PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. marked Labor Day 2025 with a message of assurance to Filipino workers, emphasizing that the government’s support is not merely a duty but a gesture of deep gratitude and recognition of their sacrifices. “Taimtim ang aming paninindigang kayo ay hindi pababayaan, bagkus ay higit pang itataguyod—hindi bilang tungkulin lamang, kung hindi bilang pasasalamat at pagkilala sa inyong tunay na halaga at sakripisyo,” the President said in a message Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Our sincere commitment is that you will not be neglected, but instead further uplifted—not merely out of obligation, but out of gratitude and recognition of your true worth and sacrifice.) Marcos also highlighted the vital role of labor in shaping the country’s future. “Ang paggawa ay hindi lamang pag-aangat sa sarili, kung hindi dakilang ambag sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa,” Marcos said. (Labor is not just a means of lifting oneself up, but a great contribution to the history of our nation.) Marcos urged that Labor Day be more than a symbolic celebration and called for meaningful reforms and policies aimed at addressing workers’ needs, protecting their rights, and ensuring dignified employment. “Nararapat lamang na ang pagdiriwang na ito ay gawin nating pagkakataon upang bumuo ng mga kongkretong hakbang upang matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng bawat pamilya, matiyak ang kaligtasan sa lugar ng trabaho, at mapangalagaan ang karapatang makamit ang magandang kinabukasan,” Marcos said. (This celebration should be an opportunity to take concrete steps to address the needs of every family, ensure workplace safety, and protect the right to a better future.) “Inyong matitiyak na ang pamahalaan ay hindi lamang tagapagmasid sa pag-unlad, kundi aktibong katuwang ng sambayanan sa paglikha ng Bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos added. (You can be assured that the government is not merely an observer of progress, but an active partner of the people in building a New Philippines.) Labor Day events across the country included job fairs, community celebrations, and organized protests calling for higher wages and stronger protections. (JGS/SunStar Philippines)