Service Provided By: PESO Tacloban
How I Went from Looking for Work to Helping Others Find One
Before I joined the program, I struggled to find a suitable job and employer. I used to send my résumé to several companies all at once, hoping that at least one of them would respond. I often went to the city to visit different offices, only to be given another schedule. Since I lived far from the city, transportation costs were high, and every trip felt like a gamble. Job hunting became tiring, costly, and emotionally draining.
One day, while browsing Facebook, I came across a post from Tacloban City PESO and DOLE about an upcoming job fair. The post immediately caught my attention because I had just resigned from my work-from-home job and was determined to find an office-based position. What inspired me most was the program’s mission—to connect applicants with the right employers. Knowing that multiple companies would be gathered in one place gave me hope.
What made the experience even better was how well-organized everything was. Since many employers were in one venue, I was able to submit my résumé and undergo interviews without spending so much on transportation. The Facebook updates and information posted at the venue also helped me track the companies I applied for. It was the most efficient job-search experience I had ever had.
What I didn’t expect was how much the program would change me—not just my employment status, but also my confidence and mindset. Attending the job fair taught me how to face interviews confidently, even with many people around. Normally, being watched while answering interview questions made me nervous and sometimes caused mental blocks. But the experience helped me realize that those uncomfortable moments were training me for the real world.
Through the job fair, I discovered my strengths. I learned to communicate better, stay calm, and adapt quickly. I became more patient, positive, and determined. Little by little, I stopped doubting myself and started believing in my capabilities.
Today, I am proud to say that I am no longer a job seeker. I am now a Human Resource personnel in the very company I applied for during that job fair—continuing the cycle by helping other job seekers find the opportunities they deserve, just as I once did.
This program did not just help me get hired. It helped me grow, discover my worth, and rewrite my story.
I am Angelica Mae Polinio—once a job seeker, now someone who helps hire others.
And this is my success story.
Department of Labor and Employment
Regional Office No. VIII