Low-income Filipino Workers Learn Financial Empowerment Tools with Damayan and DCWP

Woodside, NY - Damayan members gathered in Woodside for the first session of our Financial Empowerment Academy, organized with the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). This session responds to members’ requests for guidance on safely opening bank accounts and improving financial literacy within our community.

Low-wage Filipino workers, mostly women and seniors, learned from DCWP Commissioner Vera Mayuga about the department’s mission to empower workers and consumers, from protecting workers' rights to connecting people with free financial counseling services. Mohammed Kibria, DCWP Queens Liaison, shared how banks safeguard the identities of account holders and answered questions from eager participants.

Beyond connecting members to vital resources, Damayan also builds awareness about the political and social conditions shaping our lives. Members analyzed the platforms of New York City mayoral candidates and reflected on systemic corruption in the Philippines, from the dictatorship of Marcos during Martial Law to present-day politicians whose plunder of public funds worsens disasters like the recent floods.

Through spaces like the Financial Empowerment Academy, Damayan continues to build knowledge and collective power among Filipino workers, fighting for economic equity and justice at home and abroad.

Many thanks to Commissioner Mayuga and the DCWP Team for joining us. We value your partnership in serving and empowering low-income Filipino workers in NYC.

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