Davao City – Thousands of people from different sectors have gathered at the People’s Park recently for the Labor Day Assembly with President Rodrigo R. Duterte in line with the National Labor Day Celebration.

President Duterte, in his message, reiterated his goal of ending “endo” or illegal contractualization in the country through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“(as translated) Give us time. During my campaign during the elections, I said I will solve the issue on contractualization. But it’s not that easy because of those businesses who are seasonal or because of the export industries who rely on the volunteers there,” he said.

“You have to make actions. They’re still in the process of doing it. But I said. and I say now: I stand firm in my convictions to end endo,” the President added.

In line with this aim, President Duterte said that he has appointed DOLE to deputize trade unions to conduct inspections. He added that under his administration he will also put additional labor inspectors to ensure the monitoring and enforcement of labor laws especially on labor-only contracting and the ratification of International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 151 or the Labor Relations (Public Service) Convention.

Prior to the assembly, the President also had a closed-door meeting together with different labor unions.

The assembly was conducted by DOLE in partnership with the Home Development Mutual Fund and other National Government Agencies. Raffle draws with prizes such as house and lot, sacks of rice, and tricycles have also been given away during the program.

TNK Fairs records 20.2% HOTS

Meanwhile, for Davao’s recently concluded May 1 and 2 Job and Business fairs has generated a total of 20.2% of hired on the spot (HOTS) at Gaisano Mall of Davao.

The two-day job fair has registered a total of 3,591 job applicants wherein 2,484 were qualified applicants. Out of the total qualified applicants, 503 (352 local; 151 overseas) of them or 20.2% were HOTS.

For the livelihood fair, 10 different DOLE Livelihood Beneficiaries showcased their different products during the fair while more than 100 participants have joined the how to start a business and franchising training conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry.

The 2017 National Labor Day Celebration was graced no less than DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III and DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez together with dignitaries from the said offices and Davao City Local Government Unit.

DOLE XI Partners for this event include the Public Service and Employment Office, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Interface Computer College, with ABS-CBN Davao and GMA Davao as media partners. 

Kriztja Marae G. Labrador/DOLEXI