Trabaho Party-List Representative Atty. Johanne Bautista and Zamboanga del Norte Governor Darel Uy spearheaded a series of Day of Valor initiatives aimed at enhancing employment and livelihood prospects in the province. The events, held at the Zamboanga Del Norte Convention Center in Dipolog City, featured a comprehensive program dubbed "Serbisyong Pang-TRABAHO Kuyog Ta!", which provided jobseekers with access to more than 5,000 local and overseas job openings, one-stop shop pre-employment services, skills training sessions, and livelihood grants accompanied by instructional support.
Honoring Modern-Day Heroes Through Employment
In her address, Congresswoman Bautista emphasized that the timing of the partnership was deliberately set for April 9 to pay tribute to the Filipino workforce, whom she described as modern-day heroes. "We aligned the Serbisyong Pang-TRABAHO with the Day of Valor to honor the courage of our New Heroes—the Filipino Workers. You are the backbone of our economy. With every drop of sweat and diligence at work, you fight for the future of your families and the entire nation," Bautista explained. She further detailed how the event evolved from a standard job fair into a holistic, pro-people initiative by integrating essential services and opportunities.
Comprehensive Services for Jobseekers
Bautista highlighted that "Serbisyong Pang-TRABAHO Kuyog Ta!" was not merely a job fair but a multifaceted platform offering critical resources. "It provides vital services and opportunities for employment, such as access to job vacancies and livelihood programs; access to skills development trainings to enhance the capabilities and employability of our jobseekers; and access to a Trabaho one-stop shop for employment requirements and benefits needed by our jobseekers," she added. This approach ensured that participants received tailored support to navigate the job market effectively.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Poverty
Governor Uy underscored the significance of intergovernmental and intersectoral collaborations in making the event a success. He credited the strong partnership between the Trabaho Party-List and the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte, facilitated through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), along with support from national agencies including SSS, PhilHealth, Dole, DICT, Tesda, PSA, BIR, DMW, and PNP. "Their one-stop shop services, from registration to free printing and essential application support, made this initiative even more accessible to our people," Uy stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to fostering alliances between government and the private sector to expand employment opportunities and reduce poverty in the province. "As your Governor, I remain dedicated to strengthening partnerships to create real pathways for growth, dignity, and progress through initiatives like this," Uy added, highlighting the long-term impact of such programs on community development.
Ceremonial Activities and Additional Support
The Day of Valor commemoration began with a flag-raising ceremony involving the PNP, BFP, Philippine Coast Guard, Veterans Federation of the Philippines–ZN Chapter, military battalions, reservists, ROTC units, and local government partners. To conclude their partnership initiatives, Bautista and Uy supported the Department of Agriculture-BFAR in the ceremonial turnover of a 62-foot Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Tuna Handline Fishing Boat to the Dipolog-Dapitan Ring Net Owners and Operators Association.
Governor Uy expressed gratitude to DA-BFAR and all stakeholders, noting that the fishing boat would empower fisherfolk to improve their catch, increase income, and better provide for their families. The events also received support from Congresswoman Irene "Ate Ai" Labadlabad, District Representative of Zamboanga Del Norte, who participated alongside Bautista and Uy, reinforcing the collective effort to drive economic growth and honor the spirit of valor through practical employment solutions.
