Arroyo declares April 21 to May 1 ‘ILO Week’

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared April 21 to May 1, 2009 as International Labor Organization (ILO) Week, Malacañang said Friday.

A Palace statement said Mrs. Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1754 last Tuesday, noting that the Philippines has been an active member of the ILO since 1948.

Because of this, she said the Philippine “wishes to enhance its commitment to pursue the ideals and principles of the ILO.”

The Philippines, “through the ILO’s social partners (the Government Employers and Workers’ Organizations), reaffirms its full support and cooperation with the ILO’s mandate of promoting international peace and justice,” she said.

Mrs. Arroyo’s proclamation came as the ILO observes its 90th anniversary this year, while the Universal Declaration of Philadelphia, a vital annex of the ILO Constitution, observes its 65th anniversary.

In Proclamation 1754, President Arroyo called on the secretary of labor to “spearhead and coordinate the activities nationwide to celebrate International Labor Organization Week in close cooperation with the
Employers and Workers’ Organizations.”

She also urged all heads of departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the government, specifically those involved in ILO projects, non-government organizations, and the private sector to actively lead the events and programs to commemorate the ILO week.

All schools nationwide, especially elementary and high school, were enjoined to hold their own ILO awareness activities, particularly during the celebration of the ILO Week.

Mrs. Arroyo also urged the active support of the office of the press secretary, members of the mass media, cultural and civic organizations in the campaign to foster ILO awareness in the country. – GMANews.TV