In San Fernando, the three sitio-level women’s organizations in Sitio Lower Luknay, Lawis and Pantalan in Barangay South Poblacion, have all secured their Certificates of Registration as workers’ associations from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the assistance of the staff of the Women’s Resource Center of Visayas, Inc.
The Sitio Lower Luknay Women’s Organization and Sitio Lawis Women’s Organization both secured their Certificate on July 27, and that of Sitio Pantalan on August 2, 2022. A part of the registration reads, “ has been registered as a legitimate workers’ association for purposes of mutual aid and protection and promotion of the moral, social and economic well-being of its members.” The certificates were signed by the DOLE OIC-Regional Director Lilia A. Estillore.
The Certificates followed the submission of needed documents, the printing of which were made by the WRCV project staff; these included their Constitution, list of members and officers, minutes of the ratification of their Constitution, and financial report.
Prior to the submission, a general assembly was held for each of the organizations in June and July 2022 where the Constitution was ratified and officers were elected. Prior to the general assembly, the draft of the Constitution was discussed among community leaders, facilitated by WRCV staff.
As registered workers’ associations of the DOLE, they can then access the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP or Kabuhayan which is a grant assistance for capacity-building on livelihood for the working poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers, either for individual or group livelihood projects/undertakings.
By availing of this program, the members will be provided with additional income and alternative employment. Under this program, the women’s organization shall make a project proposal for a group livelihood project. The DOLE shall give them funds for the project with the approval of the proposal.