From August 21-22, member organizations of the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW) gathered at the Splash Mountain Resort in Laguna for its annual capacity building activity. This activity aims to develop camaraderie between and among the staff and members of the PMRW member-organizations. It is also a venue for exchange of information, skills and experiences to enhance capabilities in carrying out organizational tasks and mission towards the promotion and protection of migrants’ rights and welfare.

This year’s activity was attended by 32 participants from PMRW member-organizations, including five student interns from Taiwan, and two others from the USA and Austria who are doing some volunteer works at the Center for Migrants Advocacy (CMA) and Development Action for Women Network (DAWN), respectively.

The proverb “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” set the tone for this two-day activity for the PMRW members. The first day offered a much lighter schedule to allow the participants to unwind and loosen up. Relaxation activities such as swimming, film showing, and the witty showcase of talents in singing and dancing during the karaoke session in the evening, were enjoyed by all. A team-building workshop facilitated by  the Evangelion Foundation was also held on the first day. The team building exercises conducted were as fun and inspiring as the relaxation activities. Cooperation, solidarity and teamwork were the central theme of the starter workshop.

The second day started with a presentation of Fr. Fabio Baggio, Director of the Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC) on the topic Migration and Development Nexus, which set the tone of the whole day’s discussion. Fr. Fabbio provided a basic overview of the migration experiences in the Philippine context, and presented the challenges in the social, political and economic aspects. One important concern is the OFW remittances and its productive use, especially in the household level. This was thec ourse of discussion of the next session on financial literacy workshop that was facilitated by the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI). It was pointed out that basic skills on household financial budgeting and management; as well as discipline in savings for investments are necessary for a more productive life of migrant families which eventually will prevent the vicious cycle of migration.

The last discussion was on alternative migrant investments through social enterprise. It was facilitated by Ms Mai Anonuevo of Atikha. She presented some examples of migrant investments where OFW families can possibly invest their hard earned money. One of these is the “Coco Natur” in the communities of San Pablo City that produces and markets a variety of coconut products. She likewise reiterated the need for networking and cooperation with other organizations and industries on the available migrant investment opportunities for the productive use of the OFW remittances.

Indeed, for the effective protection and promotion of rights and welfare of migrants and their families, cooperation, solidarity and teamwork are important elements between and among migrant organizations. And these were exactly the core values emphasized during the two-day Capacity Building Exercise organized by the PMRW.