Cebu workers appreciate 1Pacman party-list’s fight for worker protection
1Pacman party-list first nominee Milka Romero and the employees of Profood International Corp.
The 8,000 workers of a mango processing company in Cebu have welcomed the 1Pacman party-list’s program for the protection of Filipino workers, including just compensation, in the light of changing work environments.
As the nation celebrates Labor Day, Milka Romero, 1Pacman first nominee and daughter of outgoing 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, brings forward its commitment to Filipino workers.
“On this day of solidarity, 1Pacman reaffirms its championing of fair wages, safe working conditions, and robust upskilling opportunities across all industries, ensuring that every laborer is both respected and empowered,” she said.
The Eddie Garcia Law is among 147 noteworthy measures that 1Pacman Rep. Romero authored and sponsored in the span of three consecutive congressional terms. It is a trailblazing law that now protects workers in the film, television, and entertainment industries with its clear provisions on the number of work hours, access to hygiene and safe drinking water, access to medical assistance in location shootings, and a wide array of concerns that had previously been unattended to.
At Profood International Corp., the country’s largest dried fruit producer, which has put quality processed Philippine fruit products in the world market, Milka enjoined workers to be observant and assess how rapid advances in technology are affecting the workplaces.
Profoods started out of a home kitchen in 1978 and has grown to become the leading producer of dried fruits, frozen fruits, preserves, purees, concentrates, and juices. It has factories and offices in Davao, Bulacan, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila, as well as offices overseas.
Milka also recognizes that rapid advances in technology, particularly artificial intelligence, are transforming workplaces worldwide.
She noted that vigilant monitoring and studies are needed for immediate upskilling and re-skilling programs, so Filipino workers can thrive alongside AI, not be displaced by it.
She is advocating policies that incentivize private-sector partnerships in vocational training and government grants for tech labs in public schools.
By ensuring access to continuing education, digital literacy courses, and clear guidelines around AI deployment, Milka believes new technologies can boost productivity, improve safety, and ultimately enhance every Filipino laborer’s quality of life.
Under Milka’s leadership, 1Pacman aims to build upon its track record of public service, which includes sponsoring 151 legislative measures focused on poverty alleviation, education, health, and workers’ welfare.
Milka’s vision is to harness the potential of the youth and women, empowering all marginalized labor sectors to be catalysts for positive change in their communities.
Her background as a businesswoman and sports executive — including her roles as CEO of the Miro Group, which is into food and beverage, and as owner of the Capital1 Solar Spikers — equips her with a unique blend of leadership and community engagement experience.
This Labor Day, as workers gather at community rallies and virtual forums nationwide, Milka underscores the urgency of addressing food security and youth nutrition, creating athletic pathways for young Filipinos, and strengthening labor training programs.
