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THE Federation of Free Workers (FFW) has called for the implementation of a P150 wage hike after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced an 8-percent gross domestic product (GDP) target growth.In its continued advocacy for the P150 daily minimum wage hike, the FFW — along with labor groups Partido Manggagawa, Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro), National Federation of Labor, and other groups in the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition — is relentlessly pushing for wage increase.Also, the FFW said that the proposed wage increase should be implemented "on top of the minimum wage orders promulgated by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB), as proposed by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines to the House of Representatives.""There is a fuel hike almost every week, as well as the prices of rice and basic goods, while the minimum wage has been stagnant for the past 35 years. Let Congress pass the P150 wage hike across the country in time for Labor Day," FFW Vice President Jun Mendoza Ramirez said in a statement.Likewise, the FFW welcomed the President's statements, but it also "emphasized the necessity for this growth to be inclusive, shared, and to substantially benefit the ordinary Filipino workers.""President Marcos Jr.'s optimism about reaching the 8-percent growth milestone is worth supporting. Indeed, as we plan for the nation's economic future, our ambitions should be lofty," Ramirez also said."However, it's crucial that our economic plans include concrete measures to enhance the livelihoods of our workers. Economic growth should translate into tangible benefits for them, such as fair wages and job security," he added.The FFW urged the Marcos administration and leaders of the private sector "to not only strive for impressive GDP figures but to also ensure that the rewards of economic success are equitably distributed among all citizens."While echoing the sentiment of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in highlighting the significance of surpassing the 6-percent growth rate, the FFW believed that "leveraging the demographic advantage to ensure that workers have decent jobs and are adequately compensated and have access to opportunities that improve their standard of living."Ramirez also said that the country should not only aim for a higher gross domestic or gross national product (GNP), but for "qualitative enhancements in the lives of our citizens."They also cited NEDA's preference for "stagnant wages" in the country, in contrast to higher wages in Southeast Asian neighbors, such as Indonesia and Malaysia.Labor groups, including FFW, have continuously backed a P150 across-the-board hike in daily wages of the country's private sector workers.

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Bearish/Bullish

21.10.24 04:15

by manilatimes.net

Megaworld expands residential portfolio in Pampanga with new Parisian-inspired '...

PROPERTY giant Megaworld, the pioneering developer of live-work-play townships in the country, is building its fourth residential condominium development inside its 35.6-hectare Capital Town township in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.Boasting 361 "smart home" units, the 17-story Saint-Marcel Residences will offer units in varying types and sizes, which include studio (24-square meters or sqm); studio with either a lanai or balcony (up to 33 sqm); one-bedroom with balcony (up to 59 sqm); executive one-bedroom with either a lanai (51 sqm) or balcony (up to 57 sqm); two-bedroom with lanai (up to 71.5 sqm); two-bedroom with balcony (up to 75 sqm); executive two-Bedroom with balcony (up to 98 sqm); and three-bedroom with balcony (up to 103 sqm)."There is still a strong demand for themed residential developments in Capital Town as we continue building more components of the township. We envision Saint-Marcel Residences to be an appealing address for young, well-traveled Kapampangans who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of their community," says Eugene Lozano, senior vice president for sales and marketing of Megaworld Pampanga.A Parisian-inspired residential condo, Saint-Marcel Residences will rise at the corner of Wilshire and Chelsea Streets in Capital Town — the more private portion of the township. It will be surrounded by a vibrant commercial strip, a sprawling plaza and a soon-to-rise transport hub while also being just about a two-minute walk away from the township's sprawling rainwater park.The striking white façade of Saint-Marcel Residences prominently reflects influences from modern French architecture. These will be seen in expansive windows that allow for more natural light and scenic views as well as subtle textures and clean lines that enhance the tower's minimalist design, colorful flowers at the podium and balconies that create inviting outdoor spaces.Future residents will be welcomed to a spacious high-ceiling lobby with interiors characterized by the use of large windows, wood finishes, large multi-layer chandeliers and a variety of earth and pastel hues.Over at the third-floor amenity area, residents will find several "first in Pampanga" facilities and amenities, including a bi-level private dining room complete with a fully-working kitchen called "Bistro Marcel;" energy-generating fitness equipment at the outdoor fitness area; pilates studio integrated into the bi-level fitness gym; and a bubbler pool. Other amenities include adult and kiddie pools, pool deck with lounge, trellised lounge and outdoor play area for children. There will also be a function room that can host more than 100 people at a time, an outdoor spill-over function area, pre-function area, daycare and a bi-level game room. All units at Saint-Marcel Residences will come with wireless smart home systems that can be accessed remotely using a dedicated phone app. This gives residents the ease and convenience of controlling several unit features, including lighting fixtures and other smart appli...