by Jude Sia

MANILA – Philippines — People’s Media Advocacy Asia – Center for People’s Media (PMAA-CPM) in partnership with the Everett Program based in Santa Cruz, California, conducted a social media training last June 30 and July 1 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, Pasay City with participants coming from different local unions and federations.

The training is aimed at providing knowledge and skills to the workers on how to effectively use social media to educate, organize, protect and advance workers interests.

Jim Libiran, president of PMAA/CPM, declares that it is time for workers to speak out, be heard and take action so that real issues and concerns affecting the Filipino working class be recognized and given attention by employers and the government using the only instrument available in their hands.

“Maraming nangyayari sa mga pagawaan na hindi nakakarating sa kinauukulan.  Harassments, violations, unfair labor practices, labor-only contracting, gender discrimination, and the list goes on. Hihintayin pa ba natin ang mga giant networks  para mapansin lahat ng ito? With the smart phones in our hands and the knowledge on how to use them, let’s not wait for the media. Let’s be the media,” Libiran said.

Understanding social media, news writing, meme, stand-upper, street photography, video documentation and video editing, FB campaign and strategies were among the topics discussed to all 29 participants by veteran speakers in the news industry together with the Everett team.

“Natutunan ko na malawak pala ang sakop ng social media pagdating sa pagtutulak ng advocacy ng isang union at ang papel na ginagampanan nito sa pangmalawakang pamamayahag,” says  Giear Khaei from FCCU Coca Cola.

Interns from ICCT College Foundation, Cainta, Rizal also joined the said training workshop to gain more exposure and better understanding of the workers plight.

The seminar ended with a plan to meet again on July 8 for mentoring and follow-up. CPM