Every morning, before the sun even hints at breaking the horizon, a quiet symphony begins across our archipelago. It’s the clicking of a freelancer’s laptop in a quiet Cebu apartment, the heavy shutters of a sari-sari store being raised in Davao, and the rhythmic sweeping of a factory floor in Laguna. This is the heartbeat of our nation. As we join the global community in celebrating International Labor Day, we pause to honor the hands that build our cities and the minds that power our digital frontiers.

To be a Filipino worker today is to be a master of the “hustle.” But let’s be honest — it is also to be a master of endurance. Whether you are a rank-and-file employee navigating the labyrinth of public transport or a self-employed entrepreneur balancing the books, the weight of the current landscape is undeniable.

We are currently weathering a storm that goes beyond the usual economic cycles. The energy crisis has become a silent thief. For the regular worker, the high electricity rates aren’t just numbers on a bill; they are the difference between an extra kilo of rice or a week’s school allowance.

For our small entrepreneurs and freelancers, “red alerts” on the grid don’t just mean a dark room — they mean lost billable hours, missed deadlines, and spoiled inventory. It is a grueling test of our celebrated resilience.

In this struggle, the role of organized labor remains to be a lighthouse. Groups like the Confederation of Filipino Workers (CFW) have been instrumental in ensuring that the worker’s voice isn’t drowned out by the hum of machinery.

The CFW has long advocated for more than just wage hikes — it has championed social protection, jobs security, and the dignity of the person behind the payroll. Its successes in pushing for better collective bargaining and legal protections serve as a reminder that when we stand together, the “little guy” becomes a formidable force.

However, the government must do more than just applaud our “heroism” from the sidelines. To truly champion workers’ rights, the state must move toward aggressive energy reform to lower the cost of living and doing business. Beyond that, there is a pressing need to bridge the gap in benefits for our growing freelance and gig economy — workers who are often left without a safety net despite being the backbone of our modern services sector.

We must also maintain a respectful dialogue with our employers. A thriving business is the only sustainable source of a thriving workforce. The goal isn’t conflict, but a partnership where the fruits of labor are shared equitably, and the risks of a volatile economy don’t fall solely on the shoulders of the employee.

So, to the father driving a delivery van, the mother coding for a client across the globe, and the young professional starting their first corporate job: we see you. Your labor is the silent prayer that keeps this country whole. May we move toward a future where your hard work is met not just with praise, but with the security and prosperity you so richly deserve.

Maligayang Araw ng Paggawa!