The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are set to conduct nationwide jobs and business fairs dubbed as Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayaan (TNK)–Kalayaan Edition on Independence Day, 12 June.

In support of the commemoration of the 119th year of Philippine Independence with the theme “Pagbabagong Sama-Samang Balikatin”, DTI will organize entrepreneurship training/seminars and set-up Negosyo Center desks, while DOLE will organize job fairs.

Jointly with DTI, DOLE will also organize the Kabuhayan Livelihood Fair to promote products of micro enterprises.

“The conduct of the TNK Jobs and Business Fairs is part of the government’s initiative to promote employment and entrepreneurship for our people. As we celebrate Independence Day, our modern day call is to set our citizens free from poverty, free from usurious interest rates and free from unemployment or underemployment,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, adding that job creation is one of the agency’s principal goals.

In December 2016, DTI and DOLE initiated the government’s Blueprint for Decent Employment and Entrepreneurship, which was crafted by different government agencies, members of the academe and the private sector.

Said Blueprint carries specific targets including full employment, a 5% unemployment rate and 7.5 million jobs by 2022 mainly in the Key Employment Generating Sectors (KEGS) such as manufacturing, agri-fishery, Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM), tourism, retail trade and construction. Investments in said sectors are promoted by DTI.

In his first State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte said that when employment is not an option, for instance in extremely rural neighborhoods, entrepreneurship will be advocated.

DTI and DOLE, together with the local government units and other stakeholders from the academe, industry, labor, and civil society organizations, will sign the declaration of commitment entitled Freedom from Poverty to signify support and action, as well as to achieve the targets embodied in the Blueprint for Decent Employment and Entrepreneurship.

Below is the schedule of TNK Jobs and Business Fairs.

CB Mall UrdanetaNepo Mall Dagupan, PangasinanCandon Civic Center, Candon City, Ilocos SurManna Mall, San Fernando City, La Union​