"CHRISTMAS time is a season of hope and love. Amid the anguish brought about by pandemic and economic recession, the workers must be strong to meet the challenges of the time."

This was stressed by Wennie Sancho, secretary general of the General Alliance of Workers Associations (Gawa).

Sancho, also the labor representative of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Western Visayas, said Jesus Christ was a carpenter, an ordinary worker who changed the course of the world by living as a good example of humility and compassion.

"His spirit will continue to guide us in our workplace," he said, adding that "let us look into the future with a blessed anticipation that the birth of Jesus Christ shall lead to our emancipation physically and spiritually."

The labor leader expressed optimism that a new dawn of hope is coming and the darkness shall turn into dawning that shall liberate the workers from the bondage of exploitation and oppression.

Sancho said the centuries of burden shall make the sector more determined to value their work with honor and dignity.

"We should be proud as creators of the wealth of our nation and as builders of our economy," he said, adding that "God has gifted with skills and minds to take care of His vast resources."

Sancho added that "we should carry out this mandate knowing that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away."

"As workers, we are merely stewards of our talents and treasures and therefor we should value our God-given work," he said, adding that "let us not aspire about material things but let us share with others our talents, that is Christmas."