My course at ISS helped me to be more critical on policies related to social enterprise and self-employment
Rita Gallardo
2005 - 2006 - Universalising Socio-economic Security for the Poor
Name: Rita Gallardo
Country: Philippines
Organization: Office of Senator Francis Pangilinan, Senate of the Philippines
Position: Consultant and Adjunct-Professor
Study at ISS: MA - Development Studies - Universalising Socio-economic Security for the Poor
Year of graduation: 2006
How did the study contribute to your career?
Universalising Socio-economic Security for the Poor (USS) focused on the study and consciousness of poverty as well as how to alleviate poverty. These are very crucial in technical policy writing in the areas of agriculture and fisheries sector in the Philippines since this sector consistently posted the highest poverty incidence among basic sectors according to the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA). Technical policy writing in agriculture and other related areas is my primary role in the office of Senator Francis Pangilinan.
My course in ISS also helped me be more critical on policies related to social enterprise and self-employment since during my time as a student of USS we were brought to India to study the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA).
Would you recommend ISS to others interested in studying Development Studies?
Yes!
What was your overall experience at ISS?
Pleasant! The course in general was very comprehensive given the limited time and for that I am always grateful to ISS. Also my sincerest thanks to the full scholarship that the FNV Dutch Trade Union granted to me, the organization made it possible for me to learn both theory and practice relating to poverty. Lastly, the Filipino student community in ISS was very tight and welcoming so even on winter months there was warmth and sense of community.