DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, May 9 (PIA) -- Workers and employees in Negros Oriental were able to avail free government services, purchase essential commodities at cheaper prices, and participate in fun games with prizes during the province’s observance of the 121st Labor Day.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) together with the Negros Oriental Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) have carried out different activities at the Lamberto Macias Sports Center and its surrounding facilities to bring satisfaction and fun to all labor sector members in celebration of their holiday on May 1.

Part of this is the launching of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggagawa which showcased the farm produce of local farmers such as vegetables, seafood, among others and other local merchandise sold at a lower price. 

The DOLE has partnered with the provincial office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) which tapped some of its accredited farmers’ association to sell their produce at the Kadiwa.

Anti-Trafficking group Voice of the Free also sold rags, pot holders, and other items made by the communities they supported during the Kadiwa.

“This is the first launching that we have for Negros Oriental. Nagka-istorya pod ta Department of Agriculture na hopefully we can have another round of Kadiwa (We have talked with DA, hopefully, we can have another round of Kadiwa),” said DOLE Provincial Director Ma. Teresa Tanquiamco.

On the other hand, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also rolled out free wellness services to workers and employees and their families that day. This include manicure and pedicure services, body massage, and hair-cutting services.

Aside from this, TESDA also conducted a siomai-making skills demonstration on that day to give an idea to the public on some business they can start on.

Meanwhile, several government agencies have extended their services to the public on the “One Stop Shop of Government Services” held inside the Macias Sports Center.

Participating agencies include the Department of Foreign Affairs, Social Security Systen, Department of Trade and Industry, PhilHealth, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Professional Regulation Commission, Philippine Statistics Authority, Pag-IBIG, and PhilPost.

Meanwhile, TIPC Negros Oriental also conducted fun games with prizes for labor sector members at the lobby of the Perdices Coliseum which was participated by hundreds of workers and employees.

Participants took home some cash prizes and other relief packages from DOLE and TIPC.

A raffle draw where part of the major prizes were three motorcycles was also held that day. 

For job seekers, DOLE also conducted a local and overseas job fair which offered more than 2,000 local and international job openings.

The said activities were in line with the theme “Pabahay, bilihing-abot presyo, at benepisyo ng matatag na trabaho para sa manggagawang Pilipino.”

“Dire sa province particularly sa City of Dumaguete, unique ang atong Labor Day Celebration kay dunay joint efforts from different agencies (Here in the province, particularly in the city of Dumaguete, we have a unique Labor Day Celebration because of the various efforts coming from the different agencies),” said Felizardo Calimpong, vice-chair and labor sector representative at TIPC. (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental)