SUBIC BAY

1 st face-to-face job fair kicks off SBMA’s month-long Labor Day 2022 celebration
May 02, 2022

Subic Bay Freeport—For the first time after two years of stalled activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) kicked off its month-long celebration of Labor Day 2022 with a face-to-face job fair early Monday morning.

Hundreds of job-seekers from Olongapo City and nearby towns trooped to Ayala Mall Harbor Point to grab their opportunity to bounce back from economic difficulties that the pandemic had caused.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino said that more than 3,000 job vacancies from 55 companies in the Subic Freeport and Olongapo City are up for grabs in the said job fair.

“I hope every one of you gets a job today. And when you get hired, always be a good and hardworking employee. Always put your family at the top of your priorities,” Paulino told applicants, emphasizing the pros and cons of joining labor unions.

“When you have problems with your employers, seek help of our SBMA Labor Center who is always ready to help you resolve your problems. There is nothing that could not be resolved in a peaceful dialogue,” he assured.

Chairman Paulino also reported that the takeover of Cerberus Management Capital and Agila Naval, Inc. of the former Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) facility, has been finalized.

“That is why, we will be coordinating with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) for the skills training that maybe needed when Cerberus starts operation any time soon,” he said.

Atty. Melvin Varias, manager of the SBMA Labor Department, noted that locators and investors in the Subic Freeport were very much pleased with the turnout of the job fair after being stalled for two years.

“Subic companies are pleased with today’s job fair because for the first time in two years, they are able to screen applicants face-to-face, which is more convenient in hiring on-the-spot,” Varias said.

Varias reported that the number of companies joining the job fair has increased to 60 with 3,415 job vacancies to offer.

The job fair is in partnership with the Olongapo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and is part of the month-long Labor Day 2022 celebration.

Other activities lined-up are Zumbang Pampalakas, Obrerong Matikas, a zumbathon for all Freeport workers at the Boardwalk on May 6; a 3K Fun Run on May 7 around the Central Business District; Diskwento Caravan at the Harbor Point parking area from May 18 to 20; and Job Fair Part 2 at the Harbor Point on May 18.

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