OFWs: From belly of luxury ship to top deck (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/ofwspotlight/ofwspotlight/view/20090312-193762/OFWs-From-belly-of-luxury-ship-to-top-deck)

From boiler room to ballroom, from stage to spa, from poolside to pantry, from bar to fine dining. From the belly of the luxury ship to the topmost deck where one could see forever and behold the azure sea and sky of the Mediterranean.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) rule the roost, so to speak, aboard the cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas because of their sheer number and also because of their skills, talent, dependability and graciousness. Filipinos comprise about 60 percent of the 853-strong crew that is composed of 51 nationalities.

“Here I earn the combined salaries of four teachers and three security guards in the Philippines,” reveals Jerry Dioneo, 36, who works in the dining section. Dioneo who hails from Silay City in Negros Occidental has been on the ship for about three years and is on his fourth contract. Only the Filipino nationals, Dioneo adds, are compelled to allot and remit 20 percent of their earnings to their folks back home. This is stipulated in their contracts.

And what is work like on cruise days? “Every day here is a Monday,” Dioneo chirps as he replenishes the cornucopia of food for the guests.

Victoriano Camacho, 46, of Calamba, Laguna, has been with the cruise company for 16 years and is now the sous chef (assistant of the executive chef). He started out at the Nikko Hotel in Makati. Now he earns $2,600 a month.

$1.7 billion of the total $10.8 billion remitted by OFWs in 2005 came from the sea-based OFWs. The number of Filipino seafarers working abroad as of 2005, is about 250,000 or approximately 20 percent of the world’s total.

White List

The rise in the number could be attributed to the inclusion of the Philippines in the International Maritime Organization’s “White List” of 72 accredited countries. Being on the list means the country has continuously complied with the standards required for competent seafarers.

Being a Filipino seaman or seafarer does not necessarily mean working in cargo ships sailing drearily on a gray sea and being cooped up, fighting ennui until land appears on the horizon. A good number of the sea-based OFWs work in cruise ships. These luxury liners cater to vacation-bound, fun-loving, adventure-seeking humans, people who work hard and play hard, or who just want to be out of reach and listen to the music of the ocean, heeding the cruise logo catchphrase that says, “Get out there.” One could also choose to get holed up in the ship’s library.

The three-year-old German-built Brilliance of the Seas belongs to a fleet of cruise ships of the Royal Caribbean International (RCI) that sails in Europe, North America and the Caribbean. It has a passenger capacity of 2,500.

The Filipino seamen and women working on board are there to help make good things happen. The job is demanding as cruises involve service, hospitality, food, fun, travel, safety and, most of all, people.

Earning from tips

Bar server Vergie Mompil, an education course graduate, has spent eight years working on several cruise ships. Her husband, Edwin Vicero also works in another cruise ship, Jewels of the Sea.

Those in food service are not paid the fixed salary rate that workers in other sections receive. Food and drink servers like Vergie receive only $50 per 12-day cruise but the tips (provided for in the bill) earn her about $1,000. Two cruises per month or more than ten cruises in a six-month contract mean a lot when remitted to the Philippines. “After six months, we go on a two-month break,” Vergie adds.

Vergie is stationed at the bar in the main lobby ballroom at the foot of a luminous stairway where guests in formal wear linger to chat or dance to music provided mainly by—you guessed it—Filipino musicians.

Vergie and her husband have a three-year-old child who is being cared for by two aunts. The couple is building a home south of Manila and planning for a hardware store.

Not everyone is in the direct employ of RCI. Hoffman Roscano, 27, married, works as a photographer of a photo agency that operates aboard the ship. He and several photographers have their hands full during formal dinners and evening activities as well as land tours. During special occasions, they set up a mini studio where guests in their glittering “Titanic” finery could go for a formal shoot. Guests snap up the photos the morning after. Roscano also receives commissions from the sales.

Better than 5-Star salary

Karen del Carmen, in her 20s, works as a beauty therapist in the Brilliance Day Spa operated by an agency. A tourism graduate of a college in Bacolod, she had a work stint in a hotel in the Philippines after which she applied in a maritime agency. The spa company hired her and sent her to London for training.

“Better than a five-star salary,” is how del Carmen describes what she earns. After every 12-day cruise she gets two days off. “It’s fun working here,” she says as she looks up from her desk in the spa’s lavender-scented receiving area.

Nights are busy for the musicians who play in different venues aboard the ship. John Neri, 24, regales the night owls with violin music. As a child he studied music under a scholarship program for the musically gifted.

Neri met his wife in another cruise ship. Married for four years now, the couple is building a house in Kalookan City.

