With social dialogue and tripartism at the helm, the City Government of Zamboanga, Ecozone and the Zamboanga City TIPC pulled together its unique idea and resources to meaningfully celebrate Dia de Obreros. Twenty-two kilometers away from the heart of the city stands, a jovial and celebratory atmosphere at the Economic Zone welcomed the participating companies all ready to engage for the 113th Labor Day Celebration with the theme " DisentengTrabaho at Kabuhayan; Alay Natinsa Bayan".

ZCTIPC Vice Chair for Labor Mr. Jose Suan acknowledged the organizing committee for opening its doors to around 6,000 individuals to explore and enjoy the festivities as well as the amenities and facilities at the Zone.

Highlighting the event is the Job Fair registering a resounding 27 percent Hired on the Spots with 213 applicants. The PESO Managers and guidance counselors were likewise at hand in providing counseling, career coaching, mentoring and referral to some 125 applicants-clients.

Adding value to this gathering is the Dia de Alcaldeza, wherein 112 indigent individuals were provided with free medical consultations, check-up and medicines. The Dia de Barangay Get-together and family day was on board, too, with 320 barangay officials and their families celebrating with live band and performances. The Market-market and Diskwento Fair exhibitors were also present and graciously offered the attendees with their products at discounted rates.

A showcase of talents in the fields of sports and friendship games was also facilitated. Emerging as top performers are the cagers of Permex, with Big Fish as the runner-up and Professional Regulations Commission as 3rd placer. The Volleyball girlscompetition was equally exciting fitting the spikers from Permex and Century Foods with the former emerging as the winner. A chess tournament in a knock-out system was participated in by 16 players representing 6 establishments with First placer - Big Fish Corporation, with WMSU and Coca Cola as runners-up, respectively.

Spicing up the day, the canning industries shell canned sardines in a 600-metre boodle fight lunch with the job seekers, tripartite partners, workers, barangay officials, and guests. A total of 1,800 participants enjoyed the community meals of cooked rice, grilled fish, crackers and lots of sardines - living up to the branding as the "Canned Sardines Capital of the Philippines".

Raffle bonanzas steered the workers and the crowd into more excitement as they anxiously waited and hoped to win the refrigerator, flat screen tv and washing machine prizes all through the generosity of the Zamboanga City Tripartite Industrial Peace Council. A confetti dropped by the Philippine Air Force on the different prizes and surprises were gamely pursued by the workers and spectators.

A live band entertainment courtesy of the WesMinCom band capped the night, and ended with the lighting of the Chinese lanters which symbolized industrial peace in the City.

Engr. Wesley D. Tan, ZCFO