Taytay howl: the political economy of the Taytay municipal tiangge

Abstract

The primary aim of this research study is to provide proofs as to why despite being a part of the informal economy, home-based garment workers are critical in the success of Taytay, Rizal's Local Garment Industry. In this premise, they should be given more recognition and should not be treated as mere threat that causes withdrawal and repulsion of capitalist investors and businessmen. Instead, they should be given opportunities to improve on their craft and be offered support for them to pave their way in entering into various ventures where they can prosper and fully taste the fruit of their own labor. In doing this, history of the municipality of Taytay in the province of Rizal was defined. The current situation of the town's Local Garment Industry was described. Discussion of the current economic situation of Taytay was also included. With these, challenges and experiences of the key players running the industry were studied. These key players were the Municipal Government Officials, the Landlord, the Tiangge Organizers, the Tiangge Garment Consumers and Sellers, the Homebased Garment Production Owners, and Homebased and Factory Garment Workers. This study used mixed methodology that utilized both quantitative and qualitative types of data. In interpreting and analyzing all the gathered information from key informants and respondents, Historical Materialism and Marxist Theory of Political Economy were used as guiding principles. Alternative theories of development were also scrutinized to prove that garment workers of Taytay, particularly those who work home-based, can put end on being in a vulnerable situation where various forms of exploitation are being committed against them; to make them realize their power to overthrow the prevailing oppressive system and be liberated from it to move forth towards genuine development.