President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday marked the country’s 123rd Labor Day celebration with a firm commitment to uplift the lives of Filipino workers, including efforts to improve public transportation to enhance their overall quality of life.
In his speech, President Marcos unveiled a series of expanded social welfare initiatives and bold transport upgrades to ease the daily burdens of ordinary Filipinos and ensure dignified livelihoods for them.
“Tungkulin ng pamahalaan na pagaanin ang iniinda ng ating mga manggagawa,” President Marcos said in his speech, where he detailed wide-ranging programs focused on reducing commuting time, supporting struggling families, and stricter labor protections.
Acknowledging the daily struggles of millions of workers, President Marcos highlighted the crucial role of efficient transportation in enhancing their quality of life.
“Araw-araw, milyon-milyon sa ating mga kababayan ay kailangang gumising nang maaga upang bumiyahe patungo sa kanilang trabaho. Hangad namin na mas marami kayong oras sa pamilya, hindi naman nasasayang na nakapila lamang,” the President said.
The President enumerated several transport reforms, including extended operating hours for Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) on weekdays, improved air-conditioning systems and facilities across train lines.
More Light Rail Transit-2 (LRT-2) trains, increasing sets from six to 10, upgraded elevators and escalators in all rail stations, and free rides on MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 from April 30 to May 3 were also enumerated.
The President said long-term investments are also underway with projects such as MRT-7, the North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway, and the EDSA Busway Improvement Project, aiming to speed up daily commutes.
“Ito po ang ating gagawing solusyon para ang ating mga manggagawa ay masamahan naman ang kanilang mga pamilya,” the President said.
President Marcos also highlighted progress in broadening social protection by providing programs like Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).
The President reported that under the TUPAD program, 11 million Filipinos have received emergency employment. Additionally, over 21 million beneficiaries were assisted through the AICS program, while nearly 740,000 individuals benefited from the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
The Chief Executive also announced key food security measures: a maximum suggested retail price of P45 per kilo for imported rice; a rollout to lower rice prices to PhP20 per kilo; and the establishment of 119 permanent KADIWA Centers nationwide and the integration of KADIWA Stores in National Housing Authority (NHA) developments.
These programs aim to make essential goods more accessible to working families.
On protecting labor rights, President Marcos said the government conducted over 90,000 labor inspections from July 2022 to March 2025 to ensure safe workplaces, fair wages, and proper treatment of workers.
President Marcos affirmed a clear message of solidarity and action through these transport modernization, food affordability, and strong social safety programs.
“Batid namin ang pagsubok na inyong kinakaharap, ginagawa po natin ang lahat para maibsan ang inyong pasanin,” the President said. | PND
