ZAMBOANGA CITY- The Department of Labor and Employment Region 9 (DOLE Region 9) joined in the simultaneous conduct of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo on July 17, 2023, in various venues across the region, in partnership with Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Provincial and City Local Government Units (LGU).

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo is part of the President’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda which primarily aims in ensuring food security, promoting agricultural productivity, accelerating poverty reduction by supporting the produce of the local farmers.

In Zamboanga and Isabela Cities, a total of 19 exhibitors from DOLE, DA, and DTI participated in the said activity. The activities were conducted at Pettit Barracks, Rizal Street and Isabela City Hall Grounds, respectively.

In Zamboanga Sibugay, the activity was conducted at Provincial Atrium, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, where Gov. Dulce Ann K. Hofer graced and led the opening program together with DOLE Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office Head Elamsalih E. Ungad, National Food Authority (NFA) Warehouse Supervisor Rosemarie S. Miro, Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Wesly C. Sayson, DA Regional Technical Director Marissa S. Mohammad, DILG Cluster Head Benonie Galambao and DTI Information Officer Jeanette A. Borja. A total of 15 government assisted exhibitors participated in the said activity, 3 from DOLE, 5 from DTI and 7 from DA.

The Zamboanga del Norte Field Office through its Head, Aileen B. Mondejar, also joined the Kadiwa ng Pangulo which was held at the Provincial Agriculturist Office in Dipolog City. In attendance were Provincial Governor Executive Assistant Aurelio Monteclaro, TESDA Provincial Director Engr. Allan Bacatan, DA Provincial Director George Valiente, DA Chief Jonalyn Corpuz, NFA Provincial Manager Jonathan Rodilles DTI Division Chief Raymunda Biolango, Provincial Coordinator Claire Quirante and DILG Representative Anabella Jatico. There were 15 exhibitors mostly local farmers who participated the said activity.

In Zamboanga del Sur, 13 exhibitors gathered at the Provincial Capitol Court in Pagadian City to sell their local produce. Various National Government Agencies and the Local Government Unit were present during the opening activity. The program was graced by Gov. Victor Yu and Cong. Divina Grace Yu. Joining them were DOLE ZDSFO Head, Miraflor J. Casanes and other employees of various government agencies.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Albert E. Gutib emphasized that DOLEs contribution to the Kadiwa ng Pangulo will reinvigorate job creation in the region, as local products will be patronized by the localities. “The local farmers and livelihood beneficiaries will benefit from this initiative as the Administration commits to embody a brand of governance and leadership that is focused on attaining a full economic recovery and social transformation”, Gutib said. He also emphasized that local farmers and sellers will be paid with their wages under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) based on the prevailing highest minimum wage rate of private workers in the region and will also be covered with GSIS Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI). END/GITSTangcalagan