Ei-iE

The National Alliance of Teachers and Office Workers (SMP-NATOW), one of EI’s national affiliates in the Philippines, held it 13th National Congress in Mandaluyong on 25-26 May with the theme “SMP-NATOW at 43: united, great, and free”. The EI Unite for Quality Education (Unite) Campaign was one of the sub-themes of this Congress and a breakout session was dedicated to it.

The Congress was attended by the President of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, a former Labour Minister, leaders of other trade unions and partners of SMP-NATOW, together with the delegates from the different SMP-NATOW affiliates nationwide. Women participants and second-line leaders were given exposure and space in all debates and sessions, which were marked by an atmosphere of freedom and camraderie.

Unite campaign focus

During his speech, Rey Dolot, the EI Asia-Pacific (EIAP) Coordinator, highlighted EI’s activities and sought the support of SMP-NATOW for EI’s Unite campaign.

He was also consulted when the final drafts of the policy resolutions were being formulated, and he assisted in crafting amendments to the SMP-NATOW’s constitution and by-laws, particularly on union dues and finance.

Dolot also reported on the highlights of EIAP activities in the region and urged the leaders from the different local unions and the national leadership to support these EI activities and campaigns.

Participants in the Unite breakout session prepared a policy resolution on the campaign which was adopted by the Congress. Banners, t-shirts, bags and other Unite campaign materials were distributed to delegates and guests, Dolot reported.