Families of disappeared and slain trade unionists express optimism in the government’s acceptance of the ILO mission to look into the killings and other labour rights violations in the country.

“Matagal kaming naghintay na ang pagkawala ng asawa ko ay seryosong maimbestigahan, at mabigyan ng katarungan, sana sa ILO mission na ito, ay puspusan itong mabigyang pansin, (We have waited so long that the disappearance of my husband to be seriously investigated and be given justice, we hope that in this ILO Mission, his case will merit serious attention) said Marissa Concepcion in Pilipino during an interview with the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR).  Mrs. Concepcion is the wife of Rogelio Concepcion, acting workers union president from Solid Enterprises who was abducted in San Ildefonso, Bulacan on March 07, 2006.  He had forcibly disappeared since then.

Nanay Caring, 30, wakes up at five in the morning everyday to prepare her goods. For 14 years now, she has been selling school supplies at Divisoria, where thousands of people come in search of the lowest prices.

This summer, however, sales have not been quite good. And as the country continues to suffer from the global economic crisis, Nanay Caring, like many other Filipino mothers are faced with huge financial troubles - especially with the new school year approaching.