Remembering the dead, fighting for the living

Today we remember our dearly departed husband and wives, our children and parents and all those who are dear to us. We bring them our songs and prayers, our laughter and silence.

This is also the time we share to those who are still among us the memories of those who left us, how despite their shortcomings, they persevere to become good citizens. Just like Muelmar Magallanes, an 18 year-old construction worker who rescued 30 people from the floods of Ondoy before he himself got swallowed by the raging waters.

Among those remembered today are the millions of workers who have died because of their work. The International Labour Organization estimates more than 2 million men and women workers die every year of work-related disease and accidents or 1 worker dies every 15 seconds. This means work kills more people than wars.

Despite this staggering figures, it remains a peripheral social issue, seldom having any spot on mainstream media. While people discuss the latest gadgets, very few even consider how workers are dying inside the mines to get the gold and copper needed for electronic equipments or how workers are getting cancer due to the hazardous substances used as inputs in manufacturing.

But are hope is not lost, it burns as bright as a million candles.

This is why we continue to struggle for the day that workers no longer have to sacrifice life and limb for their work.