By Gilbert S. Gaviola
ON THE RISE – Laborers work at a construction site of a commercial and residential project in Pasay City. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has upgraded its outlook for growth in developing Asian countries this year due to the increase in global exports, but warned of risks from a potential China-United States trade war. (Czar Dancel)
Employment rates, contractualization, ‘endo,’ wage hike, and other labor-related issues would have been a hands-down choice for this week’s Sunday Bulletin pre-Labor Day special feature topic.
Such matters, however, are being amply covered and discussed on a regular basis in the news pages of the nation’s leading newspaper.
Rather, we opted to take a journey.
A journey into the world of some of the most passionate, dedicated, qualified and skilled Filipino workers in diverse professions and occupations.
Witness how they carry out their duties and responsibilities amid the drama, challenges, adversity and even go the extra mile to better serve the people, community and society.
There are registered nurses based here and overseas who, aside from being their patients’ foremost healthcare advocate – are likewise a confidant, adviser — and even family.
Discover how small acts of kindness and genuine compassion can mean the world to a patient and his or her family and the pure joy and satisfaction the nurses experience from being appreciated is so touching ways.
We plunge into the wild side with features on a zookeeper and a tiger handler.
Cool, exciting jobs done with commitment, love for animals and concern for the environment.
We explore the intricate but very significant world of economics through the eyes and insights of an economics professor.
Here, he points out the significance of economic research, theories and policies to the fiscal or financial health of the country and its effects and impact on things that affect us all — inflation, the peso and taxes.
We are all too familiar with eloquent weather forecasters and specialists, but how many of us have heard of a hydrologist?
How about a hydrographic survey officer from NAMRIA?
These professions may not be as common or celebrated, but their impact on disaster risk reduction, maritime safety and security, safety, sovereignty and environmental protection and preservation can never be overlooked.
How safe is the food or drink from your favorite dining or fastfood outlet?
The chefs and cooks may be good. What we have to realize is that a microbiologist likewise plays a significant role in ensuring that our food is safe to eat.
Check out Jonjet’s tales as bouncer and his regular, close encounters with global and local celebrities while ensuring safety and security during concerts and other public gatherings and special events.
How well do you know your barangay captain and barangay councilmen?
What are their sworn duties and how can they be of help to you, their constituents?
Be better informed and check out “Kap.”
They, and all other equally dedicated, committed and efficient workers from all other fields and professions deserve the honors and tributes that will be accorded them on Labor Day.
Our lives are better, safer, healthier, made more fulfilling and meaningful, and the world is made a better place each day and at every turn, thanks to the heroic Filipino workforce’s good job!