7 The right to social security of the workers in the informal economy/ sector In developing this report, the ESCR Center conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with representatives of the WIES to ensure that the process is inclusive and consultative. And since this report primarily aimed at documenting their experiences, conducting FGDs is the most appropriate method to stimulate an informal discussion with participants to understand their perceptions, beliefs, fears, as well as questions and information needs about the subject matter. FGD with the representative of the relevant government agencies was also organized to gather more information about the government programs on social protection. The FGDs were conducted on 14, 15, and 17 June 2021 via an Demographics 30 online meeting platform (Zoom). 25 The participants were primarily 20 residents 15 livelihoods are located in the 10 National Capital Region (NCR). 5 There were 48 participants; more of and whose than 50 percent of which declared 0 Female Male Persons with disabilities Figure 1 Demographic Profile of Respondents Older persons that they are cisgender female while 20 said they are cisgender male. None of the participants claim non-normative gender and sexual (NNGS) identities. Of the total participants, 25 percent are senior citizens12 or older persons while three (3) of the participants are persons with disabilities. The imposition of stricter quarantine protocols and restrictions by the government in NCR in June 202113 posed a challenge for the ESCR Center to engage participants from municipalities from other regions and provinces as the traditional face-to-face interviews could not be done. Moreover, the health and safety of the participants, and the CHRP personnel, are given the top priority. Other alternatives may have been available, such as phone interviews, but this proves to be time-consuming and costly. It was not also ideal to conduct online surveys as the target population has no access to the internet or has a weak internet connection and does As defined by Republic Act No. 9994, senior citizen or elderly refers to any resident citizen of the Philippines at least sixty (60) years old. 13 Filane Mikee Cervantes, NCR Plus remain under GCQ until June 30, Philippine News Agency, available at https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143711, last accessed (July 7, 2021). 12