• Sisters and brothers from trade, workers’ organizations, and the labour movement;
• Deputy Speaker Mendoza;
• DOLE Undersecretary Bitonio and government partners;
• ECOP Director-General Moya and employers’ representatives;
• UN Resident Coordinator González and UN colleagues;
• Distinguished members of the diplomatic corps development partners, and international organizations;
• Ladies and gentlemen, magandang umaga (good morning)!

First, let me congratulate trade unions and workers organizations on the launch of their Labour Agenda.

The Labour Agenda is more than a document. It is the unified position and collective voice of millions of Filipino workers that trade unions and workers organizations represent.

Most of these workers are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with multiple crises like rising inflation, and striving to provide for their families just to get through another day.

We face the challenge of creating a human-centred recovery, fighting social injustice, and leaving no one behind. The Labour Agenda is a significant step towards a better future of work.

Trade unions and workers organizations in the Philippines have long aspired for a common position on important issues.

Despite coming from diverse affiliations, sectors, and areas, they agreed to unite and improve the plight of Filipino workers through the Labour Agenda.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) saw how trade unions and workers organizations collaborated. We provided technical assistance as part of the Regular Budget Supplementary Account (RBSA).

We are deeply grateful to the governments of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden for making this possible. We also thank the European Union, the Government of Japan and the U.S. Department of Labor for its support on decent work and labour rights.

The Labour Agenda contributes to the Decent Work Country Programme of the Philippines, and the ILO’s Global Call to Action for a human-centred recovery.

However, it also offers an opportunity for trade unions and workers organizations to engage with policymakers, and development partners.

It can help shape development plans and policy frameworks in the Philippines and the UN because it represents and responds to the needs of millions of Filipino workers and their families.

In many countries where trade unions speak and act as one, it has not only enhanced their representation, but also had a larger impact on making strategic decisions and putting people at the centre of sustainable development.

We are very appreciative that the government, employers, UN agencies, development partners, and strategic actors are here with us today.

Trade unions and workers organizations are now bringing their issues, priorities and concerns to the table. We have the chance to listen, act, and collaborate.

Let us seize the opportunity to improve the lives of millions of Filipino workers and their families, promote decent work and labour rights, build a better future of work, and leave no one behind.

Maraming salamat (Thank you very much)!