A Day of Rest and Reflection

A Day of Rest and Reflection

           This year’s labor day celebration reflects what the workers need – “Pabahay, Bilihing Abot-Presyo, Benepisyo ng Matatag na Trabaho Para sa Manggagawang Pilipino”. The Labor Day is a national holiday in the Philippines that is celebrated every year on May 1st. This day is also known as International Workers' Day and is a public holiday that honors workers' hard work and contributions across the country.  This PH Labor Day, take it as a time to make yourself feel rewarded with all the hard work that you do!

          Philippines Labor Day is celebrated annually on May 1 to celebrate hardworking Filipinos across the country. In Filipino, it is known as ‘Araw ng mga Manggagawa’. People in the Philippines relax and spend the day with their family and friends. At Malacanang (the previous American Governor’s residence, now Presidential palace) and in major cities like Manila, labor movements and parades are a part of the celebrations. These activities draw attention to their complaints, which include the minimum wage, inhumane working conditions, and other issues that undermine the rights of employees. Every hardworking Filipino is celebrated on this day, no matter their job.

         The U.O.D.F. was formed in February 1902 by Isabelo Delos Reyes” and “Herminigildo Cruz” to defend the rights of the working class while under American occupation. In August 1902, the American-led government arrested Delos Reyes for rebellion, sedition, and “conspiracy to raise the price of labor.” Post his arrest, “Dominador Gomez” succeeded him. Under Dominador Gomez’s rule, the U.O.D.F. led the march alongside 100,000 workers, where he was also arrested on the same grounds as Delos Reyes. Five years later, on April 8, 1908, the Philippine Assembly passed a bill recognizing May 1 as Labor Day. It was declared a national holiday.

         

      The first Labor Day celebration was held on May 1, 1913, when Herminigildo Cruz, the other founder of U.O.D.F., put together the Congreso Obrero de Filipinas. The party demanded fair working conditions for the labor sector, including eight-hour working days, an end to child labor, equal labor standards for women, and employers’ liability to their employees. Labor Day has been synonymous with demonstrations and rallies organized by the labor sector since 1903. To convince the Philippine government to raise the minimum wage, eliminate labor contractualization, and control market fuel prices, more than 40 labor federations joined forces to form the NAGKAISA coalition in 2012.

         Aside from the traditional celebrations, many employers give their workers the day off and provide them with bonuses or incentives. This is a great opportunity for workers to spend time with their families and enjoy some leisure activities. 

references: 
PHILIPPINES LABOR DAY - May 1, 2023 - National Today 
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