ARAW NG MGA MANGGAGAWA
A day where we celebrate and commemorate the value and purpose of Labor Day
Labor Day in the Philippines is a national holiday celebrated on May 1, 2023. It was declared on April 8, 1908, by the Philippine Assembly, the first day of May, to be the Philippines’ Labor Day. The holiday was officially declared in 1903 by the American colonial government to commemorate the Haymarket affair in Chicago, Illinois, where workers were killed while striking for an eight-hour workday.
Labor Day was first celebrated on May 1, 1903. The Union Obrera Democratica de Filipina (U.O.D.F.), formed in February 1902 by Isabelo Delos Reyes, was the first-ever labor organization consisting of more than 100,000 employees that marched from Tondo’s Plaza Moriones to Malacanang. The workers protested and demanded fair wages and better working conditions from the then-American-led government.
Similar to other countries, the Philippines’ thousands of trade unions utilize Labor Day to plan celebrations and bring up significant issues about enhancing labor relations. Throughout its history, Labor Day in the Philippines has been marked by various events and activities that aim to promote workers’ rights and welfare. Trade unions and labor groups hold rallies and marches to protest unfair labor practices and push for better working conditions and wages. Employers also use this day to recognize the contributions of their workers by giving bonuses, incentives, and other benefits
One of the most significant events on Labor Day is the annual Labor Day Job and Livelihood Fair, organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The fair provides job opportunities and livelihood programs for unemployed Filipinos and promotes entrepreneurship among the youth. It also features various activities such as skills training, business seminars, and product exhibits.
Another important aspect of Labor Day is the recognition of outstanding workers and organizations through various awards and ceremonies. The DOLE gives out the Mabini Awards, which honor outstanding Filipino workers who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. The awards are named after Apolinario Mabini, a revolutionary leader and advocate of workers’ rights during the Philippine Revolution.
Despite the many achievements of Labor Day in the Philippines, there are still challenges that the country’s labor force faces. Issues such as contractualization, low wages, unsafe working conditions, and a lack of benefits continue to plague many workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated these problems, with many Filipinos losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet.
In that sense, we are celebrating Labor Day to honor not just ourselves but also our fellow workers’ hard work and dedication to their job despite the risks, especially during the pandemic. No matter what kind of job they do, a job is a job, and they deserve a celebration for all your efforts and successes, because everything that you do contributes to the success of the company.
Take this as an opportunity to enjoy, relax, and unwind with your family, friends, or even yourself.
HAPPY LABOR’S DAY EVERYONE,
CONTINUE BEING AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS!
