The provincial government of Bulacan will conduct a job fair and a medical mission during the commemoration of the 96th birth anniversary of Gat Blas F. Ople or Ka Blas on Friday, Feb. 3, which was declared as a special non-working day in the province.

The job fair will be spearheaded by the Provincial Youth, Sports and Public Employment Service Office (PYSPESO) in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at The Pavilion in Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center at 9 a.m., as part of the tribute to Ka Blas.

Certificates of completion will be distributed to DOLE Government Internship Program beneficiaries. The program provides three to six months of internship opportunity for high school, technical-vocational, or college graduates who want to pursue a career in public service.

Coinciding with the job fair is the holding of a medical mission initiated by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in collaboration with Damayan sa Barangay.

DMW Secretary Maria Susana V. Ople, daughter of Ka Blas, will join the provincial government of Bulacan in commemorating her father’s 96th birth anniversary.

Gat Blas F. Ople is considered the “Father of Philippine Labor Code” and “Father of Overseas Filipino Workers.”

Ople, Bulacan, Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, along with other Bulacan officials, will lead the annual remembrance and wreath laying activity before the monument of Ka Blas in front of the Gusaling Gat Blas F. Ople: Sentro ng Kabataan, Kaalaman at Hanapbuhay (Provincial Livelihood Center), Antonio S. Bautista Bulacan Provincial Capitol Compound in the City of Malolos at 8 .m. on Friday.

Fernando said Ka Blas was one of the most illustrious statesmen in the country and his outstanding leadership and public service will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of not only Bulakenyos but all Filipinos.

“Our hero Gat Blas Ople has consistently improved the lives of the Filipinos. I urge the youth to always remember his heroism and make his life and contributions an inspiration in giving service to the country,” the governor said.

Also expected to attend the commemoration are the family of Ka Blas, PESO managers, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) councils, Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) from the towns of Plaridel, Pulilan, Guiguinto, City of Malolos, and some historical groups.

Ka Blas was a journalist and was considered one of the youngest columnists. He also fathered the National Manpower and Youth Council (now TESDA) to carry out the training program for skilled workers.

He also held a few high-ranking positions in the Philippine government such as Senate President from 1999 to 2000 and Secretary of Foreign Affairs from 2002 until his death.

Ople also showed his bravery when fought in the Second World War as a young officer of the Del Pilar Regiment, Bulacan Military Area (BMA), and fought under the BMA’s Buenavista Regiment until the capture of General Yamashita in 1945.