Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
On PH Independence Day, Jinggoy pays tribute to Filipino workers' dedication for nation's progress
Philippines
National
On PH Independence Day, Jinggoy pays tribute to Filipino workers' dedication for nation's progress
On PH Independence Day, Jinggoy pays tribute to Filipino workers' dedication for nation's progress
Published Jun 12, 2023 01:22 am
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Monday, June 12 vowed to be persistent in advancing Filipino workers’ rights.
Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources, made the remark in line with the country’s 125th year celebration of its independence.
“On this occasion, I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of every ordinary Filipino citizen who strives to make a difference in their respective fields. Our nation was built on the backs of hardworking men and women, whose labor and dedication laid the foundation for the progress we enjoy today,” Estrada said in his Independence Day message.
“As a labor advocate senator, I pledge to continue championing their cause, to tirelessly work towards the advancement of workers’ rights, and to push for policies that foster a fair and equitable labor environment as many of our workers continue to face exploitative conditions, inadequate compensation, and a lack of job security,” he added.
“Let us remember that the strength of a nation lies in the well-being of its people,” Estrada further said.
The senator also stressed the need to address the pressing issues that affect the country’s sovereignty and regional stability.
“As a nation, we have always valued diplomacy and peaceful dialogue as the means to address conflicts,” he said.
“While we navigate these challenging times, let us not forget the importance of unity among ourselves. We must stand together, transcending political differences, to protect our territorial integrity and safeguard our national interests,” the lawmaker pointed out.
“Our diversity is our strength, and it is through unity that we can assert our rightful place in the international community,” he added.
Estrada also rallied Filipinos to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the values of liberty, justice and equality, saying it is only through unity that the nation can sustain building a prosperous and inclusive society for all its citizens.
Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid, for his part, urged Filipinos to remember the sacrifice of those “who fought and continue to fight for our freedom” on this day.
“Ito ang kalayaan upang bagtasin ang ating sariling landas bilang isang bansa na malaya sa pang-aalipin at pang-aapi ng sinumang dayuhan o kalaban ng ating demokrasya (This is the freedom to walk our own path as a country free from slavery and oppression by any foreigner or enemy of our democracy),” Lapid said.
“Anuman ang pagkakaiba sa pulitika at ideolohiya, nananatiling iisa ang ating puso na makita ang Pilipinas kung saan ang bawat pamilya at indibidwal ay may pagkakataong hubugin ang kanilang buhay ng may kapayapaan at sinserong pag-asa sa mabuting kinabukasan (Regardless of political and ideological differences, our hearts remain united to see a Philippines where every family and individual has the opportunity to shape their lives with peace and sincere hope for a better future),” he said.