More than 2,900 job opportunities were made available to displaced workers during a special job fair organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) on January 9, 2026, at the Clark Event and Conference Hall in the Clark Freeport Zone . The event specifically aimed to assist workers affected by the closure of garment manufacturer Charter Link Clark, Inc., and separated employees of pastry maker La Rose Noire Philippines, Inc. .
The job fair featured 29 participating employers from various industries, including information and communications technology (ICT), tourism, services, industrial, commercial, and aviation sectors . A total of 236 jobseekers attended the event, with 25 applicants hired on the spot . Among the top vacancies offered were customer service representatives (900 openings), production helpers (500 openings), as well as project helpers, assembly technicians, and production operators (100 openings each).
Government Commitment to Worker Welfare
CDC Vice President for Administration and Finance Jose Miguel de la Rosa, representing CDC President and CEO Agnes Devanadera, emphasized the corporation's commitment to the workforce during the event. "Ang welfare ng tao, locators o mga empleyado ay paramount o nangunguna sa interest ng Clark Development Corporation" (The welfare of the people — locators or employees — is paramount and takes precedence in the interest of the Clark Development Corporation).
DOLE Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio encouraged job seekers to view the displacement as an opportunity for growth. "Let this be an opportunity to assess ourselves — ano ba ang pwede kong ma-improve sa sarili ko, so employers will see that you can be one of the best employees in the future" (Let this be an opportunity to assess ourselves — what can I improve about myself, so employers will see that you can be one of the best employees in the future).
Displaced Workers: The Context
Charter Link Clark, Inc., a garment manufacturer in the Clark Freeport Zone, announced its closure on December 22, 2025, affecting approximately 477 employees. In a letter to its workers, the company cited a "consistent decline in orders" over three years, compounded by the loss of its primary foreign customer, which resulted in zero projected sales for 2026 . The company stated that affected workers would receive separation pay, pro-rated 13th month pay, conversion of unused leave credits, and one month's salary in lieu of notice.
La Rose Noire Philippines, Inc., a pastries industry firm, separated approximately 390 probationary employees who failed to meet the company's requirements . Both groups of displaced workers were the primary beneficiaries of the special job fair.
Job Fair Success Stories
Cristy Dela Peña, a displaced Charter Link employee and single mother, was among those hired on the spot. She shared her positive experience: "Pagpasok ko pa lang, nakita ko na maraming oportunidad at kompanyang nagbubukas. Mas naging madali ang paghahanap ng trabaho dahil nasa isang lugar na ang mga employer" (When I entered, I saw that there were many opportunities and companies present. It became easier to find a job because the employers were in one place).
Walk-in applicant Jervy Guevarra, also hired immediately, noted the efficiency of the process: "Madali at mabilis lang ang hiring process — mga 30 minutes lang po. Masaya ako at may istabilidad na ako sa trabaho para sa pamilya ko" (The hiring process was easy and quick — only about 30 minutes. I am happy that I now have job stability for my family).
Additional Support Services
Beyond job matching, DOLE provided on-site assistance booths to help displaced workers access other government programs. These included assistance with Social Security System (SSS) Unemployment Insurance Benefits claims, profiling for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program, and labor advisory services.
According to DOLE reports, over 98% of Charter Link employees had successfully received their separation pay, amounting to nearly ₱40 million .
For remaining displaced workers seeking employment or livelihood assistance, the DOLE Regional Office III and the Clark Development Corporation continue to provide support programs and job placement services.
