MBC Statement on Labor Day
Building a Future-Ready Workforce Amid Crisis and Change

01 May 2026 – On this Labor Day, the Makati Business Club recognizes the enduring contribution of Filipino workers as the foundation of our economy, especially in this time of global uncertainty. The ongoing oil crisis continues to exert pressure on the daily essential commodities: energy prices, transportation costs, and overall inflation, disproportionately affecting both businesses and households. For employers, this means tighter margins and harder choices on pricing, investment, and jobs. For workers, it means higher living costs that reduce real wages. This makes close cooperation between government, business, and labor essential to ensure targeted support, fair fuel pricing, and stronger energy security that protect both the economy and workers.

At the same time, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence presents a parallel transformation that is reshaping industries and redefining the nature of work. As highlighted in the Makati Business Club–Konrad Adenauer Stiftung AI policy brief, a significant share of jobs in the Philippines face varying levels of exposure to AI, underscoring that many roles will be augmented rather than replaced, provided workers are equipped with the right digital and cognitive skills.

As we mark Labor Day, we call for a balanced and forward-looking approach that addresses immediate economic pressures from the oil crisis while preparing the workforce for long-term structural shifts driven by technology. This includes targeted support for workers most affected by rising fuel and food costs, low income laborers but especially farmers, fisherfolk, transport workers who bring food to our tables and keep people and goods moving daily. At the same time, as AI reshapes industries, the focus must be on reskilling and upskilling workers so technology augments rather than replaces livelihoods. By investing in human capital, strengthening public-private partnerships, and ensuring inclusive access to emerging technologies, we can build a more resilient, competitive, and future-ready Philippine economy.

Beyond addressing economic and technological shifts, the Makati Business Club emphasizes that a resilient workforce requires a foundation of good governance. We call on our leaders to renew their commitment to transparency and institutional integrity as a form of service to the people. By fostering a climate of trust and the rule of law, we position the Philippines not just as a source of talent, but as a preferred global destination for high-value investment. It is through this synergy of human capital and ethical leadership that we can truly secure a prosperous and inclusive future for every Filipino worker.