Despite rapid economic growth in the Philippines in recent years, unemployment still remains a persistent problem.

Rising up to this challenge, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been doubling its efforts to engage more employers to participate in job fairs to ensure sufficient employment opportunities that actually fit the qualifications of job seekers.

Thus, in partnership with the Provincial PESO through its head, Mary Jane Banasihan-Corcuera, the DOLE facilitated the opening of 10,833 jobs during this year's Independence Job Fair held at CLA Town Center Mall in Pagsanjan, Laguna. It was participated in by PhilHealth Regional Office IV-A through its San Pablo City Local Health Insurance Office.

This year's theme, “Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan at Pagtulong,” aptly described the National Day of Solidarity against unemployment as government agencies and private employers joined hands to successfully provide jobs to Filipinos.

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In her speech, Atty. Karen Agapay, Vice Governor of Laguna, stated that this event is one of their toughest yet priority programs in Laguna. She thanked the companies from industrial zones/parks in Biñan, Sta. Rosa and Calamba, Laguna who sent representatives to the event, offering job opportunities.

The PhilHealth booth catered to 250 job seekers providing information on membership, contribution and benefit availment. Updating of records and online registration services were also provided. The SPC LHIO staff distributed forms and leaflets/flyers to job seekers while explaining their rights and responsibilities under the National Health Insurance Program . (END) (Maylene R. Gotis, SPC LHIO)