Aquino hails gov’t-labor partnership for ‘life of dignity’

In his final Labor Day message, President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday hailed the partnership between government and the Filipino workforce that “raised the quality of work in society” and helped “everyone live a life of dignity.”

In a statement, the President said in Filipino: “We take pride in each and every one of you who worked together to raise the quality of work in our society … We [in government] did our best to match your hard work with the right solutions for everyone to live a life of dignity.”

Labor Day, Mr. Aquino said, is celebrated to express gratitude for the “skill, honor and resilience [laborers like you] offered our country.”

The country’s “six-year journey on daang matuwid” showed how government and the people can work together to achieve the administration’s development agenda, the President said, adding that labor organizations have engaged in an honest dialogue with government.

The Filipino workforce accepted the challenges brought about by the changing face of technology and proved that, indeed, the Filipino can compete in the global market, he added.

President Aquino also paid tribute to overseas Filipino workers, as well as the police and military who help in keeping communities safe.

In his recent speeches, whether on the campaign trail or speaking at official events, the President would always note that in the past six years of his administration, there had been only 17 labor strikes.

Before graduating students of Manuel L. Quezon University last week, President Aquino credited Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz for conducting “marathon sessions” to resolve conflicts between labor and management.

The President also stressed the need to continue the reforms started by his administration. “There is a need to further advocate positive change. I invite all of you to join in our movement: Let us take the right path toward a brighter and just tomorrow,” Mr. Aquino said.