Oye como va

Although now US-based, Vicky Gallarde of Vicky and The Holding Company band still calls the Philippines home. It’s a rollicking night when the band plays for a crowd with itchy feet.

Vicky switches without a hitch from lusty “Amor, amor, amor” to a staccato “Oye como va” while husband Chris and the rest segue from rhumba to disco beat. The band is a ship mainstay.

The couple has a room for two of their own at the crew quarters. The standard rooms for two for the crew have TVs and computers with e-mail capabilities. The Filipinos also have a daily two-page news digest called “Philippines Today.” There is a bar as well as games and exercise facilities.

Edgardo Villarino, 42, studied music in the University of the Philippines and sang with the UP Concert Chorus. He is married with three kids. The Inquirer chanced upon Villarino playing soothing classic guitar music by the poolside.

He was in the Caribbean several months earlier and he remembers the day a hurricane blew around there. There are less “sea days” in the Mediterranean, he says, meaning, the ship docks often in tourist havens.

Selling the Philippines

On his fifth contract now, Villarino says their own families could enjoy cruise privileges when there is space available. And could the entertainers have some fun during the day? “If there are less than five guests using the pool, we could take a dip,” Villarino says.

He dreams of cruises on Philippine waters that could rival those elsewhere. “We try to advertise the Philippines. Subic is so beautiful.” He talks of an island in Haiti that Royal Caribbean had developed.

Great workers

Bill Brunkhorst, American cruise director who makes sure entertainment is at its peak, has only good words for the Filipinos. “They are so talented and they learn very quickly,” he says. “They’re great workers.”

The Greek ship captain Michael Lachtaridis, a seasoned sea voyager who has been sailing the seas for 33 years says he has been working with Filipinos since the 1980s. “They get along well with other nationalities,” he says. “They are very educated and they are a happy lot.”

Whether it is instructing on wine tasting, giving beauty massages, serving at formal dinners, making omelets at the buffet breakfast, playing music, snapping photos amidst the Greek ruins, ensuring security and swiping cards at entry and exit points, disposing garbage or keeping staterooms clean, Filipino seamen and women are doing their best. And why not a Filipino guest chaplain or morgue attendant?

The least seen

The least seen but perhaps the most important because they make the ship sail the distances are those who work in the belly of the ship or the engine room. The lives of those on board are practically in the hands of these experts in ship engineering.

The Inquirer descended to the grime-free hard hat area and met some of the Filipinos there. Jessie Hervilla, Estefanio Joel, Steve Flores, Ramon Cerio, Percival Dilag and so many more. Chief Junior Engineer Rasmus Norling of Sweden has only high praises for the men who are seldom seen on deck.

But life for the OFWs on board these cruise ships is surely not problem-free, as life anywhere is not. Are the OFWs on these so-called floating four-star, five-star hotels better off than their counterparts in cargo ships and oil tankers? What lies beyond those glittering nights and sunny days at sea? What awaits them in their homeland? What awaits Edward Pampis, Joselito Benito, Cipertino Apil, Arlene Salon, Susan Gatmaitan, Arthur Pernia, Julius, Mijares, Juanito Embolori, Edwin Miranda, Enrico Sabido, Victor Amuyang, Ronaldo Carreon, Ernita Villanueva, George Tardo, Joselito Benito.

Don’t they feel resentful when they see food and drink flowing endlessly, people having so much fun and spending so much money for this kind of voyage, while they work so hard to keep these people thrilled and while the pine for home?

“Oh no,” says a food server without a tinge of resentment. “Many of them have worked hard too. And because of them we have our jobs. Someday we too could enjoy something like this.”

This Inquirer reporter was a regular paying guest on this cruise. The ship sailed from Barcelona and back and stopped in several key places on the Mediterranean coasts of Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey.

Breaking through the glass ceiling (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW031109/content.php?id=141)

There’s supposed to be a glass ceiling in mainstream America, beyond which someone from a minority community cannot hope to go. The election of Barack Obama, son of a black Kenyan immigrant father and a white American mother has shattered the ceiling beyond the expectations of anyone in the country. Now, anyone with the sterling qualities of the new US president can dream the same dreams.

For people of Filipino descent on the US mainland, the man who shattered the glass ceiling in state politics is a former bank executive and corporate lawyer from Laguna, David Valderrama.

In January1991, he became the very first Fil-Am on the mainland to win an elective position in a state legislature, as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 26 of Prince George’s County. This followed an election in which he won by a convincing margin.

