SYMBOLIC CANDLE LIGHTING OF WORKERS

Synchronized
Candle Lighting Theme

Press Release
October 22, 2011
PALEA Board Member Tex Bulambot

October 21 was a day to reckon with for all workers in Metro Cebu and Toledo City for it was the day when the first Symbolic Candle Lighting initiated by workers' aggrupation 'KANAMASU' or Kahugpungan sa Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Sugbo made that successful launching intended to enlighten the workers/laborers of their inherent and constitutional rights to Dignity of Labor as espoused by the Church Doctrine on "Laborem Exercens"!

The activity was also intended to awaken the awareness of business establishments, companies and capitalists alike on Social Responsibility principle adopted by Modern Management wherein the above entities are reminded that the welfare of Society must be taken into consideration in the pursuit of their business activities and operation to the point that profit may be sacrificed or minimized to achieve this objective! And when we talk of Society, the primary factor to come into the picture is not only the ecological and environmental aspect but the people in general, mostly composed of marginal workers and laborers who needed decent jobs to maintain a decent way of living!


How can we achieve this if workers would allow themselves to be exploited and capitalists would take advantage of the workers' weakened positions? Would there be peace and real progress in Society if this Social Injustice prevails and continue to exist and exploit the common man?


May the Candle Lighting start a new phenomenon in our Society where men of probity and integrity will really work out to establish a just and humane society where all freemen really really enjoy the blessing of Democracy! 

God bless us all!!!   

PHOTOS:

Thousands expected to join synchronized candle lighting for PALEA today

Press Release
October 21, 2011
PALEA / KANAMASU

Emboldened by the unanimously passed resolution supporting PALEA by the NAPC (National Anti-Poverty Commission) in its recently concluded Sectoral Assembly, PALEA and its supporters have organized synchronized action in five cities to show support and sympathy to the cause of PALEA.

The synchronized action is expected to be joined by thousands of supporters who will all light candles from 5:30pm to 6pm today as a symbolic gesture to enlighten society on the dark times setting on the welfare of all workers with the imminent threat of contractualization of all regular jobs.

Renante Pelino, an employee from Mactan Export Zone (MEZ) is planning to join today’s candle lighting. “I am fed up of being a contractual worker for 8 years with cheap wages, no benefits and without protection from abuses. I identify myself with PALEA. This (contractualization) must end now for the future not just of my children but of this nation,” Pelino said.

Broad labor coalition KANAMASU or Kahugpungan sa Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Sugbo, the organizer of the said synchronized action have set-up candle lighting center in 5 cities located at the following areas:

• Lapu – Lapu City --Tamiya Mepz II
• Infront of GMC – Pajo
• PALEA Protest Camp, near MCIA Checkpoint
• Mandaue City - Maguikay Fly over
• Hiway Seno – Jollibee
• Cebu City – In front of Sto. Rosario Church P. Del Rosario St.
• Gaisano Metro Colon
• Pier 1 – ALU TUCP
• Talisay City – Tabunok Fly over
• Toledo City – Gaisano

Residents of urban poor communities in 5 cities likewise heeded the call for PALEA’s solidarity by lighting candles in front of their houses. Showcase of this is the whole barangay of San Roque in Cebu City wherein their own Barangay Captain will spearhead the candle lighting.

PALEA Board member Tex Bulambot said that “the outpour of solidarity and sympathy for our fight represents the 99% of the Filipino people. They had spoken loud and clear against contractualization and outsourcing in PAL, PNOY should heed for the 99%, his real boss, instead of the 1% represented by Mr. Lucio Tan.”

For Media coverage on candle lighting center, please contact the following:

Tex Bulambot – 09217500732 – in charge @ PALEA Airport Camp
Arnold ALU TUCP – 09228628397 – in charge @ Pier 1
Emalyn Aliviano KPD – 09232537738 – in charge @ P. Del Rosario
Mike Valle APL – 09166092061 – in charge @ Metro Gaisano Colon
Greg Janginon PM - 09272367095 – in charge @ Maguikay Fly Over
Ronald Sitoy KPD -09334806337
Willy Dondoyano PM – 09238042603 - In Charge @ Hi-way Seno
Eddie Booc PM – 09325441193 - in charge @ Tamiya MEPZ
Roger Igot SCW – 09222373957 - in charge @ GMC Pajo, Lapu-Lapu
Ronald Sitoy KPD -09334806337
Godo SCW – in charge @ Toledo
Lando Abangan PM – 09225516690 - in charge @ Tabunok Talisay