MANILA -- The Department of Labor and Employment highlights its unwavering commitment to serve the workers, employers, and jobseekers as it commemorates its 88th founding anniversary on December 8.  

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III underscored the significant role of DOLE employees in carrying out the Department’s mandate, not only during the pandemic but more so as the country moves toward economic recovery.    

“Our government is committed to giving the assistance that our workers rightfully deserve. We cannot do this without the service and commitment of our employees at the Department,” said Bello.

Anchored on the theme, “DOLE@88: Tuloy-tuloy na PagTUPAD sa serbisyong tapat,” this year’s celebration will be highlighted by weeklong activities to honor the dedication and hard work of DOLE employees.

A simultaneous flag-raising ceremony will kickstart the festivities on December 6, Monday.

Meanwhile, to facilitate employment for jobseekers and displaced workers, over 15,000 local and overseas job opportunities will be offered by 224 employers in simultaneous job fairs nationwide.

The top local vacancies are for customer service representatives, production workers, sewers, sales associates, salesmen, office staff, helper, and kitchen crew; while most of the overseas job opportunities are for nurses, bakers, auto mechanics, household service workers, and kitchen crew.  

A bazaar to be participated by accredited co-partners of the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) and DOLE-National Capital Region will also be set up at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila.

Capping the first day of the celebration is the Stakeholders’ Night to recognize the labor department’s partners in delivering its programs and services.  

Among the awardees are 33 partners of the Bureau of Labor Relations, 11 partners of the Bureau of Local Employment, and 16 partners of the BWSC.

Also to be recognized during the ceremony are 24 outstanding members of the media who helped the labor department in cascading information about its programs and services to the public.

On the second day of celebrations, a thanksgiving mass will be held to be followed by a morning program. Capping the day is the DOLE Family Night to celebrate camaraderie among DOLE employees.  

On December 8, which is also the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy mass will be held at the DOLE Central Office.

A hundred DOLE employees will also participate in a clean-up drive at the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach on the same day. 

Meanwhile, 25 DOLE retirees and 64 loyalty awardees or those who have been in public service for 10 years and above will be given recognition on December 9.

Culminating the weeklong celebration is the administration of flu vaccines to DOLE personnel on December 10.

The DOLE started as a small bureau in 1908 under the then Department of Commerce and Police. On December 8, 1933, the Bureau of Labor was constituted as a department by virtue of Republic Act 4121.

Since then, DOLE has continuously evolved its thrusts and strategies to respond to emerging socio-political and economic challenges while keeping as a primary concern the protection and promotion of the welfare of local and overseas Filipino workers.

It administers five bureaus, 11 attached agencies, 16 regional offices, and 38 overseas offices. (DOLE)