Labor Day Philippines 2024: Amazing History, Fascinating Facts and FAQs

Labor Day Philippines 2024: The Philippines celebrates Labor Day on May 1 to honor its hardworking workers. Filipinos call it “Araw ng mga Manggagawa”. Filipinos relax with family. Labor marches and parades are part of the festivities in Manila and Malacanang, the former residence of the American governor and now the presidential palace. These efforts highlight their complaints about low pay, poor working conditions, and other issues that reduce employee rights.

The History of Labor Day Philippines

Labor Day originated in the Philippines on May 1, 1903. The first labor organization, the “Union Obrera Democratica de Filipina (U.O.D.F.),” organized nearly 100,000 workers to march from Plaza Moriones in Tondo to Malacanang. After protesting, these workers demanded better working conditions and fair pay from the US government. This was among Manila’s first public protests.

In February 1902, “Herminigildo Cruz” and “Isabelo Delos Reyes” created the U.O.D.F.” to defend working class rights during the American occupation. In August 1902, the US-led government arrested Delos Reyes for sedition, rebellion, and “conspiracy to increase the price of labor.” After his imprisonment, “Dominador Gomez” took over. The U.O.D.F. and 100,000 laborers led the march under Dominador Gomez, who was jailed for the same reason as Delos Reyes. Five years later, the Philippine Assembly passed a Labor Day bill on April 8, 1908. It was a national holiday.

Herminigildo Cruz, another U.O.D.F. founder, planned the Congreso Obrero de Filipinas on May 1, 1913, to celebrate Labor Day. The party supported eight-hour workdays, child labor bans, equal labor standards for women, and employer liability. Labor Day has been associated with labor marches and protests since 1903. Over 40 labor federations joined NAGKAISA in 2012 to pressure the Philippine government to contractualize labor, enforce market petroleum pricing, and raise the minimum wage.

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Labor Day Philippines: FAQs

Is May 1 in the Philippines double pay?

In the Philippines, labor day laborers are compensated at double their regular wage.

Is it permissible to labor seven days per week in the Philippines?

According to the Philippine labor code, no employee may exceed eight hours of employment per day.

What does R.A. 11058 mean in Philippine law?

The new R.A. 11058 law, which applies to all establishments, initiatives, and locations except the public sector and Philippine economic zones, amends the country’s 41-year-old Labor Code.

Labor Day Philippines: Activities

Gain knowledge of Labor Day’s past.

Observe the occasion by studying the history of Labor Day in the Philippines. Being appreciative of those who fought for the rights of laborers is beneficial.

Invest in local goods

Purchase a product manufactured in the Philippines to commemorate the occasion. It supports the labor force of the Philippines and encourages the manufacturing of more goods produced locally.

Observe a documentary.

In observance of the occasion, view a documentary. A plethora of online documentaries about the origins of child labor and the establishment of Labor Day in the Philippines would serve as an excellent way to observe the occasion.

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Five Points of Interest Regarding the Philippines

More than 175 languages exist.

It is one of the countries with the most living languages, at least 171.

Fifth-most populous English-speaking country

With a minimum English-speaking population of 52 million, the Philippines ranks as the fifth most English-speaking country globally.

The longest subterranean watercourse on earth

The longest underground river in the world is located in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is situated beneath the St. Paul’s Mountain Range on the island of Palawan.

Vulcanoes outnumber cities.

Camiguin, Philippines, is the only island with more volcanoes than cities.

Jeepneys are the most widely used mode of transportation.

Philippine residents converted tens of thousands of Jeeps left by American forces after WWII into public utility vehicles that could carry twenty people.

Labor Day Philippines: Significance

It provides a respite from our work obligations.

Labor Day is a day off for all employees. Guests are welcome to join you in celebrating the day while you unwind. The day can be devoted to viewing the numerous documentaries that are accessible via the internet.

Today guarantees equitable privileges for employees.

On Philippines Labor Day, all employees are guaranteed equal privileges. Irrespective of the industry in which one is employed, today is a day to ensure equitable treatment.

It honors individuals who have advocated for improved working conditions.

Maintaining equitable working conditions has been a protracted dispute throughout the years. Those who have fought for and continue to fight for suitable working conditions are honored on this day.