A Triumph of the Filipino Worker: The 31st TOWER Awards and the 123rd Labor Day Celebration

AMID the golden sunlight of a summer noontide, the grand halls of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City thrummed with purpose, pride, and celebration. On this hallowed occasion — Labor Day, a day consecrated to the dignity of toil and the triumph of the Filipino worker — around a thousand government officials, business leaders, labor advocates, and civic stalwarts gathered for the 123rd Labor Day Celebration.

But at the heart of the celebration was a ceremony steeped in meaning and magnanimity: the 31st TOWER Awards, a tradition proudly upheld by the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).

Beneath the towering lights of SMX Meeting Room 1, banners read “The Outstanding Workers of the Republic,” and a quiet reverence settled upon the attendees as screens played visuals recounting the remarkable journey of the awards program.

Over three decades strong, the TOWER Awards have distinguished themselves by recognizing the exceptional among the often unsung — non-supervisory blue-collar and white-collar employees whose innovations, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to excellence have lifted not only their respective companies but the spirit of an entire nation.

The event was hosted by two spirited figures — Ms. Jemai Duque, President of FDG Innovations, and Rotarian Reggie Yu, Chairman of the RCManila Foundation. Their warm banter and thoughtful commentary added both poise and joy to the celebration, guiding the audience through a program both ceremonious and heartening.

“Happy Labor Day to everyone!” Jemai greeted with infectious energy. “Let’s celebrate the people who make things work, build things up, and quietly lead by example.”

“We are all winners here,” Reggie chimed in, “because just by being here and witnessing these stories of grit and greatness, we are reminded of what is truly possible.”

Despite the limited seating within the venue, the Rotary Club of Manila was able to secure 30 coveted slots for its members — underscoring the high demand and symbolic value placed on being part of this prestigious occasion.

Present at the event were Pres. Jujut and Lia Enriquez, Dir. Mike Albaña, Dir. Henry Go, Dir. Albert Alday, Dir. Nagi Zeitouni, Asst. Treas. Joshua Aragon, DIS Anton Mauricio (RCMFI Trustee), PE Raoul and Mylene Creencia, RCMFI Chairman-elect/PDG Alex and Anna Cureg, PDG Rudy Bediones, RCMFI Chairman Reggie Yu, TOWER Awards Vice Chairman PD Amading Valdez, TOWER Awards Board of Judges Rtn. Romy and Emmie Nones, PP Archit Bartolome, PD Ner Lonzaga, Program Chairman Carloy Serapio, PT Lito Sibayan, Rtn. Al & Mary Ann Katigbak, Rtn. Gani Macatoman, Rtn. Dan Obrado, STAR Rtn. Jun Jun Chan, Rotaract Club of Manila Pres. Summer Bonifacio and Mr. Villamor Mostrales (Executive Vice President of Legal Advocates for Workers' Interest – LAWN), and media representatives of Rtn. Edgard Cabangon.

Honoring Excellence: The Stories Behind the Glory

The program began with recognition not of the awardees just yet — but of those behind the scenes: the assessors and judges whose meticulous and impartial evaluation ensured that only the most deserving emerged.

Tokens of appreciation were presented by DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, RCM President Eduardo V. Enriquez III, PMAP President Lydia Lily G. Quintans, and in lieu of TOWER Awards Chairman Jesus “Susing” Pineda Jr., who was unavailable that day, Dean Amado “Amading” Valdez, the respected Vice-Chair of the TOWER Awards, who graciously stepped in on his behalf.

With heartfelt gratitude, the organizers saluted Efren Alberto Jr., Wilfredo Estoque, Julie M. Miteria, Edgardo Soriano, and Executive Director Rene M. Gener — all seasoned HR professionals who painstakingly conducted screenings, validations, and interviews. The equally esteemed judges — Executive Director Maria Criselda Sy, Ms. Ellen Fullido, and Rotarian Romeo Nones — were also feted for their integrity and insights.

