Table of Contents

Executive Summary ...... 1

I. Introduction

A. Context of the Study ...... 4 B. Overall Objectives ...... 6 C. Overall Methodology ...... 6 D. Research Participants ...... 7 E. Limitations of the Research ...... 9

II. Major Findings

A. Covid-19 and Its Impact on Livelihood ...... 10 B. Covid-19 and Its Impact on Health ...... 28 C. Adjustments to Mitigate the Impact ...... 30 D. Support for Workers in the Informal Economy ...... 30 E. Solidarity Action ...... 33 F. Over-All Impact ...... 34

III. Crucial Role of Organizations ...... 35

IV. Lessons Learned ...... 35

V. Vignettes from October 5, 2020 Validation ...... 36

VI. Ways Forward ...... 37

ANNEX

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Homenet Philippines and PATAMABA project entitled “Participatory Research on the Impact of COVID 19 on Workers in the Informal Economy: Documenting Solidarity-Based Actions as Social Protection Response” focused on five PATAMABA areas, namely, Angono and Taytay in Rizal; Balingasa in Quezon City; Bagong Silang in Caloocan City; Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and several towns in Bulacan. It unraveled the effects of COVID-19 on the livelihood of homebased and other informal workers, its impact on the local economy and on health, and the adjustments done to mitigate the impact. It also documented the solidarity-based actions undertaken in the different areas, identified some lessons learned, and noted some ways forward.

Preliminary results showed that almost all forms of livelihood stopped during the lockdowns, and mobility was severely restricted with no means of transport. According to participants, “The loss of income is a big factor because it has a domino effect to health spending, utilities payments, daily basic needs expenses, payments for debts and loans.” People ate less, those with suspected COVID cases experienced discrimination, mental stress increased due to the economic and food crises, as well as impending school needs such as devices for online learning that demand resources. In Rizal and Region IV-A, there was a noticeable rise in violence against women and children, as indicated by a spike in human trafficking, voyeurism, and pornography.

An FGD in Bulacan in Central Philippines, sums up the over-all impact of COVID-19 as, “the biggest challenge not only to the economy but also to the health of everyone. It strikes any age, gender, status in life, location, and time. And at this instance, government was not ready with the facilities or medicines for the infected. Neither were funds sufficient, especially for the poor and the workers of the informal economy.”

Adjustments to Mitigate Impact

During the lockdowns–Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), General Community Quarantine (GCQ), and Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), people were forced to do physical distancing, wear masks, and bring alcohol, hand sanitizer, or hygiene kits, especially when selling their products or buying what they need. “We walked for lack of transport, which even now is sparse as owners cannot afford to run their business due to specified limits.”

Government assistance in cash (Social Amelioration Program or SAP and Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para Sa Atingmga Displaced Workers or TUPAD) and in kind (rice, canned goods) was not enough to sustain the family during the lockdowns. Donations had to cover shortfalls – from neighbors, friends, church groups, PATAMABA, Homenet, and other CSOs.

Cash assistance from government was used to set up a “talipapa” flea market and go into production of masks, food products, etc. A significant number of PATAMABA went into buying and selling of products like snacks, buchi, cookies, noodles, and chocolates delivering them door-to-door and online. Some members embarked into processing of chili paste while another one shifted from internet shop to smart padala.

Crucial Role of Organization

PATAMABA leaders played a big role in helping its local members to connect with the LGU, private organizations, and individuals for financial and non- financial assistance. Fund raising was done to support the needs of the members while the COVID pandemic is happening, through distribution of food packages and disinfectants. In Angono, Rizal, the organization assists members in their alternative economic activities by asking them to produce facemasks and homecare products at the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) office. Also, freezers were lent to the community for storing frozen products. Members were encouraged to do urban gardening not just for consumption but also to sell its surplus. Some members served as frontliners in the community.

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Lessons Learned: Resilience, Innovation and Empowerment

The main lessons learned are: 1) the will to survive individually and collectively – as households, communities, organized groups must prevail; faith in what the organization has done and can do is crucial for community cohesiveness and synergy; increasing use of IT for online communication and marketing is now part of the new normal; and visibility, voice, and collective strength based on solidarity are essential elements in individual, group, and community empowerment.

Ways Forward

The following advocacy agenda comprises the immediate steps to move forward:

• More and better delivered assistance to informal worker communities, to be pushed at both local and national levels • Universal health care with informed citizen participation, continuing advocacy for the Magna Carta of Workers in the Informal Economy (MACWIE) which has strong social protection provisions • Access to financial resources, through building and rebuilding Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) • Food First in the face of increasing hunger, through urban gardening, community supported organic agriculture

Livelihood recovery for survival should be the immediate focus.

As a homebased worker leader remarked, “Basic necessities such as food, disinfectants, medicines, milk, vitamins (to strengthen the immune system), and income are the most important things for the family to survive. Economic activities should be revived and strengthened, as it is the foundation for family and community survival. If we have no income, how can we spend for everything?”

SUMMARY OF INSIGHTS, CHALLENGES, AND POLICY DIRECTIONS

During the online sharing by the project research teams on October 5, the following insights and challenges were brought out.

Even before COVID-19, workers in the informal economy were already confronted with multiple issues. Foremost are the lack of social protection in health, housing, education, food, and livelihood. Likewise, there is no clear law for the protection and rights of WIE.

During the time of the pandemic, issues of WIE revolved around employment, health, and organizational concerns. Employment issues cover the loss of livelihood and income, and limited operation due to prolonged lockdown period. Those in production were faced with limited orders and lack of transportation to deliver the products.

Gender Issues (Mental Stress, VAWC and UCW}

Online classes for the children brought about heightened stress for women - where will they get the money to buy the devices needed, internet installation, and WIFI subscriptions.

Increased cases of violence against women and children were also noted with the staying at home arrangement for those who have become jobless. Domestic work or unpaid care work of women also made women’s workload heavier.

Page – 2 Organizational Matters

Mobility constraint was a barrier in monitoring and the follow-up of members. Social distancing was also a problem in the conduct of meetings. Community leaders must learn to use the social media platforms and new technologies like chat, video call/conferencing, and zoom. Moreover, plans, programs, and budgets must be re-aligned to adjust to the new situation. Alternative plans have to be designed, especially in relation to livelihood, such as social enterprise development, on-line marketing, and local economic development for one town one product, urban and rural backyard gardening, communal gardens to produce food with an emphasis on, “food always in the home” with surplus for sale.

According to ILO, the lockdown, other stringent measures, and the fast spread of COVID-19 have brought about negative effect to 81% of the 3.3 billion workers in the whole world. Sixty-one percent of the worldwide labor force or 2 billion are workers in the informal economy and they comprise 90% of the total labor force in developing countries.

Mobility restrictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 during the ECQ resulted in a major downturn for most workers in informal labor as well as in formal labor. Every single day that there was no work, meant no income. Staying at home meant only hunger for the family. Exposure to the virus cannot be prevented when one must work outside the home.

Given this context, PATAMABA through its National President Lourdes Gula, called for the following:

- Strengthening government control of and participation in primary industries like health facilities, transportation, communication, housing, and schools. At present, the government does not have the capacity and power since these major industries are in the hands of the private sector. The first task is the reorganization (integration) of all these industries to fight COVID-19 under the principle that health is a basic human right of every citizen.

- Draft a centralized plan particularly for the industries which have been brought under state control. Strengthen government corporations to serve the needs of the people.

- Land use planning should include building of hospitals with dormitories and housing for the poor medical frontliners, and community markets which should sell products of small farmers, fisherfolk, and workers in the informal economy. Financial and technical support must be given to the basic sectors.

- Rebuild the National Food Authority (NFA) which was destroyed in favor of the rice cartel to strengthen our national food security. Stop the importation of rice and other food items and transfer to NFA the management of the national network of stores that will sell food at affordable prices.

- Build health units for testing and treatment of COVID-19 and immunization in all communities once an effective vaccine has been developed. Gather all scientists to fully support the development of the medicine or the vaccine against COVID-19 or any other epidemic.

The voice of workers in the informal economy needs to be heard. One urgent demand is the passage of the Magna Carta of Workers in the Informal Economy.

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I. INTRODUCTION

A. Context of the Study

Workers in the informal economy have been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis. There has been a shift in the profile of cases from travelers/overseas Filipino workers who got infected abroad, to the working poor living in congested urban areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Rizal, Laguna, and Bulacan. Cases are rapidly increasing and will most likely swell with the resumption of economic activity and more mobility.

Employment and economic crises are unfolding rapidly due to the two and half months of enhanced community quarantine (a lockdown) which saw many businesses closing and many jobs cut down. And with the modified community quarantine, there is still no public transport to enable workers to travel to their workplaces. Small transport operators such as jeepney drivers are still prohibited from operating. Workers in the informal economy -- homebased workers, vendors, drivers, construction workers, and micro-entrepreneurs- still find it difficult to go out of their homes and barangays to earn an income.

Hunger and social crises loom in the horizon. Local government efforts to provide food packs were too slow, too small, and did not last long. The relief goods (food packs) and cash grants that were provided by the government meant for 18 million households, were not enough, especially for big families. Cash assistance under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) targeted the very poor already listed in the government’s conditional cash transfer program (4Ps), and many of the working poor were not included in the list of eligibles. The coverage of cash for work programs (TUPAD) meant for informal workers has been woefully inadequate. The heat of summer made home quarantine unbearable for many poor and crowded households living in virtual ovens. Violations of lockdown rules have been met with force by the police and the military, warning of more authoritarianism, if not martial law, if social unrest erupts in the near future.

The health care system is under severe stress -- health personnel are under threat because of lack of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE), also due to lack of information and transparency from patients. Many doctors and nurses have died. Other exposed health workers are on quarantine and therefore cannot render service. Mass testing even among health personnel is not mandatory and available to all at risk. The acute lack of health care personnel (many of them are working abroad), already felt even before COVID- 19, has become a severe problem.

