President Duterte honored the country's essential workers on Labor Day for their tireless sacrifice in leading the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic over the past 14 months.
In his message, Duterte said the country has found new meaning in the annual commemoration of Labor Day.
"This year, we honor our Filipino workers who--fueled not just by the desire to support their families and advance their careers--have tirelessly toiled these past several months to ensure that our society will continue to function in the face of an unprecedented health crisis that crippled industries across the world," he said.
The President, in particular, turned the spotlight on essential frontliners and thanked them for their commitment to keeping the country afloat amid the pandemic.
"On behalf of a grateful nation, I express my deepest gratitude to our hardworking healthcare workers and essential frontliners for their unwavering commitment in ensuring the unhampered delivery of goods and services that continue to sustain our communities and industries during these difficult times," he said.
Duterte, meanwhile, assured Filipinos all over the world that his administration is working hard to promote the welfare of workers.
"To all Filipino workers here and abroad, let me assure you that this administration will endeavor to work as vigorously as you have in creating an environment where security of tenure, statutory labor standards, and workers rights are not only upheld and protected, but also cherished as the foundations of a strong and thriving workforce," he said.
"Together, let us rebuild a stronger and more resilient society that we can probably leave behind the succeeding generations of Filipinos," he added.
The country entered its 14th month of quarantine on May 1 with the National Capital Region (NCR) under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until May 14.
The government rolled out its vaccination program on March 1 and prioritized the inoculation of medical frontliners. Senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, and essential workers are next in line.