Tacloban City, Philippines – The Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other government and non-government agencies joined forces on August 29, 2024, to host a major one-day job fair at Robinson’s North-Tacloban. This event was part of TESDA’s National Tech-Voc Day celebrations and coincided with EVSU’s observance of Vice President for Internationalization and External Affairs (VPIEA) Day.
The job fair, aptly named the “World Café of Opportunities,” was a collaborative initiative involving TESDA, EVSU, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Tacloban. The primary aim was to create stable job opportunities for the local community. The event attracted a diverse group of attendees, including recent graduates from various institutions and other community members actively seeking new employment opportunities. A range of employers from both government and non-government sectors participated, eager to expand their workforce and improve the economic prospects for attendees.
Vivian Avueva, TESDA Tacloban Provincial Director, noted that the job fair also marked TESDA’s 30th anniversary. This year’s theme, “A Continuing Legacy of Empowering Filipinos, Elevating Global Competence,” reflects TESDA’s enduring commitment to skills development. Avueva underscored EVSU’s crucial role in this mission, highlighting the university’s long-standing support since TESDA’s establishment in 1994.
A highlight of the event was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between EVSU and TESDA, which solidified their partnership. Dr. de Paz, in his address, stressed the importance of such collaborations in an increasingly unpredictable job market. He advocated for more partnerships with both governmental and non-governmental entities to address job security issues and support community development.
A main part of the opening ceremony was the inking of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between EVSU and TESDA officiating the collaboration between the two. As Dr. de Paz mentions in his message, partnerships and events such as this fair are essential in the contemporary world as the job market becomes increasingly volatile and uncertain. He asserts the importance of entering into more agreements and partnerships with other government and non-government agencies to help alleviate the community’s woes when it comes to job security.
This collaboration serves as a tangible expression of EVSU’s values of community outreach and extension. By working together with TESDA and other partners, EVSU does not only assist in the facilitating of job placements but also actively contributes to the growth and resilience of our local community. This initiative, spearheaded by the VPIEA office reflects the institute’s dedication to empowering individuals and fostering sustainable development in the region.
Written by: JS Beleña | UMDC
Photos by: J Tupaz | UMDC
