ABOUT
US
The
Institute for Developmental Education
and Services, Inc. (IDES) is a labor
education and training center that
was formally established in 1983 by
labor leaders, religious people and
professionals to answer the needs of
workers in Marikina City and nearby
towns with regards to labor and trade
union education. IDES was formally
registered in July 16, 1993 as a
non-stock, non-profit and
non-government organization.
There
was an evident need then to assist
workers in their trade union
organizing work through education and
training work. Trade union leaders
had to undergo theoretical and
practical skills training founded on
the principle that workers themselves
undertake self-organization and
should struggle for their rights and
welfare including their struggle for
a society where workers have a
decisive role in the formulation and
implementation of national programs
and policies affecting their lives
and interests.
Besides,
IDES was determined to help in
raising workers’ awareness, in
increasing their capabilities to
assert their rights, promote their
welfare and strengthen their movement
towards social transformation that
addresses inter-linking inequities
such as class and gender. From its
general trade union and mass courses,
IDES embarked on a Comprehensive
Paralegal Training Program in the
latter part of 1996 as an integral
part of the Training Program for
Trade Union Leaders. It was
introduced along with legal services
to the workers.
Its
Day Care Program, the Kalinga Day
Care Center (KDCC) which was
implemented in 1989, was eventually
allowed to operate on its own since
it was already existing independently
(management and funding). The KDCC
was an extension of IDES to assist
workers and their children in order
to participate in productive and
organizing works.
