MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored the Filipino workers on Wednesday as he led the 122nd Labor Day Commemoration and the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the Labor Code of the Philippines (LCP).

In his speech during the celebration at the Malacañan Palace, President Marcos extended his gratitude to Filipino workers here and abroad for their dedication and unwavering support for their families and loved ones, bringing significant contributions to the Philippine economy.

“Sa lahat ng mga manggagawang Pilipino, muli ako’y nagpapasalamat sa inyo. Kayo ang puso at kaluluwa ng ating lakas-paggawa, ang nagsusulong ng ating tagumpay, at ang dahilan kung bakit patuloy tayong nangangarap para sa isang mas maliwanag na bukas,” President Marcos declared.

“Kayo ang mukha ng Bagong Pilipinas—magagaling, masisipag, at punong-puno ng dedikasyon—kaya’t nararapat lamang na bigyan ng dangal, respeto, at paghahanga. Umasa po kayo na ang mga manggagawang Pilipino, sa loob o labas man ng bansa, ay patuloy na aalagaan ng pamahalaan,” he added.

The President took special mention of the 50th anniversary of the labor legislation issued by his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Presidential Decree No. 442, or the Labor Code of the Philippines, which was issued on May 1, 1974.

President Marcos welcomed Filipino laborers at the Malacañang along with officials from the government and development partners led by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

He extended his gratitude to them and recognized their contributions not only for promoting a good relationship in the labor sector, but also in their unwavering support and participation to making the Philippine economy robust. (PND)