A few government hospitals have been designated as referral hospitals for COVID patients but their isolation rooms are limited. Many potential patients and "persons under investigation" with mild symptoms are being turned away to be accommodated in hotels, tents, and community quarantine facilities provided by local governments. Only those with spacious multi-room homes can afford self-isolation if they have symptoms; however, most people, including informal workers, live in crowded places.

Homenet Philippines joined Social Watch, Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE), other civil society organizations (CSOs), and academics focusing on social protection to enable the University of the Philippines COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team to come up with Policy Note No. 4 (dated 26 April) proposing social policies to address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Policy Note is intended for decision-makers in government task forces on COVID-19.

Page - 4 The general recommendations of the advocacy group are the following: Adopt more universal approaches to complement the targeted (means tested) approach to identifying social assistance programs’ beneficiaries. (Social Watch, 2020) Distribute government assistance for the 18 million families targeted by the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) effectively and efficiently utilizing a combination of the geographic, sectoral, and self-targeting approach. (Social Watch, 2020) Address the vital needs of the basic sectors, taking into consideration distinct and vulnerabilities. All basic sectors must be provided social protection, including income and food security; quality health care; constant water supply and sanitation services; regular, accurate, and accessible public health messages on COVID-19 in understandable formats; and venues to participate in decision-making.

To this third recommendation, Homenet Philippines added the following provisions: There should be free and accessible COVID-19 testing and treatment for all who are in need of these; decent and safe isolation areas with food and medical care for persons with mild symptoms, or those under investigation or monitoring due to exposure; and burial assistance (e.g., free crematorium services as seen in Quezon City) for Covid-19 fatalities. Hygiene kits should be distributed along with food packs. Access to disinfectants, wash stations and personal and protective equipment should be ensured for all frontliners not only in the health care sector but also among others rendering essential services outside their homes.

For the sectoral proposals, Homenet Philippines made the following recommendations for workers in the informal economy: 1. Ensure inclusion in the Social Amelioration Program of the working poor in the informal economy. 2. Immediately expand and facilitate access to the currently very limited Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and other cash for work programs to cover workers in the informal economy who are unable to work for the duration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine. 3. Engage displaced vendors and other workers in the informal economy to provide mobile markets and kitchens to reach out to communities while observing physical distancing. 4. Prioritize products of homebased workers, small farmers and fisherfolk in mobile markets and kitchens. 5. Provide mobile botica’s or small drugstores where affordable medicines can be accessed easily. 6. Continue provision and extension of food and cash transfers to indigent households, including those of the working poor as well as the near poor or new poor resulting from the pandemic. 7. Support homebased workers and others in the informal economy who are producing masks, gowns, other Personal Protective Equipment, meals as well as transport, delivery, packing, sorting and other services to frontliners like health workers, traffic, and law enforcers, etc. 8. Support urban and peri-urban organic agriculture in addition to rural-based food production efforts based on solidarity to ensure safe, healthy, and balanced meals for all (to supplement/replace canned goods and instant noodles which are customarily distributed in food packs). Free distribution of seedlings and setting up of community gardens and communal farms while observing physical distancing should be done at local level. (Contribution from PKKK, which is in the Homenet network). 9. Suspend payments for taxes, rentals, public utilities such as water and electricity, health insurance and social security, and loans from government sources.

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10. Facilitate loan restructuring for homebased and other informal workers who have availed of micro-credit/loans from MFIs and other lending institutions (whether formal or informal). 11. Provide short-term low-interest loans to augment income and restart micro-enterprises. 12. Engage organized groups of workers in the informal economy to facilitate identification, listing, prioritization, and mobilization of the most vulnerable in the provision of social assistance, essential services, and income augmentation.

Some of these proposals need to be pushed at ground level; organized informal workers in various communities can adopt them as their advocacy agenda for local government units as well as national government agencies, if not implement these themselves. In fact, the organized communities identified to be engaged in this project have already conducted relief work for vulnerable groups, and some have facilitated shifting to alternative livelihood such as the production of face masks and personal and protective equipment, as well as hand sanitizers.

B. Over-all Objectives

1. To describe the impact of COVID-19 in the informal worker communities identified for the research, with primary focus on Rizal province (municipalities of Angono and Taytay). 2. To document and assess the solidarity-based actions already conducted in the sites. 3. To share and derive lessons from the research results not only to the membership of the implementing partners but to wider SP –focused groups. 4. To develop, implement and pursue an SP advocacy agenda while conducting the research. 5. To enhance capabilities of informal worker leaders and youth to conduct participatory research and advocacy work.

C. Methodology and Key Stakeholders Engaged in the Participatory Action Research

The research was participatory, and was planned, implemented, monitored, and evaluated by Homenet and PATAMABA leaders in partnership with community-based groups and youth leaders. It was meant to be action-oriented, leading to greater visibility, effectiveness, and empowerment of the engaged groups in advocating for an agenda that they themselves have developed during the research together with other components of the PH SP team. The results will be shared and utilized by all those involved for their own benefit and in the manner they see fit.

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D. Research Participants

1. KII Participants CHAPTER NAME OF POSITION IN INTERVIEWER DATE OF RESPONDENT PATAMABA INTERVIEW PATAMABA Mary Lucette P. Member Josephine C. July 24, ANGONO de la Rosa Parilla 2020 PATAMABA Nilda Estrella Chairperson, PATAMABA E J Vargas July 31, BALINGHASA Quezon City 2020 National Marketing Alicia Priol Coordinator PATAMABA Ma. Clara Dela member Jay Ar Tina July 30, BULACAN Cruz Tamayo 2020 PATAMABA Divina Cesar National Treasurer Debie Ann July 31, CALOOCAN PATAMABA Bagong Tongol 2020 Adele Reyes Silang Chapter member PATAMABA Joylyn Canta PATAMABA Sta. Cruz July 30, LAGUNA City Municipal Council 2020 Coordinator for Education and Training

2. FGD Participants CHAPTER VENUE FGD PARTICIPANTS POSITION IN DATE OF PATAMABA FGD PATAMABA BRGY. • Emilina Nacario • Municipal Project July 20, ANGONO Kalayaan, Coordinator and 2020 Angono, Rizal Chapter President • Nenie Amano • Municipal Marketing Coordinator and Chapter Organizing Coordinator • Isabel Torres • Munijcipal and Chapter Secretary • Corazon Mabansag • Chapter PRO • Lydia Rasonabe • Chapter Paralegal Officer • Crisanta T. Beltran • PATAMABA Local Area Organizer • RitchelVirtudez • Chapter Member • Luz Lavide • Chapter Member • Jovita Amores • Chapter Auditor • Emelita Gile • Chapter President • Maribel Torres • Chapter Member/ Documenter

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CHAPTER VENUE FGD POSITION IN DATE PARTICIPANTS PATAMABA OF FGD PATAMABA Brgy. San • Jocelyn Lipio • Municipal and Chapter / July 19, ANGONO Vicente, HOA President 2020 Angono, Rizal • Angeles Benoza • Chapter Paralegal • Mary Jane L. Officer Castro • Chapter Member • Jonalyn Liwanag • Chapter Member • Elaine B. Yapot • Chapter Member • Rhea Oquendo • Chapter Member • Lea C. • Chapter Council Montemayor Member • Efren Aquino • Chapter Member • Ethel P. Dujali • WISE Treasurer • Earle P. Dujali • WISE Member PATAMABA Brgy. • Alicia Priol • National Marketing July 31, BALINGHASA Balingasa, Coordinator 2020 Quezon City • Nilda Estrella • Quezon City Chapter President • Rommel • Chapter Member Evangelista • Chapter Member • Gerarda • Chapter Member Fernandez • Chapter Member • Margarette • Chapter Member Estrella • PATAMABA Youth • FelominaToldoya • Joana Martin • E J Vargas - facilitator

PATAMABA • Evelyn Cruz • President of the July 30, BULACAN Bulacan PATAMABA 2020 • Marilyn Caballero President of Bulacan PKKK • Mila Domingo • President of BulacanKaBaPa • Gemma • President of Hot Mama Pacionista, • Local Area Organizer of PATAMABA TRIAS • Maria Pascual Project in Bulacan • President of • Jay Ar Tina, NagkakaisangKabataan Para sa Kaunlaran (NKPK).

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CHAPTER VENUE FGD PARTICIPANTS POSITION IN DATE OF PATAMABA FGD PATAMABA Bagong Silang, • Alcantara, Melani • Chapter Member July 31, CALOOCAN Caloocan City • Aquino, Aurea • Chapter Member 2020 • Bagadiong, Elvira • Chapter Member • Cawaling, Myrna • Chapter President • Cesar, Cathy • Chapter Member • Corpin, Edna • Chapter Member • Insigne, Maria Elena • Chapter Member • Tugenio, Resalina • Chapter Member • Chapter Member • Villas, Lorna • Chapter Member • Debie Anne Tongol – • PATAMABA interviewer, facilitator Youth and documentor PATAMABA Barangay • Juliana Canta • National July 30, LAGUNA Santo Angel Chairperson for 2020 Central, Santa Health and Social Cruz, Laguna Protection on the • Alma Tagle • Chapter Member evaluation • ProcyBalasoto • Chapter Member • Evangeline Celmar • Chapter Member • Marilyn Maray • Chapter Member • Joylyn Canta : • Coordinator for facilitator Education and Training

E. ACTIVITIES AND OUTPUTS

ACTIVITY OUTPUTS Participatory planning Research guidelines, templates, story outline Pilot testing and data-gathering in primary site Draft research report and story; photo and (Rizal) /or video documentation Data gathering with photo and/or video Draft research reports and stories; photo and documentation in four other sites video-documentation Write-up and editing Synthesizing narrative Webinar to exchange and share information Record of webinar

Finalization of E-publication for uploading and E-files on the web dissemination Administrative work Narrative and financial reports for submission to AMRC

F. LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH

The research covered only organized PATAMABA areas that are easily accessible geographically and technologically because of time and resource constraints. Its findings, which are drawn from qualitative research methods, are not generalizable to other PATAMABA chapters and other organized groups within Homenet Philippines and in the informal economy.

