PRESIDENT Duterte yesterday vowed to sustain his programs that promote and protect the rights of workers and to provide for their needs up to the last day of his term.
The President, in his last Labor Day message as president, said Filipino workers are known worldwide for their great passion, integrity and professionalism in everything that they do.
These qualities, he said, have not only brought economic gains to the country but have also been a source of immense pride.
“On this day, we are given the chance to celebrate all the triumphs and progress that the labor movement has accomplished over the years. We are likewise reminded to overcome the challenges by recognizing the rights of our workers and reassessing the systems that may hinder their growth and development,” he said.
“This administration, even if it is coming nearly to a close, shall remain committed to providing the people with the opportunities they need to realize their full potential. It is my hope that this day recharges everyone as you continue to work for yourselves, your families and our nation,” he added.
Vice President Leni Robredo paid tribute to and thanked Filipino workers, including drivers and riders, teachers, medical frontliners, household help, migrant workers.
“Lahat po kayo, mahalaga. Lahat kayo, malaki ang ambag hindi lang sa ekonomiya, kundi sa pag-abot ng ating mga pangarap bilang isang bansa (All of you are important. All of you are contributing significantly not only to our economy but also to reaching our dreams as a nation),” Robredo told thousands of workers at the Araneta Coliseum in an event dubbed “A10 ang Bukas: Mabuhay ang Manggagawa!”
She promised the workers that if elected president, her administration will address the needs of the labor force, specifically through her “Hanapbuhay Para sa Lahat” program.
The workers’ groups include Sentro, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Nagkaisa, Partido Manggagawa, Workers for Leni composed of the Alliance of Labor Leaders for Leni (ALL4LENI), National Trade Union Congress, and BPO Workers for Leni.
JOB FAIRS
Over 2,000 job seekers successfully gained employment during the nationwide Labor Day job fairs held by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday.
In its 4 p.m. report, DOLE said 2,262 job seekers were hired on the spot (HOTS) out of the 12,491 qualified job applicants, or about 8.1 percent.
Production operators were the most HOTS with 170 job seekers followed by
cashiers (67), various operators (45), sales associates (34), and sales clerks (28).
The labor department said 7,907 of the applicants are considered near hires, or those considered hired but still need to submit additional requirements or may need to undergo further interviews or exams to fully qualify for the job.
During yesterday’s Labor Day job fairs, there were 153,397 local and overseas job vacancies offered by 1,076 employers and recruitment agencies.
Local employment opportunities include production operators/machine operators, customer service representatives, collection specialists, retail/sales agents/promodisers, and sewers.
On the other hand, overseas job vacancies are nurse/nurse aide; carpenter, foreman, and welder; food server; household service worker; and auditor.
OFW HOSPITAL
President Duterte inspected the newly constructed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital in San Fernando in Pampanga, which will cater to the medical needs of OFWs and their dependents.
Built on a 1.5-hectare land donated by the Pampanga government, the hospital was made possible by the joint efforts of DOLE being its owner and manager, the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation for the cost of construction, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation for funding the procurement of medical equipment, and the UP-Philippine General Hospital for the initial operationalization of the hospital’s polyclinic.
The hospital is set to start its operations on May 2 as a polyclinic, before it becomes fully operational by the end of June. It includes a “Malasakit Center” and an OWWA Desk to provide easier access to assistance,
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Sen. Christopher Go, and other key government officials were also present during the event.
The President also led the groundbreaking of the Pampanga Provincial Hospital at the Changi Gateway in Clark Global City.
The three-storey hospital, located on a 9,259-square meter lot, will provide low-cost health services primarily for the 120,000 workers in the Clark Freeport Zone, as well as to residents of Pampanga and the surrounding areas. — With Wendell Vigilia and Gerard Naval
