PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday recognized the invaluable efforts and contributions of Filipino workers, both in the country and abroad, in providing for the needs of their families and in contributing to the development of the Philippine economy.
“Our country is built upon the sweat and toil of Filipinos working day in and day out to provide for the needs of their families and take a chance to uplift their lives. From the bustling cities to the remote fields in the countryside, it is the labor of the Filipino that propels us forward, fueling our economy and sustaining the very fabric of our society,” the President said in his Labor Day message.
Marcos also paid homage to those who raised their voices in the pursuit of social justice, championing the rights of workers and ensuring their efforts are duly valued and compensated.
In his speech during the celebration of the 122nd Labor Day and the 50th anniversary of the Labor Code of the Philippines (LCP) in Malacanang, the President thanked Filipino workers anew for their dedication and unwavering support for their families and the country.
Marcos said Filipino workers are the heart and soul of the labor sector and the inspiration behind the administration’s bid to pursue a brighter future for the country.
“You are the heart and soul of our workforce, the driving force behind our success, and the reason we continue to dream for a brighter tomorrow. You are the face of the New Philippines–good, hardworking, and full of dedication–so you deserve to be given honor, respect, and admiration,” he said.
He assured Filipino workers that the government would continue to take care of them and their families.
WORKERS’ REHAB CENTER
The President also unveiled plans to create a 50-hectare rehabilitation center for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Tanay, Rizal.
He said the Workers Rehabilitation Center Complex will provide services such as physical therapy, medical rehabilitation, and return-to-work to work programs for PWDs.
He said it will also serve as a “sanctuary and a place of rehabilitation for our workers and soldiers who suffer from work-related injuries.”
“The building of this facility is a just and fitting honor to those who have sacrificed much for the progress of the nation,” said Marcos.
The Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Public Works and Highway, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the local government of Tanay signed a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Malacanang before the Labor Day celebration and presented it to the President.
Marcos also lauded the awardees in The Outstanding Workers of the Republic (TOWER) Awards for their exemplary contributions in their respective fields and led the launching of the commemorative stamp on the 50th anniversary of the Labor Code of the Philippines.
CHILD LABORER
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to protecting the welfare and well-being of the country’s labor force, including child laborers.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokeswoman Irene Dumlao said Labor Day not only signifies the contributions of workers but also underscores our collective responsibility to safeguard the rights and welfare of our workforce including the “children involved in labor.”
“The DSWD stands at the forefront of the battle against child labor, recognizing that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, learn, and play in a safe and nurturing environment,” Dumlao said.
She said the department’s Strategic Help Desks for Information, Education, Livelihood, and Other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD Against Child Labor) program has served 10,192 child laborers from 2021 to 2023, with 1,986 having been “freed from any form of child labor” and reintegrated into their respective families and communities.
The child laborers were also provided with holistic and immediate interventions at the community level, including the provision of services from the DSWD such as educational assistance, cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), and case management from the DSWD and case referrals to other agencies.
SARA’S MESSAGE
Vice President Sara Duterte called the working class “modern-day heroes” for their contributions to nation-building.
“Happy Labor Day to Filipino workers! We salute your diligence and dedication. Your daily perseverance is our guide towards our nation’s progress,” Duterte said on her Facebook account.
She cited the contributions of overseas Filipino workers, medical and security front liners, community workers, teachers and all other workers in the private and government sectors to the country’s progress.
“You are considered true modern-day heroes. May we continue to strive towards a bright future,” the Vice President said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez said the House of Representatives will continue working to improve the well-being of millions of Filipino workers, including those working overseas.
“As we mark this important day, let us also reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of our workers. It is imperative that we continue to work towards legislation that guarantees fair labor practices, promotes safety and health standards, and ensures that the benefits of our growing economy are felt by all,” he said.
“The government is steadfast in its resolve to create more job opportunities and to foster an environment where labor rights are protected and economic opportunities flourish. We pledge to enhance our efforts in equipping our workforce with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow through robust education and training programs,” the Speaker added.
