Zamboanga city: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 has allocated over PHP30 million in government assistance for the 124th Labor Day celebrations in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to support disadvantaged and displaced workers in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula Director Albert Gutib detailed that the assistance package includes a payout of over PHP16.2 million for beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, along with the distribution of livelihood kits valued at PHP13.8 million. A total of 2,094 individuals benefited from the government aid, with 1,729 receiving TUPAD payouts and 365 obtaining livelihood kits.
The province of Zamboanga del Sur reported the highest number of TUPAD beneficiaries, totaling 1,021, followed by Zamboanga City with 418 and Zamboanga del Norte with 290. For livelihood kits, 170 recipients were from Zamboanga City, with additional distributions in Isabela City (80), Zamboanga Sibugay (48), Zamboanga del Sur (40), and Zamboanga del Norte (27).
In conjunction with the financial support, a Labor Day job fair offered 4,954 job vacancies across the Zamboanga Peninsula. Of these, 2,188 positions were available for local employment and 2,766 for overseas placement. Sixty-eight employers, including 58 local and 10 overseas, participated in the event.
A featured highlight of the Labor Day celebration was the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, showcasing approximately 30 exhibitors from various sectors such as local farmers, fisherfolk, and micro-entrepreneurs. The initiative focuses on delivering quality products at reasonable prices by reducing supply chain intermediaries, thus benefiting both producers and consumers.
Additional Labor Day activities included Talentadong Obreros, employment counseling, a one-stop-shop service, a medical mission, and a raffle bonanza. The event carried the theme 'Disenteng Trabaho Para sa Lahat: Iisang Hangarin, Bagong Pilipinas Sama-Samang Mararating.'
