President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday to conduct monthly job fairs to provide more Filipinos with greater employment opportunities.

“Mahigpit kong naging tagubilin sa Kalihim ng Paggawa na siguruhin na buwan-buwan ay magdaraos tayo ng job fair upang mas marami pang mabigyan ng trabaho,” President Marcos said in a speech during the 123rd Labor Day celebrations in Pasay City.

“Mula Hulyo 2022 hanggang Pebrero ngayong taon, mahigit 4,000 job fairs ang naisagawa. Isang milyong Pilipino ang nakilahok at halos 170,000 ang hired-on-the-spot doon sa mga job fairs,” he added.

In line with the Labor Day celebrations, President Marcos announced that the government, in partnership with the private sector, has been holding job fairs in 69 locations nationwide since April 23.

The President said the government has been actively attracting foreign and local investors to the country to further boost job creation.

From 2022 to 2024, the Philippines recorded around US$27 billion in investments, while Investment Promotion Agencies reported over Php4.35 trillion in total investments during the same period. These efforts have led to the creation of over 350,000 jobs nationwide.

Citing these developments, President Marcos highlighted the country’s strong economic performance, noting that the Philippines has achieved its lowest unemployment rate in two decades at 4.3 percent.

“Patuloy ang pagbuti ng kalagayan ng ating labor market. Nitong Pebrero bumaba pa sa 3.8 percent ang unemployment rate natin,” the President said.

President Marcos also recognized the contributions of Filipino workers, describing them as the “foundations and pillars” of Philippine society and other countries. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday that the country’s vibrant economic performance has lowered the unemployment rate to 4.3 percent in 2024, the lowest level recorded in the past 20 years.

In his speech delivered at a Pasay City convention center where he marked the Philippines’ 123rd Labor Day celebration, President Marcos said, “Dulot ng masiglang ekonomiya, noong nakaraang taon, naabot natin ang pinakamababang unemployment rate sa loob ng 20 taon – 4.3 percent. Pinakamababa sa 20 taon.”

“Patuloy ang pagbuti ng kalagayan ng ating labor market. Nitong Pebrero bumaba pa sa 3.8 percent ang unemployment rate natin.”

President Marcos said the drop in the country’s unemployment rate was driven by the government’s aggressive efforts to attract more investors to the Philippines.

From 2022 to 2024, the Philippines recorded around US$27 billion in investments, while Investment Promotion Agencies reported over PhP4.35 trillion in total investments during the same period, the President said.

These efforts will create over 350,000 jobs nationwide, the President added.

He also emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities through nationwide job fairs. In line with the Labor Day celebration, the government and private sector have held job fairs in 69 locations nationwide since April 23, with activities running until May 2.

“Mahigpit kong naging tagubilin sa Kalihim ng Paggawa na siguruhin na buwan-buwan ay magdaraos tayo ng job fair upang mas marami pang mabigyan ng trabaho,” the Chief Executive noted.

President Marcos said that from July 2022 to February 2025, the government conducted more than 4,000 job fairs, with the participation of one million job seekers. Almost 170,000 were hired on the spot in these job fairs.

President Marcos also honored Filipino workers during the celebration, calling them the “foundations and pillars” of the societies where they live and work. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday marked the country’s 123rd Labor Day celebration with a firm commitment to uplift the lives of Filipino workers, including efforts to improve public transportation to enhance their overall quality of life.

In his speech, President Marcos unveiled a series of expanded social welfare initiatives and bold transport upgrades to ease the daily burdens of ordinary Filipinos and ensure dignified livelihoods for them.

“Tungkulin ng pamahalaan na pagaanin ang iniinda ng ating mga manggagawa,” President Marcos said in his speech, where he detailed wide-ranging programs focused on reducing commuting time, supporting struggling families, and stricter labor protections.

Acknowledging the daily struggles of millions of workers, President Marcos highlighted the crucial role of efficient transportation in enhancing their quality of life.

“Araw-araw, milyon-milyon sa ating mga kababayan ay kailangang gumising nang maaga upang bumiyahe patungo sa kanilang trabaho. Hangad namin na mas marami kayong oras sa pamilya, hindi naman nasasayang na nakapila lamang,” the President said.

The President enumerated several transport reforms, including extended operating hours for Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) on weekdays, improved air-conditioning systems and facilities across train lines.

More Light Rail Transit-2 (LRT-2) trains, increasing sets from six to 10, upgraded elevators and escalators in all rail stations, and free rides on MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 from April 30 to May 3 were also enumerated.

The President said long-term investments are also underway with projects such as MRT-7, the North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway, and the EDSA Busway Improvement Project, aiming to speed up daily commutes.

“Ito po ang ating gagawing solusyon para ang ating mga manggagawa ay masamahan naman ang kanilang mga pamilya,” the President said.