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II. MAJOR FINDINGS

A. Impact of COVID-19 on Livelihood

Among members of PATAMABA Angono

The FGDs ascertain that PATAMABA Kalayaan and San Vicente members in Angono did not experience zero income even though some family income earners were not able to go to work from mid-March to June because of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) lockdown. In 16 June 2020, Rizal Province was declared General Community Quarantine (GCQ), with the opportunity to go back to work.

The loss of income and its uncertainty resulted in depression and stress, especially among those with regular income from selling. With the "new normal," homebased workers continue the usual production, but with limited market and consumers due to closure of some outlets who used to patronize these products. Some products still available and considered basic needs of the community such as food and fish vending, as well as homecare products and rugs. Online selling gave households alternative income-generating activities for production of food, clothing, PPEs like facemasks and disinfectants. Subcontracting for products like PPEs, ready-to-wear, and facemasks is in demand during this crisis. It gives opportunity to members of PATAMABA HOA to earn even during the pandemic. Aside from online selling and alternative livelihood activities, gardening also became one source of income for some households. Their output supported the consumption of the family, with some income from surplus products.

The pandemic brought about hunger, health problems, domestic violence and depression.

During the pandemic and lockdown, in general, people are afraid of the virus spreading, especially on what to spend when said virus will spread to the members of the family. The loss of income is a big factor because it has a domino effect on health spending, utilities payment, daily basic needs expenses, and payments to debts and loans. Likewise, schooling is a problem for all parents with children going to school online or even through modular learning. Devices, internet, and payments of modules are among the problem they are confronted with.

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Effect on the Local Economy

It has also impacted on the local economy of Taytay. The closure of the Tiangge threw thousands of producers, sellers, and resellers of the garments industry in limbo, leaving them with no income at all or suffering from little income and economic activity.

The birth of LDR Intl Pharma and Medical Supplies was an accident by nature. When the Philippine government declared on March 17, 2020, a total lockdown, Taytay was one of the most affected municipality in Rizal, 3rd to Antipolo City and Cainta Rizal. The rising of PUI, PUM, and death tolls in the municipality was alarming. The situation worsened further with the closure of many establishments.

The closure of the Tiangge in Taytay left thousands of producers, sellers, and resellers of the garment’s industry in limbo, leaving no income at all or a dwindling family income and economic activity. Thus, when the LCE Mayor Joric Gacula made an audience with the garments industry players, Ms Dela Rosa was dismayed at the COVID pandemic impact, making herself ready to make a move to takes action to ease the worsening situation and somehow help.

TRANSITIONING/PIVOTING: From Events Organizer to Producers of PPE

Mary Lucette Parrilla Dela Rosa offers 30+ and occasions memorable only in the best years of sewing and manufacturing of ways. She is also considered as one of experience. At a young age, she was the industry’s most outstanding women. Operations Manager of ILAJJJ’s Footwear- distributor of bedroom slippers in many As her experiences expanded, she became outlets in the Philippines. It was a family more adept at the trade. In 2020 because business established in 1988 by her of COVID-19 pandemic, as she realized the mother- Ms. Josephine “Olive” Parilla. needs of the front liners, Lucette made the decision to transition from a one-woman She is also known to be among the most army as an event host and event planner to prolific events host and organizer in the setting up a shop and opening LDR INTL Province of Rizal. Pharma and Medical Supplies Trading, the Lucette, as her peers fondly call her, first in Rizal which manufactures PPE spearheads LDR Events Solutions as Suits. Because of her background working founder and managing director. She has in PATAMABA with its advocacy of helping made a career out of her passion. Ms. Dela the homebased workers and supporting the Rosa has dedicated years and effort local economy, the young enterprise was maintaining and delivering quality and born. excellence as an Events Host and Organizer, making her clients’ special days

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VISION: “To emerge as large manufacturing destination for retailers looking at sourcing value products and a society where everyone enjoys human rights, sustainable, environment friendly lifestyle, active and comprehensive empowerment of workers in the informal economy towards individual and collective self- reliance community.

MISSION AND STRATEGIES: Be the catalyst of change in transforming the lives of homeworkers and other workers in the informal economy through organizing, networking, capability-building, and socio- economic program and producing quality garments from a core value of our management practice. We believe in providing better working conditions to our work force before delivering the highest quality service to our customers.

It was on April 20, 2020, she tapped nine (9) sewers for PPEs. These sewers were severely affected with the pandemic. To date she has more than thirty (30) subcontracted homebased workers coming not just from the center of the town but also from the far-flung islands of Rizal.

Ms Dela Rosa, likewise, organized them to become members of PATAMABA- WISE – a provincial association of workers in the informal economy mostly homebased workers.

To date LDR’s most known clients are St. Luke’s Hospital, Eastern Communications, Regency Hotel, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Care Philippines, Department of Tourism, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Lourdes Hospital, Doctors, and Nurses from various hospitals and many more. With Lucette at the helm of LDR Events Solution and LDR INTL Pharma and Medical Supplies Trading, the company has come a long way since its humble beginnings. It is now comprised of people from all walks of life. Lucette has opened employment opportunities for college students and homeworkers with financial needs.

As a further testament to her excellence, she was awarded the Seal of Quality Service by the National Product Quality Excellence Awards of Asia and the Philippine Social Media Star Achiever Award. Her works were also featured in Rated K, Lifestyle Channel and just recently (June 2020) in UnangHirit Channel 7. LDR INTL Pharma and Medical Supplies Trading does not just offer PPE’s and medical supplies, they also provide livelihood in our community. Stay Safe. Stay Protected. Buy Local. Support Local.

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Among Members of PATAMABA Balingasa

The Means of Livelihood in Brgy. Balingasa in Pre-Pandemic Times

Livelihood in Barangay Balingasa revolves bread (Tiffany) and paper (Star Paper). We around the carinderia, sari sari store, street also have construction workers; masons, food (fishball, kwek-kwek, kikiam), street carpenters, and tricycle drivers. There are vending, preparing merienda. Many into also laundry shops; parlor for hair, nails, vending of vegetables, fish or meat in the “talipapa”. are They are also into sewing doormats, dresses, pot holders, rags, doormats, recycled products (curtains, fashion accessories), small transport operators. Others are into peddling home care products such as dishwashing soap and fabric conditioner. Factories produce paint (GLOBESCO, SYCWIN), steel (Regan),

and massages. We also have Barangay Health Worker (BHW); and Barangay Public Safety Officer (BPSO). Majority are workers in the informal economy as self-employed or homebased.

Table 1. Sources of Livelihood 1. Own capital like sewer, food producer, selling, tricycle/trisikad- driver/sharer, newspaper vendor. 2. Works at home- recycles materials, fashion accessories, doormat/foot rags sewer, home care products 3. Other informal workers in service- manicurist, masseuse, washerwoman, tanod, BHW, construction worker, plumber, mason, garbage collector. Five in FGD are part of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) of PATAMABA in Balingasa which helps to augment their business and other needs of the family, especially pre-COVID time.

Livelihood in COVID pandemic times

Livelihood for the FGD participants during to the stress wondering how families will the lockdown came to a stop. OFWs came cope up to the demands and devices home jobless. Products of needed for online classes. microentrepreneurs could not be delivered. The situation was further exacerbated with The recourse is to take on “odd” jobs like sickness in the family. Rumors of COVID laundry or to embark into online buying and infection resulted in discrimination. The selling of snacks and door to door delivery. opening of the school year has also added

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Table 2. Livelihood During COVID Pandemic

RESPONDENT ANSWER Rommel Evangelista used to work abroad which has stopped but family now depends solely from a member in the call center. Gerarda Fernandez All stopped earning. So with the small printing press for t-shirts. At start of 2020, with COVID pandemic and the country on ECQ, most of the work stopped, including that of my husband and child. After several months, we were on MGCQ, then only were we able to deliver our product that was ordered even before lockdown, due to the lack of transportation. My husband got back to work but after a month, developed ulcer so had to stop work again. After two weeks, his lungs were found to have water. He was brought him to the hospital, as he lost so much weight. There the water in his lungs was taken out, laboratory tests were done on him, and he got treated. Due to this, he was rumored to have been infected by the COVID virus. Of course, our family was affected by the discrimination, but we chose not to mind them nor be affected, with the support of relatives and close friends. To help with the needs of the family, I was forced tò do laundry for others. Margarette Estrella All means of livelihood stopped. We did not know how to meet daily needs and pay bills All livelihood stopped. Even school children wondered how to cope with the released policy of the online class. And even if the usual going to school is implemented, we fear sending them out lest they catch the virus. Added burden also is where to get the gadgets for online class of students when food is already hard to find. Joana Martin All who were working stopped. My husband tricycle driver was not able to work for almost two months during the lockdown. Good thing we live near my parents and relatives we could run to in times of need although I knew they were also in need. So I thought of going into buy-and- sell of products like snacks, cookies, noodles, chocolates, etc. which I sold door-to-door and online.

The informal workers of Brgy. Balinghasa identified no work, loss of income, food scarcity, high prices of commodities as their problems.

Table 3: Problems of Informal Workers in the Community During Pandemic and Lockdown

RESPONDENT ANSWER Rommel Evangelista No work. Limited support of LGU and government; nowhere to buy cheap food; high price of commodities Gerarda Fernandez Loss of income; no source of funds; raw materials not utilized, just wasted Margarette Estrella Temporary stoppage of work and source of income FelominaToldoya No work; scarce food Joana Martin Stoppage of work and source of income

Resiliency came mostly with engaging in alternative livelihood or income generating projects.

