Labor Day
THE Philippines marks “Labor Day” today, May 1, with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) holding job fairs across the nation.
Thousands of local and overseas jobseekers are expected to troop to these job fairs, where rolling “Kadiwa” stores also offer quality but afforable goods.
In these job fairs nationwie, jobseekers are hired on-the spot by participating employers, according to DOLE Secretary Bienvenido “Benny” Laguesma.
A regular holiday in the country, one of the world’s major manpower exporters, “Labor Day” is aimed at honoring members of the “working class.”
Admittedly, the millions of local and overseas Filipino workers, men and women, play a crucial role in the country’s socio-economic development.
In fact, the migrant workers’ billions of dollar remittances continue to prop up the nation’s still struggling domestic economy.
Like the rest of the world, the crippling two-year coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic devastated the Philippine economy.
Records show that on May 1,1903, thousands of Filipino workers marched through the streets of Manila to demand better working conditions.
A decade after the inaugural protest , which was led by the Union Obrera Democratica de Filipinas, the first “Labor Day” celebration was held on May 1, 1913.
Records also show that the union was set up by Isabelo de los Reyes, an Ilocano from Vigan, Ilocos Sur, and Herminigildo Cruz.
In today’s “Labor Day” celebration, government officials, led by President Marcos, pay tribute to the workers for their immense contributions to the country’s social and economic development.
