The celebration of the 121^st Labor Day in Davao Region on May 1, 2023, was indeed a success. With the theme, “Pabahay, Bilihing Abot-Presyo, Benepisyo ng Matatag na Trabaho Para sa Manggagawang Pilipino,” the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI was able to favorably implement major activities that were designed to support the Filipino workforce.

During the simultaneous Labor Day Job Fairs at SM City Davao, Ecoland Davao City and at Provincial Capitol of Davao Oriental, Mati City, DOLE XI produced 216 hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) jobseekers. Through a hybrid approach, the job fair spawned 1,242 actual applicants all in all who registered thru online pre-registration links and personal registration at the venues. More than 130 employers from across the region participated in the job fair with a combined number of 7,381 job opportunities for the jobseekers.

“It takes a lot of patience to stand in a long line and I’m glad that my perseverance paid off. Thank you, DOLE XI, for the continuous support to the Filipino workforce,” says Mr. Artemio J. Bernales, Jr., 28, hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) as warehouse crew by a local employer.

HOTS jobseekers, Ms. Chelsie Anite, 25, and Mr. Adnanjr Kamid, 19, also shared that the job fair was a golden opportunity for them to grow their career and hope that many other Filipino youth would avail of this service.

On May 2, 2023, another job fair was conducted at NCCC Mall, Tagum City wherein 57 jobseekers were HOTS out of 346 total registrants.

Vacancies that were filled on the spot included accounting staff, cashier, clerks, customer service representative, and dining crew among others. The implementation of job fairs was in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), NCCC Mall, and SM Malls.

Another highlight of the Labor Day celebration was the awarding of government assistance to more than 10,000 beneficiaries in the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, and Davao City. Led by DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy and Assistant Regional Director Atty. Jason P. Balais, DOLE XI awarded a total of Php 15,905,909.00 to 2,289 beneficiaries under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). In addition, DOLE XI turned over Php 55,925,084.00 for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, through Local Chief Executives, representatives of Local Government Units, and private organizations.

Also, part of this year’s major activities to honor the Filipino workers on Labor Day was the implementation of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggagawa in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) XI, Association of Labor Unions (ALU), and PESO Davao City. This activity showcased products of 70 beneficiaries of DA, DTI, and NFA at Rizal Park Davao City and at the ALU Hotel, Roxas Avenue, Davao City. Simultaneous with the job fair was the livelihood fair at SM City Davao and at Rizal Park where 22 DILP beneficiaries were able to sell their products such as chocolates, textile products, and wood crafts. The beneficiaries were able to generate Php 235,610.00 total sales.

Further, DOLE XI set up a one-stop-shop corner that offered government documentation services, participated by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Philippine Postal Corporation, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

To conclude the Labor Day Celebration of DOLE XI, the DOLE-Davao de Oro Field Office (DOrFO) closed its week-long Provincial Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (PTIPC) Labor Day Sportsfest in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. The tournament was participated by 14 members of the PTIPC in which the team of Maragusan Growers Multipurpose Cooperative (MAGROW MPC) emerged as champions.

In his message, RD Pensoy emphasized the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 to our labor force and how the country had to adapt to new working conditions and cope with the impact of the pandemic on their families and communities. “As we move forward, we must continue to prioritize the welfare of our workers. We must work together to provide them with the support they need to cope with the challenges they face. This includes access to affordable housing, accessible consumer goods, and stable employment opportunities that offer decent wages and benefits.”### MFKM