President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to labor rights and job creation on May 1, honoring the Filipino workforce for their central role in the country’s economic journey.
In a dedicated Labor Day message, the President emphasized that his government is actively working to address modern economic pressures by fostering high-quality employment and strengthening worker protections.
He noted that the dignity of labor remains a priority in the vision for a more inclusive Philippines.
“As we face changing economic pressures, rest assured that this administration stands firm in defending the dignity of every Filipino by creating more and better jobs, boosting worker protection, and broadening pathways for all to succeed,” he said.
Marcos acknowledged the diverse contributions of laborers across all sectors, describing them as the driving force behind both national stability and global motion.
He stressed that despite the rise of automation and shifting industrial landscapes, the human element of the Filipino workforce remains “indispensable.”
“Even as technology advances and industries transform, one truth endures: it is the Filipino worker who drives the Philippines forward and keeps the world in motion. Through your grit and sacrifice, families find stability, and the country finds strength,” he added.
The Chief Executive further challenged both government agencies and private enterprises to move past symbolic celebrations. He urged stakeholders to implement concrete fair labor practices that ensure progress reaches ordinary families.
“Together, let us fulfill this promise by fostering an environment that respects honest labor, safeguards livelihoods, and ensures that progress is accessible to ordinary families,” he added.
Supporting this sentiment, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) issued a separate statement praising the resilience of the nation’s workers.
The military noted that the perseverance shown by Filipinos in providing for their families serves as an inspiration for the AFP’s mission to maintain the peace necessary for economic growth.