Filipino workers' experiences take spotlight in VVC's Labor Day event

BY ERICKA CANTONG & ANIZA MAE LANIOSA

VIVA Voice COC (VVC) commemorated Labor Day with the theme “iBOSES 2023: Workers, Wakers! Kayod para sa Pagbabago” to inform PUPians about the various issues and rights of workers on May 2, 2023, via Facebook Live.

In an interview with VVC, various Filipino workers shared their challenges and how they managed to continue amid their struggles.

“Kapag may problema sa tubig, kami ang gumagawa at kung ano-ano pang paglilinis. Muntik na nga akong mamatay dahil sa leptospirosis,” said Warlito S. Salamat, a maintenance worker.

“Ang trabaho mahirap, minsan madali din. Kaya ito po, tiyaga lang para mabuhay,” he added.

Jennifer Tena found fulfillment in being a ground staffer by staying optimistic, disregarding criticism from passengers who viewed her work as less important.

Beauty consultant Maricar Tejano stated that her major challenge is dealing with sensitive consumers.

“Minsan ayaw ipagalaw ‘yung mga mukha nila tapos ‘yung mga make-up namin parang [ang gusto nila] hindi pa dapat nagagamit… sobrang sensitive talaga nila.”

Fruit vendor Carlito David Jr. advised other workers facing financial constraints to get up early, work hard, and develop sales skills, emphasizing that “with laziness, nothing will happen.”

Teacher Hannah Gin Tarrazona shared her struggle in managing various student behaviors.

“There are students to whom you need to give more effort so that they will learn a lot from your lessons and will have a lot to learn from you as their teacher,” she added.

VVC President John Lester Teña urged everyone in his closing remarks to support Filipino workers and other sectors striving for goodness and equality in the country.

“Mataas na sahod, bababa ang presyo. Bansang may trabaho para sa bawat Pilipino at patas na entablado sa pagitan ng kompanya at tao.”