Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin The Department of Education (DepEd) initiated the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) to assist Senior High School (SHS) graduates in securing jobs. On March 19, it was launched in three major schools in Metro Manila. The program provides crucial government services on campuses to help students overcome financial and bureaucratic barriers to employment. Get today's headlines by email This initiative targets students in the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track and the Alternative Learning System (ALS), who often struggle with the high cost of pre-employment requirements. The rollout aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to better align education with industry needs and remove job-entry obstacles. The aim is to make graduates job-ready immediately after completing their studies. Implemented in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other agencies, the program facilitates free processing of employment documents, as mandated by the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act. This service reduces both the time and expenses for students, who are expected to save over P1,000 each. The savings are significant, given the rising transportation costs due to Middle East tensions. Currently, the BPSF is active at Tala National High School in Caloocan City, Makati High School, and Mataas na Paaralang Neptali A. Gonzales in Mandaluyong City, benefiting nearly 1,200 students. Alongside document processing, the program offers job-matching services and career guidance, linking graduates with potential employers. The initiative has also garnered strong private sector support, providing additional employment opportunities. With approximately 550,000 SHS-TVL students graduating nationwide, DepEd plans to expand the BPSF to more locations. This is part of a broader effort to enhance employability and streamline the transition from school to work, reported Manila Bulletin. Join the discussion? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Manila Bulletin · 19 Mar 2026
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