For perspective, Filipinos in Hawaii had long been winning seats in the state legislature. In fact, they were the first and are still the only one to catapult a Pinoy to the state governorship, Ben Cayetano. But they are not considered minorities. Next to the Japanese-Americans, Pinoys are the largest ethnic group on the islands. The whites — who are called "haole" (meaning foreigner) — belong to the minority.

But on the mainland, the highest elective post won by a Pinoy was that of county supervisor, a seat occupied by lawyer Gloria Ochoa of Santa Barbara, California, and, prior to her, by businessman Larry Asera of Vallejo.

It was David Valderrama, already a probate judge in Prince George’s County (another breakthrough at the time), who ran and proved that a Pinoy could become a mainland state legislator.

Shortly after David’s election, Velma Veloria won her own seat as a state representative, representing the 11th District of Seattle, Washington — the first Fil-Am woman in that post. Then followed Jon Amores, as member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 30th District of West Virginia. Other Fil-Ams have followed since then.

Ironically, California, where half of the officially counted 2.9 million (4 million according to the state department) people of Filipino descent reside still has to see someone from the community win a seat in the Sacramento legislature.

David, who is now out of politics but into "consulting," which he admits is a euphemism for lobbying, enjoys another Filipino-American record. His daughter, Kris Valderrama Lobo, won the same seat in 2007. She is now delegate of District 26 — the first second-generation Fil-Am politician on the mainland.

An article by Barry Rascover in the Gazette.Net, which styles itself as Maryland’s online community newspaper, commenting on the proliferation in Maryland of politicians belonging to the same family (a normal occurrence in dynasty-ruled Philippine politics), sniped:

"To a remarkable degree, a good family name has become the ticket to political success. No longer is it necessary to have parents with connections or rich ancestors who started a tradition of noblesse oblige in public life.

"The trick is to slap a well-known family moniker on lawn signs and TV ads and hope voters never figure out you’re not the real McCoy.

"In Prince George’s County, Sen. Nate Exum’s daughter, Camille, is on the county council. Former delegate David Valderrama’s daughter, Kris, is a newly elected delegate."

Kriselda Valderrama Lobo (married to Abraham Lobo, also a second-generation Fil-Am) admits that she benefited from the name recognition and the impressive track record of her father, who had served in the Maryland House of Delegates for 12 years. In fact, she ran, not as a Lobo, her married name, but as a Valderrama.

But she also points out that, even while she worked as a certified respiratory therapist and a communications specialist in the public affairs department of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, she was a veteran in Maryland political campaigns. As the eldest of two daughters, she co-anchored a news and public affairs program on Maryland television with her father and did a great deal of door knocking, phone banking, and handshaking in the years that he ran for elective office.

David’s first try at mainstream politics was for a seat in the Maryland State Democratic Central Committee. This was in 1982. That post upped his public profile, enough to get him appointed in 1985 by then Gov. Harry Hughes to fill a vacant seat as probate judge. After serving the unexpired term for that post, David handily won the same seat in an election and his political career began to take off.

But running for the state legislator never crossed his mind. He was goaded into it by friends and admirers who, as a last resort, appealed to his wife.

"I expected my wife to say no," recalls David. "Instead, she told me that if duty called, I had no choice but to answer.

It was a duty, both to the Fil-Am community, even then struggling to gain political empowerment, and to the Prince Georges County District of Maryland which includes Oxon Hill, a Pinoy enclave.

It was unusual to see an Asian run for state office in Maryland where, even to this day, there are areas where the Klu Klux Klan operates. But David won handily.

"You might say, I kicked the door open for Filipinos," says he. Or shattered the glass ceiling.

Whichever term one uses, the point was convincingly made. A Pinoy could make it in higher state politics in mainstream America.

When he decided to retire from the House of Delegates, he wondered aloud if either of his two daughters was interested in stepping into the breach. The young one, Vida, was the obvious contender, having earned a degree in Political Science. But it was Kris, the therapist, who took up the cudgels.

Running as a Democrat in a crowded race, Kris won 30.5% of the votes, coming in second to win one of three open seats. The other winners were also Democrats.

The young mother of two is filling her dad’s shoes in a manner that makes the elder Valderrama proud.

"I was chair of the Gaming & Law Enforcement subcommittee," says David, beaming, "but it took me some four years before I could wrest the chairmanship. Kris is vice chair of the same committee and she is only on her first term."

Did it ever occur to David to run for the US Congress, considering how near to Capitol Hill his district is?

"By the time it became a possibility, I had become too old for it," he says.

What about Kris?

"I haven’t thought about it yet," she says. "I’ve got my hands full with my day job and my duties as a mother and wife and as a delegate."

