PFLCW’s Sealing of Partnerships with GOs, NGOs, and Private Sectors

PFLCW believes that the “implementation of economic empowerment programs require concerted efforts of all stakeholders/collaborators such as the government agencies, non-government organizations, local government units, private sectors and other civil society organizations.” On this premise, PFLCW has continuously established partnerships and collaborative efforts with different stakeholders.

In 2003, the first multi-stakeholders partnership agreement was signed during the First General Assembly with the following:

Program Partners

• Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
• Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation
• Filipino-Chinese Federation of Business and Professional Women of the Philippines
• Management Association of the Philippines (MAP)
• Philippine Retailers Association (PRA)

Participating Government Agencies

• Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
• Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
• Department of Agriculture (DA)
• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
• National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW)
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)

Academe

• Philippine Women’s University (PWU)

Financing Institutions

• Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corp. (QUEDANCOR)
• Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corp. (SBGFC)
• Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)

Development NGO's

• Alliance of Philippine Partners in Enterprise development (APPEND)

Private Sector

• Unilever Philippines, Inc.
• Oil Mills Group of the Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF)

Fine Bone China Project

For two hundred years, fine bone china remains a favorite among art collectors and enthusiasts. Coming from the ceramics family, fine bone china is the most sophisticated and delicate product of hand-made clay. Its notable characteristics include high whiteness, glows warmly when illuminated, fine yet durable, expensive and exclusive.

Although porcelain and fine bone china share almost the same materials and both are fired at a very high temperature, fine bone china has animal bone ash added to the porcelain clay. As the product itself has a high perceived value, its production demands high quality standards and strict quality control procedures from clay preparation to packaging. Not many factories work with genuine hand-made bone china ash. Only a few are into its production such as in the UK and certain European countries. Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Royal Albert are just some of the most known brands.

On the other hand, CSM International has gained a reputation in making traditional yet innovative fine bone china. Together with TESDA and PhilExport, CSM International forged a partnership with PFLCW for the Fine Bone China Project in 2007. This project sought to coordinate and complement the efforts, capabilities, strengths and activities of the stakeholders to cause the provision of relevant, accessible, high-quality and efficient technical education and skills needed by the sub-contractor community.

The project was training cum production scheme where an identified possible sub-contractor community tapped and identified by PFLCW – the Yahad Consumer and Credit Cooperative of Pasay City – was jointly trained by TESDA and CSM International trainers for six months. Using the facilities and equipments of the TESDA Women Center in Taguig City, twelve trainees were selected and their training commenced in October 2008.

CSM International provided the supplies, learning materials and lead trainer during the course of training. PhilExport provided the venue to showcase, promote and market the products through participation in domestic affairs. It also supplied TESDA Women Center some advocacy materials like brochures and flyers for the export promotion of the finished products.

DSWD-NFA’s Tindahan Natin Project

Tindahan Natin (Our Store) is a project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and National Food Authority (NFA). This is in line with the government’s relentless efforts to fight against poverty, hunger and unemployment. With the project’s battle cry: “Bigas at noodles sa halagang abot-kaya,” it is intended to provide low-priced but good quality rice and noodles through a store jointly identified and endorsed by the DSWD Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices of the Local Government Units (LGUs), the Baranggay Council and subsequently accredited by NFA.

As a pro-poor, poverty alleviation project, the distribution of government-subsidized rice and noodles will be initially implemented in the 21 priority poor enclaves in Metro Manilla and 49 provinces identified by the National Nutrition Center (NNC). These priority beneficiaries have high hunger and poverty incidence statistics, which are classified as vulnerable, very vulnerable and most vulnerable.

The Tindahan Natin is operated by the DSWD-SEA-K beneficiaries, barangay councils, community-based organizations, LGUs, NGOs, existing retail/sari-sari stores, and other organizations registered and accredited by the proper regulating agencies. Through the initial negotiation with DSWD on the partnership for DSWD-SEA-K project, the LCW members can implement the Tindahan Natin as another livelihood program for women in selected localities.

SEA-K Project

PFLCW partners with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to widen the opportunities and access to capital of women entrepreneurs through Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) project.

