House honors nation’s workers
THE House of Representatives, led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, has joined the nation in honoring the Filipino workers for their tireless dedication to help the country improve its economy in this year’s celebration of Labor Day.
Velasco described the Filipino workers as the backbone of the economy.
“This Labor Day, it’s not only fitting but absolutely important to recognize and celebrate the amazing efforts of all essential and frontline workers and thank them for risking their lives to fight the pandemic—caring for the sick, feeding our families and keeping communities running. In essence, we continue to survive and thrive through this public health crisis mainly because of them,” Velasco said.
For the medical frontliners, Velasco said honoring their contributions and sacrifices in this time of pandemic is not enough.
“This moment requires action. Since they are the ones risking it all, they deserve a greater role in charting our social and economic recovery. We need a broad socioeconomic transformation that takes into consideration their struggles and experiences during this pandemic. We should never forget our essential and frontline workers as we build back better from COVID-19,” Velasco added.
The House chief gave assurances that the House of Representatives will help to the frontliners.
“ We support policies that will expand their health and life insurance; provide them all-important protective equipment and access to the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine; and guarantee their allowance, sick leave and hazard pay. These should serve as a token of our appreciation and gratitude for them for keeping the economy in motion and the rest of us healthy and safe,” he said.
The workers’ group, DIWA party-list, has lauded the workers for their countless sacrifices throughout the pandemic as they continue to render necessary services.
DIWA Rep. Michael Aglipay said the only way to thank the laborers is to ensure their welfare and help them improve their living condition.
Aglipay appealed to his fellow legislators to pass the Security of Tenure Act; Magna Carta for Seafarers and other similar proposed measures.
“Today, we give a resounding thank you, to all doctors, nurses, and medical and health workers; police, soldiers, security guards, funeral services and emergency response workers; essential workerss such as those who are in the retail, food production, farmers and agriculture, transport and logistics, and financial services; utility workers; news reporters and media; those in the BPO industry; our fellow workers in government, and all our Filipino laborers – Your perseverance, grit, and continued service is inspiring. We honor you!” Aglipay said.