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I am Nilda Estrella, 44 I used to have a sari-sari store and also sold years old from rice. I also worked at DILG, Quezon City as Barangay Balingasa, staff in the office of Bernadette Herrera for 12 Balintawak, Quezon years. Joining PATAMABA in 1997, I am now City. I have two Chairperson of its Quezon City Chapter. At the children, a boy and a same time, I am girl, both of whom have finished college and Enterprise their own livelihood. Development Officer (EDO) of its Trias However, last 19 July 2020, my son returned Project for Quezon from Saudi Arabia because of the pandemic City, Caloocan City and is now under quarantine and jobless. My and Rizal. daughter meantime is with her grandmother. ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOD AND PATAMABA To survive, others looked for alternative livelihood such as sewing face masks; making rice cakes, processed food or dishwashing liquid to sell online. Senior citizens and others who continued to cook food would secretly buy ingredients very early in the morning to escape being caught by authorities. I was one of them, preparing merienda, chili paste or dishwashing liquid. We sold them to our neighbors, friends, and even online through social media/ Facebook.

Table 4.Coping with the Situation RESPON ANSWER DENT Rommel Pinoy resiliency, adjust Evangelista expenses to available funds Gerarda One did laundry work Fernandez for.income Margarette Thought of alternative Estrella livelihood like cooking buchi, merienda fare to sell to neighbors; made chili paste to sell online FelominaToldoya Tried various ways to earn Joana Martin Tried buy-and- sell online saleable items like food

Food, work, medicine/vitamins, government support, financial assistance and training on alternative livelihood were identified as immediate needs in Balingasa.

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So, during the mid- March 2020 COVID 19 community lockdown ECQ, GCQ and I am Alicia Priol, MGCQ, I did not know of Barangay how to provide for the Balingasa, needs of my family. Quezon City. I Livelihood stopped, have three affecting everybody. children, a boy and My two children could two girls. Our not go to work for lack daughters finished college- one, in Business of transportation. There was no production Management and now works in a call center. as there were no buyers. Almost all The other took up Laboratory Technology depended on government aid like SAP and and is connected with an office in Quezon TUPAD, and relief goods from LGUs and City City. Our son, the oldest, married early so did Hall. But it was difficult to comply with the not finish schooling. At present, I am long list of requirements and to fall in line Marketing Coordinator of PATAMABA under the sun before receiving the benefit. National and the Treasurer of its Quezon City Some were caught by the lockdown in the Chapter. province and could not return to their families or were here in the city and could not go back I have also been a sewer even before and to the province. Some were lucky to be until now; I accept orders and repairs for supported by relatives abroad or to be school and office uniforms. It is a big help receiving pension, but the disadvantage is especially now that I have been a widow for they were no longer eligible anymore for six years. I am the sole breadwinner for two government assistance. children and a grandchild.

Due to limited and insufficient government livelihood. Another aid, one had to think of ways to survive. So, I assistance was the thought of cooking viands, merienda, and Village Savings and bagoong to sell for our family's sustenance Loan Association and needs. Social media helped in promoting (VSLA) from where we my new products and in the end, added to my members could loan income. More so, I am grateful for from our previous PATAMABA –sponsored skills training, savings for added product development, business planning and capital toward marketing, all of which led the way and alternative livelihood boosted our morale toward alternatives.

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PATAMABA in Bulacan

to myself and my family; learn to be productive as a helpmate to my husband in livelihood, more than just taking care of our children, cooking and doing other chores at home. These chores are to be shared with my husband. We were running a small business, an internet cafe and maintaining 20 units of computers. This was a big help to students, as well as the youth I am Ma. Clara Dela training under DOLE Cruz Tamayo, "Olga," 36 years old, residing in Barangay San Francisco Bulacan, Bulacan, and married with 2 children aged 5 and the other, only 3 months old. I finished in Region lll and PATAMABA. This was a a bookkeeping course result of studies and seminars under and at present am PATAMABA partners like UPCWGS and the bookkeeper of a National Computer Center which we have Farmers Group. I also shared to the youth and women. work at home and a member of Due to the pandemic affecting the country PATAMABA in our and the world, however, it has been a big barangay since 2014. challenge to our family and its livelihood. Our business is banned, so is going out in our I have attended their orientation and trainings barangay. Slowly, our business fell, forcing where I fully understood the importance of us to sell our computers. It was a heavy and organization, being a mother, and above all painful burden to lose and leave this the rights of workers at home. In my business that had helped students and the participation at these various practices on youth, as well as our daily needs. organization, I have been able to apply them

We had also given added services like online selling which applied our learnings on organization and strategy in marketing. Two of our posts yielded positive results. This encouraged us to look for alternative livelihood for the family, rise to the challenge and adjust to the present situation.

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Most of the workers at ECQ, GCQ and MGCQ. There was also no home among our members mass transportation even to go to the town belong to the informal market, which were all closed, too. sector- vendors, tricycle drivers, service workers Even groceries hid their stocks especially of and small farmers. They sanitizers, which they limited to 2 per family so lost their livelihood or everybody will be able to buy. To address our business, could not pay their bills, nor even basically feed themselves.

Relief coming from the LGU during lockdown was not enough for the needs of the family, if they received at all. SAP beneficiaries were also need for alternative livelihood, our family chosen among the invested capital and set-up a remittance indigent families only. Our members mostly SMART PADALA and e-load. It benefited had children who were employed here or many people due to a lack of a similar service abroad and were deemed not needing aid. But in our area. So they did not have to town and the pandemic does not pick where or who to line up there, saving on fare and risk to health. victimize. All suffered because of work stoppage because of the total lockdown,

On the Economic Impact of COVID-19 as perceived by women leaders of PATAMABA Bulacan

Milagros D. Domingo, President of Bulacan KaBaPa, lives in Barangay Guyong, Santa Maria, Bulacan. Born 11 November 1959, she has been a member for more than 14 years of the Katipunanngmga Bagong Pilipina, an organization of women in the rural areas that was founded in 1975. Members and leaders are used to using their own money and volunteering in activities of the organization. Steeped in the principles of organization, they are keenly aware of equal rights. All problems whether of the group or an individual are solved in consensus. However, because of the present crisis and family issues, some members have become inactive if not totally unable to participate. Due to the urgent need to think of alternative livelihood for both the family and the organization, I attended the training launched by the group and its network.

With my training in cookery I plan to put into practice in a small eatery, when I have enough capital. The last one I really got into is the making of powdered detergent, fabcon, and dishwashing liquid which are everyday needs, so they were not difficult to sell even in the pandemic. I also got some products from Manila to add to my sales. I also made candles as well as peanut butter. We plan to organize more women, make them aware of their present situation so they are ready for future challenges by way of training as needed. This would of course require the help and support of the organization and its network.

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Experiences during the pandemic are similar to those mentioned in the 2 interviews, as is common in the country and abroad. In fact, the virus here came from China. In Santa Maria, Bulacan, onca week, relief goods of 2 kilos of rice and 2 cans of sardines. Our Mayor helps us although we were not included in SAP. They just bought goods for us. Every one experienced hardship. Even movement was limited. Everything weakened, all businesses.

Evelyn B. Cruz, from (butaw) leading to the formation of Matimbo, Malolos, communal. savings members that is going Bulacan and President strong until now. This pandemic gave me of Bulacan only minimal economic problems because PATAMABA, was born my shop is located inside the hospital 13 November 1951. compound. It cannot be closed because its She started as member regular customers are hospital staff, patients of KaBaPa in 1980, and caregivers. Members of our organization joining PATAMABA find time to study different skills like cooking in.1994. Joining the & baking, and bring their cooked goodies to Leadership Training, my shop to be sold. Other members sold How to Network, fresh fish and veggies. Some even repotted Occupational Safety & Health Training, and sold their old grown plants. Some Women in Politics and other training became beneficiaries of SAP but majority like programs empowered me to participate in myself received rice & groceries from LGU local elections; network with GOs & NGOs to five times, if I am not mistaken. This bring livelihood and infrastructure projects to pandemic brought out the best attitude the constituents and the community; among our members- care and kindness. All organize multiple women's organizations and the Barangay volunteers like mother leaders facilitate members to access different and Councilor Malou Cundangan, a member trainings cum livelihood especially funds; of Paraluman, became frontliners of regularly meet groups to conduct their Barangay Matimbo. livelihood projects and collect monthly fees

Marilyn D. Caballero, President of Bulacan PKKK, of Taal, Malolos, Bulacan, was born in 16 April 1957. She became a member of KaBaPa and PATAMABA, attended seminars on home care products, and training cum production on sewing and other alternatives to livelihood.

Being a member of organizations and attending trainings gave me confidence to interact with known personalities and officials of government and other organizations. My goal is for our barangay to have livelihood projects for women empowerment and progress. Women have to meet regularly for this. During the pandemic, our barangay saw majority losing jobs, like my 2 children who were off work for a month. I also stopped sewing, like the other informal workers who were into subcontracting.

Nevertheless, I helped cook "kakanin" for temporary income. Even though it was difficult, we managed. Many learned online selling of food or other products. Some sold fish. Others received SAP and other aid from the city government. Rice, canned goods, bread and live chicken were given by private individuals.

