A building under construction collapsed in Balibago yesterday. The nine-story structure fell, killing three workers. Several others sustained injuries.
A group of female labor workers marched to the site today. They demanded answers from the construction firm. Members of the Association of Women’s Workers in Construction Industry (AWCCI) led the protest. They labeled the collapse a preventable tragedy.
The group blamed the incident on negligence. They highlighted cost-cutting measures by the builders. AWCCI national coordinator Jane Vargas spoke at the rally.
“Construction workers rely solely on their labor as their only source of livelihood, making the tragedy even more devastating for the families left behind,” Vargas said.
The group called for a probe into Golden Years Construction and Steelworks. They also questioned local government oversight. The firm allegedly ignored a prior work stoppage order. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued this order due to safety violations.
DOLE inspectors previously noted major flaws at the site. Workers lacked hard hats and safety belts. The project also had no designated safety officer.
DOLE officials promised emergency aid for the victims’ families. The AWCCI rejected the offer as insufficient.
“No form of aid could compensate for the lives lost,” the group stated.
They urged all construction companies to follow safety standards. The group hopes this will prevent future building failures.
