SITUATION ANALYSIS OF WOMEN IN LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES IN THE VISAYAS AND MINDANAO AREAS Dr. Magdalena C. Cabaraban and Chona R. Echavez

In its desire to generate benchmark date needed to plan, design, and implement programs and projects towards women's economic empowerment, TESDA Women's Center commissioned the Research Institute for Mindanao Culture to conduct a study on the economic activities of Visayas and Mindanao.

Using a situation analysis approach, the study has a two-pronged objective, deemed to provide a balanced picture of the demand side as well as the empowerment process. On the demand side, the following are determined: economic characteristics, skills acquisition, work pattern, job experiences, economic activities, job prospects, domestic work and decision making, knowledge and availment of loans, micro-credit plans, community participation, skills development aspiration and awareness of support services. On the supply side, the following were identified: programs and projects offered that indirectly influence the economic the economic empowerment of women.

A mix of qualitative and quantitative research approaches was utilized. Respondent on the demand side are women in the ages of 15 to 49 years while the supply side respondents are the stakeholders, trainers, key persons from training institutions and agencies, and planners and implementers from local government units.

HEALTH NEEDS AND HEALTH PROBLEMS OF CHILDREN IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES: AN IN-DEPTH INQUIRY

Dr. Magdalena C. Cabaraban and Lita Palma-Sealza

The general objective of the study is to investigate and uncover health needs and problems of children in difficult circumstances. Three subgroups are studied: street children, children affected by armed conflict, and children from indigenous communities. The study produced the following: a) children's profile, b) household attributes, c) health risk condition, d) illness experiences and management, e) health needs and aspirations, and f) values and attitudes.

• The NGO's has to initiate and mobilize residents of cultural communities and conflict areas to advocate with their local government to prioritize infrastructure needs.
• The community as stakeholder must identify, define, and determine appropriate approaches on how to improve their economic condition.
• The DOH must focus delivery of services on these disadvantaged groups.
• A sustained massive annual immunization drive has to continue specifically the disadvantaged children.
• DECS to create a teacher's outreach program to serve the disadvantaged places.
• A special task force to be spearheaded by the DSWD to conduct unfreezing of psychological trauma among the children in the conflict area.
• An education program must be designed for street children.
• Illness management should be made.