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distancing, wear mask, and bring alcohol, Maria S. Pascual, hand sanitizer or hygiene kit especially those National Council selling their products or buying what they member of need. The barangay gave out a schedule of PATAMABA and people going to market to avoid crowding. Local Area We walked for lack of transport, which even Organizer (LAO) of now is sparse as owners cannot afford to run its Trias Project in their business due to specified limited Bulacan, of passengers and their protective Barangay Caniogan, arrangements. Aid received from LGU, Malolos City, DOLE, DSWD, and the private sector were Bulacan, was born 12 October 1953. rice, noodles, sardines, eggs, bread, bananas. She became a PATAMABA member in 2013 after the elections wherein President Evelyn As LAO, I coordinate by cellphone with the Cruz of PATAMABA ran as a City Councilor. barangay leaders regarding their situation. Among the trainings attended are: Business Some received SAP for the first time; 4Ps for Management, Leadership, Organizing, the first and second time among our Community Development, Basic Strategic members. Those off from office work sold Planning, Gender Equality, Livelihood, Skills- fresh fish, vegetables and fruits. PROGRAM home care products, Bridging the Gender TUPAD was launched to help the jobless Gaps, Women Empowerment, Transitioning with livelihood. Informal workers were mostly from Informal to Formal, CARE-OPEN online or on-call. PARTNERSHIP, Sustainability Plan. These and other fora led to my personal Bulacan Village Savings Loan Association development despite my age. All that I will learned was echoed to the members in our establish area and helped me also to maintain the VSLA so organization and its network. members can have During the pandemic, almost all had no savings livelihood for more than a month. It was not from feasible to rely on LGU assistance although which to they gave rice and some grocery items but loan for not regularly. So to be able to eat, members capital. sold cooked food on take-out basis. During This is our plan for the future the lockdown, ECQ, GCQ, and MGCQ, people were forced to follow social

Gemma Pacionista is President of Hot Mama and lives in Barangay Bagna, Malolos, Bulacan. She was born 20 May 1971. Despite having founded Hot Mama, she still joined PATAMABA and encouraged Hot Mama to follow suit so with Home Net PH. She believes in their goals and advocacies for informal workers. And she was proven right. It led to her personal development as well as support and benefits for all of them at Hot Mama by way of training especially on livelihood as previously mentioned by the others. I joined PATAMABA in 2013 through Kap Evelyn Cruz who was looking for a LAO for

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Bulacan after her. I became LAO and Vice President of PTMB Bulacan then and till now. We conducted training in Malolos and Bulakan, Bulacan- Leatra (Leadership Trajectory), Business Management and many others like Gender Sensitivity, Product Development and Skills Training. PATAMABA Trias Project gave Barangay Bagna a sewing machine for their added income and capital. A freezer was also given under my care for their frozen "bidbid" and ice.

We founded Hot Mama 09 January 2009. We were only 31 members. We approached the LGU through a councilor for a heavy-duty stove to rent out, which we received from a councilor. From Hot Mama's caroling, we were able to raise funds for pots and utensils needed when we do catering on barangay occasions until now. We also rent out the stove at P200 for the use of a bereaved family during the wake up to the burial of their departed kin. We have "Damayan" too. Almost all members of Hot Mama belong to PTMB too.

Trias Project gave training in Barangay Bagna, held in its Elementary School for which rent was paid. This benefited the teachers and students as they received additional cash for a projector. Others who studied Business Management put up a fish stall in the market or a sari-sari store. Almost everybody's sari-sari store closed during the barangay lockdown. We got relief goods from the LGU and the barangay. Some members also received from 4Ps. Recipients in turn gave rice to indigents. Hot Mama fed the frontliners. Others shared vegetables, eggs, and rice. My husband and I asked from an in-law financial support to distribute to the needy in the barangay.

Because of the pandemic, even our oyster farm was affected. They got bleached in the sand and died. Members of PTMB and Hot Mama volunteered as frontliners during the pandemic We have Mother Leaders and BHW. Our store is open now with new capital as previous one was used up the past 4 months. The dead oysters are sourced from the sea so that we do not have to buy their shell to start again. Thanks to the help of PTMB to us which we distributed to our members.

The women of PATAMABA CALOOCAN narrate their story

“Use hard facts and a soft voice.”

We, as a group decided to share our story too. Not to whine, but just to give feedback that will serve as a backup story from our dear co- members.

It is also one way of telling how our current situation is, not only for some but most of us are who experiencing the same issue.

“The struggle is real”

Most of our members are home-based workers time not enough for our daily expenses. We are or part of the so- called informal sector. We are trying to make both ends meet as they say just earning on a daily basis, which is most of the

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to provide for our family. Then pandemic to earn a living, it was already hard before, but it happened, this crisis threatened us, not just our is even harder now. health but most especially our financial capability. The virus took away our opportunity

Since March, most of us have been struggling Php 45,000 was allocated for credit to to survive on a daily basis. It is the hardest members in terms of loans with an interest rate part, when you know you can’t do anything but of 10% per month. Loans to members just to wait. What’s even harder is that you never amounting to Php 2,000 each was payable in know if you are waiting for something or not. As weekly amortization. a parent, seeing your kids starving, thinking about your bills, and worrying about the family’s The members’ individual share accumulated at health is torture. the end of the year is Php 4,900 with an accumulated interest of Php 1,000 each Here in our chapter, we do have a project called individual member. The accumulated interest in VSLA (Village Savings and Loan Association), savings at the end of the year 2018 was Php where in a total of 52 members are included, but 28,415. due to the crisis 15 of our members already withdrew their money as they will be using the December 16, 2018 was the pay-out date where money for their everyday needs. Of the other 37 individual members got their shares amounting members left, only 15 are paying the weekly to Php 5,900. The remaining amount from contribution while the remaining members are savings mobilization was spent for their no longer capable of paying but they have not Christmas Party during the Pay-out Day. initiated any withdrawals as of the moment. But as mentioned in the FGD, due to the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) pandemic, the VSLA members decreased from was formed in Caloocan City Chapter on 52 members to 37 and only 15 members are January 15, 2018 with 27 members; savings continuing their weekly contributions. mobilization was Php 27,000 and eventually, total collected reached Php 85,000. This pandemic has caused a domino effect on all aspects but everyone doesn’t have a choice but to look for a way to survive.

“Every day might not be good, but there is something good in every day.”

But we must say, we are still lucky, God is always there listening and providing. He didn’t let our kids sleep starving, our power and water sources weren't disconnected and he protected us from acquiring the virus.

We were able to get some help from the government and other institutions. It may not be sufficient for the entire duration of the crisis, but it was good enough to let us live for another day and look for an alternative on how to survive the following days.

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“My Mom is a Hero to Me” Debie Ann Tongol

She doesn’t fight Fear of the Pandemic. crime, or wear a cape, COVID-19 harms not she doesn’t read only my mom but minds or levitate, but everyone in the world. every time my world My mom expresses needs saving she’s fears on how are we my superwoman and going to survive the she’s my mom. Her crisis. For her, the implication of these name is Divina Cesar, measures her ability to earn a living to who just turned 60 last June 1st. She has 3 support our needs during this crisis. This kids and she’sbeen a single parent since unseen enemy was able to hit my mom’s 2013. For seven years, she’s been doing a weakness, and that is her fear of being great job as our mom and dad. She joined unproductive and unable to provide to her PATAMABA in 1995, where she learned how family. to make/sew laces used in souvenirs and giveaways in the late 90s. She also sews Superheroes are born to fight and so has my rags. In the late 2000, she’s been into mom. She will fight until the end. She uses different ventures just to help our family with every single courage she has in herself and our day to day expenses. defeat is not an option. She drives herself and look for something that will motivate her. While working hard as a home-based worker, Then, she found and appreciate all the help she’s also an active member of Patamaba, that we are getting, the food packs from our attending trainings and seminars. In 2014, barangay and the city mayor and most she became a part of Patamaba’s National especially the P8000 pesos cold cash from Council as a Treasurer. She’s in-charge of the national government. We also got a 25 the organization’s finances. Having that kilos or rice from Patamaba and TRIAS. This position requires time, focus and help that we got made her realize to continue perseverance but that doesn’t stop her in her advocacy, not only to provide for her being an awesome provider. While being a family but also to help and inspire her full-time national treasurer, she’s doing her community. Maybe for some, superheroes part-time job as a merchandiser for Avon and aren’t real but for me they are real. No fancy Natasha. costumes, no super powers just the love that she has for her family. My mom is my But just like any other superhero, superhero and she doesn’t wear capes. my mom has a kryptonite too, but unlike superman my mom’s kryptonite was her fear.

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A Glimpse into To My World

and motor skills. Since then, he has been My name is Adelia unable to work, which means that the entire Reyes from Bagong responsibility is on my shoulders. He used to Silang, Caloocan work in a government office prior to his attack City, married with 7 and you might think we had a comfortable life kids.Two years ago, back then but you are wrong. Raising seven my husband suffered kids is a big challenge for us. I felt the need from stroke attack to help my husband with our everyday living. affecting his speech

My Journey as An Informal Worker

I worked for a garment factory, subcon company, because aside from the manufacturing underwear, nighties, etc. I “no work no pay” condition, you will also need was in –charge of putting elastic garter to endure working without getting any mostly to underwear, which is the hardest benefits. We are not entitled for any social part of the operation because it requires protection benefits, there is no overtime pay, uniformity and accuracy. I was getting paid holiday pay and bonuses, aside from the fact on a “piece rate” or P5 per piece and for that we are not considered as a regular every rejected underwear I need to pay P18 employee. each. It is really inhumane to work in a

Is This My World?

Then, Pandemic came. Can you imagine next generation? Will these be questions left how it will be like for us in the informal sector? unanswered? Am I going to let this hurdle How are we going to survive in this time of defeat me? Is this my world? This pandemic pandemic when even long ago before this has caused so much trouble , threatening crisis we had already been struggling to human lives. survive? Is this the kind of life that we offer to our children? Is this the future that awaits the

“If you fall seven times, stand up eight. “

The first two months of the crisis was really everything might be limited but not the hard, no income, limited supply of food and courage and determination that I have. All there is no way for us to go out to earn a the help that I got inspired me to do living. But God is so good, he didn’t let us something. strictly following the social starve and suffer. Thanks to the local distancing and of course the P8,000 SAP government which provided five food packs from the national government. Aside from the that were distributed to us also received 5 government, we were venturing into a kilos of rice from PATAMABA and TRIAS. business I use internet. These deeds made me think this is not the right time to be demotivated. At this time,

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With all the help that I got, I was motivated the internet. I was able to start my online food and was able to turn my fears into something business taking pre-orders. So far, I must say good, in marketing my product which is food. that online food business is a perfect idea With the because it is convenient and attractive to a financial help of my daughter for my capital wide variety of customers. It also enables the and thanks to PATAMABA’s previous customers to enjoy quality food without seminar about business management, I was needing to leave the comfort of their homes. able to market my products with the use of

“Tell me I can’t and I’ll show you I can but if we are fighting and not giving up then “Either focus on what’s tearing you apart or we are still on track. Do not let any obstacle what’s keeping you together.” knock you down without trying.

