Cebuanos looking for work have a fresh opportunity as the Cebu Provincial Government launches a two-day job fair at the Cebu
Provincial Capitol starting February 21, offering a one-stop hub where applicants can move from application to employment.
The event, running on February 21 and 22, features around 20,000 job opportunities for both local and overseas placements across various industries.
Organized by the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Cebu People’s Action Center (CPAC), the initiative aims to make employment services more accessible while reducing time and costs for applicants.
A total of 49 employers are participating, with 33 recruiting locally and 16 offering overseas employment.
February 21 will focus on international hiring from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., while February 22 will prioritize local jobs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Alternate employment officer Josephine Tonilon said the joint effort reflects a shared mission between the two provincial offices.
“Ang CPAC ug PESO we have one direction, that is ang paghatag og disenteng trabaho sa mga Cebu constituents,” Tonilon said.
This February activity marks the first of four job fairs planned for 2026 under the provincial government’s broader employment strategy.
To ease the application process, six national government agencies have set up on-site services for documentation and requirements, including the Philippine Statistics Authority, National Bureau of Investigation, Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Land Transportation Office.
This allows applicants to complete necessary papers without leaving the venue.
Most overseas vacancies are in tourism and service industries, including hotel staff, waitresses, caregivers, and other skilled workers.
Tonilon said these positions are primarily for destinations in Asia and the Middle East, where demand for Filipino workers remains high.
Local job openings are concentrated in retail, hospitality, food service, and personal care sectors, including department stores, hotels, restaurants, and salons and spas.
The job fair aligns with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s employment agenda, emphasizing workforce development and wider access to opportunities.
During the launch of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan 2025–2034, Baricuatro stressed the human impact of employment.
“We recognize that employment is not just about numbers—it is about dignity, opportunity, and the ability of every Cebuano to build a better future for their families,” she said.
In a separate message encouraging participation, she added, “Daghang company, daghang hiring. Daghan og chance para maka trabaho mo dayon.”
Provincial data showed that a similar job fair in October 2025 resulted in about 600 local hires and 200 overseas deployments, outcomes the Capitol hopes to surpass in this year’s series. (SBA)
Photo by Cebu Province
