BOHOL — The Sandugo sa Bohol Local and Overseas Job Fair 2026 concluded Saturday evening after a day of brisk interviews, on‑the‑spot offers, and streamlined government services at the Bohol Cultural Center. Hundreds of Boholanos walked through the doors, resumes in hand, chasing both local careers and overseas placements.
A One‑Stop Career Destination
The fair, organized by the Bohol Employment and Placement Office–Public Employment Service Office (BEPO‑PESO), transformed the cultural center into a bustling marketplace of opportunity. Dozens of vetted local employers, from booming IT‑BPM firms to hospitality and retail chains, set up interview booths alongside accredited overseas recruitment agencies. Jobseekers navigated the hall with purpose, moving from one table to the next.
Maria Vilma C. Yorong, BEPO‑PESO department head, noted that the event was designed to bridge the gap between skilled Boholanos and immediate vacancies. Local companies like the Alturas Group and TaskUs conducted preliminary interviews, while agencies offered contracts in Taiwan, Japan, Europe, and the Middle East. For many applicants, the fair eliminated the need to travel to Cebu or Manila to find work.
Instant Interviews and On‑Site Offers
Throughout the day, employers reported a steady flow of qualified candidates. Several applicants received on‑the‑spot job offers after passing initial screenings. The quick hiring reflected both the preparedness of the jobseekers and the urgent demand for workers in key industries.
Graduates from Bohol’s JobStart Philippines Program, which completed its latest training cycle in mid‑June, were among the early arrivals. Their fresh certifications in customer service and digital skills made them attractive to recruiters. Veterans and returning overseas Filipino workers also attended, carrying years of experience that appealed to international employers seeking skilled labor.
Government Services Speed Up Hiring
Beyond the interview tables, a Government Services Caravan operated as a one‑stop shop for pre‑employment documentation. Representatives from the Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag‑IBIG, and the Philippine Statistics Authority processed requirements on the spot. This convenience meant applicants could complete their paperwork immediately after receiving a job offer.
The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Migrant Workers also deployed personnel to assist with legal concerns and contract verification. The collaborative setup eliminated bureaucratic delays that often stall the hiring process. It was a practical demonstration of how inter‑agency cooperation can accelerate economic activity.
Building on a Record of Success
The job fair is part of Governor Aris Aumentado’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, which aims to curb underemployment and stimulate inclusive growth. BEPO‑PESO recently earned top regional honors at the PESOMAP Central Visayas Regional PESO Congress, including awards for the most job fairs conducted and the highest number of hired‑on‑the‑spot applicants.
This track record gave the event credibility and attracted a larger pool of employers. Organizers reported that the fair met its goal of connecting skilled Boholanos with meaningful work, whether at home or abroad. The Sandugo Festival’s emphasis on sustainable development found a tangible expression in every contract signed.