This business is my bread and butter. It may not be sufficient, but we are surviving. Yes, there are still hardships, struggles, and fears

My Motivations

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PATAMABA in Laguna

From Barangay Sto. persons under monitoring (PUM) were Angel Central, Sta. home- quarantined. Cruz, Laguna, I am Joylyn M. Canta, an Mass testing was implemented.by the informal worker with a municipal government on frontliners, the little income from my Sangguniang Barangay and its employees. own capital derived Some turned out to be positive. Contact from sewing rags and tracing was done with them. The Councilors face masks. and the Treasurer of the barangay and the DSWD workers trusted me, having helped in With everybody experiencing the pandemic, the barangay before and now Secretary of the members of PATAMABA stopped work Santo Nino Association in our sitio. and realized its difficulties. We know the strict enforcement of guidelines Ninety percent (90%) of PATAMABA set by the IATF at this time. Time is limited to members in our barangay and 10% of the buy in the market and with physical senior citizens received support from the distancing, it takes longer too. Stocks like of social amelioration program. With the help of soap and alcohol easily run out our families and friends, we were able to help children as well as other members, too. The We were able to receive the SAP aid from Catholic Church extended assistance also, in DSWD although it was not enough. However, the form of gift certificates to buy home we used it as capital to start a small wet needs. Members of PATAMABA and the market or talipapa, together with other Sitio Neighborhood Association were also members. I also sourced from an aunt who given assistance, so with those receiving sews face masks and asked a friend to help 4Ps. me sell them. Some 16 members from Barangay San With co-sewers, we faced the closure of Pablo Norte, Sta. Cruz, Laguna joined the stores selling cloth and other needed free training on Business Management materials. Public transport was not available. (PATAMABA Trias Project) 2017- 2018. On private vehicles, travel pass was needed. They were given trainings on how to choose Even buko (young coconut) salad vendors on their product, timing and place to market tricycles were affected. based on need. Activities include: 1) Youth from PATAMABA attending Digital Story and With families of members helping out, selling Village Savings and Loan Association online was done. (VSLA) talks, April 2019; 2) International Summer Youth Camp, May 2018- 2019; 3) Despite precautions, our barangay had Infographics training on use of video for active cases. A barangay-mate tested public relations(PR_, July 2019; 4) Local positive and was brought to a health facility CEFE on starting and developing a business, for treatment. The family of the patient was September 2019. With these programs and also assisted by the local government of Sta. training, we promoted skills development of Cruz. They were swabbed and rapid tested members so they can help each other in for free. Some of them were infected too and attending to the needs of all. persons under investigation (PUI) and

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Coping with the Economic Downturn In Laguna

Like everybody’s experience during the lockdown, the members of PATAMABA in Laguna stopped work. “We know the strict enforcement of guidelines set by the IATF at this time. Time is limited to buy in the market and with physical distancing, it takes longer too. Stocks like of soap and alcohol easily run out.”

Who are the members of PATAMABA in Laguna? They are informal workers with their own capital and some are online sellers of soap or vending "kakanin" and merienda. Jobs and businesses stopped due to the pandemic. To overcome poverty and sustain daily needs, they started the quickest way to sell products--online. It is effective in reaching the buyers even without leaving the house, except for the delivery of the products.

Inspite of being able to earn, a problem in online selling was difficulty in communication like weak signal, no internet service or data connection. In other words not everyone has the digital platform or if they have it was weak. There was also the problem of transportation to buy ingredients. At times, they had to walk rather than pay a steep price for a ride. As they are able to bounce back due to online marketing, there is the threat of registration for online business and delivery.

A "talipapa" was put up across the place of PATAMABA members which became their means of livelihood during the quarantine. Even before aid came from the local government of Laguna, members were already selling their own products. They did not depend on aid but on others who helped with no strings attached.

“We were able to receive the SAP aid from DSWD although it was not enough. However, we used it as capital to start a small wet market or talipapa, together with other members. I also sourced from an aunt who sews face masks and asked a friend to help me sell them.

With co-sewers, we faced the closure of stores selling cloth and other needed materials.” JoylynCanta

Due to the failure of economy hardship was further exacerbated with the staggering increase in prices of all basic commodities. “We cannot do anything about that but just to make means to solve our own problems. We had scheduled days to go to market and buy our needed ingredients. We needed house ID and face mask. As per IATF Guidelines, too, minors and seniors were not allowed to go out. Curfew was also imposed. Penalties were set for violators.”

Public transport was not available. On private vehicles, travel pass was needed. Even buko (young coconut) salad vendors on tricycles were affected. With families of members helping out, selling online was done. With the closure of markets, talipapas were opened in barangays. It was faster to reach and lessened physical contact.

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B. COVID-19 and Its Impact on Health

COVID-19 Infection in the Community

On July 20, 2020 8am, there were 61 confirmed cases, recovered 24, active cases were at 30, and death was at 7. The municipality conducted rapid testing with positive 85 and 638 negative. Likewise, SWAB Test was also conducted with positive 61, negative 92 and pending result 5. The data source came from the Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Municipality of Angono. Contact tracing has been done by the Municipality.

There is a municipality community quarantine facility located at Forest Park, Brgy San Isidro that can accommodate up to 30 COVID patients and in Brgy Mahabang Parang that is bigger than Forest Park that can accommodate up to 50 COVID patients. Aside from public facilities, there are three (3) private quarantine facilities run by the private hospitals.

In Brgy Kalayaan as of July 20, 2020, there were four (4) COVID cases: Patient #22, who is now in stable condition admitted in a facility in Metro Manila; Patients # 44 & 50, stable condition, under strict home quarantine; and Patient #45, stable condition, admitted in a government hospital in Metro Manila. Patient #50 is just a kilometer away from the house of Emy Nacario located at Espinas St. Said patient used to work in Batangas, she was denied an entry in Angono until she would be declared negative. What happened? She did not follow the right protocol as LSI (locally stranded individual) and without the blessing of the barangay and the municipality, she came home with her husband who fetched her. She is 47 years old with children.

In Brgy San Vicente as of July 2020, there were six (6) COVID patients # 36, 48, 55, 56, 60 and 61 all stable condition and under strict home quarantine. Four (4) of them are in a nearby area of the PATAMABA HOA.

Both barangays strictly monitor the situation of the patients and they are provided food, medicines, and other necessities.

Mass testing of frontliners from the ten (10) barangays and municipal employees was done. If the PUI is found positive in rapid test and swab test, s/he was transferred to the quarantine facility of the municipality. The municipality also hired contact tracers.

Monitoring of PUIs and PUMs and Mass Testing in Barangay Balingasa

In Barangay Balingasa, PUIs were regularly visited and monitored by the barangay but were given neither food nor medicine just a thermometer according to the FGD participants. They are not aware of a quarantine facility in the barangay but instead PUIs and PUMs are brought to the QC General Hospital.

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RESPONDENT ANSWER Rommel Evangelista PUI was monitored by the barangay but was not given food nor medicine, just a thermometer. They tested negative after the community quarantine. Gerarda Fernandez They were picked up by QC Health Unit and brought to the Hope Quarantine facilities at the QC General Hospital as we do not have a barangay quarantine facility. Margarette Estrella All the PUI were brought by BHW to government facilities where they had free medicines and food FelominaToldoya They were picked up by the barangay and brought to the quarantine center of QC Joana Martin PUIs were picked up and brought to the QC quarantine center. Four did home quarantine of 14 days near our house. They were regularly visited and monitored by the barangay.

Moreover, there is no mass testing being done in the barangay but free swab tests for the “LGUs, BHWs, tanods and frontliners have been sponsored by Rep. Bernadette Herrera.

RESPONDENT ANSWER Rommel Evangelista None Gerarda Fernandez None Margarette Estrella None but there was in other parts of Barangay Balingasa c/o Mayor Joy Belmonte. Health workers from QC Hall went house-to- house and tested especially those suspected of COVID. There were also free swab tests in the barangay from the City Hall and sponsored by Cong. Bernadette Herrera but it was only for LGUs, BHWs, tanods and frontliners. FelominaToldoya None Joana Martin None heard of

There were common experiences among the FGD participants in Bulacan on the 2 interviews as well as their plans. They all state that this crisis is the biggest challenge not only to the economy but also to the health of everyone. It strikes any age, gender, status in life, location, and time. And at this instance, government was not ready with the facilities for the number of the infected and the medicines for them. Neither were funds sufficient, especially for the poor and the workers of the informal economy.

In Sta. Cruz, Laguna despite precautions, their barangay had active cases of COVID according to Joylyn. “A barangay-mate tested positive and was brought to a health facility for treatment. The family of the patient was also assisted by the local government of Sta. Cruz. They were swabbed and rapid tested for free. Some of them were infected too and persons under investigation (PUI) and persons under monitoring (PUM) were home- quarantined. Mass testing was implemented by the municipal government on frontliners, the Sangguniang Barangay and its employees. Some turned out to be positive. Contact tracing was done with them. The Councilors and the Treasurer of the barangay and the DSWD workers trusted me, having helped in the barangay before and now Secretary of Santo Nino Association in our sitio.”

