Towards Building Transformative Communities

by Primar S. Jardeleza and Lourdes Gula

On 18-28 September 2005, two PATAMABA (Homenet Philippines) leaders and Homenet Southeast Asia secretariat members (Primar Jardeleza and Lourdes Gula), participated in a Trainer’s Training on Gender-Responsive, Transformative Leadership and Politics within the Framework of Building Transformative Communities. Said undertaking was organized by the Center for Asia-Pacific Women In Politics (CAPWIP).

Participants from the Asia Pacific Region share meaningful experiences during the CAPWIP Seminar

Building Transformative Communities (BTC) as a conceptual framework encourages civil society groups to band together at the community level to own governance and politics once again as a matter of right; define their own agenda for development and select their own leaders that will lead in the implementation of this agenda, elect them into office, hold them accountable for their actions and support them. The use of the rights-based approach advances broad based and meaningful participation in governance and the mainstreaming of gender concerns in development processes and interventions.

Thirty two participants from the Asia-Pacific Region (Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines) actively participated and shared meaningful experiences as leaders and community organizers.

PATAMABA Receives Enterprise Development Grant from OXFAM

In terms of facilitating greater access to productive resources, PATAMABA-Homenet Philippines received an enterprise development grant from Oxfam Hongkong. Under the individual/enterprise group project, 8 pilot areas will receive P 100,000 each: Angono (group enterprise), Balingasa (budbod sustansya), Pangasinan (basketry), Apugan (weaving), Pinangga, Tarlac (taho), Bicol (weaving and embroidery) and Cebu (fashion accessories). The project aims to promote better livelihood, increased income, and assistance in the marketing and promotions of products. assistance.

PATAMABA Launches Fair Trade Marketing Campaigns

In connection with its Oxfam-supported project “Strengthening the Marketing Network Towards Fair, Just, and Sustainable Trade,” PATAMABA has embarked on a series of activities on its own as well as in partnership with the Fair Trade Alliance (FTA).

Two seminar-workshops have been conducted so far on the theme “Women, Youth and Trade In the Face of Globalization,” both held at the Overlooking Resort, Antipolo City, May 28-30 and June 18-20. Participants included Natio-nal Executive Committee mem-bers as well as women and youth leaders from the project sites in Metro Manila, Rizal, Baguio, Bicol, Pangasinan, and Tarlac.

Research-based inventories of products and producers in the project sites are being com-pleted, using value chain and gender analysis.

As part of its overall effort to facilitate marketing of PATAMABA-produced goods, the National Marketing Committee is now maintaining a permanent stall at the WOW Philippines center in Intramuros, Manila, a landmark project of the Department of Tourism.

PATAMABA Celebrates 14TH Anniversary

Some 500 members of PATAMABA attended its 14th anniversary celebration held at the Occupational Health and Safety Center (OSHC) 5 May . The occasion highlighted the following theme: “Informal Workers – Be Active, Engaged, and Vigilant to Ensure Clean and Honest National Elections for the Interest of the Working People. “

The celebration commenced with a motorcade cum leafleteering from the monument of national revolutionary hero Gat Andres Bonifacio in Caloocan City to OSHC in Quezon City.

Aside from a song and dance contest on the theme, as well as the awarding of certificates of excellence in organizing, training, networking, and project management to outstanding chapters, the gathering also approved resolutions rejecting the negative effects of globalization, and promoting international solidarity among working people.

Messages and discussions during the Congress focused on the effects of the continuing economic crisis on workers in the informal economy, and the impact of widespread electoral cheating on the nation’s political life.

PATAMABA Holds Fifth Congress

PATAMABA held its 5th Congress in the presence of more than 400 delegates from various provinces last May 5 at the Occupational Health and Safety Center, Quezon City.

During the Congress, the delegates elected a new national council and approved documents that would lead to the transformation of PATAMABA from a national network not only of homebased workers but also of all informal workers, including vendors, small transport operators, construction workers, etc.

The ten-point agenda guiding the new PATAMABA three-year program for 2003-2005 includes strategies towards more integration of gender concerns, environmental sustainability, and new communications technology in PATAMABA’s work. PATAMABA will also focus more on social protection and on economic empowerment by strengthening its marketing network and microfinance programs.

Five More Computers
from UNIFEM Philippine Committee

During ceremonies held in the presence of UNIFEM Executive Director Noeleen Heyzer at the Manila Golf Club 28 January, the UNIFEM Philippine Committee headed by Georgitta “Beng” Puyat formally turned over five more computers to PATAMABA to strengthen its computer literacy and connectivity program.

Previously, the Committee had already turned over three computers in PATAMABA communities in San Francisco, Bulacan, Bulacan; San Vicente, Angono, Rizal, and Balingasa, Quezon City in the presence of local government officials. In these communities, PATAMABA has already conducted basic training in computer use, e-mail, and internet connection for homebased women workers and youth.

The newly donated computers are intended for the National Office as well as PATAMABA chapters in Baguio, Bicol, Davao, and Laguna where training is being conducted in partnership with WINNER-TIPS.

PATAMABA Youth Advocates Against HIV-AIDs

Through a small grant from the UNIFEM HIV-AIDs Office in India, PATAMABA youth are now engaged in awareness raising and advocacy work on adolescent reproductive health and sexuality issues.

The PATAMABA HIV-AIDS project for youth involves the conduct of trainers’ training and the production of modules which is being implemented in coordination with the NGO HASIK.

It will culminate in the piloting of awareness-raising seminars in three provinces: Bulacan, Rizal, and Camarines Sur.

Networking for Computer Literacy and Connectivity

PATAMABA's relations with the TIPS-WINNER team took a high note with the recent turn-over of computer hardware with accessories and with access to Internet to leaders and members of PATAMABA Region VI during ceremonies held in Carles, Iloilo 25 January.

The team behind TIPS, which stands for Technological Information Promotion System, has a current project called WINNER (Women in the New Network for Entrepreneurial Reinforcement) funded by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

Under Project WINNER, 68 PATAMABA leaders and members in Metro Manila were able to attend training sessions on e-commerce and international trade.

TIPS-WINNER trainers (Dina Baltazar, Gemma Mesina, Noemi Banawa, Fe B. Zulueta and Vincent Avena) extended their services to PATAMABA Region VI where they conducted training sessions coinciding with the computer turnover last January.

The computer hardware is now stationed at the PATAMABA regional office which is located at the municipal hall of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo through the auspices of the Sta. Barbara Municipal Council.

On hand to give inspirational messages during the turnover ceremonies were Mayor Isabelo Maquino and Municipal Councilor Rudy Marcelo of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. Yolanda Porschwitz, provincial director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Capiz, delivered the main address.