Recognizing the importance of sustainable employment in breaking the cycle of poverty, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the Office of the President (OP) and DSWD in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) spearheaded the sixth leg of Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas, Para sa 4Ps job fair on March 7, 2025, at the Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur.
This flagship initiative aims to ensure that thousands of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries can transition smoothly into self-sufficiency by securing stable jobs and livelihood opportunities. The event provided employment opportunities to over 3,000 4Ps households from Naga City and Pili, many of whom are set to graduate from the program due to natural attrition and program completion.
PBBM emphasized that this job fair is not just about employment but about building a future where Filipino families can thrive independently. “Ang gobyerno ay nandito para siguraduhin na hindi kayo basta-basta mawawalan ng suporta. Ang goal natin ay hindi lang bigyan kayo ng ayuda, kundi tiyakin na may hanapbuhay kayo na magpapatuloy sa inyong pag-unlad,” the President told the beneficiaries.
Immediate Support: Jobs, Cash Assistance, and Government Services
As part of the government’s commitment, each 4Ps beneficiary received Php 3,000 in food assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, serving as a safety net while they seek employment. 
A total of 23 employers participated in the event, offering 2,365 various job opportunities. Among the companies present were One Source General Services, Inc, Scheirman Construction Consolidated, Inc., Sutherland Global Services, Stance Sales and Distribution, Sincere Staff Management Services, PKI Manufacturing and Technology, Inc., Bombo Radyo Naga, Sunwest Inc. , Virmar Manpower Services, Farmstation Agri-Vet, Caceres Prime Distribution Corp., Egas Philippines, Sanford Marketing Corporation, NFEZ INC. (Petron), Digital Mind BPO Services, Inc., Natcorp Career Growth, Liberty Commercial Center, and Commworks Inc..
The job fair yielded promising results, with 26 beneficiaries hired on the spot, 8 advancing to final interviews, and 41 waitlisted for job examinations. To further support successful applicants, the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) assessed them under the Employment Facilitation (EF) Track, providing financial assistance for NBI clearance, TIN registration, police clearance, medical exams, and other pre-employment requirements.
One of the successful applicants, Ma. Theresa Bodiit, a 45-year-old solo parent from Pili, expressed her overwhelming gratitude after being hired on the spot by DSWD itself. “Hindi ko akalain na DSWD mismo ang tatanggap sa akin, lalo na sa edad kong ito. Maraming salamat! Hindi na ako babalik sa abroad para magtrabaho. Hindi na ako malalayo sa mga anak ko,” she tearfully shared.
Beyond Jobs: A Holistic Approach to Welfare
In addition to job placements, the government organized a Caravan of Services, bringing together national agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), PhilHealth, Social Security System (SSS), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to assist attendees with essential government services.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) set up Kadiwa ng Pangulo stalls, offering fresh produce and goods at affordable prices, while the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) showcased products from various livelihood associations, giving program participants an opportunity to generate income. Moreover, the Department of Health (DOH) provided free medical services, including dental care, medical check-ups, ophthalmology, dermatology, ENT services, and immunizations.
Further extending aid, 1,160 families affected by Tropical Storm Kristine received Php 5,000 in financial assistance for partially damaged houses under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program, while DOLE distributed cash aid under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program.
A Nationwide Initiative for a Better Future
This job fair in Pili, Camarines Sur marks the sixth installment of the Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas, Para sa 4Ps initiative. Launched by the Office of the President, the program has been rolled out in multiple locations across the country, including Pasay City (January 31), Iloilo City (February 13), Tagum City (February 15), Dumaguete City (February 20) and Abra (March 6).
                                                                                       

 DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to uplifting 4Ps beneficiaries, emphasizing that job fairs like this are crucial in ensuring long-term self-sufficiency.
“Ang importante ay maiahon sila sa kahirapan nang long-term. Bilang bahagi ng whole-of-government approach, isang hakbang para matulungan ang mga 4Ps beneficiaries sa pamamagitan ng job fair upang mayroong isa sa bawat pamilya na may trabaho,” said Sec. Gatchalian in an ambush interview.
                                                            

Echoing this commitment at the regional level, DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio assured that more efforts will be sustained to help 4Ps beneficiaries in Bicol achieve self-reliance.

With this initiative, the government is taking concrete steps toward ending the cycle of poverty—one job at a time.