Marcos vows 'disenteng trabaho' amid rising costs on Labor Day
President Marcos has vowed to deliver “disenteng trabaho” (decent jobs) for Filipinos as he acknowledged the burden of rising fuel prices, electricity costs, and basic goods on workers.
In a speech during the 124th Labor Day Celebration in General Santos City, the President said the government is aware of the plight of the Filipino workforce.
“Dama po namin ang hirap na pinagdadaanan ng ating mga manggagawa… Ngunit hindi po kami tumitigil sa paghahanap ng mga paraan upang dumami pa ang trabaho, ang kabuhayan, at ang mga oportunidad para sa ating lahat (We feel the hardships that our workers are going through… But we are not stopping in finding ways to increase jobs, livelihoods, and opportunities for all),” he said.
“Hangad namin: Disenteng trabaho para sa bawat Pilipino (We desire decent jobs for every Filipino),” he added.
Jobs, investments
The President said the administration is ramping up investments to expand employment opportunities nationwide.
“Noong nakaraang taon, halos dalawang trilyong piso ng investment ang ating naaprubahan. Lilikha ito ng halos 150,000 trabaho,” he said (Last year, we approved nearly P2 trillion in investments. This will create around 150,000 jobs),” he said.
He added that employment has continued to grow, with nearly 50 million Filipinos now employed and more than 30 million classified as wage and salary workers.
Job fairs, hiring
Marcos highlighted the government’s job fair program, which he said has connected thousands of Filipinos to employment.
“Mula Hulyo ng 2022 hanggang Pebrero ngayong taon, lagpas 6,600 job fair na ang naganap… lagpas 250,000 jobseeker ang hired on the spot,” he said (From July 2022 to February this year, more than 6,600 job fairs have been held… over 250,000 jobseekers were hired on the spot),” he said.
For this year’s Labor Day, he said over 150,000 jobs are available in job fairs across 94 locations nationwide, with activities set to continue until the end of May.
Wage hikes
The President also cited ongoing wage adjustments, with 89 wage orders issued from June 2023 to April 2026.
He noted that new wage increases took effect Thursday in Regions X and XIII, raising daily pay to as much as P500 and P475.
Skills, training
Marcos said the government is strengthening skills development to match evolving labor market demands.
“Sa ating administrasyon, lampas sa limang milyong estudyante na ang nakatapos sa ilalim ng TVET,” he said (Under our administration, more than five million students have graduated under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training).
He added that over 500 micro-credential courses are now available to equip workers with in-demand skills.
Fuel crisis response
The President acknowledged the impact of global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, on oil prices and inflation.
“Batid din namin ang naging pahirap sa ating lahat ng gulo sa Middle East at ang pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina (We are aware of the hardship caused by the conflict in the Middle East and the rise in fuel prices),” he said.
He noted that the government has secured a 54-day fuel supply and suspended excise taxes on LPG and kerosene starting April 17.
To cushion the impact on commuters and drivers, Marcos said the government is implementing fuel discounts and fare support.
These include a P10 per liter diesel discount, a 20 percent fare discount under the service contracting program, free rides, and fuel subsidies for operators and drivers.
OFW assistance
Marcos said assistance continues for overseas Filipino workers affected by the Middle East crisis.
Government agencies are facilitating repatriation and providing financial aid, temporary shelter, and transport back to their home provinces, he said.
Social protection
The President also cited relief measures from state institutions, including loan penalty condonation programs by the Social Security System (SSS) and payment relief schemes by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
He added that enhanced maternity benefits under PhilHealth have also been rolled out.
‘Padayon’
Marcos closed his speech with a message of resilience for Filipino workers.
“Padayon. Patuloy lang… Tuloy-tuloy ang hanapbuhay ng manggagawang Pilipino. Tuloy-tuloy ang suporta ng pamahalaan (Padayon. Keep going… The livelihood of Filipino workers continues. Government support continues),” he said.
“Sa patuloy na pagkilos, malalampasan din natin ang lahat ng hamon (Through continued action, we will overcome all challenges),” he added.