ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 celebrated the 119th Labor Day on May 1, 2021 with two (2) simultaneous activities happening in different locations – KCC Mall de Zamboanga and Zamboanga Economic Zone Authority in San Ramon, Talisayan.DOLE Zamboanga City Field Office led the celebration in Zamboanga ECOZONE with the malawakang payout of TUPAD salaries and turn-over of kabuhayan starter kits (KSK) to beneficiaries.

A total of 300 beneficiaries covering 20 barangays of DOLE’s TUPAD program received their wages of Php 4,740 each from various M Lhuiller branches in Barangays Sta. Catalina, Ayala and Recodo. DOLE 9 released the total amount of Php 1,428,000.00 for the payout.

DOLE ZCFO turned-over kabuhayan starter kits for commercial cooking, carpentry and dressmaking to 120 beneficiaries which amounted to Php 3,399,640.00. A livelihood check worth Php 746,875.00 was handed to LGU Barangay Latuan for a poultry and livestock raising project involving 25 livestock farmers and home-based workers/beneficiaries.

Aside from these activities, World Day for Safety and Health was also observed on the same day through a motorcade from KCC Mall de Zamboanga en route to Zamboanga ECOZONE. Members of the Regional Coordinating Committee 9 joined in the motorcade.

DOLE Assistant Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao delivered the Labor Day message of Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III. Also present during the activity was Zamboanga ECOZONE Chairperson/Administrator Raul S. Regondola and District 1 Representative Hon. Cesar “Jawo” Jimenez who both delivered inspirational messages. Video greetings and messages of Senators Ronald M. Dela Rosa, Cynthia A. Villar and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles were also played in between turn-overs of livelihood assistance. END/With a report from Jasmin C. Panelo, Senior LEO, ZCFO