CLARK FREEPORT -- A Labor Day tribute was held Thursday, May 2, in honor of the 6,000 workers at the New Clark City National Government Administrative Center (NGAC), one of the priority projects of the Duterte government.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade led the tribute, along with Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Vivencio Dizon, MTD Philippines Inc. Chairman Isaac David, Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan, and Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Noel Manankil.

In his message, Tugade emphasized the significance of the workers in bringing life to the vision of President Rodrigo Duterte to build world-class facilities for Filipinos through the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program.

“Nasa kamay ninyo ang pagbibigay sa kagustuhan ng ating pangulo na regaluhan ang ating mamamayan ng mga pasilidad dito sa New Clark City,” Tugade said.

“Magbibigay galang at saludo ako sa inyo. ‘Pagkat alam ko ‘yung sakripisyong ginagawa ninyo upang magkaroon ng ganitong pasilidad sa lugar ng Pampanga. Isang pasilidad na pwedeng maipagmalaki ng buong sambayanan. Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino,” he added.

According to David, the construction of NGAC Phase 1A is already 72 percent complete. MTD achieved seven million safe man-hours without any serious accidents.

The tribute was incorporated in the monthly toolbox activity of MTD to talk about safety practices in the construction site.

MTD is the project partner of BCDA in developing NGAC Phase 1A, which is eyed to be completed by August 31, well ahead of the 30th South East Asian Games.

Raffle prizes were given and a zumba activity was held for the workers before they began construction work for the day.