PHILCOMDEV

The Philcomdev secretariat, together with partners Sammaka, Batis-Aware, Culliat Gender and Development focal person participated in a seminar-workshop on conducting focus group discussion given by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) last April 5, 2010 at the FPOP national headquarters in New Manila, Quezon City.

The first part of the training consisted of lecture discussions by Babes Alegado of FPOP on the FGD as a research tool, the mechanics of holding FGDs, and tips on facilitating and documenting.  The afternoon was spent in workshops to come up with FGD guide questions and practicum.  The training served to prepare the participants for holding FGDs among returned OFW domestic workers this April to May 2010.  The FGDs aim to surface issues and concerns of OFW domestic workers and study the effect of government’s reform package for household service workers on the situation of the sector.  

The review of the Reform Package of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for Household Service Workers is being undertaken through the Rhapsody Project, which aims to uphold the sexual and reproductive health and rights of OFW domestic workers.  A roundtable discussion with POEA, other government agencies and the stakeholders will be convened on May 14, 2010.  FPOP is the lead organization in the Rhapsody Project, while Philcomdev is active in the Rhapsody Consultative Group.