The SEA-K is a capability-building program of the DSWD and the local government units (LGUs), which aims to enhance the socio-economic skills of poor families by organizing community-based groups for entrepreneurial development

SEA-K has the following components:

• Social preparation Members are given a series of modules on self-enhancement, volunteerism, leadership and many others. This will build their capabilities and boost self-reliance.

• Formation of groups and associations SEA Kaunlaran Association (SKA), composed of 5-6 groups with five members each group, is formed.

• Capital assistance Each SKA can avail of the capital seed fund amounting to a maximum of PhP150,000, which is non-collateral and non-interest. This capital seed fund can jump-start or sustain micro-enterprises.

• Savings mobilization Each SKA is encouraged to save and extend financial assistance to their members and selected community members.

• Technical assistance DSWD and its partner-agencies provide technical assistance to enrich the organizational and entrepreneurial knowledge and skills of individuals to effectively manage their micro-enterprise and their respective associations.

• Access to other social services It enables members to access other social services through coordination and linkages with non-government organizations, people’s organizations, business groups and civil society.

The SEA-K project is available to people in depressed communities who are living below poverty line at least 16 years old and above.

TSPI and SEA-K Project

PFLCW realizes that majority of economically productive women belong to the informal sector. Most of these women are engaged in micro enterprises and generating income from their productive endeavors, yet they are still considered marginalized sector because they continue to experience the limited access to resources especially to credit facility. Women, equipped with livelihood skills and training, have limited or no access to capital.

Cognizant to the need to provide women with access to capital, PFLCW established partnership with a micro finance institution – TSPI Development Corporation – in order to efficiently implement the DSWD-SEA-K Project.

Tulay sa Pag-Unlad, Inc. (TSPI) Development Corporation is a non-stock, non-profit organization that provides micro finance assistance to small and micro entrepreneurs. TSPI integrates their Kabuhayan Program with PFLCW’s Economic Empowerment (E2) programs for women.

Through the TSPI Kabuhayan Program (TKP), poor women micro entrepreneurs in urban and rural areas can access TSPI’s loan facility from PhP500 to 20,000 with a monthly interest rate of 3% payable weekly for six (6) months. TSPI also provides micro insurance coverage up to 2x or 3x of the loan value and adopts the modified Grameen-group lending, which relies on mutual guarantee.

With TSPI as PFLCW’s micro finance partner, the local councils of women especially in Luzon Region can now have access to capital and financial resources.

PFLCW – UNILEVER Partnership Project

In 2006, another opportunity for women entrepreneurs was opened when PFLCW forged partnership with Unilever Philippines, Inc. Both the PFLCW and Unilever believe in the “bottom of the pyramid concept,” and support one another in their advocacy efforts. The Unilever’s strategic approach of helping in poverty alleviation is part of their shared corporate responsibility.

The partnership project called “Neighborhood Sellers Program” or “Tindakabahay,” an acronym for Tindahan ng Kababaihan sa Bahay at Kapitbahay, paved the way for livelihood opportunity for women. Under this program, women are afforded some employment and equipped with knowledge on sales management through selling Unilever products. Specifically, Unilever offered LCW women with intensive training on sales management, accounting and financial management; they were provided with genuine Unilever products to sell in their respective neighborhoods; they were offered some promotional items and other incentives; they were provided with free “tamiya/trolley” or bag depending on their purchases; and they were offered an easy and workable payment terms depending on their performances or length of operation as Tindakabahay recipients.

Tindakabahay benefitted several communities in St. Peter and St. John Parish Churches in Malabon; Konsehong Pambayan ng Kababaihan ng Norzagaray (KPK/LCW-Norzagaray), Calumpit (KPK/LCW-Calumpit), Marilao, San Ildefonso, Obando, Angat, and Malolos in Bulacan; Cabuyao, Liliw, and Sta. Rosa in Laguna; and San Jacinto, Malasiqui and Sta. Barbara in Pangasinan.

Philippine Livelihood Marketing Corporation (PHILMACO)

Women as key economic players have much to take advantage of the global economy’s ever-expanding scope. Globalization has created new economic opportunities, wider markets for sales and inputs and better material for development.