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C. Adjustment to Mitigate the Impact

During the lockdown - ECQ, GCQ, MECQ, and MGCQ, people were forced to do physical distancing, wear masks and face shields, and bring alcohol, hand sanitizer or hygiene kit especially when selling their products or buying what they need.

We walked for lack of transport, which even now is sparse as owners cannot afford to run their business due to specified limit to passengers and their protective arrangements

D. Support for Workers in the Informal Economy

Linking with the Local Government and National Government Agencies

PATAMABA Angono leaders were able to facilitate networking with the barangay and MSWDO for members really in need of the assistance in SAP and access support for medicines and food packages.

PATAMABA communities were able to access food packages at least 4 to 5 times from the barangay, one time from the municipal government and from the provincial government.

` In kind Brgy both Kalayaan and Food package (5) times San Vicente Municipal Food package (1 time) Provincial Food package ( 1 time)

Other Forms of Support

Govt./Non Uring Kailan Ilanang Saan Nakatulongbaito Govt. Agency Pagsasanay Naganap Dumalo Ginanap PtrJojo/ Bible Study Every 20 to 30 BUB Yes- spiritually MalenGuevarra Sunday 3pm- Center and morally onwards PATAMABA Entrepreneurship Every 5 to 30 NCR and Yes National thru Quarter members BUB Trias Center OCD Safety and March and 35 Forest Yes Calabarzon/ Climate Change October members Park Angono DRR 2019 ATENEO LEC Environment Once a 35 to 50 BUB Yes Program month for 10 members Center months Municipality Skills Training Once a 35 to 50 BUB Yes BUB Project month members Center

Page - 30 Private Individuals and Church Organizations Support

INSTITUTION SUPPORT NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES (PATAMABA) Caritas thru St Clement Parish P1000 cash money 10 families (Catholic lang po) Private Individuals Gulay at De Lata 20 PATAMABA members Dean Rosalinda Ofreneo, Facemasks 33 PATAMABA members in Brgy Homenet Philippines and Kalayaan Homenet Producers Cooperative Family of PtrJojo/ Malen Food package 50 members Guevarra Parilla Family Goto (2x30 packs) For frontliners both in Brgy Kalayaan and San Vicente Php 10,000 5 sack of rice for Brgy Kalayaan, San Vicente Angelo San Juan (PESO 30 sets of dried fish and 30 families Manager) chocolate powder Myrna Magbitang, Director of Php3000 1 & ½ sack of rice Homenet Producers Cooperative Zone Narito, Chairperson of Php 2000 1 sack of rice Homenet Producers Cooperative

SAP and TUPAD in Balingasa

Food insecurity or even hunger was the primary lament of the FGD participants had there been no government aid during the lockdown. For the sick medicine is of prime concern.

Table ______: Situation without Government Aid During COVID-19 pandemic RESPONDENT ANSWER Rommel Evangelista It was difficult. There was no aid from government while there was no income. All money was going out, limited mobility and what we could buy so with transport. It was hard to go out and buy what you needed. Banks were closed even if you wanted to withdraw, you could not do anything. Gerarda Fernandez No funds to buy your family's needs like food. My husband's medication, too. I was so anxious and stressed out. Margarette Estrella People even we experienced hunger because there was no livelihood nor work. FelominaToldoya I received SAP from the government. Joana Martin I think the people will go hungry; instead of three times a day, maybe they would eat only once or twice a day.

Barangay Balingasa mostly relied on aid from the barangay, Quezon City Hall, individual local officials, or the private sector. Food packs with rice and grocery items were given. Private organizations distributed to senior citizens especially hygiene kits with soap, tissue, alcohol, and hand sanitizers. There were those who received from the SAP and TUPAD government programs. However, they underwent tedious processing of requirements, time spent to and from filing their claim up to lining up to receive the benefit. Some fainted from exhaustion, hunger, and the heat.

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From the Kalinga Project of Mayor Belmonte, P4,000. 00 was given to

those who did not receive SAP. More than 1, 000 persons received from Barangay Balingasa. Several members

and myself were given confidence by the programs and services of the association. We are grateful for the

awareness especially of its Not all workers in the informal economy received importance toward livelihood and assistance through the social amelioration program the welfare of informalworkers as and TUPAD. The government of Quezon City extended advocacy. financial assistance. Alice Priol

RESPONDENT ANSWER Rommel Evangelista Just a few. Others were delayed but a lot did not receive. Gerarda Fernandez A few received, after being helped Margarette Estrella Yes, but not all. Although government gave Financial Assistance to those who didn't receive earlier FelominaToldoya Only a few got from SAP P 8, 000.00. Those who didn't were given P 4, 000.00 from QC Hall. Joana Martin Just a few received from SAP which helped them a little

PATAMABA Caloocan got the following ayuda:  2 Food packs from our Barangay  3 Food packs from our City Mayor  1k Cash assistance from our City Mayor  8k Cash SAP assistance from the National Government  5kilos of rice from PATAMABA  Alternative Livelihood Training from PATAMABA

Networking with Government Agencies

Officers and members of PATAMABA chapter have the capacity or experience in networking with government agencies.

RESPONDENT ANSWER Rommel Evangelista Gerarda Fernandez Margarette Estrella Yes. FelominaToldoya Joana Martin

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Other Organizations Supporting WIE

Other groups which supported workers in the informal economy are the Barangay SK of Balinghasa, PATAMABA and Homenet Philippines.

NGO TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Barangay SK ngBalinghasa rice and canned goods PATAMABA rice

Homenet PH facemasks and hand sanitizers

E. Solidarity Action

PATAMABA Angono’s Support to Workers in the Informal Economy During Lockdown Period

As an active CSO partner in the Municipality, PATAMABA leaders played a big role in helping its local members to connect with the LGU, private organizations and individuals for financial and none financial assistance. Fund raising was done to support the needs of the members while COVID pandemic is happening through distribution of food packages and disinfectants. PATAMABA assisted members for their alternative economic activities by asking them to produce at BUB office facemasks and homecare products. Also, some freezer units were lent to the community for frozen products. PATAMABA encouraged members to do urban gardening not just for consumption but also to sell its surplus. Some members served as frontliners in the community (barangay).

PATAMABA Balingasa’s Support to WIE during Pandemic Times

RESPONDENT ANSWER Rommel Evangelista They gave seeds of vegetables for us to plant and have source of food every day. Gerarda Fernandez Deferred collecting for VSLA loan payment as there was no income Margarette Estrella Distributed relief goods, masks, hand sanitizers. Helped in alternative livelihood of members. FelominaToldoya Gathered and distributed food packs, masks and hand sanitizers. Gave workshops Joana Martin Also gave rice

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“We continued the program on urban gardening at home.of eggplant, tomato, okra, etc. The community gardening needs tools, Technical assistance and trainings- more land, and seeds. workshops, such as, Leadership, Business Management, Product Development, Food There are plans for Training on Alternative Processing, and other skills training were Livelihood such as home care products, extended by PATAMABA Balingasa. There beauty culture (mani-pedicure, foot spa) is one planned on Alternative Livelihood for food production (tocino, longganiza, these challenging times. embutido).” Alice Priol

PATAMABA Caloocan with the support of TRIAS Philippines conducted a series of alternative livelihood training to help them in earning a living without risking their health and still strictly following the quarantine measures set by the government or the so called “new normal.”

Members of PATAMABA – Caloocan Chapter were the first beneficiaries of the project. Members were able to select which program they would like to be listed under that they think will best fit them.

• Haircutting • Cosmetology (Foot Spa, Manicure and Pedicure) • Food Processing (Peanut Butter, Skinless Longganisa, Embotido) • Production of Homecare products such as Dishwashing Liquid and Fabric Conditioner

Adjustment to inadequate government assistance

1. Government assistance in cash (SAP and TUPAD) and in kind (rice, canned goods) was not enough 2. Donations had to cover shortfall – from neighbors, friends, church groups, PATAMABA, Homenet, and other CSOs 3. Cash assistance from govt was used to set up atalipapain one area and go into production of masks, food products, etc. 4. Buying and selling of products like snacks, cookies, noodles, chocolates, door-to-door and online became a common alternative 5. Cooking buchi, merienda, chili paste also added income 6. Shifting from internet shop to smart padala was the recourse of one household

F. Over-all Impact

“This crisis is the biggest challenge not only to the economy but also to the health of everyone. It strikes any age, gender, status in life, location, and time. And at this instance, government was not ready with the facilities for the number of the infected and the medicines for them. Neither were funds sufficient, especially for the poor and the workers of the informal economy. Bulacan FGD

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Among all the crises and calamities our nation has undergone, COVID-19 has caused the most harm. It is unseen and strikes anytime, at anybody. Senior citizens are especially vulnerable so even if healthy, they are not allowed to go out especially during lockdown. So families whose breadwinner is a senior citizen were most affected. Even those with joint breadwinners were hit as all transactions stopped. There were no rides available; offices and factories were shut down; stores for essential needs were closed. Even if you have money, the banks were not open. Balingasa, Quezon City FGD Source: devex.com

III. Crucial Role of Organization

PATAMABA leaders played a big role in helping its local members to connect with the LGU, private organizations and individuals for financial and non- financial assistance. Fund raising was done to support the needs of the members while the COVID pandemic is happening, through distribution of food packages and disinfectants. Assist members for their alternative economic activities by asking them to produce at BUB office on facemasks and homecare productions. Also, some units of freezer were lent to community for frozen products. Encouraged members to do urban gardening not just for consumption but also to sell its surplus. Likewise, some members served as frontliners in the community (barangay).

