Message from DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma

On behalf of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), I extend my warmest congratulations to the five women and eight men who, after a rigorous nationwide search, have chosen to be honored with the 2024 Outstanding Workers of the Republic (TOWER) Awards. Let me also congratulate the five employers of the awardees for creating a nurturing environment in which they were able to develop their talents and to become the exemplary workers for which they are being honored today.

The DOLE also takes this opportunity to thank and commend the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM), which is the moving spirit behind the Awards, and the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), which has been providing the necessary technical support to sustain it over the years. The DOLE is happy to have worked with these organizations and is committed to continue with them to ensure that every year, truly outstanding workers of the Republic are accorded the recognition for which they worked very hard to earn and which they richly deserve.

Since its inception in 1975, the TOWER Awards has become the benchmark of awards celebrating the indispensable contributions of the rank-and-file or blue and white-collar workers in the production of quality goods and services. Especially given the fast-changing transformation in the world of work, this group of workers—whether in their individual capacities or in teams – are often the first to encounter problems, to look for practical solutions, to inspire innovative responses, and to continuously improve enterprise efficiency, productivity, and performance. As in past years, the TOWER Awards board of judges has again placed a premium on these characteristics and qualities in the screening and selection of the awardees.

To our awardees and their employers, our accomplishments are a testament to the vital partnership that enlightened workers and employers play in promoting not only sound, harmonious, and productive labor-management relations, but also in contributing to sustainable economic and social progress. May you continue to serve as dedicated lights for all workers and employees to continue striving for excellence, for yourselves, for your families, and above all for the Republic.

Again, congratulations to the TOWER Awards winners of 2024! Together, we build towers of progress and pursue excellence. Mabuhay ang mga manggagawa ng Pilipinas!