In a country where millions dream of a better future, the Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas Mega Job Fair is more than just a job-matching event, but a bridge to self-sufficiency.  Designed to uplift families transitioning out of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), this initiative offers more than employment as it provides hope, dignity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

For a 4Ps beneficiary like Mary Anne Kaye Dela Peña, a mother of five from Sta. Cruz, Manila, the job fair is a great opportunity for her to find a new lease on life and acquire a sustainable source of income. 

“Kapag sinabi kasing Mega Job Fair, ibig sabihin maraming oportunidad ang nag-aantay para sa amin,” she said, clutching her neatly prepared documents. 

The Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas Mega Job Fair, organized by the Office of the President (OP), in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other government agencies was designed to assist graduating 4Ps beneficiaries in transitioning from government aid to self-sufficiency. 

As Mary Anne’s family prepares to exit the 4Ps, securing stable employment is now her top priority.  

“Malaking tulong po, kasi sa ngayon napakatumal ng biyahe ni mister,” she admitted, referring to her husband, who works as a tricycle driver. “Kung saka-sakali na wala itong Mega Job Fair, magtitinda-tinda na lang kami. Pero dahil nagkaroon nga nitong Mega Job Fair, sana palarin ng Diyos, at matanggap para maganda ang income at upang makapagtulungan na kaming mag-asawa.”  

With more than 200 companies offering a wide range of jobs and pre-employment assistance, Mary Anne, along with around 12,000 other 4Ps beneficiaries, is ready to take the first step towards financial independence.

Looking ahead, her dream is simple yet deeply significant: “Gusto ko po sanang bago man lang makaalis sa 4Ps ay may sarili na kaming bahay, may stable na pinagkakakitaan, at may maayos na trabaho.”  

Mary Anne’s family became beneficiaries of the 4Ps in 2012, which provides them conditional cash transfers to help families meet their basic needs, supporting healthcare and education of the children from birth to 18 years old. 

As she takes this crucial step toward financial independence, Mary Anne encourages her fellow 4Ps beneficiaries to seize the opportunity as well. “Pursigihin po nila dahil minsan lang po magkakaroon ng ganitong pagkakataon. Sana ay bigyan nila ng panahon, walang masamang sumubok.”  

As Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas unfolded in Rizal Memorial Coliseum on 31 January, it became clear that this is not just about finding work, it is about building a future where every Filipino, like Mary Anne, has the chance to thrive. ###