President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recognized in his Labor Day message the contribution of Filipino workers to society amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and assured them of the government’s commitment to uphold labor rights.
The President acknowledged that Filipino workers are now more engaged in public service, saying that they “have tirelessly toiled these past several months to ensure that the society will continue to function” amid a health crisis that has crippled economies worldwide.
“I express my deepest gratitude to our hardworking healthcare workers and essential frontliners for their unwavering commitment in ensuring the unhampered delivery of goods and services that continue to sustain our communities and industries during these difficult times,” he said.
“Let me assure you that this administration will endeavor to work as vigorously as you have in creating an environment where security of tenure, statutory labor standards, and workers’ rights are not only upheld and protected, but also cherished as the foundations of a strong and thriving workforce,” he continued.
In a separate statement, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar urged the public to keep in mind the “selflessness and dedication” of Filipino workers locally and internationally.
“Their impactful contributions to nation-building and to our COVID-19 response have always been valued, respected, and appreciated, which is why the Duterte administration has continued to implement and execute programs and measures that promote their protection and well-being,” he said.
“We also express deep gratitude to journalists and members of the media, frontliners in their own right, who continue their coverage and their delivery of needed and life-saving information for us all,” he added.
In line with the celebration of Labor Day, the government also began on Saturday the nationwide simultaneous COVID-19 inoculation of 5,000 essential workers or those covered by Priority List A4.
The symbolic vaccination followed the approval of the Department of Labor and Employment’s request to allocate 5,000 vaccine doses to workers, especially overseas Filipino workers and minimum wage earners. – OP, PCOO/AG/jlo
