AS THE celebration of Labor Day approaches, the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (Dole 7) has discouraged politicians and candidates from participating in this year’s job fairs and other activities.
Dole 7 Director Roy Buenafe said the agency issued clear instructions to its personnel to discourage any involvement from political figures, whether incumbent or not, during their events on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
“We cannot deny that some politicians have partnered with us in the past. But for this year’s Labor Day celebration, I have given clear instructions to our staff and officials to discourage any participation from candidates, incumbent or not,” Buenafe said in Cebuano on Friday, April 25, 2025.
“Just to make this celebration not politized kay kung duna man gani masumok didtu nga kandidato, then, we will not give them role (Just to make sure this celebration is not politicized, because if ever a candidate causes any commotion there, then we will not give them any role),” he added.
Buenafe issued his statement during the Dole 7’s observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work and the general assembly of the Central Visayas Association of Government Information Officers at a hotel in Cebu City on Friday, April 25, 2025.
The official further said that if politicians insist on attending, no roles will be given to them.
He further stated that there are “no invitations” and no speaking slots allocated to politicians.
Buenafe emphasized that the directive aims to preserve the essence of the annual celebration, which focuses on honoring workers, and to avoid any risk of politicization amid the intensifying midterm election campaign season.
On May 1, more than 40 employers are expected to participate in the job fair, with more than 4,000 job vacancies already announced, according to Buenafe.
The major job fair will be held at SM Seaside City Cebu at the South Road Properties on Thursday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the 123rd Labor Day.
Ahead of the job fair, more than 1,600 individuals have already pre-registered.
Overseas job fairs will also take place in Negros Oriental and Bohol. / CDF