Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) led by President Edward Du, expressed his full support for the Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas job fair held in Dumaguete City in partnership with DOLE, TESDA, SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-ibig. The event was attended by high-profile leaders, including President Bongbong Marcos, Governor Chaco Sagarbarria, and 4Ps beneficiaries, underscoring its importance for both employment and community development.
The job fair, which was organized as part of the NOCCI’s initiative to provide job opportunities to those from marginalized sectors, aimed at connecting local job seekers with businesses across various industries. Du emphasized that such initiatives are crucial in creating sustainable employment and empowering individuals to contribute to the region’s economic growth.
NOCCI at “Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas” Job Fair in Dumaguete
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), under the leadership of President Edward Du, reaffirmed its unwavering support for local employment initiatives during the recently concluded Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas job fair. Held in Dumaguete City, the job fair marked a collaborative effort among key government agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund.
NOCCI played an instrumental role in coordinating with partner agencies to ensure that the event offered not only access to available job positions but also vital services and guidance for applicants. The fair’s high-profile nature was underscored by the presence of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, and key representatives from local and national organizations. Their attendance emphasized the national government’s priority on improving access to employment and promoting regional development.
President Du expressed NOCCI’s firm belief in the power of public-private partnerships in addressing workforce challenges. He noted that the event provided a practical and immediate platform for job seekers—particularly those from marginalized communities and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)—to find meaningful employment opportunities. According to Du, such initiatives align perfectly with NOCCI’s mission to contribute to Negros Oriental’s inclusive and sustainable economic progress.
The job fair welcomed hundreds of applicants from various sectors, offering positions across retail, construction, information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. Several companies also conducted on-the-spot interviews and assessments, helping to expedite the hiring process and meet urgent workforce needs. These efforts collectively contribute to a broader regional strategy focused on reducing unemployment and enhancing employment quality across the province.
One notable aspect of the event was the presence of support services offered by participating agencies. TESDA provided career guidance and skills assessment, while SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG offered orientations and assistance with membership registration—further enhancing the fair’s comprehensive approach to empowering job seekers and improving long-term employment security.
President Marcos, in his address to attendees, acknowledged the significant role of NOCCI and the private sector in addressing national labor gaps. He reiterated the administration’s support for decentralized and localized employment programs, highlighting Dumaguete as a model for inter-agency and business sector cooperation.
In his remarks, Governor Sagarbarria echoed these sentiments and thanked NOCCI for continuing to advocate for labor empowerment and economic development. “We’re proud to have partners like NOCCI who work hand-in-hand with the government to bring real opportunities to our people,” he said.
The event also served as an opportunity for employers to directly engage with future employees and discuss workplace expectations. This direct interaction fosters transparency, mutual understanding, and a better match between job roles and applicant qualifications, ultimately improving employment outcomes and job satisfaction.
Beyond the event itself, NOCCI announced plans to work with its member companies to implement follow-up programs. These include post-fair evaluations, job matching assistance, and training collaborations with TESDA to address skills mismatches and prepare more citizens for competitive employment in the coming months.
In closing, President Du reiterated that NOCCI remains committed to being a bridge between business and community. “We don’t just support events like this for a day—we’re here for the long term, working to ensure every citizen of Negros Oriental has access to quality employment and the tools they need to succeed,” he stated.
The Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas job fair demonstrated how collective effort, strategic planning, and shared goals can lead to impactful solutions. As NOCCI continues to champion such initiatives, its commitment to advancing employment in the region remains steadfast and future-focused.
