GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The search for stable employment is often a journey filled with uncertainty—countless applications, anxious waits, and the lingering hope for a callback. This Labor Day, the City of General Santos is stepping in to shorten that journey. On May 1, 2026, job seekers from across Soccsksargen will have two major venues to explore, as the city rolls out a comprehensive job fair designed to bring employers and applicants face‑to‑face under one roof. Whether you are a fresh graduate, an experienced worker seeking a career shift, or a returning overseas Filipino worker exploring local options, the message is clear: come prepared, bring your resume, and take that first step.
Two Venues, One Goal: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has identified multiple job fair sites nationwide as part of its 124th Labor Day celebration. In General Santos City, two locations will serve as hubs for opportunity: the KCC Convention and Events Center, located at the KCC Mall of Gensan, and the Honorio Arriola St. (Bula‑Lagao Road) in Barangay Lagao. Both venues are strategically positioned in accessible areas, ensuring that job seekers from the city and nearby provinces can participate without unnecessary travel burdens.
The dual‑venue setup reflects a deliberate effort to maximize public reach and convenience. “The initiative aims to make job and income‑generating opportunities more accessible, especially for individuals who remain unemployed,” DOLE noted in its April 23 announcement. By setting up shop in a major mall and a community‑accessible street, the fair caters to different segments of the population—those who prefer the structured environment of a convention center and those who feel more at home in a neighborhood setting.
Nationwide Push, Local Impact: Over 115,000 Vacancies
The General Santos job fair is not an isolated event. It is part of a synchronized national effort that will see 88 job fair sites operating simultaneously across the country on May 1. A total of 1,280 local employers have confirmed participation, collectively offering 115,358 job vacancies across various industries—figures that DOLE emphasizes are still preliminary and may increase as more companies join.
Region XII, where General Santos is located, is expected to benefit significantly from this nationwide push. Among the top sectors hiring are wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, construction, business process outsourcing (BPO), and accommodation and food service. Specific roles in high demand include stock clerks and sales associates for retail; production operators for manufacturing; carpenters, foremen, and steelmen for construction; customer service representatives for BPOs; and service crew, line cooks, and baristas for the hospitality industry. For job seekers with technical or vocational skills, the range of available positions offers a promising match for their qualifications.
Beyond Local Jobs: Overseas Opportunities and Government Services
In a significant expansion, DOLE announced that this year’s Labor Day job fairs will also include overseas vacancies, widening employment options for Filipinos seeking work abroad. Licensed recruitment agencies will be present at select venues, offering opportunities for professional and skilled workers who wish to explore international employment. Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may prefer to seek jobs locally or reapply for foreign employment are also welcome to participate, with the fairs open to all regardless of previous work history.
Additionally, government agencies will set up service booths to assist attendees with related needs. The Social Security System (SSS), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Pag‑IBIG Fund, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) are among those expected to provide on‑site services, from membership inquiries to clearance processing. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will also hold orientations for its scholarship programs, offering an alternative pathway for those who wish to upgrade their skills before entering the workforce.
What Job Seekers Need to Know
Preparation is key to making the most of the event. DOLE advises job seekers to bring multiple copies of their application documents, including updated resumes, valid government‑issued identification cards, and any relevant certificates or licenses. For those applying to overseas positions, additional documents such as passports and authenticated credentials may be required. The agency also encourages applicants to dress professionally and arrive early, as high turnout is expected.
The fair will run from 8:00 AM onwards on May 1. While no pre‑registration is mandatory, early arrival increases the chances of securing interviews with preferred employers. For individuals who cannot attend in person, DOLE has assured that additional job fair sites in neighboring regions—including other parts of Soccsksargen and beyond—will offer similar opportunities in the coming weeks.
A Day of Celebration and Opportunity
Labor Day is traditionally a time to honor the Filipino worker’s contributions to the nation’s economy. This year, DOLE has transformed the observance into a practical tool for poverty alleviation and workforce reintegration. “The initiative supports the thrust of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration on poverty alleviation by expanding employment opportunities and accelerating the reintegration of the remaining unemployed workforce into productive sectors,” the department stated.
For the thousands of job seekers expected to line up at the KCC Convention Center and Honorio Arriola Street, May 1 represents more than a holiday—it is a genuine chance to turn aspirations into employment, to move from waiting to working, and to begin building a more secure future. The jobs are ready. The employers are waiting. The only question is: will you be there?