But, who knows? A Fil-Am recently broke the glass ceiling on Capitol Hill. Former Ohio State Senator Steve Austria became the first Fil-Am to win a seat in the US Congress. Why not a Valderrama next?

there was also an Indian who became a governor ,wasn't there and a vietnamese congressman i think.

^^ That's in Louisiana. Bobby Jindal is the governor of Indian descent. I forgot the name of the Vietnamese guy that ran for congressman, he loss that race.

OFWs urged to follow safe sex methods (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090314-194122/OFWs-urged-to-follow-safe-sex-methods)

MANILA, Philippines -- Overseas Filipino workers should follow safe sex methods as a United Nations study revealed that Filipina workers employed in the Arab region face a high risk of being infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes AIDS Or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a recruitment consultant said Saturday.

Emmanuel Geslani was reacting to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) study in August 2007 which revealed that 84 percent of Filipina migrant workers were aware that HIV is sexually transmitted and condom use could prevent its transmission.

However, despite the high level of awareness, most of the respondents admitted having engaged in unsafe sex.

Filipina migrant workers are required to attend a pre-departure orientation seminar, which includes an HIV orientation.

From the UNDP study, it appears that most workers rarely focus their attention to the warnings of unsafe sex during those seminars.

At the same time, all workers -- male or female -- are screened for HIV by medical clinics accredited by the host countries.

The study urged the Department of Health to develop and enforce implementing guidelines for the proper conduct of HIV screenings of OFWS, including pre-and post-test counseling.

In a related development, Geslani said the association of medical clinics accredited to the Middle East countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar vowed to uphold the integrity and accuracy of medical exams for OFWs bound for those countries especially on HIV screenings to prevent any migrant worker with AIDS to work abroad.

The new chairman and president of the GCC Accredited Medical Centers Association (GAMCA) Dr. Rodolfo Punzalan said that all 17 member clinics have upgraded their equipment and facilities to detect infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, using only state of the art equipment and lately the fourth generation reagents especially on Hepatitis C.

VDRL and TPHA are also performed on OFWs leaving for work abroad. (VDRL test is a very sensitive test for detecting syphilis infection. If the VDRL test is positive, the confirmatory tests, TPHA must be performed. Only when both the tests are positive is the diagnosis of syphilis confirmed.)

Punzalan is scheduled to meet with recruitment agencies on March 25 to thresh out problems on complaints from agencies regarding repetitive medical exams on OFW applicants.

^^ there was that chinese first governor before, I forgot his name too, Obama had him on TV a couple of weeks ago. I believe the former governor who is of chinese descend is being considered as finance secretary or something....

And yes Jindal 's heritage is india, his parents were born and raised there, his wife is also of indian descend. Jindal is trying to make a name and he is a Republican. He sounds very good IMO.

There are many filipinos who can pass as japanese or Koreans, there are japanese who are darker skinned as well but has the typical japanese feature. My wife looks very Korean even if she has no korean blood, sometimes she gets mistaken as japanese. Probably because of her real light skin that is similar to most koreans. My wife don't get darker or tan under the sun, she just turn real red .

AWW. Hahaha :lol:

On luxury cruise liners and OFWs? I really had good experience with pinoy hospitality amongst filipino seafarers, male or female. I've been in 3 cruises so far, all with Royal Carrebean and I must say, I was well taken care of by fellow pinoys who were all happy to see a fellow pinoy traveling in a cruise liner such as theirs. We were even serenaded in a native filipino music during diner infront of other foreign guests. The pinoy bartender? He was awesome, he would give you almost free drinks. The waiter/cook? request a pinoy food and they will give it to you. I know I made sure that I gave them a decent tip towards the end of the cruise, they truely deserve it. It's the least thing you can do for them besides giving them your sincerest appreciation on their excellent service.

Jobless rate rises to 7.7% in January (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20090317-194569/Jobless-rate-rises-to-77-in-January)
Reuters

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s jobless rate climbed to 7.7 percent in January, the highest since April, data showed on Tuesday, and analysts said it would rise further as the country feels the impact of the financial crisis.

About 275,000 people lost their jobs since October and the latest quarterly report from the statistics office showed unemployment turning higher after falling last year.

It had dropped to 6.8 percent in October from 7.4 percent in July and 8.0 percent in April.

However, analysts said the data is not seasonally adjusted and they believe the actual rate could be understated.

"The actual data is very seasonal so you've always got to take it with a grain of salt," said Nicholas Bibby, regional economist and strategist at Barclays Capital.

