COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Labor and Employment led the celebration of the Bangsamoro Labor Day on Monday, May 1, at the OCM Grounds, inside the Bangsamoro Government Center, in this city.
The celebration, which was themed “Matatag na Trabaho at Kabuhayan Para sa Manggagawang Bangsamoro,” began with an early morning parade.
BARMM ministries, offices, agencies, other government agencies, wage board members, private establishments, workers associations, overseas Bangsamoro workers, and jobseekers lined-up to join the celebration.
Senior Minister Abunawas “Von Al Haq” Maslamama who graced the activity said, the Bangsamoro Government is committed to investing in people’s capabilities in providing decent and sustainable work.
Maslamama also expressed his appreciation to the Bangsamoro workers. “We acknowledge their significance and valuable contributions to the growing economy of BARMM,” Senior Minister said.
“The BARMM Government is grateful for your constant efforts as partners in achieving our shared goals for the Bangsamoro region,” he added.
Labor Minister Muslimin G. Sema, meanwhile, expressed his commitment to improve the working conditions of workers.
“Narito tayo upang i-celebrate ang pinaka-importanteng araw ng manggagawa sa buong kasaysayan ng ating bansa,” said Minister.
“Ang MOLE, under the leadership of the BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, ay gagawin ang lahat ng makakaya para mabigyan ng panibagong antas at kulay ang ating mga manggagawa,” he added.
“Kayo ang sundalo ng kasaganahan, sundalo ng development,” Labor Minister emphasized.
The Labor Day celebration this year marks the 121 years of honoring and recognizing significant contributions of workers to the Philippine economy.
As a tribute to the Bangsamoro workers, various activities and services such as job fair, legal consultation, wage consultation, COVID-19 vaccination/ booster, free self-care services, distribution of livelihood assistance to workers association and overseas Bangsamoro workers, product exhibit, and other government services were offered during the one-day celebration.
Moreover, the ministry also gave an award for “Huwarang Manggagawa” who exemplified hard work and dedication at work.
Arlene Valdez Hepiga who is working at Cotabato Light for more than 14 years, was one of the awardees. She said she was happy and grateful to receive the recognition.
When asked about her advice to other workers, she said “Put your heart into everything that you do, love your work, and give the best that you can in order to achieve not just your personal goals, but what the company is achieving as well.” (MOLE-ICD)