DOLE BATANGAS BRIDGES JOBS, SOCIAL SERVICES CLOSER TO WORKERS THROUGH 2026 HANDOG NG PANGULO

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IV-A Batangas Provincial Office simultaneously rolled out various activities across the province as part of the 2026 Batangas Handog ng Pangulo, bringing employment opportunities, financial assistance, and essential government services closer to workers and jobseekers in Batangas, held on September 14, 2026.

Executive Director Kaima Via Velasquez of the Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC), representing DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino, graced the event and highlighted the impact of the Handog ng Pangulo's programs on beneficiaries across provinces. 

“Kung pagsasama-samahin, ipinapakita ng mga programang ito ang dedikasyon ng Pangulo at ng DOLE na hindi lamang magbigay ng trabaho, kundi pati na rin ng tulong pinansyal, pagpapahusay ng kasanayan, at mga oportunidad para sa mas maayos na trabaho, kabuhayan, at magandang kinabukasan,” Velasquez remarked.

Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC) Executive Director Ms. Kaima Via Velasquez delivering her message during the 2026 Batangas Handog ng Pangulo Job Fair in Lipa City. (Photo by Bea Mari Ingco/ DOLE BPO)

In Lipa City, DOLE Batangas, the DOLE Batangas Provincial Office partnered with the City Government of Lipa and Robinsons Lipa in organizing the 2026 Batangas Handog ng Pangulo Job Fair, bringing together 23 local companies and two overseas employers who offered a total of 4,927 job vacancies across various industries. 

Aside from bridging jobs, the event also offered a Government One-Stop Shop where partner agencies including the SSS, BIR, PSA, and TESDA provided membership assistance, National ID registration, skills showcases, and other essential services.

Job applicants being assessed and interviewed during the recruitment activity at Robinsons Lipa. (Photo by Bea Mari Ingco/ DOLE BPO)

Among those who lined up early and eventually found success at the job fair was Rizzalyn Pastores, a fresh graduate from the City of Calaca, Batangas.

According to Pastores, she came across the job fair advertisement while browsing online. She took a chance, hoping to finally end her job-hunting season, which started three months ago after her graduation.

During the event, Pastores visited several booths and faced a few rejections. Despite the setbacks, the fourth company hired Pastores on the spot.

"Sobrang laking tulong po, as in, kasi taga-Calaca pa po ako. So actually po, before pa po ako pumunta dito sa Lipa, nag-Laguna po muna ako... Nag-ikot-ikot po muna ako sa mga company doon, kaso wala po talagang tumanggap kasi nga po ata overqualified. Tapos ngayon po, meron sa Lipa na job fair which is malapit pa po sa Calaca, kaya yun po sobrang malaking tulong," Pastores shared.

For fresh graduates like her, she said that the job fair offered much-needed direction. 

"Sa lahat po ng nasa likod po ng programa ng job fair, sobrang thankful po talaga ako.. kasi sa kagaya kong fresh graduate na literal na lost sa paghahanap ng trabaho sobrang laking tulong po na nagkakaroon po ng ganitong programa," Pastores added.

22-year-old jobseeker Ms. Rizzalyn Pastores beaming with joy  after being hired on the spot at the 2026 Batangas Handog ng Pangulo Job Fair. (Photo by Bea Mari Ingco/ DOLE BPO)

While employers matched jobseekers with vacancies in Lipa, DOLE Batangas carried the same commitment to Agoncillo, where it partnered with the Office of the 3rd District of Batangas and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Agoncillo to conduct a TUPAD payout at the Municipal Covered Court, giving 105 beneficiaries from five barangays ₱6,000 each as the first cut-off of their 31-day TUPAD high-impact activities.

TUPAD Coordinator Mr. Lawrence Anthony Katigbak facilitating the release of salaries to TUPAD beneficiaries in Agoncillo, Batangas. (Photo by Jobelle Vito/ DOLE BPO)

At the same time, DOLE Batangas held a TUPAD Orientation at the AGAP Building in Barangay Loong, Balayan for 200 beneficiaries who will undergo a 45-day TUPAD engagement. 

The orientation briefed beneficiaries on their duties, responsibilities, benefits, and the rules governing their emergency employment, and ensured that they understood the proper work process, compliance with occupational safety and health standards, and other program requirements.

Ms. Jobelle Vito, TUPAD Coordinator, conducting the orientation for TUPAD beneficiaries as part of the program implementation. (Photo by Lawrence Anthony Katigbak/ DOLE BPO)

In line with the Handog ng Pangulo initiative, DOLE Batangas continues to bring employment opportunities, financial assistance, and vital services closer to the people who need them most.

#