At least 106 scholars of the Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ (HFHP) Panday Buhay Project from the cities of San Carlos, Bacolod and Silay assembled and created their respective workers association at the San Carlos City Multi-Purpose Hall, Park Marina on July 30.
Project officers Divina Relano and Fidel Mariveles of HFHP Panday Buhay-Negros Occidental and Cebu; Santiago Nolla, National Union of Building and Construction Workers (NUBCW) secretary-general; Marlon Maglayon, Livelihood Association Development Strengthening Program in-charge of the Cooperatives and Livelihood Development Office (CLDO); and Amid Elnas, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Training in-charge facilitated the election of each city’s respective officers and oath-taking.
Relano said with the creation of the association, intervention during employee-related matters as well as improvement of job security and predictability as benefits, wage increases, and better working conditions will be pushed forward even after the Panday-Buhay Project ends in 2024.
She added that they can also establish a link between the association and local government units, organizations and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for employment in construction activities.
Relano said she anticipated that the association will address needs, sustain financial capacity and ensure promotion of rights and purpose of its members.
Moreno Estimar, president of the San Carlos City Workers Association, said they will complete and process all required documents for SEC registration and urged fellow members to cooperate for their welfare.
Before the election, Nolla also oriented the Panday Buhay Project scholars on the roles and task of workers association officers, background of NUBCW and registration requirements among other important matters to be discussed regarding formation of association.
Mentors of the Atoniya Skills Education, TESDA-accredited training provider led by School Administrator Rhemz Guinoo and Larry Sortegosa, local JobStart focal person were also present during the event.*
