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 August, 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.

PATAMABA STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING WORKSHOP

PATAMABA leaders from provinces gathered in Shangrila Beach Resort, Carles, Iloilo 24-28 January to participate in PATAMABA's annual strategic assessment and planning (SAP) workshop.

They focused their efforts on examining the national and international developments connected with globalizations, the challenges these pose to homebased workers, and the opportunities that can still be seized in order to advance their conditions and positions in society.

Leaders from each province as well as National Council members reported on their strengths and weaknesses in relation to organizing, education, project management, networking, marketing, health, child welfare, and fund-raising targets set in the 2000 SAP. They also came out with realistic plans for 2002.

On the third day, the SAP participants went on a field visit to PATAMABA members, offices, and projects in Barangays Inangayan and Duyan-duyan in Sta. Barbara.