KaBuhayan

Kabuhayan is a travelling exhibit of photographs which aim to show show how far we have fared in ensuring the participation of the marginalized and vulnerable communities in the local economy. The photos inevitably depict the Filipino’s resilience,creativity and resourcefulness- qualities necessary for survival in a geographically, economically and politically challenged country. Government statistics confirms this entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos, showing that small enterprises comprise a majority of all businesses in the country.

The backbone of the Philippine economy is largely propelled by micro, small and medium enterprises. But enterprise development does not only cater to economic goals but is also key to the fulfillment of cultural and social rights as enshrined in the UN Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (UNCESCR). This Covenant describes the basic economic, social, and cultural rights of individuals and nations, among them, the right to selfdetermination, wages sufficient to support a minimum standard of living and equal opportunity for advancement.

Despite the presence of policies for enterprise development, MSMEs remain to be underdeveloped and underfinanced. The photos featured in the exhibit offers a glimpse of the state of poor entrepreneurs as we see them in various circumstances. And beyond seeing, challenge us to confront some difficult questions. In one of the photos we see a woman who chose to brave the rain as if hoping to make one more sale poses the question, “are Filipinos resilient because they are receiving protection or they have no choice but to wither the dangers and hazards of work because they simply do not have any other option at hand?”

By taking these photos to the the duty-bearers, they may find pointers to guide them in their task to ensure that we meet the UNCESCR, one of the most effective ways of which is enterprise development. The accompanying texts helpfully provide notes on policy areas, programs and activities where dutybearers need to intensify their interventions.

Providing a different eye

For policy advocates, photos can provide unstructured, unbiased, eye-opening means for monitoring the effectiveness of our work on important policy issues. Through a participatory means of monitoring our milestones, we are able to see aspects of enterprise development that do not receive adequate attention.

Beyond the familiar images of the the plight of the poor, KaBuhayan also attempts to portray their successes. By doing so, the photos intend to show us where we are in the collective task of protecting economic, social and cultural rights. In the same degree, the poor and marginalized can perhaps see themselves as others see them, for them to affirm their right to a life with dignity, to celebrate their creativity and resourcefulness and give tribute to their resilience.

KaBuhayan is a collaboration of the Foundation for a Sustainable Society (FSSI) and Concepts Commune. The exhibit will be mounted in strategic areas in Metro Manila, venues will be announced at a later date.

About FSSI
The Foundation for a Sustainable Society is a social investing resource organization providing business development, financial and policy support to community enterprises across the country. The 20-member network organization supports community enterprises that provide environmental, financial, social returns that contribute to local economic development.

About Concepts Commune
Concepts Commune is a collective of communication and journalism professionals. It is a platform for creative productions in support to development initiatives of civil society organizations. Through its members, it provides a broad range of multimedia services.

For further information, please contact:
Ayel Guevara, Advocacy and Communications Officer,
FSSI, Tel: (632) 4114702-03 ext.13, E-mail: ayel@fssi.com.
ph, mob: +639209539897.
Leonard Reyes, Project Coordinator, Kabuhayan
Photo Exhibit, E-mail: hok_bu@yahoo.com, mob:
+6329154715646.