Solidarity run, caravan, parade mark Labor Day

Today''s Labor Day celebration kicks off with a simultaneous Tripartite Industrial Peace Council solidarity run, caravan and parade with the theme "Social Partnership for Productivity, Equity and Competitiveness." The Tripartite Industrial Peace Council is comprised of the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay, collectively called Metro Cebu.

Participants converge at Pier 4 at around 7 a.m. From there, the caravan heads towards the Fuente Osmeña Circle headed by the Labor Tripartite Council in Education. Then, the parade is to move towards the University of San Carlos-North Campus passing General Maxilom Avenue.

Holy Mass follows at the USC Gymnasium. Afterwhich, a commemorative program will be held beginning with the parade of TIPC colors and the lighting of peace candles.

Rev. Fr. Eduardo Ventic, vice chairperson for management of the LTCE, is to give the welcome address and rationalé of the celebration.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña along with other TIPC chairpersons and alternate chairmen are also to give their respective messages.

This year''s keynote speaker is supposed to be Labor and Employment Secretary Arturo Brion, but she will be represented by Brenda Villafuerte, director of the Bureau of Working Conditions.

Another highlight of the event will be the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between DOLE and Southwestern University which is the labor agency''s partner in good governance.

Simultaneous raffle draws and medical missions are to be held with the program as the day progresses. Also, job fairs are to be conducted simultaneously at the Cebu Capitol for local employment and at the Cebu City Sports Complex for overseas employment. Applicants are advised to bring all necessary credentials. - Mary Gold C. Sagarino, UP Masscom Intern/MEEV