The House Committee on Labor and Employment last February began hearing various bills seeking across-the-board wage increases for workers in the private sector, following the Senate’s approval of a measure setting a P100 daily minimum wage hike.
The panel chaired by Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles has prioritized deliberations on pending measures seeking wage increases, led by Deputy Speaker Raymund Mendoza’s House Bill No. 7871 and Cavite Rep. Jolo Revilla’s House Bill No. 514, both seeking a P150 across-the-board wage increase for private sector workers.
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe has said the House’s options are from P150 to P350 a day wage hike or revisions to the regional wage board mechanism.
“On this Labor Day, we join hands to honor the formidable spirit and relentless dedication of Filipino workers, the backbone of our nation. Today, we celebrate not just their hard work and resilience, but also their indispensable role in shaping the Philippines into a thriving, dynamic society,” the Speaker said.
Romualdez extended his “deepest gratitude to every Filipino worker” on behalf of the House of Representatives. “Your hard work, resilience and patriotism drive the progress of our nation. Together, let us continue to uphold and protect the dignity of labor as we move forward to a brighter and more prosperous future,” he said.
IMPORTANT ROLE
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri vowed to “stand with every Filipino worker in fighting for their rights.”
In a statement, Zubiri said Filipino workers play an important role in the country’s “economic landscape” and it would be befitting that the Senate craft more measures for their benefit.
“Despite having a vital role in our economic landscape, however, our workers remain largely undervalued for their contributions. And so, we in the Senate stand with every Filipino worker in fighting for their rights, from better wages to safer workplaces,” Zubiri said.
He said the upper chamber has already passed the P100 legislated wage hike in response to the call of workers for a decent living wage.
A counterpart measure is still pending in the House of Representatives.
“The Senate is one with the workers as we celebrate Labor Day. Let us fight for the rights of our Filipino workers,” he added.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chair of the Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, thanked Filipino workers for their contributions to nation-building and assured them he would continue to come up with laws for them.
Estrada said he has also filed a proposed bill to increase the basic salary of government workers after the Salary Standardization Law lapsed last year.
“That’s why I will push for the passage of a new measure to gradually increase the salaries of civil servants by next year,” Estrada said.
Sen. Grace Poe said she “salutes” the Filipino workers for fulfilling their dreams for their families.
“Several of our workers are facing challenges such as the lack of stable jobs, poverty, especially our farmers, fishermen, drivers, and contractual workers,” Poe said.
Poe reiterated her call to employers capable of providing supplementary allowance or extending any assistance to their employees to help them get by.
Deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros called on the government to give additional protection and benefits to delivery riders, construction workers, and workers in the agricultural sector who are experiencing hardships brought about by the extreme summer heat.
GENERALLY PEACEFUL
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said the Labor Day protests in Quezon City and Manila were generally peaceful and orderly.
“(The) Labor Day Celebration (was) marred with rallies and demonstrations from different sectoral groups, particularly on the labor side airing their plight to better working conditions and salary increase,” it said.
It said members of transport groups also joined the protests to air their opposition to the government’s jeepney modernization program.
“The Labor Day (protests), alongside the transport strike in Metro Manila, initially proceeded peacefully and orderly,” the NCRPO said.
“With this, Team NCRPO ensures adequate security measures in place with more than 12,000 deployed personnel for route security, anti-criminality interventions, medical team, drone operators, CDM contingents, beat and mobile patrol,” the NCRPO said.
NCRPO spokeswoman Lt. Col. Eunice Salas said 3,250 individuals joined the protests.
Salas said 12,189 PNP personnel were deployed in various parts of Metro Manila to maintain peace and order.
“We guarantee that we will continue the implementation of the said operations throughout the day to allow participating groups to relay their concerns with no untoward incident,” the NCRPO said.
It appealed to the protesters to “cooperate with the authorities.”
“Follow existing laws and ordinances related to freedom of expression, mass actions, and utilization of freedom parks,” it said.
“Likewise, we ask the commuters for their cooperation, and patience should they experience any delay or inconvenience today,” the NCRPO added. — With Wendell Vigilia, Raymond Africa and Victor Reyes
