The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 – Ilocos Region (DSWD FO 1) and the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office I (DOLE RO I) successfully conducted Independence Day Job Fairs on June 12, 2025.

The activity was simultaneously held in six (6) satellite venues across the four (4) provinces of the Region, namely: SM Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Candon City Civic Center, Ilocos Sur; Robinsons Mall, City of San Fernando, La Union; and Don Leopoldo Convention Center in Alaminos City, Nepo Mall in Dagupan City, and SM City Rosales in Pangasinan. The Job Fair opened over 19,000 employment opportunities with 152 participating employers.

Among the many success stories of the day are the 59 4Ps job seekers who were hired on the spot (HOTS), based on the data of DOLE RO I. 

Additionally, DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) also assessed the HOTS for Employment Assistance Fund amounting to PhP5,000.00 which will be provided within the 15 days of the start of duty. This can be utilized to secure pre-employment requirements, transportation, meals, and other necessary items for employment.

DSWD and DOLE collaborate to provide job opportunities for 4Ps beneficiaries, helping them achieve sustainable livelihood and self-reliance.

Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan, 4Ps Division Chief Rosalyn L. Descallar, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) staff personally assisted 4Ps job seekers to ensure the completeness of their documents for hiring.

The number of HOTS reflects the employability and competitiveness of 4Ps household beneficiaries, a manifestation of independence and empowerment.

Collaborative activities between DSWD FO 1 and DOLE RO I, such as this, opens opportunities for 4Ps household beneficiaries to access decent and dignified employment geared towards self-sufficiency. (Written by: Arlem Kenneth R. Areola, PDO II- NGA Focal Person)