01/05/2026
“𝙈𝘼𝘽𝙐𝙃𝘼𝙔 𝘼𝙉𝙂 𝘽𝘼𝙒𝘼𝙏 𝙈𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙂𝘼𝙂𝘼𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙂 𝙋𝙄𝙇𝙄𝙋𝙄𝙉𝙊!” 🇵🇭✊
May 1 commemorates Labor Day in the Philippines, or “Araw ng mga Manggagawa.” It is on this day that the concerns of the workers are made known, such as harsh working conditions, inequality, and unfair wages.
The celebration of Labor Day in the Philippines began on this same date in 1903, when the Unión Obrera Democrática de Filipinas marched from Plaza Moriones in Tondo to Malacañang, demanding better working conditions and fair wages from the government, which was then under American rule.
A decade later, Herminigildo Cruz founded the Congreso Obrero de Filipinas, which advocated for fair working conditions and wages, equal labor rights for women, and the abolition of child labor.
More than a century later, Filipino workers continue to face the same challenges. As vital contributors to the nation’s progress, supporting their advocacy means supporting the overall development of the country.
The Bedan International Studies Association stands in solidarity with the Filipino workers everywhere in the world. They deserve more than just applause; they need their voices to be heard.
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✍️: Marjorie Aloot
🖼: Janikka Vasquez
