ππππππππ ππππ β The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VIII (DOLE-RO8) marked the 124th Labor Day celebration on May 1, 2026, by awarding a total of β±146 million worth of assistance to 17,643 workers across Eastern Visayas.
With the theme, βDisenteng Trabaho Para sa Lahat: Iisang Hangarin, Bagong Pilipinas, Sama-samang Mararating,β the celebration highlighted the governmentβs continuing commitment to promoting decent work and strengthening support mechanisms for workers throughout the region.
Livelihood grants amounting to β±52,393,002 under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) were awarded to 14 municipalities across the region for the implementation of various livelihood projects, benefiting 1,589 workers.
15,325 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program received wages totaling β±85,860,090 through payout activities conducted at various sites across Eastern Visayas.
In addition, DOLE-RO8 awarded β±4,940,718 in financial assistance under the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (AMP) to 11 establishments, benefiting 89 employees.
Further, 640 beneficiaries of the Government Internship Program (GIP) received stipends amounting to β±2,814,202.
In his message during the commemorative program held at the Tacloban City Convention Center, DOLE-RO8 Regional Director Atty. Dax B. Villaruel underscored the invaluable contributions of Filipino workers and reaffirmed the agencyβs commitment to ensuring access to decent and productive employment opportunities.
βAng pagdiriwang na ito ay hindi lamang pagkilala sa sipag at dedikasyon ng ating mga manggagawa, kundi pagpapatibay rin ng ating sama-samang paninindigan na itaguyod ang kanilang mga karapatan at tiyakin ang pagkakaroon ng mga oportunidad para sa disenteng trabaho,β said Villaruel.
Also present at the main event were Assistant Regional Director Atty. Joan N. Noya-Nidua, together with Mr. Jeremias Abilar Jr., President of the Biliran Electric Cooperative (BILECO) Inc. Employees Union, and Atty. Tyron Jan Albao, Human Resource Officer of the Leyte II Electric Cooperative, Inc., who delivered solidarity messages on behalf of the labor and management sectors, respectively.
The program concluded with closing remarks delivered by Engr. Emmanuel Y. de la Cruz, Head of the DOLE North Leyte Field Office, which signaled the formal opening of the Job Fair and Kadiwa ng Pangulo livelihood fair.