ZAMBOANGA CITY – A total of 23 talented kasambahays headed to the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 9 to audition for the first ever talent competition for kasambahays dubbed as KasamBEST: Battle of the Best on January 19, 2020.

Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said that the said talent variety show will form part of the highlights of activities during the Kasambahay Day slated on January 26, 2020 at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga. The DOLE acknowledges the contribution of the Kasambahay sector to the society and advocates for the protection and promotion of their rights and welfare.

She added that the KasamBEST competition aims to showcase the kasambahays’ talents, skills and abilities and to develop their self-esteem.

Earlier, DOLE 9 released a call for audition for the competition which is open to all kasambahays working in Region 9 aged 18-60 years old. Auditionees may perform solo, as a pair or as a group and must limit their performances from 3-5 minutes.

Participants from all over Zamboanga Peninsula performed audition pieces in front of the panel of judges composed of Jerrick Gerard C. Go from the DOLE, Mr. Mark B. Madarang of the Employees Compensation Commission and Ms. Jesusa A. Alvarez from the LGU-Zamboanga City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Following a criteria for judging where 25% each were allotted for talent, creativity, showmanship and props or costume, eight (8) hopefuls passed the audition and will advance to the finals on January 26 namely: Trixialyn Duran, Jocelyn Gerbese, May Selaras, Wilma Santelices, Nurhaya Abdulgani, Rowena Luna, Maria Leonora and the Kasambahays of Aleson (group).

DOLE 9 will also conduct learning sessions for kasambahays and their employers on rights, roles and responsibilities. A one-stop-shop of services by the SSS, Philhealth, Pag-Ibig Fund and DOLE’s family of agencies will be in place to serve the participants on the same day.

Director Domingo further added:“We invite all Kasambahays and even their employers to join us on January 26, 2020 starting 9am at KCC Mall de Zamboanga for the Grand Kasambahay Day. We have prepared exciting and productive activities for all of you which you are sure to enjoy. See you there!” END/KCQG