For the year 2004, the Labor Education and Research Network aim to strengthen its partner trade unions and workers’ organizations toward meaningful political participation and efficient organizational capacity. In its annual evaluation and planning seminar last 3-4 February 2004 in Tanay, Rizal, the LEARN staff and board agreed to push for workers’ initiatives on labor unity, informal sector, women participation in unions and politics, leadership development and international networking.

The new goals and thrusts for the year were approved by the newly elected board of directors in the recent LEARN General Assembly held on November 2003. The new board of directors are: Daniel Edralin from the National Union of Workers in Hotel, Restaurant and Allied Industries; Samson Cordova from the National Alliance of Broadcast Unions; Emako Naldoza of the Confederation of Independent Unions in the Public Sector; Josua Mata of the Alliance of Progressive Labor; Fatima Cabanag of Tala Estate Settlers Federation; Jose Apollo Ado of the Workers Solidarity Network; Edwin Bustillos of NUWHRAIN Development Cooperative; Orlando Dimaano of PEWU and Samuel Eslava of the Philippine Cement Workers’ Council.

2004 is election year in Philippines. LEARN for its part, intends to consolidate its support for the party-list Akbayan to achieve three seats in the House of Representatives. At present, Akbayan occupies two legislative seats after the party-list elections in 2000. Other significant thrusts for LEARN this year will be the development of its own research, website, and cooperative initiatives.