The Peoples Organization for Social Transformation (POST) now the Peoples Organization for Social Transformation Development Network Inc. was founded in the Philippines in 1990 by a group of five grassroots organizations from La Union with the view of fostering collaborative work among POs in the area and giving more focus to their common struggle to secure for themselves a life worthy of their hu
man dignity. It was formally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in October 1, 1991 as a non-stock, non-profit organization. At Present, 39 grassroots organizations from Northern Luzon including the provinces of La Union, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Abra, Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Apayao make up the network. The memberships cuts across the sectors: peasants, fisherfolks, indigenous people, youth, children and women. POST Institutes -
*Development that focuses on social change
Economic growth or increase in productivity is necessary but insufficient condition for development. Social/political transformation where people are at the core must take place if genuine development is to be achieved. The current social and political structure promotes and supports the injustice of forcing almost two thirds of the Filipino people to live in poverty. There is a need for structural transformation so that the poor become the main agent and controller of the social, political, and economic structures and shape their destinies.
*Development by the people through their active participation
People's participation is an essential element in the whole process of securing for themselves a quality life. Sustainable development can only be attained if the people themselves become full participants in all the facets of their own development. They should be the initiators, owners, and managers of development activities.
*Development that empowers the people
Development should enable the people to take care of their own issues, problems, and needs. It should not make them dependent on others for their own lives. Empowerment should be seen as a continuous process that enable people to understand, upgrade, and use their capacity to better control and gain power over their lives. Women play a vital role in the development process. The empowerment of women is essential if they are to fully contribute and benefit from development.
*Development that is integrated in approach
Integrated approaches to development are necessary considering that mass poverty is a result of multi-causal and interdependent factors. Years of development work experience have shown that sustainable development impacts cannot be achieved by monosectoral interventions. It is important for development strategies to recognize the interrelationships of problems and issues.
*Development that preserves the environment
The environment is the people's socio-economic base. Development initiatives must therefore aim at promoting the protection of the environment and conserving the natural resources. Environmental awareness as well as the development of environmental ethics and environment-friendly technology is to be promoted.
