugay ko ani nga trabaho and mu-commit ko ani," Bustamante said.

(After my father’s death when I was in high school, my life was not easy. I helped my mother financially, and I am happy to provide for her needs. I wish to stay longer and be committed to this job)

The Job Fair and One-Stop Shop were also supported by the LGU’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) through Manager Victoria S. Berioso.

The Job Fair is an employment facilitation strategy of the Department to fast-track the meeting of jobseekers and employers/overseas recruitment agencies in one venue at a specific date to reduce cost, time, and effort, particularly on the part of the applicants. (DOLE Misamis Occidental/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)