Fresh graduates and other job seekers try their luck at landing jobs during the 124th Labor Day celebration in Zamboanga City on Friday (May 1, 2026). A total of 4,954 job openings are available at simultaneous job fairs across the Zamboanga Peninsula. (Photo by Teofilo Garcia Jr.)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) has released over PHP30 million in government assistance in the region in line with the 124th Labor Day celebration on Friday.
DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula Director Albert Gutib said the government assistance included a payout of over PHP16.2 million for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) beneficiaries and the turnover of livelihood kits worth PHP13.8 million.
Gutib said there are 2,094 total recipients of the government assistance, including 1,729 beneficiaries of the TUPAD payout, while the remaining 365 received livelihood kits.
The province of Zamboanga del Sur has the highest number of beneficiaries in TUPAD payouts (1,021), Zamboanga City (418), and Zamboanga del Norte (290).
In terms of livelihood kits, 170 of the 365 recipients are from Zamboanga City, followed by Isabela City (80), Zamboanga Sibugay (48), Zamboanga del Sur (40), and Zamboanga del Norte (27).
A total of 4,954 vacancies are also made available at the Labor Day jobs fair across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Gutib said the job vacancies include 2,188 for local employment and 2,766 for overseas placement, with 68 employers – 58 local and 10 overseas – participating in the event.
One of the major highlights of this year’s Labor Day celebration is the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in this city, featuring around 30 exhibitors from various sectors, including local farmers, fisherfolk, and micro-entrepreneurs.
“The Kadiwa ng Pangulo aims to bring high-quality products at reasonable prices by minimizing intermediaries in the supply chain, ensuring fair returns for producers while providing cost savings to consumers,” he said.
Other Labor Day activities feature Talentadong Obreros, employment counseling, a one-stop-shop service, a medical mission, and a raffle bonanza.
This year’s Labor Day celebration carries the theme “Disenteng Trabaho Para sa Lahat: Iisang Hangarin, Bagong Pilipinas Sama-Samang Mararating.” (PNA)