Labor Day Hits Hard in the Philippines
Celebrating the resilience, history, and quiet dignity of Filipino workers every May 1st.
Colon Street in Cebu City - the oldest street in the Philippines was buzzing with energy. Banners waving, voices chanting, and right smack-dab in the middle were two opposing throngs, their shadows stretching long and jagged , like claws.
“ALU-TUCP”, “KMU” ...their banners read. On the other side were the police and other law-enforcement forces.
The air was thick seemingly with the scent of oil, sweat and the possibility of chaos breaking out. It was a holiday, and my teenage meanderings had me stumbling unexpectedly upon this scene.
That fateful day made a lasting imprint on this writer and so that was my first real introduction to Labor Day, or Araw ng Manggagawa, in the Philippines, a day that pulses with the heartbeat of the Filipino worker.
Celebrated every May 1, it’s not just a holiday - it’s a fiery tribute to the sweat, dreams, and unbreakable spirit of millions who keep the nation moving.
GENESIS
Its origins stretch back to the global labor movement of the late 1800s, when workers worldwide demanded fair hours and respect. When the Philippines was then under Spanish rule, the seeds of rebellion were sprouting over the continuing oppression the natives felt.
Later on, under American colonial rule, on May 1, 1903, the Union Obrera Democratica with 100,000 workers - most of them carpenters, printers, farmers - stormed the streets, marching to Malacañang Palace to demand better wages and conditions. It was the first major strike that placed Labor Day on the map, one that would be emulated in decades to come.
Annually, May 1 became a stage for epic parades, fiery speeches, and vibrant gatherings. It was in 1939 when President Manuel L. Quezon, dubbed the champion of the little guy- enacted the “Eight-Hour Labor Law.” It proved to be a game-changer, as it framed Labor Day as a platform to promote harmony between workers and employers.
INDEPENDENCE
After the Philippines gained independence in 1946, Labor Day celebrations grew in scale and significance up until 1972 when Ferdinand Marcos placed the country under martial law. Public protests were banned and Labor Day was transformed into government-sponsored job fairs and scripted oratories. It was during this time that the KMU (Kilusang Mayo Uno) was created and as the name implies, they kept the spirit of May 1 alive.
Thankfully, the restoration of democracy after the People Power Revolution in 1986 revitalized Labor Day as a platform for free expression.
PRESENT
Fast forward to the present and during Labor Day, our streets still come alive with a kaleidoscope of events. But more importantly, the celebration of Labor Day is not anymore an empty promise.
Workers’ rights and benefits have become statutory obligations under the Labor Code of the Philippines. Contemporary issues such as the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are subject of key legislations and even during the recent Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Labor (DOLE) was actively monitoring how the loss of jobs and lesser work hours impacted our workers.
The DOLE also hosts job fairs, skills workshops, and awards for deserving workers and companies join in, throwing parties or handing out bonuses to keep the morale of workers high.
Of course, there are myriad challenges especially today where a country's economy is tethered to the world-stage due to increasing globalization.
But Labor Day in the Philippines will always be celebrated as a powerful symbol in honoring worker's rights and their heritage as we advocate for better days ahead for this country.