The celebration of the 121st Labor Day in Davao Region on May 1, 2023, was indeed a success. With the theme, “Pabahay, Bilihing Abot-Presyo, Benepisyo ng Matatag na Trabaho Para sa Manggagawang Pilipino,” the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI was able to favorably implement major activities that were designed to support the Filipino workforce.
During the simultaneous Labor Day Job Fairs at SM City Davao, Ecoland Davao City and at Provincial Capitol of Davao Oriental, Mati City, DOLE XI produced 213 hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) jobseekers.
Through a hybrid approach, the job fair spawned 1,239 actual applicants all in all who registered through online pre-registration links and personal registration at the venues. More than 130 employers from across the region participated in the job fair with a combined number of 7,381 job opportunities for Davaoeño jobseekers.
“It takes a lot of patience to stand in a long line and I’m glad that my perseverance paid off. Thank you, DOLE XI, for the continuous support to the Filipino workforce,” says Mr. Artemio J. Bernales, Jr., 28, hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) as warehouse crew by a local employer.
HOTS jobseekers, Ms. Chelsie Anite, 25, and Mr. Adnanjr Kamid, 19, also shared that the job fair was a golden opportunity for them to grow their career and hope that many other Filipino youth would avail of this service.
Vacancies that were filled on the spot included accounting staff, cashier, clerks, customer service representative, and dining crew among others. The implementation of job fairs was in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and SM Malls.
Another highlight of the Labor Day celebration was the awarding of government assistance to more than 10,000 beneficiaries in the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, and Davao City.
Led by DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy and Assistant Regional Director Atty. Jason P. Balais, DOLE XI awarded a total of Php 15,905,909.00 to 2,289 beneficiaries under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). In addition, DOLE XI turned over Php 55,925,084.00 for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, through Local Chief Executives, representatives of Local Government Units, and private organizations.
Also, part of this year’s major activities to honor the Filipino workers on Labor Day was the implementation of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggagawa in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) XI, Association of Labor Unions (ALU), and PESO Davao City. This activity showcased products of 70 beneficiaries of DA, DTI, and NFA at Rizal Park Davao City and at the ALU Hotel, Roxas Avenue, Davao City.
Simultaneous with the job fair was the livelihood fair at SM City Davao and at Rizal Park where 22 DILP beneficiaries were able to sell their products such as chocolates, textile products, and wood crafts. The beneficiaries were able to generate around Php 89,000.00 total sales.
Further, DOLE XI set up a one-stop-shop corner that offered government documentation services, participated by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security Systems, among others. – (PR)
