Kakammpi's Development Strategy

The problems generated by overseas migration are vast and multifaceted. It affects the individual, the family and the community. It distorts the nation's social and economic development for its overdependence on labor export. Relations among nations and peoples are strained, particularly because of the inadequacy of state and international instruments that comprehensively address the issues of migrant workers and their families.

After more than two decades of the government's agressive labor export program that was implemented without a corresponding program to ensure the protection, welfare and development of the migrant sector, Philippine overseas migration faces a serious crisis. The crisis situation is best depicted by the dramatic rise of violent deaths, sexual abuse, torture, unjustified detention, mental breakdown, family separation and abandonment, and youth delinquency among migrants and their families.

Kakammpi is aware of the complex range of issues that confront the migrant sector. It is also aware that its capacity is far too limited to adequately respond to all these problems. Given thi situation, Kakammpi recognizes the imperative of focusing its work on the most critical issues where it can generate impact. Its basic strategy proceeds from its character as a community-based and mass-based organization of migrant families and migrant returnees.

As a mass organization, Kakammpi draws its strength primarily from its members to collectively respond to their problems and to the issues of migrants in general. Thus, a major thrust of the organization is to develop its capacity through organizing, awareness-building and training. Capacity-building programs cover such areas as organization development, advocacy, counseling, welfare assistance, livelihood and project management. For these undertakings, Kakammpi starts with existing groups and through continuing education and training. By building its capacity, the organization is able to effectively address the specific and long-term issues of the migrant sector.

Kakammpi responds to the immediate problems and needs of migrant workers and their families. It provides and/or facilitates welfare assistance, counseling services and livelihood support especially to those who are in distress. It also responds to the most visible needs of migrant families - that of food security, health, education and child care. Since its formation, Kakammpi has been involved in community and medical missions, scholarship program, food distribution and child care services. These services are also meant to liberate women from some of the most pressing domestic and family concerns, thus, provide them greater lattitude for organizational participaton and self-development.

Because Kakammpi has limited means, its basic strategy for delivering these services is to access existing programs offered by various government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs) and private institutions. In the medium term, Kakammpi aims to develop community-based programs for better and sustained delivery of services. To realize this, the organization sees the imperative of developing a pool of community-based project leaders, care givers and service providers. Over the long term, Kakammpi envisions to implement an integrated package of basic services for migrants and other community members.

Kakammpi realizes that the problems generated by overseas migration are largely the result of defective orientation, government neglect and bureaucratic ineptness. Thus, advocacy for policy change and for government to take responsibility is a major component of Kakammpi's overall development program. As family members and migrant returnees, the organization is in a good position to articulate the problems, needs and demands of the migrant sector. As such, Kakammpi takes an active role in advocacy and social mobilization to draw public attention to the plight of migrant workers and to press government for prompt action.

Starting with specific issues, Kakammpi aims to push for corrective legislative measures to improve the protection and welfare of migrant workers. Over the long term, Kakammpi sees the need to effect changes in the very orientation of the government on labor export and international migration.

Overseas employment has tremendous impact on women migrants and women family members left behind. The dramatic rise of abuses and violence against migrant women, along with the feminization of overseas contract work, have furthermore, underscored the urgency of attending to hese issues. Thus, Kakammpi actively advocates for the comprehensive protection and empowerment of women affected by overseas migration. As an organization that is composed of 80% women, Kakammpi ensures that gender concerns are integrated in all projects and activities undertaken by the organization. Kakammpi seeks to empower its women members through gender-awareness, capability-building and projects that liberate them from domestic and family pressures. Kakammpi also provides services and initiates programs that respond to the problems and vulnerabilities of women migrants. Through these, Kakammpi aims to enjoin the active participation of women in organizational, community and political activities.

As a family-based organization, Kakammpi also recognizes the importance of addressing the needs of the youth and children who also suffer from the adverse effects of family separation and abuses committed against their parents or relatives. In line with this, Kakammpi provides avenues for awareness-building and organizing of the children of migrant workers. by developing awareness and inculcating positive attitudes to their situation, they help the family in coping with pressures of domestic concerns and separation. The youth also plays an important role in providing energy and creativity in the activities of the organizations.

In pursuing its mission, Kakammpi realizes the importance of working together with other organizations, here and abroad, to generate impact on policy and on the situation of the migrant sector. In line with this, Kakammpi strives to strengthen partnership with other organizations for joint campaigns and other cooperative projects. Kakammpi also participates actively in national and international networks concerned with issues that relate to migration, women and social development.

In the short-term, Kakammpi will focus on organizing, capability-building, immediate services and advocacy for specific issues and demands . As the organization gains experience, strength and influence, Kakammpi, in the medium term, shall focus on more comprehensive programs that address some of the most pressing needs and problems of migrant workers and their families. Its advocacy work will focus on addressing the key issues of the migrant sector through sustained public pressure, legislative action and international lobby. Over the long-term, Kakammpi will seek to integrate social development and economic programs to generate impact on the community and the sector, in general.

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