Persons with disabilities (PWDs) and individuals who have no college degree will soon have the opportunity to work in the tourism industry.

In a news briefing Tuesday, Department of Tourism in Northern Mindanao Region (DOT-10) Director Marie Elaine Salvaña-Unchuan said even graduates of technology-vocational schools accredited by the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority may be hired by employers as long as they are qualified for the position.

“Some PWDs are already working in the tourism industry. We are advocating for a barrier-free tourism (industry) where there is equal opportunity for everyone, including women and senior citizens,” she said during the launching of the Tourism Job Fair in this city

Unchuan said the jobs fair will take place in this city from March 30 to 31 as part of its “Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso!” program, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment.

The DOT-10 is targeting at least 50 to 60 partners or employers in the tourism sector that may hire qualified applicants during next month’s event.

“We have already received 11 industry partners that are members of the Cohara (Cagayan De Oro Hotel And Restaurant Association),” Unchuan said.

Meanwhile, DOLE-10 Director Albert Gutib said there will be no discrimination even for senior high school graduates if their skills match the employers’ requirements.

Gutib also said PWDs can have an equal chance to work as prescribed under RA 10524, or the expanded Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, where employers must have PWD employees comprising at least 1 percent of their workforce. (PNA)