President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. marked the 123rd Philippine Labor Day with a strong pledge to enhance the lives of Filipino workers, unveiling a suite of initiatives aimed at improving transportation, social welfare, and labor protections.
In his address, President Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to easing the burdens faced by the nation’s workforce, outlining comprehensive programs designed to reduce commute times, bolster family support, and enforce stricter labor standards.
“The government must alleviate the hardships of our workers,” he stated, acknowledging the daily struggles of millions who face long commutes and economic challenges. He stressed the importance of efficient transport in improving workers’ quality of life, saying, “We want you to spend more time with your families, not wasted in lines.”
To address transportation woes, the President announced several immediate and long-term reforms:
- Expanded Rail Services: Extended operating hours for Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) on weekdays, increased Light Rail Transit-2 (LRT-2) train sets from six to ten, and upgraded air-conditioning, elevators, and escalators across all rail lines.
- Temporary Free Rides: Free rides on MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 from April 30 to May 3.
- Long-Term Infrastructure: Ongoing projects like MRT-7, the North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway, and the EDSA Busway Improvement Project are aimed at significantly reducing commute times.
“These solutions will allow our workers to spend more time with their families,” President Marcos affirmed.
The President also highlighted significant progress in social protection, citing the following programs:
- Emergency Employment: The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program has provided emergency employment to 11 million Filipinos.
- Crisis Assistance: Over 21 million beneficiaries have received assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
- Sustainable Livelihood: Nearly 740,000 individuals have benefited from the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
In a move to ensure food security and affordability, President Marcos announced:
- Rice Price Control: The maximum suggested retail price for imported rice is PhP45 per kilo, and plans are to roll out rice at PhP20 per kilo.
- KADIWA Centers: Establishment of 119 permanent KADIWA Centers nationwide, including integration within National Housing Authority (NHA) developments.
To safeguard labor rights, the government conducted over 90,000 labor inspections from July 2022 to March 2025, ensuring safe workplaces, fair wages, and proper treatment of workers.
President Marcos concluded by reiterating his commitment to supporting Filipino workers: “We are aware of the challenges you face, and we are doing everything to ease your burdens.”
