Ms. Ronadale Zapata
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Far from being an adversary

VP CONSIDERS LABOR AS A MAJOR PARTNER IN COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT
16 December 2005

Like the other basic sectors in society, the labor sector plays a significant role in the development of a democratic society such as ours, particularly in looking after the welfare of our workers.

VP NOLI KEYNOTES TUCP ANNIVERSARY. Vice President Noli ‘Kabayan’ De Castro receives a plaque of appreciation from Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) President Democrito T. Mendoza after he keynoted the TUCP 30th anniversary held at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City. Also present is former Senator Ernesto F. Herrera, TUCP General Secretary. (OVP photo by Egay Montaña 12/16/05)

This is the firm belief of Vice President Noli ‘Kabayan’ De Castro in his speech congratulating the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) led by President Democrito Mendoza on the occasion of the labor group’s 30 ^th anniversary at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City recently.

Bilang pangunahing tagapagbantay sa kapakanan ng inyong mga miyembro, ang TUCP, gaya ng iba pang samahan ng manggagawa ay matibay na haligi ng ating demokrasya sa gitna ng mga nagtutunggaling interes sa ating lipunan.

And as a major partner in the democratic system, Vice President De Castro maintains labor should not be perceived as an antagonist in achieving economic stability, that progress and development.

To emphasize his point, the Vice President reminded that there is an urgent need to catch up with our neighboring countries that have long been aggressive in attaining progress.

That is why, Vice President De Castro continued, despite differences on how to handle issues of national concern, various sectors in society, including the labor sector, should unite as a nation if we wish to surpass and not just be at par with the rapidly growing economies in the region.

Sayang naman kung dahil sa ating pagkakahati-hati ay hindi natin makamit ang kaunlarang gaya nang sa ating mga kapit-bansa na matagal na rin nating inaasam. Sa galing at talino nating mga Pilipino, malayung-malayo ang ating mararating.

The Vice President also encouraged his audience to always put forward their inputs on different national issues in order to have their voices heard and help shape national policies for they represent an important sector in society.

Ref. VPMEDIA 05-197