The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) spearheads the celebration of Bangsamoro Labor Day on May 1, 2024, with an early morning parade from Governor Guttierez Avenue to the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) building inside the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in Cotabato City. (Hamdan Badrudin/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—In recognition of the tireless efforts behind BARMM’s workforce, all men and women laborers are honored during the Bangsamoro Labor Day opening ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, here.
The commemoration kicked off with the participation of BARMM employees from various ministries, offices, and agencies, alongside representatives from the private and business sectors, in an early morning parade from Governor Guttierez Avenue to the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC).
Carrying the theme “Manggagawang Bangsamoro, Katuwang sa Pag-asenso Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the activity aimed at embracing the spirit of unity and explore diverse ways to honor the Bangsamoro and the Filipino workforce, recognizing them as the backbone of the country.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim underscored that Bangsamoro laborers are integral partners in realizing the goal of an empowered, united, and progressive Bangsamoro, which aligns with the national government’s objective of a Bagong Pilipinas.
“Today, we honor the invaluable contributions of our hardworking men and women who form the backbone of our society, tirelessly building our expanding economy—both in the public and private sectors. We recognize the crucial role laborers play in maintaining our strong economic growth, as their abilities and steadfast dedication to supporting their families have been instrumental in propelling the growth of our economy,” the Chief Minister said.
He added, “Amidst the current challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon, I am calling on everyone—especially those who employ laborers—to prioritize their health and welfare. Do not put our laborers’ lives in peril and extend our assistance and attention if need be.”
“Sa anumang hamon ng buhay, katuwang ng pamahalaang ito ang mga manggagawang Bangsamoro. Marami nang mga pagsubok ang nagdaan na nagpatibay sa ating pagtutulungan. Kaya, mula sa amin, taos puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng kontribusyon ng lahat ng mga manggagawang Bangsamoro,” he further stressed.
Muslimin Sema, minister of the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) emphasized the vital role of the labor force in the nation’s building and mentioned some of the ministry’s policies, programs, and services that could provide direct benefits to the Bangsamoro workforce.
“Ang Bangsamoro government, sa pamamagitan ng Ministry of Labor and Employment, ay patuloy na gumagawa ng mga hakbang upang maiangat ang antas ng kalagayan ng ating mga manggagawa. Una na rito ang pagpapaigting ng mga polisiya at programa na may kinalaman sa proteksyon at kapakanan ng bawat empleyado sa pormal na sektor tulad ng palagiang pagsasagawa ng ‘labor inspection’ na naglalayong masiguro na ang mga nabanggit na karapatan ay hindi napagsasamantalahan o naaabuso,” Minister Sema said.
“Kabilang din sa mga inisyatiba ng ahensya ang paglulunsad ng iba’t ibang ‘labor education’ tulad ng pagbabahagi ng kaalaman patungkol sa ‘general labor standards’ upang mas maintindihan ng bawat manggagawa ang kanilang mga Karapatan,” he added.
Sema recalled that last February, the Bangsamoro Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board issued a new minimum wage order, providing a P20 increase in wages.
Also, part of the MOLE’s programs include the Bangsamoro Rural Employment through Entrepreneurial Development and the Bangsamoro Integrated Livelihood Program for the informal sector, as well as the Reintegration Program: Balik Bangsamoro Hanap Trabaho, aimed at enhancing their capacity to have sustainable livelihoods.
As an expression of gratitude, Sema also expressed, “Para sa ating mga manggagawang Pilipino, binansagang tagasulong ng ekonomiya, marapat lamang kayong tawaging tunay na bayani at makinaryang pangkaunlaran. Mula sa Bangsamoro government, isang matibay na pagsaludo at taus-pusong pasasalamat,”
The celebration featured the ministry’s recognition of a Bangsamoro worker exemplifying exceptional performance, unwavering dedication, and a positive demeanor in fulfilling their duties over the years.
In this year’s Bangsamoro Labor Day, Armalyah Macasasa, a nurse from United Doctors Hospital of Cotabato City, was named by MOLE as the ‘Huwarang Manggagawa’. She received a plaque of recognition and a financial grant worth P15,000.
MOLE also provided valuable work experience and skills development opportunities to a total of five (5) beneficiaries of the Bangsamoro Internship Development Program (BIDP) who received their stipends.
MOLE distributed mobile vending carts with livelihood supplies to twenty (20) the Self-Employment through Acquired Kariton (Set-A-Kart) beneficiaries from Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte (10) and Datu Binasing, Pigcawayan, Special Geographic Area (10).
Set-A-Kart is a project, under the ministry’s Bangsamoro Integrated Livelihood Program (BILP), which offered access to capacity-building in livelihood skills and to empower the region’s vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Moreover, the ministry also offered one-stop services such as a Jobs Fair, Free Legal Counseling, Registration of Workers Associations, Registration of Establishments, Registration of Kasambahay, Wage Clinic, Pampering Services, and more in the vicinity of the BGC.
In the same way, the Office of the Chief Minister, through Project TABANG, extended a helping hand to ten (10) beneficiaries, including ‘Habal-habal’ drivers, barbers, street sweepers, and street vendors each received a sack of rice accompanied by a grocery food pack during the ceremonial distribution.
Likewise, forty (40) beneficiaries identified by MOLE will also receive the same food packs to alleviate the burdens brought about by the ongoing economic downturn. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
