Job fairs, protests held on Labor Day

Lines were long at a job fair in Baguio on Tuesday but those who wanted to gain employment endured the wait.

“Gusto ko kasi talaga ‘yung stable na trabaho. Mahirap ‘yung pahinto-hinto eh,” said Anselmo Mintar Jr., one of the applicants. Out of over 3,000 applicants, nearly 700 were hired on the spot.

The Labor Department and ABS-CBN Cagayan de Oro also held a job fair.

Among those who joined the long lines was Emmanuel Ravidas.

He is determined to get a new job after his wife gave birth, saying his salary is not enough for their daily needs.

In Davao City, Jeaneth Puno, a teacher, applied to become a receptionist in Dubai.

She was among those who were hired on the spot.

In Iloilo, a job fair offered free hair cuts, massages and check-ups.

Meanwhile, demonstrations were also held in the provinces to protest against government's labor policies.

Protesters in Cebu threw tomatoes and stomped on a photo of President Benigno Aquino III.

They said government is not prioritizing the welfare of workers.

In General Santos City, militants held a noise barrage in front of the office of the Labor Department. Francis Magbanua, ABS-CBN News