Belmonte stresses need to bring in capital, technology

CEBU, Philippines - House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte has assured during the 14th Supreme National Congress of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines yesterday that the needs and concerns of the workers of the country will not be neglected.

Belmonte commends ALU-TUCP for being a steadfast advocate of the plight of the workers in various industries since 1954 and worked relentlessly to ensure that the rights, interests and welfare of regular and non-regular workers and their families are protected.

 “You are the ones who move our economy forward through sheer hardwork and perseverance. You ensure that the vital goods and services needed by our countrymen are produced. You carve a better future not only for yourselves and your families, but also for your countrymen. Know that we in congress will do our utmost effort to help you meet your aspirations towards growth and prosperity,” Belmonte told the workers gathered for the congress.

 Belmonte however said that despite improvements in the country’s economy, there remain some significant challenges such as poverty which remains high, unemployment and underemployment.

 Former Las Piñas congresswoman Cynthia Villar said that ALU-TUCP has been serving the Filipino workers.

 “Your important role is to continue to push for sound policy changes that will help many of our workers rise out of poverty. Kaila-ngan ang patuloy na pangangalaga sa kapakanan ng ating mga manggagawa na siya mismong nagpapatakbo ng ating ekonomiya,” Villar said. (We need to protect the workers who drive the economy.)

 Citing records from the Department of Labor and Employment, Belmonte said that as of April 2012, about 2.8 million are unemployed while 7.3 million are underemployed. The Social Weather Station, as of the second quarter of this year, reported an estimated 10.9 million unemployed individuals.

 “It is imperative that we continue to consolidate and marshal our efforts toward the creation of more jobs. We need to provide our workers with more choices and opportunities. Jobs are what will give our people greater dignity and the ability to meet their needs on their own,” the House Speaker said.

 Belmonte also emphasized the need for more investment to create more jobs and to bring in capital and technologies that will keep our workers productive while striking the optimal partnership between labor and capital.

 He said that there remains much to be improved in the country’s overall competitiveness and in the efficiency of our labor market. Some requirements to make us competitive, Belmonte cited, are quality education, efficient physical infrastructure, access to technology and financing, industrial peace, academe-industry linkages and a level playing field.

 To provide for a more level playing field, he said, Congress shall move to pass a Competition Law that shall strengthen the legal and institutional framework to combat unfair trade practices, prohibit cartels and monopolies and impose sanctions upon key officials of companies who violate fair competition.

 Belmonte added that creating an environment conducive to growth will not be enough as there is a need to develop the labor sector to enable them to reach their full potential being the “most valuable resource and the ultimate basis for the wealth of nations.”

 “Only a productive workforce can ably innovate and compete in an era increasingly driven by knowledge-intensive development,” he said.

 Belmonte further assured that Congress will, as always, weigh the needs and concern of the labor sector as it is “truly a delicate balancing act” to meet the needs of business and of workers, while at the same time marshalling investments and creating much needed employment.

 TUCP Partylist Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, ALU-TUCP national vice president for Mindanao Affairs, said that they will continue to push for jobs creation and a decent minimum wage.

 Other politicians who graced the event are Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu Representatives Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City South District), Cutie del Mar (Cebu City North District), Luis Gabriel Quisumbing (Sixth District), Pablo Garcia (Second District) and the more than 600 local presidents and top officials of the ALU-TUCP nationwide.

 Meanwhile, ALU-TUCP is in support of the P125-legislated wage hike as earlier proposed by the Kilusang Mayo Uno.

 In their proposed resolution, ALU-TUCP stated that it supports all the proposals for wage increase, either through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards or through legislation for the benefit of all workers and their families.

 During their Congress, an election was made and ALU-TUCP is now headed by Michael Democrito Mendoza as national president. His father, Democrito Mendoza, who used to hold the said position, is now the chairman emeritus.

 Cecilio Seno, who was the national executive vice president, is now the vice chairman while his son Gerard was elected as national executive vice president.  (FREEMAN)