President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the growth and prosperity of Filipino laborers — not only as a duty, but as a gesture of respect and gratitude.

In his Labor Day message, President Marcos underscored that the nation’s progress lies in the hands of every Filipino worker, and extended his wishes for a meaningful and peaceful observance of the occasion.

“Inyong matitiyak na ang pamahalaan ay hindi lamang tagapagmasid sa pag-unlad, kung hindi aktibong katuwang ng sambayanan sa paglikha ng Bagong Pilipinas kung saan ang lipunan ay patas at makatarungan,” the President said.

“Alam namin na sa inyo nakasalalay ang kaunlaran ng bansa kung kaya’t patuloy ang mga proyektong magsusulong sa inyong paglago at kasaganahan. Taimtim ang aming paninindigang kayo ay hindi pababayaan, bagkus ay higit pang itataguyod — hindi bilang tungkulin lamang, kung hindi bilang pasasalamat at pagkilala sa inyong tunay na halaga at sakripisyo,” he added.

President Marcos also underscored that “work” is not merely a means of personal advancement, but a vital contribution to the nation’s history — as every worker strives not only for their family’s welfare but also for the greater good.

The President paid tribute to Filipino workers for their dedication, hard work, sacrifices, and vital contributions to nation-building.

The Chief Executive stressed that the observance of Labor Day should inspire concrete actions to address the needs of families, ensure workplace safety, and protect the right to a better future.

“Nararapat lamang na ang pagdiriwang na ito ay gawin nating pagkakataon upang bumuo ng mga kongkretong hakbang upang matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng bawat pamilya, matiyak ang kaligtasan sa lugar ng trabaho, at mapangalagaan ang karapatang makamit ang magandang kinabukasan,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos added that policies must reflect the belief that a nation’s true wealth lies not in profit, but in the dignity of its people. | PND