Realizing this unique opportunity, the Filipino-Chinese Federation of Business and Professional Women of the Philippines (Fil-Cchi) developed and entered into a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESD) for the establishment of an intermediary marketing organization that caters to the needs of grassroots and home-based women micro entrepreneurs.

Through this partnership, the Philippine Livelihood Marketing Corporation (Philmaco) was established with the primary objective of supporting the growth of micro enterprises and livelihood activities through an intensive marketing campaign designed to increase consumer awareness of livelihood and micro enterprise products, bolster their sales and ensure continuous production and sustainability of income. The partnership project also provided assistance in product development and various capability and capacity building programs to improve the quality of beneficiaries’ output and become competitive in the market.

LCW BEST PRACTICES

BATANGAS

In Taysan, Batangas the Municipal Mayor, Vice Mayor, Sangguniang Bayan have supported the endeavors of the women through the LCWs in the following: training programs on personality development, leadership capability building, rights of women, VAW and entrepreneurship; advocacy on women’s rights; training in salabat making, sweet tamarind making, sewing, making liquid dishwashing fabric softener and food processing.

Funding received are the following: Banco Batangas; Alay Lakad Foundation which awarded 7 pedicabs; the Municipal Governor who awarded 7 units of hi speed sewing machines and training in dressmaking.

In coordination with the Enrique Zobel Foundation, the Calatagan MWCC ventured into Handmade Candle Making Project. Twenty-five women earned additional PhP900-1,500 per month by producing candles for corporate give-aways. They have entered into sub-contract arrangement with Blue Magic Candles, a souvenir gift shop. The Calatagan MWCC also had another project -- noodle-making – benefiting 30 persons.

With a financial grant from Australian Government, members from Mataas na Kahoy bought high-speed sewing machines for their sewing craft training. The training center is now a production center- with 12 graduates who are into subcontract arrangements with the production center. There were a total of 75 graduates.

On the other hand, the United Women of San Juan Batangas, Inc. had initiated a one-stop shop for domestic and foreign tourists in their municipality. The products being sold in the Pasalubong Center were all made by baranggay women organizations.

In the Capitol Site of Batangas City, some 75 persons have already graduated from the Center’s sewing craft training. Men and women aged 18-59 years old were taught hhow to operate hi-speed sewers and other special machines.

CAMARINES SUR

With the assistance of Vice Mayor Lucy Buena, the LCWs in Baao, Camarines Sur have completed the livelihood programs on pili candy making, molido making, skinless longganisa making, basket making, and flower making. They had orientations on utensils, trapal, tables and chairs for rent. They also celebrated the National Women’s Day in recognition of the outstanding women leaders.

DIPOLOG CITY

The election of Evelyn T. Uy, former chairperson of the LCW and District Governor of NCWP, as the first lady mayor of Dipolog City, had inspired more women members of LCW to actively participate in local governance. Four LCW members were also elected as barangay chairpersons, namely: Mary Jane Cuenca (Brgy. Gulayon); Elsie Jebone (Brgy. Lugdungan); Marcela Bagarinao (Brgy. Sangkol); and Rosanna Diaz (Brgy. Central). The number of women members of the Sanguniang Baranggay has also increased compared to the past year.

With the initiative and all-out support of Mayor Evelyn Uy and her constituents, several activities for women were successfully held such as: holding of PFLCW Regional Seminar-Workshop for LCWs of Regions 9, 10, and 11; training on the production of novelty items from recycled waste materials; selling NFA rice by retailers to cope with rise crisis; submission of income generating project proposals for grants; and access to funds from the GAD budget of the baranggay.

The Local Council of Dipolog had 21 baranggays actively participating in all activities of the City Government – Women’s Day, Earth Day, P’gsalabuk Festival, Independence Day Parade, City Charter Day, Dahunog and night market.

ILIGAN CITY

The Iligan City Council of Women (ICCW) conducted an orientation on RA 7192 and other GAD-related laws to women leaders and members of the baranggay council. To raise women’s awareness on gender issues, the ICCW had conducted training workshops on Gender Sensitivity, Leadership, Policy Formation and Lobbying Techniques. They have advanced women economic empowerment through financial and technical assistance to support the livelihood projects of women.

