Consistent with the 113thArawngPaggawa theme, "DisentengTrabaho at Kabuhayan, Alay Natinsa Bayan", DOLE Regional Office No. 9 headed by Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano with the strong partnership of the different Tripartite Industrial Peace Councils (TIPC) around the region, successfully provided more livelihood and employment opportunities during the May 1, 2015 celebration.

The two (2) Job Fairs conducted in ZamboangaEcozone Freeport Authority, Talisayan, Zamboanga City and in Dapitan City Gymnasium, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte have registered a total of 1,541 applicants ( 1,177 local and 364 overseas). Of the registered applicants, 1,262 were considered qualified (1,123 local and 139 overseas) and 1,343 applicants (1,057 local and 286 overseas) have passed the interview process. As a result, 479 applicants were hired on the spot (349 local and 130 overseas) which pegged to 36% HOTS. In Zamboanga City, a total of 42 agencies participated (30 local and 12 overseas) while in Dapitan City, the activity was participated in by 19 agencies (12 local and 7 overseas).

The simultaneous conduct of the livelihood grants turn-over in the areas of ZamboangaSibugay, Zamboangadel Sur and Zamboanga del Norte benefitted around 2,589 beneficiaries amounting toP10, 977,720.50.

The Livelihood and Diskwento Fair which was held in Zamboanga City and ZamboangaSibugay respectively, gave a total sales of P252, 028.35 benefitting 1,594 consumers with 32 participating establishments.

Gay Iris T.S. Tangcalagan, TSSD