In line with the university’s mission to address local needs and empower the development of people within the province, Biliran Province State University, through the External Affairs Office and Institutional Education Job Placement Office (IE-JPO), hosted the 2024 Job Fair.

The full-day event, held on September 18 at the university gymnasium, gathered at least 24 employers from various local businesses, establishments, and national agencies.

BiPSU’s Job Placement Officer, Dr. Miguel E. Supremo, Jr., emphasized that the job fair is designed to support job seekers, particularly those in the province. “This job fair is intended for job seekers who need employment, whether locally or overseas, to help them and also contribute to addressing our local economic challenges,” Dr. Supremo said.

He also shared that the university has held job fairs annually since 2019. “This year’s event is particularly special, as it is part of the 52nd founding anniversary celebration of the institution,” he added.

A total of 246 job seekers took the opportunity to apply for positions at the fair.

In his message, Mr. Francisco A. Segovia, Jr., labor officer from the Biliran Field Office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), highlighted the purpose of the event.

“The focus of this event is to showcase each graduate through employment and business services that enhance their employability in the labor market, and foster job seekers’ success in their job search,” Mr. Segovia said.

He also challenged the employers to surpass the 39% on-the-spot hiring rate achieved during a similar event held last Friday at BiPSU’s student center, encouraging them to offer job seekers even greater chances of securing employment.

During an interview at the job fair, Mr. Angelo A. Javines, a BiPSU alumnus, emphasized the significance of the event for job seekers, particularly fresh graduates.

“This is a big help for us, especially for newly graduated students, as we may find our first job here,” he said.

The local agencies that participated in the event included Prince Superstore, MOTORTRADE — Naval, USSC Western Union Naval, CITI Hardware, DES Marketing, RIZHLE CON’S & Development Corp., Sunlife of Canada, Phil’s Inc., Villa Celestino Hotel, LBC, Mang Inasal — Naval, Polycentric Lending Corp., Rotaflex Construction and Development Corp., and GUD MOTO TRADING Inc.

Additionally, five overseas employment agencies took part, including Philippine Human Resource World Employment, Maanyag International Manpower Corp., ERRX Recruitment Consulting, Ascend International Services Inc., and 1st Northern International Placement Inc.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.]