President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined the Filipino people in honoring the country’s workers on Labor Day, acknowledging their vital role in the growth and development of the economy.
In a message released on Monday, President Marcos emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns and needs of the labor force to empower them as active participants in nation-building.
He expressed his gratitude for their service and sacrifice in their respective fields and lauded their contributions to the country’s progress.
“Our labor force is essential to the sustenance of our soaring economy and also in laying the groundwork for our important industries,” President Marcos said.
“That is why we strive to address the cares and concerns of our workers as well as provide them with better opportunities so that they are capacitated to their full potential.”
He also urged the private sector to join the government in supporting labor reforms and good governance initiatives that will secure workers’ livelihoods and maintain the economy’s productivity.
“If we all unite and work together with renewed hope, vigor, and enthusiasm in our respective fields, industries, and endeavors, I am certain that we can usher in a more equitable and prosperous future for all,” he said.
President Marcos ended his statement with a message of solidarity for Filipino workers and workers around the world: “Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino at lahat ng manggagawa sa buong mundo!”
Work culture
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte called everyone to advocate a work culture that values mental health and well-being along with better wages, safer and healthier working spaces, gender-responsive policies, and better career growth opportunities for all Filipinos.
Duterte said the government is advocating for better labor conditions, promoting better training and upskilling, and seeking ways to improve the employability of the Filipino workforce.
“We recognize the need for more decent and quality jobs that are fulfilling and supportive of individual growth and push for the emergence of a work culture that understands the evolving demands of competing responsibilities as a global workforce and as a responsible family member,” she said in her Labor Day message.
Duterte also said that the government continues to highlight the importance of Filipino workforce’s welfare as they are one of the most important foundations of nation-building.
“Your progress and success contribute to a more dynamic economy and reflect the outcome of our vision of uplifted lives for the Filipino people,” the Vice President added.
The Department of Education, under the leadership of Duterte, who also sits Education secretary, is pushing for the MATATAG agenda to make every learner successful and hone them to be counterparts of national development.
“In the next five years, the Department of Education will strive to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare our Filipino youth for the future and attract more quality and decent jobs,” Duterte said.