The Angono Health Micro-Insurance Scheme (AHMI)

Following the general notion that “health micro-insurance is needed in time of sickness and other related incidents” the PATAMABA and the Angono Informal Sector Council, with the support of ILO-STEP, are in the process of developing a community-based health micro-insurance program. With its organizational structrure in place, prospective beneficiaries (PATAMABA members and the majority of informal sector workers in Angono), will be required to shell out a minimal monthly contribution of P50.

After four long years of advocacy, PATAMABA Angono, which has a total membership of 56 self-employed and subcontracted workers in the moribund embroidery industry, became the partner organization for land distribution under the Community Mortgage Program. PATAMABA members, who were also informal settlers, spearheaded the formation of PATAMABA Housing Association (PATAMABA HOA), whereby members would build on lots amortized for 25 years for only P247 to P310 per month. PATAMABA would also lead in the creation of this new resettled community, which would also have a livelihood and social protection component.

Realizing that sustainability of the housing project would depend on the community’s capability to address risks such as illness, death, disability, old age, etc., PATAMABA Rizal worked out for inclusion in the ADA program. This provided informal workers having no formal access to social security coverage as employees, the entry to become SSS members. The coordinator of Rizal, who is also the focal person for DOLE, oversees the implementation and tracking the status of the program. The group facilitates membership orientation, campaign and enrolment in the program including the monitoring of monthly contributions. In the absence of the focal person, the chapter coordinators assist in the organizing and recruitment aspects of the program. The treasurer collects the monthly contributions and deposits these in the bank.

Lately, PATAMABA leaders set up a production and marketing center where they produce and sell soap, detergents, vegetable powder, Christmas balls, candles and other crafts. Having these alternative livelihood activities will contribute to the sustainability of housing and social security, enabling the women to continue their payments.