MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday called for tangible actions to improve workers’ conditions as the country marked Labor Day, recognizing Filipino laborers as key drivers of national development.

In a message released by Malacañang, Marcos emphasized that work is not just a personal pursuit but a “noble contribution to the history of the nation.” He said Filipino workers make daily sacrifices not only for themselves and their families but for the greater good of society.

“Today, on Labor Day, we honor the hardship and sacrifice of our workers and their crucial role in shaping our society,” Marcos said in Filipino.

He also noted the importance of using the annual celebration as an opportunity to craft concrete policies that address the real needs of families — such as job security, workplace safety, and access to better opportunities.

“Our policies must truly reflect the principle that the real wealth of the country lies in its people, not in income,” the president said.

Marcos assured workers that his administration is not a passive observer of national progress but an active partner in building a more just and equitable Philippines. He vowed that government initiatives would continue to support workers’ growth and prosperity.

“We are firmly committed to standing by you, not out of obligation, but out of deep gratitude and recognition of your true value and sacrifice,” he said.

The president’s message comes amid persistent calls from labor groups for wage increases, regularization of contractual workers, and stronger protections for labor rights across the country.

Labor Day is a regular holiday in the Philippines, observed every May 1 to celebrate the contributions of the working class.