More than 3,000 Jobseekers, TUPAD beneficiaries and livelihood grantees filled Ynares Center in Rizal to join the Labor Day activities held by the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. IV-A (DOLE CALABARZON).

1,335 jobseekers tried their luck during the job fair, which was participated by 53 employers from both the government and private sectors, of which, 278 were hired-on-the-spot (HOTS), 219 were referred to TESDA, and 4 were referred to Business opportunity. Meanwhile, 299 participants were able to avail government services provided during the celebration (SSS, PagIBIG, PSA).

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo para sa Maggagawa, was also launched during the celebration, with local merchants selling their goods directly to consumers at an affordable price. Local associations and cooperatives also showcased their products in booths surrounding the venue.

The 121st Labor Day celebration was graced by DOLE CALABARZON’s newly appointed Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, and Assistant Regional Director, Atty. Marion S. Sevilla, warmly welcomed by Rizal constituents. Atty. Buenafe and Atty. Sevilla led the short program starting with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the job fair and the awarding of over 30 million worth of assistance to out-of-school youths, working students, informal sector workers, association, and cooperatives.

This includes the payout for 1,400 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), reach receiving Php 4, 700 equivalent to 10-days work at minimum wage prevailing in the province.

Meanwhile, the Tenants Association at City Mall of Antipolo Inc. (TACMAI) received livelihood grants including raw materials, tools and jigs, and five new sewing machines. Sipsipin Multi-purpose Cooperative received Php 994, 223.00 worth of livelihood enhancement thru the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

For the youth sector, DOLE CALABARZON, thru its Rizal Provincial Office (DOLE-RPO), can now cater 2, 497 beneficiaries of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) and 188 interns for its Government Internship Program.

Rizal Governor Nina Ricci A. Ynares, Vice Governor Jun Rey San Juan, Board Member Roberto Andres R. Puno Jr., Hector M. Robles, and Antipolo Vice Mayor Josefina Gatbalayan were also present during the activities, expressing their support for all workers, youth, and job seekers in Rizal.


by:

Jean Andrea D. Galang

(With reports from Charmaine D. Baisa and Flint Osric T. Gorospe)