MARIKINA CITY

Being the first woman mayor in Marikina, Hon. Ma. Lourdes “Marides” Fernando, felt the need to empower women leading to the creation of City Women’s Council in 2002. Through the Council, she established the Women’s Center in Marikina Sports Complex. It became a venue to various livelihood training programs such as waitering; bartending and dining preparation; massage therapy; beauty care; baking/pastry production; chocolate molding; fancy-jewelry making; food processing; cross-stitching and quilting; soap-making; dress-making; bag making; candle-making and many others. A vanity lounge was set-up in the Center to provide employment to some graduates of Body Massage and Reflexology courses.

After the initial success of Women’s Center in Marikina Sports Complex, two other centers were established: Bulelak Satellite Office in Brgy. Malanday and MCF Manpower and Productivity Center in Brgy. Nangka. The “Pasalubong Center” was also installed to showcase and sell the products made by Marikina Women.

The Council was also the forefront of relevant seminars, workshops and fora such as the international convention of “2nd Symposium of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 (ANMC21) in 2003.

NORZAGARAY, BULACAN

The Konsehong Pambayan para sa Kababaihan (KPK) of Norzagaray, Bulacan is active in various income generating projects such as: candle making, rice retailing, make-up demo and selling, hair cutting, and livelihood food supplement projects. The group had also engaged in different social activities that aims to strengthen their camaraderie and enhance their entrepreneurial skills such as field trips on canton-noodle making, bowling tournaments and health awareness activities.

ORIENTAL MINDORO

For several years, women groups in Oriental Mindoro have overlooked the benefits of organizing the Local Councils of Women. But Teresita A. Umbaw, was challenged to strengthen their organization when they attended the Convention of Local Councils of Women at Ciudad Cristia in San Mateo, Rizal. She initiated the orientation on May 28, 2008 at Calapan City with Dra. Ramona Rañeses and Maggie Marapia. Barely a year old and with assistance from Ms. Edna Madrigal, the Local Councils of Women reached 13 municipalities and 1 city.

They are now active in conducting training and livelihood projects. The organization gave financial grant of PhP30,000.00 to Nagkakaisang Kababaihan ng Gloria. Governor Arnan C. Panaligan awarded the Women Association of Nag-iba Naujan, Oriental Mindoro with PhP100,000.00. Almost 1,500 attendees flocked to their Provincial Women’s Month in March 2008.

PALAWAN

Even before the transfer of national government agencies to Local Government Units, spurred by the passage of the Local Government Code, a number of women groups have already existed in Palawan such as Rural Improvement Club (RIC), Women of the Department of Agriculture and other NGO-initiated organization.

In 1994, the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) ng Palawan was organized by the Provincial Government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). At the local level, the Local Government Units (LGU) also organized their municipal KALIPI counterparts composed of women associations existing in the locality. Later, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) organized their women beneficiaries into WOMEN KISLAP Association.

To advance the cause of women and children, the Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Joel T. Reyes, established a Crisis Intervention Center also known as Lualhati Women Center of Palawan. Under the supervision of the PSWDO, the two-storey structure serves as a temporary shelter and action center for abused women and children. It provides integrated services such as protection and provision of medical, legal, and psychosocial interventions, among others.

The PSWDO continuously provides technical and livelihood assistance to women groups from different LGUs such as conducting annual Women’s Forum, Team-building Workshops and other capability-building activities geared toward leadership and skills enhancement.

To date, three LGUs have already created their Local Councils of Women. These are municipalities of Narra, Bataraza and Rizal. The PSWDO is optimistic to achieve 60% LCW membership from 23 municipalities.

PANGASINAN

With the support of Mayor Jinky Zaplan, the LCWs have accomplished the following: project on waste recycling; seminar on solid waste management; distribution of used clothing by Japan Relief Clothing Center; and seminar on RA 9262, which was attended by baranggay officials, educators, women leaders, and heads of different government departmental offices.

The LCW in Sual, Pangasinan, on the other hand, is composed of 27 organizations from the barangay level with a total of 7,000 active members. These different women organizations bound together under one umbrella organization called Ugnayan Nagkakaisang Kababaihan ng Sual (UNAKA). Since July 2004, UNAKA had ongoing livelihood programs.

