QUEZON CITY. – The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) joyfully commemorated its 49th founding anniversary from November 6 to November 10, 2023.  Led by Commissioner Nicolas B. Nicolas as the Chairman of the Labor Relations Week, along with supportive fellow Commissioners Cecilio Alejandro C. Villanueva, Charmalou D. Aldevera, Hernan G. Nicdao, and the rest of the Labor Relations Week committee, and with the guidance and full support of our esteemed Chairperson Grace E. Maniquiz-Tan, the Commission conducted a series of esteemed programs and activities reminiscent of pre-pandemic times.

Kicking off the week-long festivities was an Eucharistic Mass, followed by the blessing of the newly relocated offices of the National Capital Region Arbitration Branch (NCRAB) and Commissioners.  This marked a significant occasion as the offices of the NCRAB and the Commission are once again united under the same roof. 

Notably, this was the first time since the pandemic when the Commission celebrated its founding anniversary, and the highly anticipated return of the NLRC Mini Olympics Sports Fest brought excitement as officials and employees engaged in competitive games such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and darts.

As the sports events unfolded, various seminars and programs took place simultaneously in the office.  Seminars focusing on mental health and well-being included lectures such as "Transformation from Within: Thriving at Work - Leveraging the Connection Between Well-being and Productivity" and "Stress and Anger Management."

A historic moment took place with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (Quezon City Chapter), establishing a legal clinic to ensure the quality of legal counsel and to permanently deter ambulance chasers and fixers from compromising our stakeholders.

Another noteworthy event was the dialogue with stakeholders from both the labor and management sectors, initiated by Comm. Hernan G. Nicdao as a step towards fostering a harmonious relationship in the promotion and maintenance of labor justice in the country.

Lastly, the Commission took the opportunity to honor our outstanding SENA conciliators and mediators, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the field.  It had been too long since we recognized our staff members for their distinguished service in providing public service, making it a humbling moment.  

The celebration was truly monumental, because it emphasized the fundamental importance of every single component of the Commission. With a commitment to good governance and meritocracy through teamwork, we soar to our 49th year with great pride.  Stay tuned for our Golden Anniversary as we turn 50 next year.