Metro Manila – On 8 December 2023, the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia, Pasay City was filled with the sounds of revelry as hundreds of employees from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its attached agencies gathered to celebrate the much awaited DOLE 90th Founding Anniversary.

The National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), in charge of the safety and security for the entire celebration, was tasked to implement procedures and safety measures to ensure the safety and security of DOLE employees attending the event.

Deputy Executive Director Maria Cristina Mangaliman provided a briefing on security protocols and venue layout noting, “We ask everyone to please abide by the rules and cooperate with the measures we are trying to implement to prevent unnecessary incidents.”

In his message, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stressed the various initiatives of the Department. More so, he highlighted that the anniversary not only celebrates the Department’s 90 years of giving unparalleled public service but also represents its growth and development each year.

“Our mandate remains the same, but we must now use our institutional experience and wisdom of the first 90 years in embracing the challenges and opportunities that transformation brings to help bring about a better future for all working Filipinos and their families,” he said.

Secretary Laguesma also emphasized the celebration’s significance, describing it as an exemplification of the employees’ solidarity amidst challenges in continuing the promotion of labor rights, advancement of decent work, and delivery of excellent public service.

The venue came alive with the mesmerizing and amazing dance presentations from the employees of various DOLE regional offices, as well as the performances from the participants of the i-DOLE singing contest from the different DOLE clusters and attached agencies.

The singing competition witnessed the triumph of Dr. Marian Michelle Marquez from the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC). Ms. Judy Ann Odias of the Employment and Human Resource Development Cluster (EHRDC) claimed the first runner-up position. Meanwhile, Ms. Norminie Baretto from the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) secured the second runner-up position.

Although the NCMB representative did not land in the winning circle, the Board is very proud of Ms. Sheila Rivera of RCMB XI, who gave her best rendition of the song not just for herself, but for the NCMB team as well.

The DOLE Anniversary Celebration extended its spirit of celebration and triumph to all its employees through a raffle draw. The prizes included airline tickets (domestic and regional), refrigerator, flatscreen television, air fryer, and cash. For the minor cash prizes, the Department gave P5,000.00 to 38 winners, and another 38 employees received P10,000.00 each. Meanwhile for the major cash prizes, four winners received P15,000.00, four winners got P20,000.00, and three more won P25,000.00. For the grand prize, three lucky winners won P30,000.00 each.

Though the rhythmic beats and vibrant hues subsided as the festivity came to an end, the celebration left an indelible mark, not just as an extravaganza but as a testament to the unity of the DOLE family.

end/nikka garcia