In cooperation with the agriculture office, UNAKA started a hog raising project, wherein ten barangays were given pigs for production. Once successful in growing and fattening the hogs, they were supplied to MIRANT POWER PLANT. As a project supporter, MIRANT is also giving women some poultry to propagate and vegetables seeds to plant. MIRANT would buy the grown chickens from the women so that they could earn a living even in the comforts of their homes. The vegetables too, once ready for harvest, were delivered to the power plant.

QUEZON

In March 1, 2005 the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Resolution No. 2005-003 and Provincial Ordinance No. 2005-02 creating the GAD Code of Quezon. The said Code, made possible through the initiative of the Provincial Gender and Development Council, was a concrete manifestation of the Provincial Government’s strong adherence to the time honored democratic tenet that men and women in a civil society are equal.

Another project of the PGADC and the PGAD Office is the conduct of information dissemination regarding Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children act of 2004. To ensure that the barangay officials and citizens will easily understand the salient features of the said law, Gov. Enverga instructed that the PGAD office initiate the translation of the BPO Primer in Filipino. These primers were reproduced and have been distributed to all the municipalities of the province and are being shared to other provinces. Also, the council’s trainers together with the other NGO’s have continuously conducted series of orientation seminars regarding RA 9262.

Since Quezon is considered an agricultural province, the provincial government through the Offices of the Provincial Agriculturist and Provincial Veterinarian accomplished the following projects which contributed to the improvement of the quality of life of its constituents.

• FAITH or Food Always in the Home Program
• KAWILIE- Willie Milk Feeding Program
• Willie Mix Feeding Program
• Animal Dispersal
• Kapihan sa Quezon
• Ikirin Agri- Livestock Model Farm

The conduct of Gender Sensitivity Training is one of the priority projects of the council to efficiently mainstream gender down to the barangays level. It increases women’s and men’s awareness on gender and development, enhance capability building geared towards greater participation, and decision making.

With the great concern for safe, pesticide-free, natural, organic and nutritious food, FAITH Seminars/Trainings are conducted province wide. FAITH Garden can make food readily available in every home, can expand food supply at affordable prices in the market and augment the income of the family. More so, high-value commercial crops will lead to a sustainable land management and continuous food supply through this conservation-oriented farming system.

Women and Children Protection Unit (WCPU) is one of the special projects of PGADC where women/ children victims of domestic violence are being served. Appropriate services/ interventions are provided to victims-survivors in coordination with other line agencies and NGO’s. Record shows that the center has served 201 clients for 2006, the youngest of whom is one-year old girl, a victim of incest by his own father.

VICTORIA, TARLAC

The women sector in Victoria, Tarlac is not left behind in meeting the economic challenges. Several groups and sectors had organized into associations for career advancement, economic growth, religious pursuits, and personal achievements, and these are: SAMBIGKIS RIC, Sandigan ng Ina ng Tahanan, Barangay Health Workers Association, Victoria East District Public School Teachers Association, Victoria West District Public School Teachers Association, Catholic Women’s Leagues, Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Handmaids of the Lord, Victoria Retirees Association, and the Senior Citizens Association.

Mayor Candido R. Guiam III is very supportive in women’s advocacy. Since the LCW was organized in July 12, 2008, this women’s group in Victoria, with the support of Mayor Guiam, had conducted seminars on Nature’s Pharm and Urban Gardening from the Central Luzzon State University, mushroom culturing and production and fashion jewelry making. In partnership with KAGABAY (Kababaihan Gabay ng Bayan), a non-government organization, SAMBIGKIS RIC Sta. Barbara Chapter had a livelihood program to boot – pottery. Aprotech Asia and Peace and Equity Foundation also made a partnership with the Sta. Barbara Chapter for the production of cooking stove called MABAGA Cookstove. It was said to be fuel and heat efficient and zero-carbon emission. Because of that, the stove had won in a world competition for its ecological and economical benefit. Aprotech Asia trained the women potters, while Peace and Equity Foundation financed this project through a loan grant.
All entities involved in this production had reaped equal benefits. SAMBIGKIS RIC members were paid for their labor, LCW of Victoria and KAGABAY received sales commissions for every unit sold.