President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a fair, transparent, and investor-friendly business environment during the Job Fair + Skills E-Hub held at the SM Mall of Asia on Thursday.
Addressing a gathering of job seekers and entrepreneurs, President Marcos underscored the vital link between an improved business climate and the generation of more employment and investments, both local and international.
“Be assured that this Administration will continue to create a fair, transparent, and enabling business environment—one that encourages both local and foreign investments, and rewards persistence with progress,” President Marcos stated.
The President highlighted the strong and enduring partnership between the government and the private sector, calling it “one of the strongest drivers of national development,” especially in creating jobs, providing skills training, and supporting Filipino workers and entrepreneurs.
The President noted the success of the government’s partnership with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) through the Trabaho Para sa Bayan: J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Building Skills) initiative:
Over 5,000 job fairs have been organized nationwide since 2023.
1.3 million job seekers reached.
At least 200,000 individuals were hired on the spot.
The Job Fair + Skills E-Hub, a collaboration between SM, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), was simultaneously complemented by DOLE job fairs in eight other locations nationwide.
The MOA hub specifically featured a large-scale job fair alongside digital upskilling stations, showcasing partners like Asia Pacific College, National University, and IBM, which demonstrated AI training to prepare Filipino workers for the digital future.
Furthermore, the government and its private partners are also hosting:
A holiday Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) bazaar at Ayala Malls by the Bay, celebrating Filipino entrepreneurship.
A one-stop service hub at Robinsons Manila, offering job fairs, mentoring sessions, and government assistance programs.
During the event, President Marcos announced the release of financial assistance from DOLE for qualified beneficiaries under the Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, providing immediate relief to affected workers.
DOLE also extended support to MSMEs by:
Distributing 19 sacks of rice as seed capital to several bigasan (rice-selling) enterprises.
Awarding financial assistance checks to five MSMEs under its Adjustment Measures Program.
“We hope that government assistance would help you grow your business, improving enterprise viability, competitiveness, and productivity,” the President said, encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage the event to build partnerships and explore new ideas.
President Marcos concluded by urging job seekers to embrace continuous learning to stay competitive in the fast-changing job market, underscoring that none of these opportunities would be possible without the support of the private sector, including mall partners and the PSAC.
“Sa tulong ninyong lahat, napapalapit natin ang mga oportunidad sa bawat Pilipino upang magkaroon ang bawat isa ng mas maginhawa, mas maunlad, at mas masaganang buhay,” the President added.
