The Kabataan Party-list has urged for an increase in workers’ wages as their central demand for the upcoming May 1 Labor Day.
In an interview, Southern Mindanao chairperson Cobbie Jan Canda pointed out that minimum wages in regions like Davao and Zamboanga remain insufficient to cover the daily needs of a family of five. He cited economic data showing that families require more than ₱1,200 per day for food, rent, utilities, and education.
Rising fuel prices and the continuous increase in basic commodities have further worsened the plight of workers and ordinary citizens. Beyond wage hikes, Canda also emphasized the importance of developing national industries to generate more jobs and reduce dependence on imported goods.