Corporate social responsibility was not forgotten. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and Philippine Airlines were honored for their enduring sponsorships — underscoring that uplifting labor begins with partnerships rooted in empathy.

Echoes of Leadership: Presidential Tribute and Messages from Dignitaries

As the formal program unfolded, the national anthem echoed across the hall, followed by an invocation that anchored the moment in gratitude and solemnity.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, in his opening remarks, paid tribute to the working class — the nation’s “indispensable force of progress.”

While the keynote address by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was delivered during the main Labor Day celebration in Meeting Room 5, his remarks reverberated powerfully across all commemorations that day, especially among those gathered for the TOWER Awards. In a speech that emphasized pride in Filipino labor excellence both at home and abroad, the President singled out the TOWER Awardees with these stirring words:

“So, just as we recognize our nation’s pride beyond our shores, we also commend The Outstanding Workers of the Republic for 2025 here at home. They have shown excellence and dedication in their respective fields. Congratulations.”

“Marami ring salamat sa Rotary Club of Manila at ang People Management Association of the Philippines sa pagbibigay ng parangal na ito. Nawa’y maging inspirasyon ng bawat manggagawa ang galing at pagsisikap ng ating pinarangalan.”

“Pinapatunayan nila na nasa kamay natin ang pag-asa para sa isang Bagong Pilipinas. Sila ay mga Bagong Pilipino na nagpakita ng disiplina, ng husay, at pagmamahal sa inang bayan.”

“Maraming, maraming salamat po. Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.”

These words echoed with pride and urgency — a national leader affirming the pivotal role of model workers in shaping a renewed Filipino identity.

The Crown Jewels: Presenting the 2025 TOWER Awardees

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for — the formal presentation of the 2025 TOWER Awardees, a cohort of individuals and teams whose ingenuity transformed workspaces into places of progress.

Mr. Eddie A. Alagaban of Energy Development Corporation received honors for his project Modification of Risers 1 and 2 in Palayan Power Plant, a masterstroke in engineering efficiency and operational reliability.

Ms. Shirley S. Gonzales of Yazaki-Torres Manufacturing Inc. stood proud for her innovative Provision of a Holder for Fuse Guide, improving function area safety and assembly-line productivity.

In the Team Category, two formidable groups from Franklin Baker, Inc. emerged as paragons of collaboration: Mr. Elsworth M. Gempesaw and Mr. Krish Syrus C. Micabalo led the initiative titled “Muling Ibalik ang Dapat Ibalik”, which reengineered production processes by restoring and repurposing legacy systems, ensuring both efficiency and sustainability.

Mr. Michael C. Dasalla, Mr. Mark Felnor T. Butaya, and Mr. Ronald B. Quiñones advanced a compelling philosophy through their project “Waste Isn’t Waste Until We Waste It,” a campaign-turned-process that transformed discarded resources into renewed opportunity.

Each awardee received a TOWER trophy and a ₱100,000 prize, presented by a distinguished assembly of government and private sector leaders. The hall resounded with applause as their families, company officers, and peers joined them on stage for photos that captured more than triumph — they captured legacy.

A Grateful Nation, A Renewed Commitment

The afternoon culminated with a moving speech from Mr. Eddie Alagaban, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, thanking their mentors, families, and co-workers, and dedicating the recognition to “the silent workers behind every success story.”

Finally, Dean Amado Valdez, Vice-Chair of the TOWER Awards, delivered the closing remarks in the stead of PP/Chairman Susing Pineda, articulating with both gravitas and grace the deeper meaning behind the ceremony.

“The TOWER Awards,” he said, “are not merely honors bestowed — they are promises fulfilled. They are society’s way of saying: we see you, we thank you, and we will always remember what you have done for our shared future.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, Ms. Jemai Duque and Rotarian Reggie Yu bid the audience farewell with these words: “See you next year for the 32nd TOWER Awards — where excellence once again takes center stage!”

And with that, the curtains fell — not on an event, but on a chapter in a larger national story — one that continues to be written every day by the hands of the Filipino worker.