Jog/Walk for Industrial Peace draws strong public, private support in Basilan

By Rene V. Carbayas

Friday 1st of June 2012

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, June 1 (PIA) -- The Jog/Walk for Industrial Peace in Basilan drew strong public and private support in a collective effort to maintain peace in the workplace and strengthening labor-management relations.

Basilan, in partnership with the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council of Isabela City and Joint Task Force Basilan, spearheaded the three-kilometer jog/walk for Industrial Peace last May 13 at the Plaza Rizal, this city.

The multi-sectoral movement was participated by almost 500 joggers from the private sector (management and workers), government, non-government organizations, and rural workers association in celebration of Labor Month.

This Industrial Peace initiative will continuously serve as a vehicle wherein the community, specifically workers and management come together in a creative and friendly environment, enhancing harmonious relationship. With this wellness get-together, the traditional thinking, misconception and stigma of violence in the province will hopefully diminish soon.

Capping this convergence was the recognition for commendable and exemplary performance award given to 22 outstanding employees. The recipients were from the rank and file from the private sector whose work ranged from security guards, drivers, truck men, sales ladies, bakers, and safety and labor union officers. Their services and significant contributions propel and influence positively on co-workers thus, resulting in the increase of the productivity and competitiveness level of the establishments.

Officials and employees from the governor’s office jogged around the city proper enjoining others to make the event as a regular activity and highlight the importance of public-private partnership.

“Our men are reaching out and introducing the culture of peace as an integral part of the Bayanihan efforts…to win the peace and the hearts of Basileños,” said Col. Ricardo R. Visaya, Commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan, whose men joined the run.

At the forefront is the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council of Isabela City whose active members includes workers, management and government sectors that contributed in raising a total of 106 packages of goodies which were raffled during the event.

The gift packs include basic commodities such as sugar, sardines, noodles, soap, toothpaste, vinegar, baby powder, soy sauce, and rice. There were packs for the “early bird,” the first to cross the finish line, the youngest, the oldest jogger, the lively and the largest contingents along with cash rewards from the TIPC Chairperson Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar.

With this renewed spirit and enthusiasm, the next community jog set on June 23 is expected to gather and surpass this number of stakeholders as Isabelaños communally advance their desire for genuine and lasting peace. (JPA/Engr. Wesley D. Tan/
DOLE/RVC-PIA9, ZBST)