By Michelle Ducut
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recognized the vital contributions of local government units (LGUs), stakeholders, and individuals in delivering government programs and services to the Bicol region during the Oragon Awards held on Tuesday at The Marison Hotel.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma expressed gratitude to the awardees, acknowledging their commitment to supporting DOLE’s initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Bicolanos. “Today is a day of celebration, a day of recognition for excellence. The term ‘oragon’ symbolizes your achievements, perseverance, and commitment to success,” he said. Laguesma emphasized that DOLE’s effectiveness relies on the trust and collaboration of its partners, likening their support to being “the wind beneath our wings.”
DOLE 5 (Bicol) Director Imelda Gatinao highlighted the resilience of Bicolanos and the significance of partnerships in overcoming challenges. She noted that the awards celebrate the perseverance and collaboration of the agency’s partners, whose efforts embody the “oragon” spirit of determination and excellence.
The “Pillar of Partnership Award” was presented to numerous LGUs across the region. In Albay, the recipients included the towns of Bacacay, Camalig, Guinobatan, Malilipot, Oas, Polangui, Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Tabaco, and Tiwi. Camarines Norte saw recognition for Basud, Capalonga, Daet, Jose Panganiban, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, and San Vicente. In Camarines Sur, awardees included Baao, Bula, Cabusao, Camaligan, Caramoran, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Magarao, Nabua, Naga City, Ocampo, Pamplona, Presentacion, Sagñay, San Jose, Sipocot, and Tigaon. Catanduanes was represented by Baras, Caramoran, Gigmoto, and Pandan, while in Masbate, the honored towns included Balud, Cataingan, Cawayan, Mandaon, Milagros, Monreal, Palanas, Placer, San Jacinto, and San Pascual. Sorsogon’s awardees included Barcelona, Bulan, Bulusan, Pilar, Sorsogon City, and Sta. Magdalena.
DOLE also acknowledged the support of other government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), for their collaborative efforts in implementing programs and services in the region.
Media organizations were recognized with the “Voice of Partnership Awards” for their role in disseminating information and promoting DOLE’s initiatives. Honorees included Brigada News FM, Radyo Pilipinas, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine News Agency, DZGB, GMA7, Radyo Veritas, DZRH, Bombo Radyo, Idol News FM, and DWAY.
Additionally, the “Kabuhayan Awards” were given to individuals and groups for their contributions to livelihood initiatives. These awards included monetary prizes for recipients of the Best DOLE-Assisted Livelihood Project, the Best Implementing LGU in the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), and Top Performing Focal Persons in various programs.
Looking ahead, Secretary Laguesma called for stronger partnerships with the awardees, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration to achieve the agency’s goals in 2025 and beyond.