ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 5, 2023 – A total of sixty (60) jobseekers got hired on the spot during the Labor Day Job Fair which the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 spearheaded on May 1, 2023 at a local mall in Zamboanga City.

Anchored on the theme “ “Pabahay, Bilihing Abot-Presyo, Benepisyo ng Matatag na Trabaho Para sa Manggagawang Pilipino,” DOLE 9 celebrated Labor Day with a number of activities to honor workers.

Regional Director Albert E. Gutib shared that a total of 3,915 vacancies were offered in the job fair which was participated by 34 employers. SOme 477 job seekers appeared personally to be interviewed.

Apart from the employment opportunities, 459 workers and job seekers alike were given the opportunity to avail the services in a One Stop Shop with the following government agencies: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig Fund, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agricultural (DA), Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost), National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

DOLE 9 also partnered withZamboanga City Medical Center, Zamboanga City Health Office, Philippine College of Occupational Medicine and Medilab Diagnostic Center for free medical consultation, free ECG, blood glucose monitoring and free medicines to 105 walk-in workers and job seekers.

TESDA 9 turned-over starter tool kits to 23 individuals. They also reported a total of 58 participants to the Skills Demonstration on cake and pizza making and abstract decorating techniques. Free services such as haircuts, nail care and massages were offered to workers for free.

In a separate venue, DOLE 9 in coordination with DA and DTI, staged the Kadiwa ng Pangulo para sa Manggagawa with 50 exhibitors showcasing various produce and goods earning a total sales of PHP 288,834.00 collectively.

Various LGUs in Zamboanga City were awarded with checks for emergency employment namely: Bolong with 3,000 beneficiaries at Php 11-M and Tulungatung with 3,638 beneficiaries at PHP14-M.

Livelihood checks were awarded to Zamboanga Women’s Federation Inc worth PHP1.2-M, Kasanyangan Nursery Seaweed Enterprise, Inc worth PHP 997,814.00 and Ipil Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative worth PHP 995,524.00 for various livelihood undertakings to benefit 147 beneficiaries.

A malawakang TUPAD pay-out to 718 beneficiaries was also undertaken that day with Accredited Co-Partners Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association and BLGU San Jose Gusu.

Other highlights included the Talentadong Obrero Year 5 Talent Competition where workers from private companies competed in a talent showdown to win trophies and cash prizes. END