Government Programmes in Philippines - Department of Social Welfare and Development

With the assistance of the government of Japan, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has undertaken productivity skills capability-building for disadvantaged women in the areas of food preservation and processing, sewing craft, toy craft, ceramics and pottery and rattan craft. As of 1993, the programme was able to train 53,570 women beneficiaries. Of the total number, 39,113 were absorbed in the labour market while the rest became self-employed.

Another programme for poor women has been launched and relates to community production centres. The women obtain part-time or full-time work without leaving their community. They are spared transport expenses and the stress of commuting through heavy traffic and the worry of leaving their children by themselves or in other people’s care.