Today is Labor Day.
According to the National Statistics and Coordination Board, unemployment rate in the country went up to 7 point 5 percent. At least 2.9 million Filipinos are unemployed.
But we Filipinos are known to be resilient. We do not lose hope easily. We always take opportunities whatever it is, however hard it is.
And today I witnessed how Filipinos struggle to find a job. Thanks to the government, the Department of Labor and Employment and SM Mall who organized nationwide job fairs with more than 100,000 job openings.
I witnessed it all. From the long queue of applicants who waited an hour or more just have the chance to grab the best job that they dreamed of.
Early bird applicants patiently waiting in line
QC-PESO booth
Applicant have to fill-up this registration form in order and submit it to the QC-Public Employment Service Office or PESO personnel at the second floor.
The PESO registration form
The bridge that connects the SM Main Mall building to the SM Annex were also filled with applicants. The line went through almost near the SMDC condominium.
Long line of applicants at the hallway from SM main building to Sm Annex
After submitting the registration form, the applicants will be stamped as proof of registration before they can proceed to the application area.
Applicants stamped with QC PESO sign
The job fair was well organized from the ground floor up to the 4th floor. Security personnel were busy keeping every line in order.
Entrance to the application area at the 4th floor SM Annex for local employment
Early applicants being interviewed on the spot
The application area for overseas employment was located at the upper ground floor, hundreds of jobseekers abroad also filled up the booth.
Applicants at the Upper Ground Floor for Overseas Employment
Applicants for Overseas Employment
Job Bulletins were also found beside the application area, so job hunters could have a glimpse of jobs offered inside the specific booths and they would know where to go when inside the application area.
Job seekers contemplating on work offers posted at the bulletin board
I hope these applicants were lucky enough to find a job.
