Jobstreet by SEEK brought together Iloilo’s leading HR professionals and business owners for JobCon Iloilo 2025, held at The Courtyard by Marriott. With the theme “Building Future-Ready Workplaces” and the rallying line “Great Companies Start Here,” the event equipped employers with forward-thinking insights on AI-powered hiring, digital recruitment, and creating high-trust workplace cultures fit for the modern workforce.
“Our goal is to make Jobstreet by SEEK’s digital solutions and hiring innovations accessible to all regions—ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of location, has access to quality employment opportunities,” said Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines.
Iloilo City continues to rise as a regional hub for business and employment, boasting a 96% employment rate from January to July 2025, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Meanwhile, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Iloilo City reported 127,860 job solicitations, 30,776 job referrals, and 28,540 successful job placements, reflecting a remarkable 92.6% placement efficiency rate.
These figures highlight Iloilo’s growing competitiveness and its appeal to both investors and professionals. With its expanding commercial centers, strong literacy rate, and reputation for safety and livability, Iloilo continues to position itself as a highly urbanized city of choice—not just for residents, but for those seeking meaningful careers and business opportunities.
“Our collective vision is for Iloilo to be known not just as a good place to live in, but also as a great place to work in,” shared Mikee Canaman, Executive Director of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILEDF). “JobCon Iloilo helps build that bridge between our industries and our growing talent pool—ensuring that our progress is powered by people.”
The forum featured a diverse lineup of thought leaders and innovators who shared their expertise and perspectives on the evolving employment landscape. Among the speakers were Hon. Jason Gonzales, Board Member of the Province of Iloilo; Gab Umadhay, PESO Iloilo City Manager; Judel Diwa, Client Solutions Manager of Great Place to Work® Philippines; and Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines.
Discussions tackled Iloilo’s labor market performance, digital employment strategies, and the integration of artificial intelligence in recruitment, as well as the foundations of trust-based workplace cultures.
Two insightful panel discussions followed—“Building Future-Ready Workplaces,” featuring experts from Jobstreet by SEEK, Great Place to Work®, and Kaya Founders; and “What Employers Really Look For: Hiring Insights from Business Owners,” featuring Felix Tiu (PCCI Iloilo & EON Group), Emilio Diez (JD Bakery Café & Iloilo Business Club), Natalie Lim (Richmonde Hotel Iloilo & Iloilo MICE Alliance), and Esther Pauline Garcia (PMAP National; HR-Labor Relations Manager, Sagility Philippines BV Branch Office). These conversations explored the evolving expectations of the workforce—from digital literacy and adaptability to the crucial role of leadership and company culture in attracting and retaining top talent.
JobCon Iloilo 2025 forms part of Jobstreet by SEEK’s ongoing mission to strengthen local employment ecosystems and drive inclusive economic growth through technology, innovation, and collaboration. By partnering with local business groups and companies, Jobstreet by SEEK is championing regional talent development—helping Iloilo-based enterprises stay competitive in an increasingly digital and globalized economy.
“When local enterprises are empowered to build great workplaces, we’re not just improving business performance—we’re shaping a stronger, more resilient workforce for Iloilo,” Majarocon added.