EMPOWERING move for the working population of the Philippines, President Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos Jr. has issued a directive to the government’s wage policy-making bodies.
On the occasion of Labor Day, he commanded an immediate review and adjustment of worker’s wages across the nation.
This decisive action comes at a time when inflation has been biting hard into the earnings of the common Filipino worker.
During the 122nd Labor Day celebration at Malacañan Palace, the President emphasized the need for prompt action.
“The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards should initiate a timely review of the minimum wage rates in their respective regions,” said Pres. Marcos, outlining a 60-day window before the anniversary of the last wage order for this review to occur.
The President’s order is not just about immediate relief but also about long-term predictability and fairness in wage adjustments.
He has requested the National Wages and Productivity Commission to reassess its rules.
“This is to ensure that the Boards can maintain a regular and predictable schedule of wage review, issuance, and effectivity,” President Marcos explained, highlighting the importance of reducing uncertainty for workers and employers alike.
In his speech, the President linked wage adjustments directly to the wellbeing of workers, stating that such measures can “help cushion the impact on workers of the increases in prices of basic goods.”
He pointed out that the struggle against the rising cost of living is a key battlefront for the labor sector.
Expanding beyond the wage review, President Marcos has also set his sights on legislative action to improve the condition of Filipino workers.
He urged the nation’s lawmakers to act, calling for the passage of laws aimed at boosting job creation.
Among these proposed laws are the Enterprise-based Education and Training Program law, the Revised Apprenticeship Program Act, and the CREATE MORE law.
In September of the previous year, the President had already taken steps by signing Republic Act No. 11962, known as the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act.
This law targets unemployment and underemployment, addressing critical labor market issues.
Following this, on March 12, 2024, the implementing rules of the act were approved, setting the stage for a comprehensive employment generation and recovery master plan led by the Trabaho Para sa Bayan-Interagency Council.
In response to the inflationary pressures, the government has taken concrete steps to provide emergency employment.
Through the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), a staggering number of 5.66 million beneficiaries found temporary relief from July 2022 to February 2024.
Furthermore, additional support was channeled through livelihood programs under the ILP and the Employees’ Compensation Program, benefiting over 167,000 and 429,000 individuals respectively.
Education and skills development were not left behind as the Technical Education and Skills Development Program (Tesda) saw a massive enrollment of 2.65 million individuals in its reskilling and upskilling programs.
This initiative further certified over 1.36 million individuals, bolstering their employability.
To solidify job security, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been allocated a substantial budget of P9.18 billion for 2024.
This funding is earmarked for programs specifically designed to enhance the employability of Filipino workers.
The President’s orders and the subsequent actions by various government bodies reflect a concerted effort to tackle the economic challenges faced by the labor force.
With these steps, the government aims to pave the way for a more prosperous and stable economic future for all Filipino workers.
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