CEBU, Philippines - Around 6,000 members of Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) yesterday marched from Fuente Rotunda to Mariner's Court grounds in Pier 1 to celebrate Labor Day.
Lawyer Jonas Asis, regional vice president of ALU-Central Visayas, said this year's celebration was attended by more members than the previous years. He said it has been the practice of ALU-TUCP to celebrate Labor Day instead of holding protest rallies, like most labor groups do.
"Adlaw man karon sa mga mamuo maong angay ta'ng magselebrar," he said.
It was observed during the parade that political banners like campaign posters of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan candidates were visible among its members.
Asis clarified that there was an informal invitation to BOPK candidates headed by former mayoral Tomas Osmeña to join them in the parade but none of the candidates showed up.
He said some of the members of the labor group wanted to have the BOPK candidates in the parade.
"It was only an informal invitation from our members and mo-respect ra pud mi ana. But, not the whole partylist ang mo-endorse," Asis said, stressing that not all members of the group are residents of the city.
"Clarify lang namo, some of the members kay BOPK gyud but there are also some nga Team Rama. Sa among group, amo ra silang gihatagan og freedom to choose," he added.
ALU-TUCP Education head and spokesperson Art Barrit said the members are free to support the candidates they like. He, however, said about 500 members of the Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation have expressed their support to BOPK.
Meanwhile, TUCP deplored the absence of decency, justice, equity, and fairness in the society.
"Despite the continuing growth of the economy, the wages and the salaries of Filipino workers remain low and inadequate," Asis said.
Asis said the group will continue to push for any efforts to end contractualization in the country.
Asis said the Labor Day celebration was timely because it came ahead of the May 9 elections.
The Cebu City government, on the other hand, has announced that at least 12,000 people have been served during the "SugBonanza" at the Plaza Independencia.
The city government provided free services to its constituents in celebration of Labor Day.
City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said the holding of the event was successful after they have brought different services and consultations. Among the services during the activity include processing of tax declaration, legal consultation, feeding, health consultation, among others.
The city government also distributed the honoraria to barangay workers, burial assistance, and medical financial services. — (FREEMAN)