Marcos Launches 'Trabaho at Negosyo' — The Government's Biggest Jobs and Business Fair Yet
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally launched the first-ever "Trabaho at Negosyo" event on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City — a massive initiative designed to connect job seekers with employers and aspiring entrepreneurs with mentors, all under one roof.
In his keynote speech, Marcos stressed that his administration is committed to equipping Filipinos not just to survive, but to succeed. "We equip our people not only to survive, but to succeed in this changing world," the President said, signaling a shift from traditional jobs-focused programs to one that also embraces entrepreneurship.
Organized in partnership with Go Negosyo, the event brought together key public and private stakeholders with a focus on expanding opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Marcos highlighted MSMEs as "vital engines of inclusive growth and employment creation" — a critical point given that small businesses make up the vast majority of Philippine enterprises.
The event featured plenary learning sessions, a job fair, business mentoring sessions, and partner booths. It also focused on upskilling and reskilling — critical needs in an economy that's rapidly digitizing. Job seekers could connect directly with hiring businesses, while budding entrepreneurs had access to mentorship from established business owners.
Marcos also made a pitch for changing the Filipino mindset around business. "Through the advocacy of Go Negosyo, we promote a positive mindset towards business — not as a last resort, but as a strong complement to our collective role in nation-building," he said. Whether this becomes a regular thing or a one-off, it's a solid step toward addressing the country's employment challenges.
Source: The Manila Times
