Nograles vows to uplift lives of Dabawenyo workers through better jobs, training, and support

Dabawenyo workers are the backbone of the city’s progress—and they deserve jobs that do more than just get them through the day.

This was the message of mayoral candidate Karlo Nograles on Labor Day, as he committed to making worker protection, upskilling, and higher-paying employment a priority under a Nograles-led City Hall.

“Ang trabaho dapat dili lang pang-adlaw-adlaw. Dili lang pangbayad sa utang. Dapat trabaho nga makahatag og kalipay, seguridad, ug kahimtang nga disente para sa pamilya,” said the lawyer.

“We will build a city where our workers don’t just survive—they thrive.”

Nograles said the city must move beyond job generation and toward job elevation—ensuring that every Dabawenyo has access to work that provides fair wages, dignity, and a real chance at a better life.

To achieve this, he unveiled plans for a city-led Upskilling and Advancement Program, which will offer free training in high-demand industries in partnership with TESDA, local universities, and private sector partners.

The program will focus on helping underemployed and low-income workers qualify for more stable, better-paying jobs.

Nograles explained that “having a job is not enough, especially in Davao, given our economic potential. Dabawenyos must have work that supports a family, allows them to save, and lets them live with dignity. Kailangan naa silay disposable income—para sa ilang anak, ilang kaugmaon, ug para malipay pud sila sa ilang kinabuhi.”

He also committed to create a Workers’ Help Desk under City Hall to respond quickly to labor concerns, coordinate with DOLE and national agencies, and strengthen the enforcement of labor rights. Informal and contract workers will also be given greater access to social protection.

“Kauban nato ang trabahanteng Dabawenyo sa matag lakang sa kalamboan. That’s why we will invest in them. Protect them. Empower them,” said the former Civil Service Commission Chair.

Nograles emphasized that his vision for Davao is rooted in inclusive growth—where progress is measured not just by big projects or city revenues, but by how well ordinary families are doing.

“Real progress means every household feels the gains. Dili lang ang dato ang molambo. Ang tanan dapat makatilaw sa kauswagan. That’s the Davao we must build.”

Nograles brings deep experience in both legislation and executive service. As a three-term congressman from Davao, he authored laws such as the Green Jobs Act, which promotes employment in sustainable industries. He also co-authored the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act that provides free tuition in SUCs.

He later served as Cabinet Secretary and co-chair of the IATF during the pandemic, then as Chair of the Civil Service Commission, where he championed merit-based hiring and protected public workers’ rights.