Presidents of the San Fernando Women’s Federation had their first general monthly meeting since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last May 26, 2021.
It was an unprecedented meeting, being the first time that they met since March 2020. There are 21 barangays in San Fernando, each with a women’s organization. One barangay, South Poblacion has two sitios, Sitio Luknay and Sitio Lawis whose organizations are partners of the WRCV in its ongoing project.
However, separate meetings of individual organizations were held when mass gatherings were allowed following the lifting of restrictions due to COVID-19 health protocols.
During the meeting, the presidents shared updates regarding their respective organizations, the situation of their members including their current means of livelihood and measures to address their problems in the midst of the pandemic and lockdowns. It was learned that in Barangay Sangat, the members of the organization are generating income through sewing rugs and bags made from recycled pieces of cloth, selling home processed turmeric and salabat powder, and making handcrafted accessories made of crochet. There were also other barangays where their women organizations have small rice retail business.
WRCV Executive Director Sarah A. Dayoha introduced to them about the WRCV including its programs and services that they can participate in. She said that WRCV can facilitate the strengthening of their organizations in terms of organizational management, awareness raising, capacity building, resource building and popularization of their concerns, as well as assistance in applying for accreditation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The officers expressed their openness to seek the programs and services of the WRCV. The WRCV has established linkages with the Municipal Social Welfare and Services of San Fernando headed by Alice A. Brobo. It was Brobo who organized the meeting of the presidents.