The chief executive recognized the enduring contributions of workers across all sectors in national development.
In his Labor Day message, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to creating quality jobs, strengthening worker protection, and promoting inclusive growth amid evolving economic challenges.
He also emphasized that the occasion also serves as a renewed call for both the government and the private sector to work together in building a nation where “hard work is rewarded, and opportunity is real.”
“Today, we honor every member of our workforce whose hands carry the weight of our shared future—whether at sunrise, beneath the noonday heat, or in the long hours when the nation sleeps,” he said. “As we face changing economic pressures, rest assured that this administration stands firm in defending the dignity of every Filipino by creating more and better jobs, boosting worker protection, and broadening pathways for all to succeed.”
President Marcos also touted the indispensable skills of Filipinos and added that their perseverance also continues to provide stability in their families and strength to the nation.
“You are, and will always be, the backbone of our Republic,” he stressed.
NATIONWIDE JOBS FAIR
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also led the 124th Labor Day Celebration in General Santos City, and attended the launching of a jobs fair at a local mall.
In his speech, Marcos told job hunters that the government has acquired nearly two trillion in investments that would generate about 150,000 jobs nationwide.
“Hangad namin disenteng trabaho para sa bawat Pilipino,” Marcos emphasized. “Kaya ko pinapadali… ang iba’t ibang paraan ng [pamumuhunan] sa bansa upang dumami…ang trabaho na available. Noong nakaraang taon, halos dalawang trilyong piso ng investment ang ating naaprubahan. Lilikha ito ng halos 150,000 trabaho.”
From July 2022 to February 2026, President Marcos said more than 6,600 job fairs have been held nationwide, with more than 1.5 million job seekers hired and more than 250,000 others hired on the spot.
“Ngayong Araw ng Paggawa, naghahandog tayo ng job fair sa buong bansa kung saan mahigit 150,000 trabaho ang puwedeng ma-apply-an,” noted the President.
President Marcos said the government has launched job fairs in 94 areas nationwide, which will run until the end of May.