PATAMABA-WISE

Workers in the Informal Sector Enterprise

Angono producers are organized under the PATAMABA-WISE (Workers in the Informal Sector Enterprise), the livelihood arm of PATAMABA Rizal, a provincial local chapter of the National PATAMABA.

Members are primarily involved in production, marketing and/or investment, which pertains to their initial contribution of PHP 200. Membership requires a contribution of PHP 200, which is allocated for capitalization. Financial sustainability strategies also include buying and using products of PATAMABA by its members, and promoting and marketing their products to non-members. Quality control is done by the project team. Home care products were also tested and certified by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the Department of Trade Industry (DTI). During peak operation, the products are sold with at least 30 percent mark-up. With the gross income, the organization can pay the monthly rental of the productivity center, administrative expenses, giveaways during Christmas gift-giving, as well as the compensation of the workers. PATAMABA WISE managed to produce rags, doormats, homecare products, picture frames (from water lilies), higantitos (little giants), accessories, and ready-to-wear clothes. They conceptualized a tag line— buying a piece helps a lot of women.

The main buyers are from the community—side street stores, employees of the municipality and friends. Some of the products are also bought by members and supporters of the Homenet Producers Cooperative, which has a store on Maginhawa Street, UP Village; tiyangge (street market) and mall patrons outside the community are also able to buy Angono fashion accessories marketed at the store. Two BUB–run kiosks provided by the LGU in the Municipality Ground Plaza, municipal entrance, and other strategic areas in the municipality, sell to retail buyers. The Angono CTLO and Employees Cooperative help market the products.

PATAMABA chapters in the municipality of Angono, Rizal are found in two coastal barangays highly susceptible to flooding: San Vicente and Kalayaan.

At the beginning, members underwent capacity building and leadership training to strengthen the newly formed organization. Later, livelihood training was introduced and included skills training on the production of peanut butter, candles, chocolate candies, and other products.

Angono producers are organized under the PATAMABA-WISE (Workers in the Informal Sector Enterprise), the livelihood arm of PATAMABA Rizal, a provincial local chapter of the National PATAMABA.