ILIGAN CITY (PIA)–About 350 graduating students and alumni of St. Michael’s College (SMC) here sought job vacancies during the job fair organized by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Lanao del Norte and SMC.
There were 15 employers from various government agencies and private industries that offered job opportunities in the fields of arts and sciences, business, and accounting, computer studies, criminology, education, engineering, hospitality management, and nursing.
Gracyl Mae dela Cerna, a SMC graduate, is appreciative of the good opportunity their school provided so that they can find a good job.
“We are very privileged, especially the graduating students kasi hindi lahat nabibigyan ng (because not all are given this kind of) opportunity to have this job fair, and we are very grateful for this opportunity,” she said.
Keny Dean Halibas, a licensed teacher, also sought a job vacancy. He is elated with the job fair as it gives job seekers access to getting a job.
Miko Neco B. Omondang, guidance coordinator at SMC, said they are committed to guiding their students and graduates for their future careers.
“We will surely continue to commit to providing job opportunities for our graduating students and alumni as well. This is just the first of many career fairs in this post-pandemic era for short,” said Omondang.
Meanwhile, PESO Officer-in-Charge Katherine Xyra L. Quitos shared that there is a city ordinance that requires the employers in the city to hire at least 80% of residents.
“PESO is very supportive in assisting employment facilitation among Iligan residents. We have that city ordinance nga itawag nato ug (that we call) PIRME or Prioritizing Iligan Residents for Manpower Employment. We request the agencies or industries here in Iligan na mag hire jud sila ug at least 80% na mga Iliganon (to hire atleast 80% Iliganons),” she said.
Also, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) made sure that everyone who was looking for a job was treated fairly.
“Lahat po ng nag-aapply kapag may job fair, we assure that they will be treated equally doon sa ina-applyan nila. Wala pong palakasan system kasi ito po ay pinagbabawal natin,” said DOLE Lanao del Norteโs Senior Labor and Employment Officer Asnawi G. Maunting.
(We assure those who apply at the job fair that they will be treated equally. There is no nepotism because we prohibit it)
Job applicants will undergo tests and interviews according to the schedule of the employers. (JBM/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
By Jamalodin Mutto
