ZAMBOANGA CITY, 12 May 2023 – More than 1,400 informal workers gathered at the Zamboanga Sibugay Sports and Cultural Complex on May 11, 2023, to celebrate the 121st Labor Day Celebration in the province.

The Department of Labor and Employment-Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office (DOLE ZSFO) spearheaded the event in convergence with other national government agencies.

Regional Director Albert E. Gutib shared that the theme for this year’s Labor Day Celebration was “Pabahay, Bilihing Abot-Presyo, Benepisyo ng Matatag na Trabaho Para sa Manggagawang Pilipino.”

“This celebration aims to recognize the contributions of all workers from various industries in the province and promote a whole of nation approach by coordinating the services and activities provided by the line agencies,” he said.

The event’s highlights included the “Malawakang TUPAD-Payout para sa mga Mamumuo,” which benefitted 1,400 informal workers in the province. The workers received their salaries for their 10 days of work, totaling Php 4,914,00.00, facilitated by Ipil Market Vendors Multi-purpose Cooperative (IMAVEMCO), the Accredited Co-Partner for the Project Implementation.

Director Gutib also led the turnover of DILP checks amounting to Php 498,320.00 to Kababayen-an sa Casay of R.T. Lim Municipality for the implementation of the Enhancement Group Project on Alternative Medicine Lagundi Herbal Production.

The “Kadiwa ng Pangulo sa mga Manggagawa” project, which showcased 17 exhibitors featuring their local products, was also a hit among the participants. The project aims to help lessen the impact of inflation on workers’ purchasing power and give microbusinesses direct access to the consumer market without trader intermediaries so they can increase their income.

The event also featured various free services, such as free iced coffee, pedicure and manicure services, massages, free haircuts, and ear piercings, provided by different organizations, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – ZSPO, the Integrated Provincial Health Office, and the Provincial Department of Health.

A learning session on accessing financial support for farmers, micro-enterprises, livelihoods, small entrepreneurs, and business development support for micro and small enterprises was also held by representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA) IX and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) IX.

The event’s participants received words of support from officials and representatives from various government agencies during the program. The Provincial Government Office of Zamboanga Sibugay, the 44th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture-IX, the Provincial DOH Office, the Department of Trade and Industry-IX, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-IX, and the Public Employment Service Office of Zamboanga Sibugay were among these agencies.

Governor Dulce Ann K. Hofer expressed her gratitude to the many government departments for helping to organize the event and emphasized the province’s commitment to supporting policies and programs that advance the welfare and well-being of workers.

The celebration’s success was due to the collaborative effort of the organizing committee, partner organizations, and executive officers who worked together to advance the welfare and well-being of every Filipino worker. END/With reports from Michael Vincent Macrohon, Sr. LEO, ZSFO