The Philippine Trade and General Workers Organization-TUCP (PTGWO-TUCP) celebrated Labor Day with a different twist. Instead of the usual picked-fenced or protest-marching towards Mendiola, the PTGWO decided to sweep the streets of Roxas Boulevard, to host a feeding program, and give some financial assistance to some selected persons in which we themed as : “BAYANIHAN sa KALINISAN, KALUSUGAN AT KABUHAYAN”

With over 5,000 participants from the local affiliates inalmost all industries all over the country, including transport, manufacturing, petroleum, mining, food, brewery and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the streets of Quirino to T.M. Kalaw was scrubbed, swept, and cleaned, donating over 20,000 man hours. In line with the themed of “KALUSUGAN”, the 64-year-old labor federation conducted a feeding program for over 250 street children of Manila and also gave around 3 kilos of rice and grocery items to several families in the city as well.

Atty. Arnel Dolendo, National President, initiate the awarding of financial assistance, termed as “Tulong Pinansyal para sa Kabuhayan” for 20 selected people with small- scale business establishments, such as fishball vendor and the like, to helped them developed and expand their business. The awardees are overjoyed and thank the federation for the assistance that they have received and promised to the federation that they will used the money to developed their business.

Moreover, several personalities attended the celebration at the Rajah Sulayman Plaza and greeted the PTGWO a “Happy Labor Day”. Some of the guest personalities are Cong. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, TUCP President and TUCP Partylist Representative, who greeted everyone a successful Labor Day Celebration and encourage everyone to vote for said party-list and will ensure to continue to make laws for the betterment of the laborers. Senatorial Candidates Mr. Walden Bello, Mr. Martin Romualdez, and Atty. Allan Montaño, who wishes the PTGWO a Happy Labor Day and promise to defend the rights of the Laborers, to end contractualization and increase the rate of Minimum Wage. Also, Teen-Actress/Singer, Ms. Sue Ramirez attended the celebration and congratulates the Filipino workers for their hard work and dedication to their craft and wishes them to continue to be an inspiration to the youth. Mr. Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr, Vice Presidential Candidate, catch-up with the festivities, and participated with the street sweeping and encourage voters to be vigilant, attentive, and careful in choosing who will be there next leaders. Moreover, he expressed in his speech that he will uphold the rights of workers under the rule of law and to end contractualization which hinders job security and the benefits of workers.

Atty. Hernan G. Nicdao, National Treasurer, acknowledge the presence of everyone and their participation in the said event. Furthermore, he extended his gratitude to those who helped the PTGWO in making this a successful event especially to the City of Manila, Parks Development Office-City of Manila, Coun. Rolan Valeriano, Manila Health Department, Red Cross Philippines, Dir. Lilybelle Borromeo, and to the Department of Labor and Employment.

In other news, the Association of Minimum Wage Earner and Advocates-PTGWO (AMWEA-PTGWO), which counts minimum wage earners comprising around 90% of the working class, as its members, filed again a petition for a P150.00 wage increase. The AMWEA-PTGWO was responsible for the minimum wage increase granted last year by the various wage boards, including that by the DOLE NCR Wage Board of P15.00.

Indeed, the Labor Day could be celebrate with no angry mobs, burning effigies, or causing a horrendous traffic, it could be a peaceful event done by giving back to other the beauty of hard work and dedication.