CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga — A total of 20 jobseekers were hired-on-the spot (HOTS) during a special job fair organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in partnership with Clark Development Corporation (CDC).
This aimed to assist workers displaced by the closure of Charter Link Clark, Inc. and separated employees of La Rose Noire Philippines, Inc., while connecting applicants with locators from industries such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT), tourism, services, industrial, commercial, and aviation.
The 20 HOTS were among the 236 jobseekers who applied for various positions from a total of 2,930 job vacancies offered during the fair.
During the event, DOLE Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio encouraged jobseekers to use the activity as an opportunity for self-assessment and improvement.
“Let this be an opportunity to assess ourselves—ano ba ang pwede kong ma-improve sa sarili ko, so employers will see that you can be one of the best employees in the future,” she said.
Panlilio also assured affected workers that the Department will continue implementing programs to support the welfare of Filipino workers and to promote a more progressive and productive Clark Freeport Zone.
CDC Vice President for Administration and Finance Jose Miguel de la Rosa, representing CDC President and CEO Agnes Devanadera, emphasized the corporation’s commitment to workforce welfare.
“Ang welfare ng tao, locators o mga empleyado ay paramount o nangunguna sa interest ng Clark Development Corporation,” de la Rosa said.
Among those hired on the spot was Cristy Dela Peña, a displaced Charter Link employee and single mother, who welcomed the consolidated employment opportunities offered during the activity.
“Pagpasok ko pa lang, nakita ko na maraming oportunidad at kompanyang nagbubukas. Mas naging madali ang paghahanap ng trabaho dahil nasa isang lugar na ang mga employer,” she said.
Other applicants highlighted the convenience of having multiple employers in one venue.
“Mababait po ang mga employers, at madali na po para sa amin dahil nasa iisang location po ang napakaraming companies na pwede po naming pag‑applyan,” said Warlito Fernandez, a former messenger.
Hershey Figueroa, also from Charter Link, said the employers are accommodating and friendly.
“Madaling madali mag‑apply. Nakatulong dahil air‑conditioned ang venue. Sulit ang time at energy. Pagdating mo rito, maraming employer ang naghihintay. Pipili ka na lang kung saan ka mag‑aapply,” she said.
Walk-in applicant Jervy Guevarra was also among those immediately hired.
“Madali at mabilis lang ang hiring process — mga 30 minutes lang po. Masaya ako at may istabilidad na ako sa trabaho para sa pamilya ko,” he said.
The job fair also featured booths providing on-site assistance for Social Security System (SSS) unemployment insurance benefits, the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, the Emergency Employment Program, labor advisory services, and help desk assistance.
The activity was organized through CDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Placement Division under the External Affairs Department, as part of its socio-economic mandate to provide employment opportunities and support for workers during transition, particularly those affected by company closures in the Clark Freeport Zone. (Marie Joy S. Carbungco, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
PHOTO CAPTION:
THE Department of Labor and Employment, in partnership with the Clark Development Corporation, organizes a special job fair to assist workers displaced by the closure of Charter Link Clark, Inc. and separated employees of La Rose Noire Philippines, Inc. (DOLE Central Luzon)
