SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
April 30, 2023

“Bilang Pangulo, ipinapangako ko na ang proteksyon para sa mga manggagawang Pilipino ay mananatiling pangunahing prayoridad ng aking administrasyon,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the Filipino labor force, noting their significant contributions to the country’s economic growth.

The President made these remarks during his attendance to the 121st Labor Day celebration in Pasay City, where he urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and all concerned agencies to continue improving programs intended to strengthen the skills and knowledge of the country’s workforce.

“Hindi rin natatapos sa araw na ito lamang ang tulong na hatid natin sa ating mga manggagawa. Ang mga ito ay ilan lamang sa mga inisyatiba na ginagawa ng inyong pamahalaan upang mapabuti ang kalagayan ng ating mga manggagawa,” the Chief Executive expressed as he kicked off a series of activities that focus on livelihood programs, jobs creation and skills training.

He also pointed out various economic and social challenges that continue to be a burden to all Filipino workers, but affirmed his confidence towards the positive outlook of the nation’s labor performance as employment rate soared to 95.2% this year.

“Karagdagang 3.32 milyong Pilipino ang nagkaroon ng hanapbuhay mula noong nakalipas na taon. Marami pa tayong ginagawa sa iba’t ibang larangan upang mapasigla ang kondisyon ng ating bansa at ng ating empleyo, tulad sa sistema ng ating edukasyon at programang pangkalusugan,” he added.

This year’s Labor Day celebration focuses on the theme, ‘Pabahay, Bilihing Abot Kaya, Benepisyo ng Matatag na Trabaho Para Sa Manggagawang Pilipino’, as spearheaded by the DOLE in cooperation with different government agencies.

Among the highlights of this year’s celebration include the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggagawa, distribution of various government assistance, job and livelihood fairs, as well as the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that are geared towards further strengthening the labor force.

“Dalanganin natin na ang mga programa at adhikain natin sa araw na ito at sa mga panahong darating ay makapagbibigay ng panibagong lakas sa hanay ng ating mga manggagawa at makapagdudulot ng malawakang pagbabago sa ekonomiya ng ating bansa,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.

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