In line with the Department’s 89^th Founding Anniversary on December 8, 2022 with the theme “Kahapon, Ngayon at sa Habang Panahon, Kaagapay ng Bayan sa Pagbangon,” the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI conducted a social gathering to honor the men and women of the regional office for contributing milestones in the attainment of DOLE XI’s vision and mission.

 

The highlight of the celebration, which took place on December 6-7, 2022 at Mergrande Ocean Resort, was the recognition of the most outstanding DOLE XI support staff, particularly the TUPAD Coordinators of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, Community Facilitators of the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP), and Livelihood Development Specialists of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). Said programs are the banner programs of DOLE, especially during the pandemic.

The recipients of the awards were distinguished to have embodied the Department’s core values and exemplified a true public servant’s virtue that are worth emulating.

Winners for Best TUPAD Coordinators were Carlo Velasco (Davao City Field Office), Elvira Tidalgo (Davao del Norte Field Office), Nerissa Ann Milesa Rabanoz (Davao de Oro Field Office), Jarl Anthony Donato (Davao Oriental Field Office), Razel Jean Moscoso (Davao del Sur Field Office), Kate Magwan (Davao Occidental Field Office), Melody Aniñon (IGaCoS Extension Office), Kirtzel Ronal Prado (Internal Management and Services Division), and Melanie Samuya (Technical Services and Support Division). Meanwhile, Dave Andrie Villegas and Melvin Cocamas took the honors for the Best Community Facilitator and Best Livelihood Development Specialist, respectively.

“The department is beyond grateful for your compassion and commitment – always going above and beyond expectation. We are very grateful for all your effort as we continue to strive in pursuit of excellent public service. Your zeal to serve has always been the department’s driving force in achieving exceptional breakthroughs. This is indeed an early Christmas gift for all of us,” said Assistant Regional Director Atty. Jason P. Balais in his welcome message during the social night.

And to foster the culture of creativity and camaraderie, the management of DOLE XI made it a tradition to create an opportunity for its employees to let loose and show off talents. During the said anniversary celebration, DOLE XI personnel across the region competed in solo, duet, and chorale singing contests, men’s basketball exhibition game, and Pinoy games.

Over and above the festive gathering and activities, Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy emphasized during his speech his gratitude for how the men and women of DOLE XI have taken on the challenges over the course of the year. “You have all demonstrated repeatedly our strengths as an organization and made it clear on the several awards and recognitions that we achieved while still maintaining an uninterrupted level of service and support for our clients and stakeholders. All of these would not be possible without your dedication and hard work to go above and beyond expectations.”

In the same way, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said, “Beyond today’s celebration, this anniversary also reminds us that the continuing existence of DOLE is really about responding to the demands and needs of workers and employers, and other stakeholders in the past, in the present, and in the future.”

The anniversary celebration attended by more than 300 DOLE XI employees led by Field Office and division heads with DOLE Region 1 Regional Director Exequiel Ronie A. Guzman as the special guest.

On the exact day of the anniversary, DOLE XI had a mass offering followed by a flu vaccination drive for its employees and family members.

DOLE XI management also supported the raffle bonanza promo initiated by the Association of Concerned Employees and Staff of DOLE XI (ACES-DOLE XI) that gave away more than Php 400,000.00 worth of items. Proceeds will help the community activities of the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (RTIPC) XI as a support to preserve the industrial peace in Davao Region.

Further, coincidentally with the week-long anniversary celebration of the Department, the DOLE XI-Davao del Sur Field Office, together with the District Tripartite Council, and the Davao Mill District Development Council Foundation, Inc., organized a fun run activity on December 10, 2022 in Digos City. The activity, led by DOLE-DSFO Officer-In-Charge Leo Ariel A. Pepino, mainly endeavored to promote a child labor free Philippines especially in the sugarcane industry. It was attended by a total of 498 fun run participants.

Overall, the 89^th Founding Anniversary celebration of DOLE XI achieved its purpose to recognize the feats of of its people and to ignite true passion in delivering DOLE’s programs and services to the Davaoeños with solidarity and innovation.### MFKM