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:
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.
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:
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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