Candidates barred from 123rd Labor Day events – DOLE

Requests from political candidates to participate in DOLE-related activities will not be accommodated, he added. (File Photo: Department of Labor and Employment – DOLE/Facebook)

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr., Philippine News Agency

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced that election candidates are prohibited from visiting or participating in any of its programs related to the 123rd Labor Day celebration.

DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula Director Albert Gutib said Tuesday that this restriction aligns with guidelines issued by Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma regarding agency activities during the election period.

“All DOLE-related activities must be conducted in designated areas free from political aspirants and campaign paraphernalia, including posters, banners, and tarpaulins promoting candidates,” Gutib said during a press conference here.

Requests from political candidates to participate in DOLE-related activities will not be accommodated, he added.

Gutib said the DOLE regional office has a substantial lineup of assistance for workers as part of the Labor Day celebration in the region. Over PHP42 million worth of aid will be distributed to 9,863 beneficiaries through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage (TUPAD) program.

Additionally, livelihood starter kits valued at PHP13.4 million will be distributed to 578 beneficiaries across Zamboanga Peninsula.

DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula will also hand over a livelihood cheque amounting to PHP1.7 million to its partner organization, the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. (Zabida), in support of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. This assistance will benefit 34 individual beneficiaries, each with their livelihood project aimed at fostering sustainable income and community empowerment.

Gutib also bared that 9,549 job vacancies will be available during the Labor Day jobs fair in the region, with participation from 68 local and 19 overseas employers. Of these, 6,437 are for overseas employment and 3,112 for local positions.

Other activities planned include a one-stop-shop for various services, skills demonstrations, free services, the Talentadong Obrero Year VII competition, and a Raffle Bonanza.

Before Labor Day, on April 28, DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula and concerned stakeholders will observe the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

The 123rd Labor Day celebration carries the theme “Manggagawang Pilipino, Kaagapay sa Pag-Unlad, Sandigan ng mas Matatag na Bagong Pilipinas” (Filipino Workers, Partners in Progress, Foundation of a Stronger New Philippines).