IV. Lessons Learned: Resilience, Innovation, Empowerment

• Will to survive individually and collectively – as households, communities, organized groups • Faith in what the organization has done and can do. For JoylynCanta of PATAMABA Laguna It was through the organized effort of PATAMABA that the ayuda or social assistance was sustained. • Increasing use of IT for communication and marketing • Visibility, voice, collective strength based on solidarity

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V. VIGNETTES FROM THE VALIDATION HELD ON OCTOBER 5 FROM OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS AND HOMENET AFFILIATES

A. PATAMABA ILOILO

• The two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) revolving fund initiated many years ago grew and became five million pesos (P5M) through a microfinancing program.

• Principal payment was deferred by the Foundation for Sustainable Societies, Inc. (FSSI). Only interest had to be paid during the crisis period. Lending resumed and the loans were used for livelihood recovery • PATAMABA was able to build a community multi-purpose center along the Sta. Barbara Highway with P600,000. This is being used as a production center, a carinderia, a mini- grocery, and a guest house. • Community garden occupying half a hectare is still ongoing, shifting to banana production which is more profitable. The group built a well as an additional source of water to adjust to climate change. • The bakery (tinapayanngbayan) in Carlesis still operating. • Tetra packs have been made into planters with the LGU as primary supporter

B. Association of Construction and Informal Workers (ACIW)

Another subsector of workers in the informal economy that was severely affected by the lockdown were the construction workers. Construction work was at a standstill with hardware stores closed. To go back to work after the lockdown, health clearance was necessary which they have to secure at their own expense.

During ECQ period, they depended mainly/solely on the “ayuda” in order to survive. From construction site, ACW’s worked shifted to the community. It focused on accessing the “ayuda” for the subsector which includes the following: • Identifying and gathering members for TUPAD beneficiaries. • Ordinating with the local government of Quezon City which distributed 1000 relief packs. The Barangay passed on the responsibility of distribution to the organization. With ACIW at the helm of the distribution, the relief packs increased. Distribution was weekly for five weeks. • It was through advocacy and organized action like a lightning rally that the “ayuda” was finally accessed and distributed.

C. Balikatan sa Kaunlaran Informal Sector (BSK)

BSK was able to access relief packs or the so-called pantawid gutom from the Mayor’s office in Taytay, which was distributed to its members and the senior citizens in the community. In the case of vendors who lost their source .of income, they shifted their business to made to order food. BSK helped in the promotion and marketing of their products.

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D. Pambansang Koalisyon ng kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK)

The coalition of rural women I (PKKK) was engaged:

1) Policy advocacy particularly with the Department of Agriculture against rice tariffication which brought about the surge of imported rice. 2) Information dissemination on COVID-19. 3) Monitoring of VAW Desk through information dissemination and engagement with the local government units 4) Combination of livelihood support and advocacy work 5) Training on COVID prevention – video being played in the communities

VI. WAYS FORWARD

• More and better delivered assistance- local and national advocacy • Universal health care with informed citizen participation; campaign for MACWIE • Securing Financial resources – Building and rebuilding Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) • Food First initiatives – urban gardening, community supported organic agriculture

THERE IS A REAL NEED TO FOCUS ON LIVELIHOOD RECOVERY FOR SURVIVAL

• Basic necessities such as food, disinfectants, medicines, milk, vitamins (to strengthen the immune system) and income are the most important things for the family to survive. Economic activities should be revived and strengthened, as it is the foundation for family and community survival. If we have no income, how can we spend for everything?

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A N N E X

Respondent # _____ Lugar ______PALATANUNGAN NG PATAMABA/HNSEA Interviewer Philippines SP Network – Solidarity Based Action ______as Social Protection Response in the time of COVID-19 in Philippines

Paalala: Sagutin lahat ng tanong ng mga pangungusap na pasalaysay para maging

bahagi ng isang buong kuwento. Kung maaari ay irecord, kunan ng litrato, o ivideo ang

mga kuwento at pangyayari. Ang aasahang output ay isang buong kuwento (2-5 pahina) o

script na nakasulat, kasama ang mga visuals.

Pagbati

Magandang araw. Ako si ______, nais makikipagkwentuhan sa inyo tungkol sa inyong samahan at sa inyong mga karanasan ng panahon ng lockdown. Ang layunin po nitong bahaginan ay para maiparating sa pamahalaan ang pagkadapa/pagkabagsak at ating pagbangon, at ating mga rekomendasyon/mungkahi upang maiwasan ang ating mga pinagdaanan nitong mga nakaraan buwan at paano mapagbuti ang kalalagayan ng mga manggagawang imorma.

BATAYANG IMPORMASYON

1. Pangalan ______unang pangalan huling pangalan 2. Kasarian ___ a) Babae ___ b) Lesbiana ___ c) Lalaki ___ d) Bakla 3. Tirahan ______4. Samahang Kinasasapian ______5. Edad ______6. Ilang taon na myembro ng samahan ______6. Posisyon sa samahan (kung meron) ______

7. LALAWIGAN: ______8. BAYAN: ______9. BRGY. CHAPTER: ______

MGA KATANUNGAN

1. Anu-ano ang pinagkakakitaan/hanapbuhay sa inyong bayan/barangay? Maaaring banggitin ang mga sumusunod sa sagot ______

2. Kategorya bilang Manggagawa sa Bahay o Manggagawang Impormal: [ ] a) nagsasarili ng puhunan [ ] b) sabkon [ ] c) pareho

3. Uri ng Manggagawang Impormal: [ ] a) manggagawa sa bahay [ ] b) manggagawa sa konstruksiyon [ ] c) transportasyon [ ] d) manggagawa sa serbisyo [ ] e) iba pa tukuyin

4. Ano ang sitwasyon ng kabuhayan sa panahon ng Pandemic COVID19? Maaring isama sa sagot ang mga sumusunod kung angkop ____ a) Nahinto ang lahat ng may hanapbuhay sa pamilya ____ b) May patuloy pa ring naghahanapbuhay sa pamilya, pakitukoy kung ano ____ c) Nagkaroon ng alternatibang pinagkakakitaan. c.1 Pakitukoy kung ano:______d) Umaasa sa suporta ng gobyerno ____ e) May suporta mula sa mga kamag-anak kaibigan mula sa ibang bansa ____ f) Iba pa pakitukoy:______

5. Ilarawan ang sitwasyon sa panahon ng Pandemic COVID 19 kung walang naging ayuda mula sa gobyerno

______6. Anu-ano ang mga problemang kinaharap mg mga mangagagawang impormal sa inyong komunidad sa panahon ng pandemic at lockdown?

______7. Paano sila umangkop sa sitwasyon?

______8. Anu-ano ang kanilang mga dagliang pangangailangan para sa hinaharap?

______9. May mga nagkasakit ba ng COVID, o naging PUI sa inyong lugar? Ano ang nangyari sa kanila? Mayroon bang community quarantine facility kung saan sila ilalagak at bibigyan ng pagkain at gamut? Libre baa ng mga ito?

10. Mayroon bang naganap na mass testing sa inyong lugar? Sinu-sino ang natest? Ito ba ay libre? Anong nangyari sa mga nagpositibo? May contract tracing ba?

______

11. Nakakuha ba ng ayuda ang mga manggagawang impormal sa ilalim ng SAP at/o ng TUPAD? Kung oo, lahat ba o kaunti lang? Anong nangyari sa mga hindi nakatanggap? Natulungan ba sila para makakuha ng ayuda sa bandang huli?

______

12. May kakayahan o karanasan ba bilang miyembro / o Opisyales ng PATAMABA sa inyong Chapter sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan?

[ ] a) Oo [ ] b) Wala

13. Anu-anong mga ahensya ng Pamahalaan ang nakatulong o nagbigay ng tulong? Ikuwento ang mga particular karanasan ukol dito. Kung may datos ay ilagay sa susunod na graph.

Government In kind Cash Grant Loan Tipo ng Agency(GA) Pagbabayad

14. Anu-anong mga ahensya (pampamahalaan man o hindi) ang nakatulong o nagbigay ng tulong teknikal tulad ng mga pagsasanay at iba pang serbisyo mula ng nakaraang taon ?? Ikuwento ang mga particular na karanasan ukol dito. Kung may datos ay ilagay sa susunod na graph.

Govt./Non Uri ng Kailan Ilan ang Saan Nakatulong Govt. Agency Pagsasanay Naganap Dumalo Ginanap ba ito

15. May iba pa bang mga ahensiya, institusyon o grupo na nakatulong sa mga manggagawang impormal sa panahon ng pandemya? Halimbawa, mga negosyante sa pribadong sector, mga grupong Simbahan, mga NGO at samahang sibiko, mga pangmasang organisasyon? Kung mayroon, pakikuwento ang kanilang naging pagtulong.

______

16. Anu-ano ang nagawa ng PATAMABA sa inyong lugar upang pamunuan at tulungan ang mga manggagawang impormal sa panahon ng pandemya? Pwedeng isama ang sumusunod sa salaysay kung angkop: Bilugan ang sagot

a) Nakipag-usap sa mga LGU at sa iba’t ibang ahensiya upang makatanggap ng taman ayuda ang mga manggagawang impormal. b) Nakipag-ugnayan at nakipagtulungan sa iba’t ibang ahensiya, institusyon, at samahan sa lugar upang mas marami ang maabot ng anumang ayuda. c) Nangilak at namahagi ng mga food packs, masks, hand sanitizers,gamut at iba pang relief goods. d) Tumulong para makalipat sa ibang pagkakakitaan ang mga nawalan ng kita – halimbawa, tumungo sa paggawa ng face masks, gowns, at iba pang PPE. e) Nagtanim sa mga bakuran at sa mga community garden ng gulay at iba pang makakain o mabebenta

RESEARCH TEAM

Rosalinda Pineda-Ofreneo Research Team Leader

Josephine Parilla Lourdes Gula Researchers-Facilitators

Jay-Ar Tina EJ Vargas Debie AnnTongol Joylyn Canta Interviewers and FGD Facilitators

Zone C. Narito Translator/lay out artist

Yllang Montenegro Cover Design