The National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines (NACUSIP) marked its 60th founding anniversary, on the theme “Sixty Years of Solidarity: Building a Stronger Future for Labor”.
Established by 17 sugar industry trade unions at the University of the Philippines Asian Labor Education Center (UP-ALEC, now known as the UP School of Labor and Industrial Relations, or UP SOLAIR) in Diliman, Quezon City on Aug. 27-28, 1965, NACUSIP has been a steadfast champion of the Filipino sugar workers, dedicating six decades to the struggle for justice, dignity, and social protection in the labor movement.
From the sugar plantations to the halls of negotiation and policy-making, NACUSIP has consistently raised the banner of solidarity, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard and their rights upheld, its press release said.
“This anniversary is both a remembrance and a renewal,” Roland de la Cruz, NACUSIP-TUCP national president, said. “We honor our founders, especially the late Atty. Zoilo de la Cruz Jr. and Bro. Emilio Zayco, and the labor leaders, who paved the way.”
“We pledge to carry forward their legacy of solidarity as we confront the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Filipino workers,” he added.
NACUSIP also reaffirmed its mission to empower sugar workers, advance social justice, and strengthen the labor movement, a commitment that remains as vital today as it was 60 years ago, it stressed. ||
