STRATEGIC CAREER GATEWAY: GRAND JOB FAIR OFFERS OVER 15,000 VACANCIES IN TAAL, BATANGAS

In a decisive move to combat unemployment and underemployment, the 2026 Grand Job Fair of the Public Employment Service Office of Taal, Batangas bridged more than 15,000 job opportunities to nearly 1,000 aspiring professionals at the Doña Corazon V. Agoncillo Sports and Cultural Center Taal Batangas, 13 February 2026.

Grand Job Fair applicants flock in Doña Corazon V. Agoncillo Sports and Cultural Center. (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

Among the hopeful attendees was Mikko Lopert Endozo, a 24-year-old BS Electrical Engineering graduate from Barangay Buli who was Hired-On-the Spot as Site Engineer in a local construction company. 

Like many fresh graduates, Endozo faced the modern labor market problem: the requirement for prior experience. 

“First ay yung lack of experience, since wala pa po akong trabaho, ito po yung naging first job ko. Malimit po kasi sa mga company, experience po yung hinahanap kahit po hindi lisensyado” he remarked.  

Driven by a desire for financial independence and a passion for his chosen field, Endozo’s perseverance paid off. 

He highlighted the efficiency of the event, noting that such fairs eliminate the logistical and financial burdens typically associated with job hunting. 

“Dahil po sa pangarap. Since ayoko naman pong umasa sa pamilya ko lang. Gusto ko po yung ako and pinush ko po yung sarili ko na makahanap na talaga ng work.” he uttered. 

Mikko Lopert Endozo, 24 years old from Buli Taal Batangas a fresh graduate of BS Electrical Engineering (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

Truly that the recruitment activities help many people to find their desired jobs, Endozo also shared his learnings and tips to those who are searching for jobs.

“Wag sayangin yung pagkakataon, kung may job fair na malapit or kayang puntahan, mag-take ng risk kasi wala namang mawawala, nandyan na nga po, halos lahat ng lugar merong job fair and mas napapadali po yung mga tao, hindi na po nila kailangan lumayo and hindi na po sila magagastusan” Endozo remarked. 

The scale of the event reflects a robust partnership between the government and the private sector with almost 5,687 vacancies solicited from various international employment agencies for overseas opportunities and 43 local employers that offered 9,424 positions across diverse industries within and beyond the province for local employment. 

Job Fair applicants’ registration during the recruitment activity. (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

Furthermore, the facilitation of this Grand Job Fair is part of a broader initiative to ensure ethical, streamlined, and effective recruitment. 

By providing a centralized venue for interviews and screenings, DOLE and PESO continue to empower the Batangueño workforce, fostering both individual career growth and regional economic stability.#