President Marcos also highlighted progress in broadening social protection by providing programs like Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

The President reported that under the TUPAD program, 11 million Filipinos have received emergency employment. Additionally, over 21 million beneficiaries were assisted through the AICS program, while nearly 740,000 individuals benefited from the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The Chief Executive also announced key food security measures: a maximum suggested retail price of P45 per kilo for imported rice; a rollout to lower rice prices to PhP20 per kilo; and the establishment of 119 permanent KADIWA Centers nationwide and the integration of KADIWA Stores in National Housing Authority (NHA) developments.

These programs aim to make essential goods more accessible to working families.

On protecting labor rights, President Marcos said the government conducted over 90,000 labor inspections from July 2022 to March 2025 to ensure safe workplaces, fair wages, and proper treatment of workers.

President Marcos affirmed a clear message of solidarity and action through these transport modernization, food affordability, and strong social safety programs.

“Batid namin ang pagsubok na inyong kinakaharap, ginagawa po natin ang lahat para maibsan ang inyong pasanin,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the Labor Day celebration on Thursday, during which over 14,700 jobs were offered to job seekers in Pasay City. This was part of a larger nationwide effort to provide thousands of employment opportunities to Filipinos.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said over 255,000 job vacancies were made available in simultaneous job fairs held nationwide. The program highlighted the administration’s ongoing push to connect Filipinos directly with employers.

Since President Marcos took office in 2022, over 350,000 jobs have been created through various government programs and public-private partnerships, underscoring the administration’s commitment to boosting the country’s labor market and supporting Filipino workers.

In his speech at the job fair to mark the 123rd Labor Day celebrations, President Marcos described Filipino workers, both local and overseas, as the “foundations and pillars” of the societies where they live and labor.

“Bilang selebrasyon ng Araw ng Manggagawa, mula ika-dalawampu’t tatlo ng Abril hanggangikalawa ng Mayo, magsasagawa tayo ng job fairs sa 69 nalugar sa buong bansa,” President Marcos said.

“Binabati ko po ang mga nakilahok at makikilahok sa jobfairs lalo na iyong mga nasa Regions 3, 4A, 6, 7, 10, 11, at sa lahat pa po namga kasama natin ngayon,” he added.

Before the formal program of the Labor Day celebration began, various sectors and stakeholders presented to the President, in a walk-through, a range of job and training opportunities for Filipino workers, including jobs in manufacturing and hydroponics for urban gardening, an initiative aimed at promoting food sustainability.

The President was joined by government officials, led by Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, and other key business executives.

According to official data, the job fair assembled 103 local employers and companies offering about 14,207 job opportunities.

Further affirming the DOLE’s steadfast commitment to provide workers social protection and support for a brighter and more sustainable future, distribution of livelihood assistance to organized labor unions, parents of child laborers, human rights victims, and payout to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) beneficiaries were at the forefront of the Labor Day celebrations.

The UPAD program is a community-based initiative that gives short-term emergency employment to disadvantaged workers.

The event also included giving out the award for Outstanding Workers of the Republic (TOWER) to exceptional blue- and white-collar employees whose work has significantly improved their company’s performance and efficiency.

According to the DOLE, the TOWER Awards recognize non-supervisory workers for their innovations and contributions to productivity. Established in 1975 by the Rotary Club of Manila, the program aims to boost workers’ morale, support career growth, and promote industrial harmony. | PND

In a special gesture to Filipino professionals renewing their licenses, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Council to review the CPD law and program to help ease the burden on practitioners.

President Marcos said his directive to review the CPD Act of 2016 (RA No. 10912) is among the many ways he expresses his gratitude to Filipino professionals and workers. He made the call during the 123rd Labor Day celebrations held at a Pasay City convention center.

“Mahirap na nga ang mag-hanapbuhay, pahihirapan pa ba natin ang naghahanap-buhay?” President Marcos remarked in his Labor Day speech.

CPD is a requirement for all licensed and registered professionals before they can renew their Professional Identification Cards issued by the PRC. The law aims to continuously improve the competence of Filipino professionals through training, seminars, and workshops to renew their licenses.

Addressing directly Filipinos who are PRC license holders, the President said, “Para naman po sa ating mga propesyunal, sang-ayon ako na kailangan ninyong mag-dagdag ng kaalaman upang makasabay sa pangangailangan ng industriya. Hindi lang sa Pilipinas, kundi pati sa buong mundo.”

“Ngunit, hindi po kaila sa akin ang hirap na inyong pinagdaraanan upang makapag-renew ng inyong mga ID. Marami sa inyo ang dumaraing sa hirap at gastos sa pag-kuha ng training na kailangan para sa inyong license renewal,” the President said.

Recognizing the importance of continuing education for professionals, the President, however, said the law, its guidelines, and implementation need to be revisited to balance professional development with accessibility and fairness.

“Kaya ang panawagan ko sa PRC at sa Continuing Professional Development Council, bisitahin natin ang ating mga panuntunan. Tingnan natin kung nararapat ang ating mga training na ginagawa,” President Marcos said.

The CPD law and its implementation have been criticized as costly and inaccessible, particularly to those working in remote areas or low-paying jobs.

The President acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the need for reforms prioritizing genuine growth and competency rather than compliance for compliance’s sake.

