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Discovering New Realities of Young Workers, Strengthening the MovementField Mission to YCW-Philippines

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The field mission of the International President of IYCW, Basma Louis Mickael, to YCW-Philippines from October 5 to 25, 2024, served as a testament to the international solidarity and dynamic character of the movement.

The objectives of the visit were:

  • To assist YCW-Philippines in preparing for the 2026 International Council and the YCW centenary in 2025.
  • To provide training and formation for National Leaders, focusing on international perspectives regarding informal young workers and women.
  • To share ideas, reflections, and recommendations on organizing techniques and strategies during meetings with Adult YCW, Chaplains, and ROLWA alongside key leaders.

Meeting the National Team Secretariat and National Team

Basma was welcomed by the National Team Secretariat (NTS), led by Joan Letada (National President), Christine Angel Galicano (National Treasurer), Father Norman Soriano, MJ (National Chaplain), Mr. Adano (National Collaborator), and Andy Predicala (Financial Management Collaborator).

The NTS provided an overview of the mission’s schedule and objectives, as well as a presentation on the realities faced by young workers in the Philippines, YCW-Philippines’ organizational capacity, and its current initiatives. Basma’s presence proved instrumental in evaluating the organization’s readiness for the YCW centenary and the 2026 International Council.

Unfortunately, a scheduled meeting with the national team and regional leaders was canceled due to Typhoon Kristine, which caused severe flooding and disrupted transportation across Luzon.


Meeting the Workers’ Group in Valenzuela

Basma, accompanied by the National Treasurer, visited Valenzuela City to meet Mark Anthony, leader of the pedicab base group. They interacted with members of the Lawang Bato Mulawinan Pedicab Operators at Drivers Association (LMUPODA) and former YCW members.

Founded in 2004, LMUPODA now faces challenges in recruiting younger members as many of its original members have aged. Discussions highlighted the experiences of informal workers, particularly pedicab drivers, and the group’s efforts to extend their organizing work to contractual and factory workers.

Meeting the Base Group of Working Students in Iloilo

In Iloilo, YCW-Philippines actively organizes working students. Over five days, Basma connected with two base groups and two extension groups. The mission focused on understanding the struggles of working students and providing training, knowledge, and encouragement for their personal and professional growth.

The testimonies collected revealed significant issues faced by working students. Economic challenges often hinder their ability to continue their education.

  • Princess, 21, Pasi City: “I started working in a call center three months ago and stopped my studies. I work eight hours nightly, earning almost 100 pesos per hour. While the job isn’t physically taxing, we don’t receive benefits like social security, and the company hires students because they are cheaper labor. I plan to return to my studies in 2025.”
  • John, 22, Iloilo City: “I’ve been working part-time since I was 14, including as a dishwasher earning 100 pesos daily for eight years without any salary increase. Now, I’m focusing on my studies, but balancing work and school has always been challenging.”

These stories reflect a nationwide reality for working students, many of whom endure long hours and insufficient pay while struggling to afford education.

Meeting the Hacienda Workers in Negros

Basma and Christine Angel also visited Negros to meet sugarcane plantation workers and hacienda workers. While some leaders and members were available, a full base group meeting could not be held due to prior commitments and short notice. However, Basma provided a brief orientation to an extension group in Bagtic, emphasizing YCW’s mission and goals for organizing young workers.

Conclusion of the Visit

The visit by the International President of IYCW marked a critical step in strengthening YCW-Philippines’ groups and its action. It highlighted the international dimension of the movement and inspired young workers to continue advocating for improved conditions.

Through organizing efforts in regions such as Manila, Iloilo, Negros, Camarines Norte, and Cebu, YCW-Philippines helps working students identify and address pressing issues in their lives. Challenges include low salaries, high transportation costs, limited access to technology, and the difficulty of continuing education due to financial constraints. Many young workers also face stress, depression, and societal issues such as early pregnancy.

To address these realities, YCW-Philippines aims to develop specific demands:

  • Fair wages and flexible work hours for students.
  • Scholarships for working students.
  • Equal treatment between student workers and regular employees.
  • Affordable transportation.
  • Alternative livelihood programs.

While the road to achieving these goals is long, the dedication and resilience of YCW-Philippines’ members serve as a beacon of hope for the country’s young workers.


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