01/05/2025
#๐๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ | ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฒ
๐๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐จ๐ช๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ค๐๐จ
The backbone of the country and the hands that keep the economy afloat โ they keep the nation alive, yet are they compensated enough for their service? The tender care of nurses, the guidance of teachers, the perseverance of farmers, and the speedy delivery of riders undoubtedly keep the country running, but the remuneration they receive hardly matches the sweat they give.
Today on Labor Day, as we recognize the work of Filipino laborers, let us also keep an open eye to the unfair conditions they endure.
Celebrated every 1st of May, Labor Day or Araw ng Paggawa is dedicated to honoring the contributions of Filipino workers to the country. Every occupation plays a vital role in ensuring the nationโs economy keeps progressing. It is a day to give a heartfelt clap and salute to all the workers of the Philippines.
The first labor day happened on May 1,1903 during the time of American colonization. It was organized by the Union Obrera Democratica de Filipinas, the nationโs first labor federation. In order to demand full independence and promote the rights of the working class, thousands of workers marched from Plaza Moriones in Tondo to Malacaรฑang, singing chants against American capitalism and imperialism. Figures such as Isabelo delos Reyes and Herminigildo Cruz established the union. However, delos Reyes was detained and charged with sedition, rebellion, and โconspiracy to raise the price of laborโ in August 1902. Fortunately, Dominador Gomez continued their advocacy and took the initiative in organizing the inaugural Labor Day celebration.
This shows that Labor Day originated from the struggles of the working class. Even from its beginnings, the services that workers provided weren't given much appreciation. Until now, they still face issues such as poor working conditions, low pay, lack of employee benefits, exploitation, unstable employment, endo contractualization, and more.
One clear example of this continued struggle can be seen among Filipino nurses. Nurses make up a huge portion of the healthcare workforce. Hospitals are busy and demanding, often leaving no time for rest, with duties at an all-time high. Longer 12-hour shifts are common in many local hospitals, far exceeding the standard 8-hour workday. This leads to fatigue and burnout. Despite the crucial role they play in the healthcare system, many nurses remain underpaid and undervalued, with compensation that fails to match the intensity and importance of their work.
Similar to nurses, teachers in the Philippines also suffer from low compensation. In todayโs economy, many find that their income barely covers daily expenses. Oftentimes, they even shoulder the cost of educational materials such as handouts, classroom decorations, chalk, or markers. Their responsibilities donโt end in school either. Tasks like making lesson plans, checking test papers, and preparing visual aids are done at home, leaving them with little to no time for themselves. And yet, despite the countless hours they devote to educating the youth, many continue to be underpaid and underappreciated.
Moving on to a different industry โ the delivery riders. In todayโs digital age where we shop online and order food through apps, delivery riders are the ones who make it all possible. They bridge the gap between the products we want and our doorsteps. However, their vital role in the e-commerce and logistics industries is often overlooked. They face daily challenges โ extreme heat, unresponsive customers, and even scammers who cancel orders. Most riders are paid per delivery, meaning their income is unstable and depends on how many orders come in. Some days may bring in too little to meet their needs. On top of that, they also shoulder job-related costs like fuel, mobile data, thermal bags, and uniforms. Companies refer to their riders as "partners" โ a sugar coated term that allows them to avoid classifying them as employees. While they provide the same services, riders are denied the benefits given to regular employees such as stable wages, healthcare, and job security.
Lastly, in a country that loves extra rice, kakanin like p**o and kutsinta, fresh mangoes, and refreshing buko juice, it is deeply ironic that our farmers โ the very people who make these possible โ remain among the most underpaid. Through their hands, Filipinos are fed, and yet they are often the ones with little food on the table. Their financial struggles, driven by low income, leave many farmers in poverty. They also face postharvest problems, where they are forced to sell produce quickly and cheaply to avoid spoilage. Add to this the rising threat of climate change, which brings floods, droughts, and unpredictable weather, worsening crop loss and financial instability.
As we recognize hard work this Labor Day, may we also remember that behind the countryโs economic progress are the workers who made it possible. From nurses who care for the sick, to teachers who shape young minds, riders who deliver our needs, and farmers who put food on our table โ these unsung, underpaid heroes deserve more than just applause. They deserve fair wages, proper working conditions, and genuine recognition for their contributions.
After all, in the words of Sophocles: โ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ช๐ฉ ๐ก๐๐๐ค๐ง, ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฅ๐ง๐ค๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐จ.โ
Feature | Alliyah Joi Combs
Graphics | Ellah Pingul
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