“Kung kinakailangan, bisitahin natin ang Republic Act No. 10912 o ‘yung Continuing Professional Development Act upang maitiyak naman natin na ito ay hindi lamang para sa pagbuo ng mga oras ng training para sa renewal ng mga lisensya, bagkus ay para bigyan ng patas na pagkakataon ang ating mga propesyunal na umunlad sa kanilang mga napiling larangan,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the growth and prosperity of Filipino laborers — not only as a duty, but as a gesture of respect and gratitude.

In his Labor Day message, President Marcos underscored that the nation’s progress lies in the hands of every Filipino worker, and extended his wishes for a meaningful and peaceful observance of the occasion.

“Inyong matitiyak na ang pamahalaan ay hindi lamang tagapagmasid sa pag-unlad, kung hindi aktibong katuwang ng sambayanan sa paglikha ng Bagong Pilipinas kung saan ang lipunan ay patas at makatarungan,” the President said.

“Alam namin na sa inyo nakasalalay ang kaunlaran ng bansa kung kaya’t patuloy ang mga proyektong magsusulong sa inyong paglago at kasaganahan. Taimtim ang aming paninindigang kayo ay hindi pababayaan, bagkus ay higit pang itataguyod — hindi bilang tungkulin lamang, kung hindi bilang pasasalamat at pagkilala sa inyong tunay na halaga at sakripisyo,” he added.

President Marcos also underscored that “work” is not merely a means of personal advancement, but a vital contribution to the nation’s history — as every worker strives not only for their family’s welfare but also for the greater good.

The President paid tribute to Filipino workers for their dedication, hard work, sacrifices, and vital contributions to nation-building.

The Chief Executive stressed that the observance of Labor Day should inspire concrete actions to address the needs of families, ensure workplace safety, and protect the right to a better future.

“Nararapat lamang na ang pagdiriwang na ito ay gawin nating pagkakataon upang bumuo ng mga kongkretong hakbang upang matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng bawat pamilya, matiyak ang kaligtasan sa lugar ng trabaho, at mapangalagaan ang karapatang makamit ang magandang kinabukasan,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos added that policies must reflect the belief that a nation’s true wealth lies not in profit, but in the dignity of its people. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday witnessed the signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and New Zealand, a legal framework enabling the countries’ militaries to conduct joint activities and exercises.

During the ceremony held at Malacañan Palace, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins formally signed the agreement, underscoring the shared commitment to regional peace and security.

The SOVFA establishes a legal framework enabling the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to conduct joint activities and exercises, enhancing interoperability and further deepening bilateral defense and military cooperation.

The SOVFA also reflects the shared commitment made by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the latter’s official visit to Manila in 2024.

Before the SOVFA signing on Wednesday morning, President Marcos received Minister Collins and her delegation in a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace.

President Marcos said the partnerships formed and the agreements made bilaterally and multilaterally have been “extremely important” in strengthening regional security.

“It is well recognized that these partnerships will become very important in the face of all that is happening, not only in our region,” President Marcos told Minister Collins and her delegation.

For her part, Minister Collins conveyed her appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with President Marcos.

The New Zealand Minister and her delegation arrived in Manila on April 29 and is scheduled to hold discussions with her Philippine counterpart and other key defense officials before her departure on May 1. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the further expansion of the administration’s flagship “Walang Gutom Program,” which aims to provide food assistance to 750,000 food-insecure families from 2025 to 2028.

The expanded initiative, known as the “Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers (REFUEL) Project,” underscores the government’s strong commitment to achieving a hunger-free Philippines.

“Sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., inaprobahan ng NEDA Board, bago ito naging Economic and Development Council, ang Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers o ang REFUEL project,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Malacañang briefing on Wednesday.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is the lead implementing agency of the REFUEL.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said REFUEL is key in strengthening the country’s resilience to economic and environmental shocks.

“Ayon kay Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, layunin ng proyekto na palakasin ang social protection system ng bansa laban sa epekto ng krisis, sakuna, at pagbabago ng klima,” Castro said.

“Ang REFUEL ay itinataguyod ng pamahalaan sa tulong ng mga international partners tulad ng Asian Development Bank,” she added. | PND

Authorities are still investigating the April 29 arrest of a Chinese national found with a suspected spy device near the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office in Intramuros, Manila, citing it as a matter of national security.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring the progress of the investigation, said Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a press briefing.

“That (arrest of the alleged Chinese spy) is an issue of national security. So, we will just leave it at that, and we’ll just have a thorough investigation,” Castro said when asked if the President had issued specific directives regarding the case.

Castro said the President has been informed of the arrest, which the administration considers “quite alarming.”

The Palace Press Officer said the President is awaiting the results of the final investigation into the alleged espionage incident.

When asked whether Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian would be summoned to clarify the matter, Castro said the Palace would defer the issue to the Department of National Defense (DND).

“Ibabato na lang po natin ang katanungan sa ating (DND) Secretary Gibo (Gilberto Teodoro) patungkol po diyan,” she said. | PND