Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Our Humble Beginnings . . .

1986
As an alternative response of the Siervas de San Jose to the plight of the poor, unemployed and exploited young women, the 1st of the Talleres de Nazaret was opened in Quiapo, Manila as a concrete response to poor university students so that they can earn for their school and food allowance. It also provided work to unemployed women, hands-on and skills training to out of school youth and some sheltered girls. This was later transferred to Mandaluyong in 1998 with school uniforms as its main product line. Today, it has expanded into apparel, bags and accessories.


1987
In Holy Family Dormitory, Iloilo, the SSJ community started its 2nd of the Talleres de Nazaret employing 7 women who were experiencing hunger due to extreme poverty, sewing ready to wear clothing for women and children. They later ventured into liturgical vestments and church apparel which found easy clients among the clerics of Iloilo and other parts of Visayas. This taller was transferred to Quezon City in 1990 where it is presently located. Now it employs more than 50 women workers who receive just wages and benefits beyond legal requirement. More than 30 workers are beneficiaries of the Siervas de San Jose Housing Program.


1991
In Cebu, the 3rd of the Talleres de Nazaret was opened to prevent the trafficking of women who are lured to work in Manila. It has established clientele in the Central Visayas for the liturgical vestments. It likewise complements the overflowing orders of Talleres de Nazaret Quezon City.


2003
In Silay, Negros Occidental, the 4th of the Talleres de Nazaret started its operation to initially serve the school uniform requirements of Sta. Theresita Academy and the school's canteen. It now caters to the uniform and snacks food requirements of nearby schools and local food market.


2006
In Rosario, Cavite, the 5th of the Talleres de Nazaret was founded to foster Christian Industry in the midst of exploited workers in the heavily industrialized economic zone in the area. It ventured into food production, specifically seafood delicacies such as squid rings and crispy mussels.


2007
In Tagaytay, the 6th of the Talleres de Nazaret (TDN) was opened to redirect SSJ's apostolic presence in response to worsening poverty situation in the area. It ventured into food production which utilizes the abundant pineapple and other tropical fruits in the area.









C
OMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
There are 55 workers from TDN Quezon City and Mandaluyong City who are recipients of the Siervas de San Jose Housing Program in 3 different communities (Bulacan, Zabarte and Pateros). These homeowners are empowered and equipped to sustain on-going Community Development Program as they strive to become agents of transformation in society.



COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT
In 1995, Talleres de Nazaret workers founded the Mother Bonifacia Workers Credit Cooperative (MBWCC) to support and sustain their socio-economic needs. The MWBCC services include credit service for educational, livelihood, hospitalization and other providential purposes, savngs and housing loans. Membership has grown to almost 200 which include workers of TDN Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Cebu, Silay and other non TDN workers who are indirect collaborators within the community areas of TDN. After 14 years of operation, initial capitalization of P100,000 has now grown to an asset size of P2.6M.



INTEGRAL FORMATION
The workers are oriented and motivated to live the Vision-Mission of the Taller. They collaborate int he production of goods and participate in the integral formation program of the Taller. Besides performing their duties and responsibilities as workers, they are or may also be called upon to act as coordinator of a particular section or as member of the Human Resources Committee.



ADVOCACY
Workers actively participate in advocacy mobilizations for Labor and Women's Rights.



OUR PRODUCTS




Liturgical Vestments




Apparel & Accessories