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Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.
AT A GLANCE:
The month of June is declared as the “Rural Workers Month” in the Philippines pursuant to Proclamation No. 2418, series of 1985.
Rural workers constitute the majority of the national population of the Philippines. For rural workers, their assimilation and mobilization in the mainstream of economic and social development is imperative for the achievement of a stable and participatory democracy. (Proclamation No. 2418, series of 1985)
Over the years, the Philippines, in recognition of the rural workers and their significant role in national development has undertaken various initiatives to provide assistance to rural workers.
In recognition of the role or rural workers, Proclamation No. 2418, series of 1985 provides:
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me under the Constitution, do hereby declare that the month of June for this year, and every year thereafter, as a “RURAL WORKERS MONTH”, in recognition of the rural workers of the country.”
Additionally, June 9-15 is declared as “Agrarian Reform Week” pursuant to Proclamation No. 180, series of 1993.
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XIII, Section 3 thereof, it declares as a policy that “State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare” (Section 18, Article II, 1987 Constitution)
Moreover, the Constitution guarantees the rights of all workers to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the right to strike in accordance with law. They shall be entitled to security of tenure, humane conditions of work, and a living wage. They shall also participate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and benefits as may be provided by law. (Section 3, Article XIII, 1987 Constitution)
Rural workers are entitled to the right to self-organization, or the right to form labor organizations. The Labor Code, as amended, provides that:
“Art. 244. Coverage and employees’ right to self-organization. All persons employed in commercial, industrial and agricultural enterprises and in religious, charitable, medical or educational institutions whether operating for profit or not, shall have the right to self-organization and to form, join or assist labor organizations of their own choosing for purposes of collective bargaining. Ambulant, intermittent and itinerant workers, self-employed people, rural workers and those without any definite employers may form labor organizations for the purpose of enhancing and defending their interests and for their mutual aid and protection.”
Related Article:
Minimum Wage for the Agricultural Sector in the National Capital Region
Rural Broadcast Week (Proclamation No. 381, s. 1968)
Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices specializes in business law and labor law consulting. For inquiries regarding taxation and taxpayer’s remedies, you may reach us at info@alburolaw.com, or dial us at (02)7745-4391/0917-5772207.
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