Labor Day highlights Serbisyo AgSurnon
AGUSAN DEL SUR – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Agusan del Sur Field Office marked the 122nd Labor Day Celebration on May 1 with series of initiatives under the banner of Serbisyo Agsurnon, demonstrating its commitment to honor and support the labor force in the province.
The celebration commenced with the Employer’s Forum on April 26 at the Mabe’s Savory Place in San Francisco. This forum served as a platform for 45 employers to engage in meaningful discussions on rights and obligations of both workers and employers, and solidary responsibility of principal employers and their contractors and subcontractors under the law.
It also aimed to enhance their understanding of occupational safety and health protocols in workplaces. The active participation and attendance of employers underscored their commitment to ensure the well-being and safety of their workforce.
With the slogan “Serbisyo Agsurnon,” DOLE-ADS Field Office Head Buhawe B. Corvera-Correa warmly welcomed all attendees, and introduced the series of activities aligned with the objectives of Labor Day celebration, held at Datu Makapandong Cultural Center in Brgy. Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
She then presented the Labor Day message of DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma. Agusan del Sur Provincial Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., represented by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Edgar O. Ga and Agusan del Sur District 1 Representative Alfelito M. Bascug also delivered messages of solidarity and support.
The day-long celebration featured various services and programs specifically tailored to benefit both formal and informal sector workers. These initiatives include the payout of the program on "Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers" (TUPAD) which amounted to P24,002,780 benefiting 5,545 individuals, and the disbursement of stipends to 120 interns under the Government Internship Program (GIP) with a total amount of P444,657.
Turnover of DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) checks to accredited co-partners also showcased the government's dedication to empower local communities through sustainable livelihood initiatives. Ilang-Ilang Farmers Association for its Rice and Corn Machinery and the Philsaga Employees Labor Union for its Rice Wholesale and Retail Business received P3 million and P1.5 million worth of livelihood projects.
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo, a showcase of local agricultural and manufacturing products of nine workers associations and four individual livelihood beneficiaries, generated total sales of P57,578.
The Job Fair as an employment service strategy highlighted the convergence of job seekers, local employers and overseas licensed recruitment agencies in one venue to facilitate employment and address the demand of the labor market.
The celebration also catered to workers in the informal sector. The Department of Trade and Industry provided practical advice on how to start a business and consumer’s rights and responsibilities.
The Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation, Social Security System (SSS), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) also provided valuable information on their respective services that were made available for the workers.
Likewise, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted a technology demonstration for baking. The activities empowered the workers in the informal sector by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and resources to improve their livelihoods.
The success of the celebration was a collaborative effort of various agencies of the national government led by the DOLE - Agusan del Sur and the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO). (DOLE-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
