ZAMBOANGA. Jobseekers flocked to the Atrium of KCC-Mall de Zamboanga on Friday, May 1, 2026, hoping to land a job during the jobs fair held in celebration of the 124th Labor Day.
Government Assistance Released
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Zamboanga Peninsula released approximately P29.9 million in government assistance for the occasion. DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula Director Albert Gutib announced that the aid includes P16.2 million under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program and livelihood kits worth P13.7 million.
There were 2,094 recipients of the assistance: 1,729 beneficiaries received Tupad payouts, while the remaining 365 received livelihood kits. Zamboanga del Sur had the highest number of Tupad beneficiaries with 1,021, followed by Zamboanga City with 418, and Zamboanga del Norte with 290. For livelihood kits, 170 recipients were from Zamboanga City, 80 from Isabela City, 48 from Zamboanga Sibugay, 40 from Zamboanga del Sur, and 27 from Zamboanga del Norte.
Jobs Fair Highlights
A total of 4,954 vacancies were available at the Labor Day jobs fair across the Zamboanga Peninsula. Gutib noted that the vacancies include 2,188 for local employment and 2,766 for overseas placement. A total of 68 employers participated, comprising 58 local and 10 overseas companies.
One of the major highlights of this year's celebration was the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Zamboanga City, featuring around 30 exhibitors from various sectors, including local farmers, fisherfolk, and micro-entrepreneurs. Gutib explained that the Kadiwa ng Pangulo aims to provide high-quality products at reasonable prices by minimizing intermediaries in the supply chain, ensuring fair returns for producers while offering cost savings to consumers.
Other Activities
Additional Labor Day activities included the Talentadong Obreros, employment counseling, one-stop-shop services, a medical mission, and a raffle bonanza. The 124th Labor Day celebration was anchored on the theme: "Disenteng Trabaho Para sa Lahat: Iisang Hangarin, Bagong Pilipinas Sama-Samang Mararating."
