The Department of Labor and Employment IX-ZamboangaSibugay Field Office (DOLE-ZSFO), in cooperation with the Employment & Social Protection Cluster of the Province and the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) of Zamboanga Sibugay, with the strong support of the 2nd Congressional District Office, jointly celebrated the Labor Day 2018 dubbed as “Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) Job & Business Fairs” last May 16, 2018 at the Municipal Covered Court, Municipal Plaza, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

“In honor of our workers, we want the celebration of Labor day to be felt all around Zamboanga Peninsula. Thus, in Sibugaythru our Field Office, we conducted a job fair while DTI supervised the Trade &Diskwento Fairs. We also set up a Help Desk for our workers composed of several government agencies where they can inquire and avail services,” said Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo.

To formally kick start the celebration, a program was conducted and attended by Guest of Honor, Lucia Matutis, President of Paraiso Women Workers Association and National Winner, 2nd Placer, during the 2017 Best DOLE Livelihood Implementer-Group Category who shared their organization’s success story and how they were able to inflict positive and sustainable change in the community.

Also in attendance were SB Member Ramses Troy Olegario representing Ipil Mayor Anamel Olegario, Mr. Al Raagas Executive Staff of Congresswoman Dulce Ann Hofer and TIPC Chair EldwinAlibutdan, Vice Governor of the Proivnce and Mr. Remeo A. Oxenio, TIPC Treasurer who gave messages to the workers and jobseekers present.

A total of 168 Sibugaynons registered for both local and overseas vacancies offered by 9 participating employers. 105 local jobseekers were interviewed, and 90 were considered near-hire, or a near-hire rate of 86%. For the overseas jobseekers, 9 were interviewed, and 4 were considered near-hire, or a near-hire rate of 44%.

Meanwhile, 102 clientshad the opportunity to approach the Help Desk comprised of the following agencies: DOLE; DTI; DSWD; TESDA; DOST; DOH-FDA; DepEd; PESO-GC; SSS; PAGIBIG; and PhilHealth for queries and assistance.

Ms. Imelda Gatinao, Head of DOLE-Zamboanga Sibugay, then, formally launched the commencement of the Government Internship Program (GIP) by acknowledging the 146 interns and providing a short orientation on the Program, as well as the roles and responsibilities expected from the interns.

Subsequently, Assistant Regional Director Albert E. Gutib turned over various starter kit projects to 81 beneficiaries across the province. All in all, 20 commercial cooking kits, 20 carpentry kits, 20 masonry kits, 20 barber servicing kits, and 1 computer repair kit were released.

Considering that it is the Job Fair season, Mr. Hector Yap cautioned jobseekers and reminded them to be vigilant for anti-illegal recruitment activities and oriented them on how to spot such recruiters.

At the end of the day, the people of Zamboanga Sibugay not only benefitted during the Job & Business Fairs, they also felt the presence and contribution of the different line agencies in the province, which would go a long way in making an impact in the delivery of the different agencies’ programs and services. END/pjdelacruz

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