"It is slightly up compared with what it was last year. This is understandable given the weakness that we are seeing coming through especially for the electronics sector," he said.

The Philippines’ jobless rate is the second highest among the biggest Southeast Asian economies, behind Indonesia, which reported its latest unemployment rate for August 2008 as 8.4 percent.

The unemployment rate in Thailand at the end of last year was 1.4 percent, below Singapore's 2.6 percent, Malaysia's 3.3 percent and Vietnam's urban reading of 4.65 percent.

In the Philippines, job losses and reduced work hours have been on the rise particularly in the semiconductor and electronics sector, which produce just over half of the country's exports revenues, as global demand shrank.

"Overall, I think the real unemployment rate should be higher than this," said Simon Wong, economist at Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore. "I would expect it to move higher for the rest of 2009."

About 210,000 were added to the number of underemployed, those who have jobs but want to work more, an increase of 3.5 percent from October, the government said.

The percentage of underemployed climbed to 18.2 percent of the total employed in January from 17.5 percent in October.

The government says that about a third of the 90-million population is poor, calculated as families of five living on less than the equivalent of $3 a day.

Of the 34.3 million people employed in January, more than half, or 51.2 percent, worked in services.

Farming was the second-biggest employer with 34.6 percent, with the rest working in the industry, particularly manufacturing.

Isn't it that in government, incompetent and ghost employees are rampant now? We wouldn't want to add more......

Well there are those government employees who have not passed their civil service eligibility exams or have not even tried taking it. There are also others who do just clerical work and sleep most of the time during office hours. But there are also those others who work very efficiently, but they are not noticed because we have this mentality that everyone in government is lazy.

The emergency employment program of PGMA is designed to provide employment for our displaced workers even for short term periods. In that way, government efficiency may improve (I say MAY) and the displaced workers would have a source of income. This program is a form assistance to our displaced workers.

Unemployment rate rises as more Pinoys feel crisis' pinch (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153002/Unemployment-rate-rises-as-more-Pinoys-feel-crisis-pinch)
CHERYL M. ARCIBAL, GMANews.TV
03/17/2009 | 10:53 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ unemployment figure rose in January, indicating that an increasing number of Filipinos have felt the pinch of the economic crisis, analysts said.

The number of unemployed Filipinos jumped 2.855 million in January this year from 2.675 million during the same period last year, the National Statistics Office (NSO) said on Tuesday.

The country’s total labor force – or those 15 years old and above that were looking for jobs – was at 58.657 million, higher than last year's 57.39 million.

"Among the regions, the highest unemployment rate was recorded in the National Capital Region (NCR) at 14 percent," the NSO said.

Besides NCR, other areas that had highest number of jobless individuals were in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Central Luzon, Ilocos Region and Central Visayas. These areas had employment rates lower than the national employment rate of 92.3 percent.

Employed Filipinos increased to 34.258 million from 33.693 million, during the period in review.

Most unemployed individuals comprised of high school graduates (32.7 percent) and college undergraduates (22.2 percent) while those with bachelor degrees were at 18.3 percent.

More males also were unemployed than females, 64.1 percent against 35.9 percent.

By age group, young people were mostly unemployed.

For every 10 unemployed persons, five or 49.2 percent were in the age group of 15 to 24 and three or 30.3 percent were in the age group of 25 to 34.

40 overstaying Filipinos stranded in Malaysia (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090317-194667/40-overstaying-Filipinos-stranded-in-Malaysia)
By Veronica Uy

MANILA, Philippines -- At least 40 overstaying Filipinos who have no money to pay for their penalties remain stranded in Malaysia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

According to the DFA, in a report on its website, Philippine Consul General Renato Villa raised the issue of the stranded Filipinos at a recent meeting with Dato’ Raja Azahar bin Raja Abdul Manap, Senior Deputy and Acting Secretary General of Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs.

The DFA said the two discussed the Philippine-Malaysia Working Group on Migrant Workers and other matters affecting Filipinos in Malaysia.

The meeting followed a Malaysian advisory about a pilot project that bypasses regular courts and jails by fining overstaying foreigners and handing them a one-way ticket home.

The project aims to speed up the deportation of illegal migrants.

The DFA said it is confident Malaysia would arrest, detain, and deport the undocumented Filipino workers in a humane manner as previously agreed last June during the RP-Malaysia Working Group meeting in Manila.

The same agreement also states that only those who are medically fit can be sent back to the country.

ilipino teachers exchange homeland for jobs in America (Fhttp://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-filipino18-2009mar18,0,1449843.story)

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2009-03/45633607.jpg
Ferdinand Nakila is one of between 250 and 300 teachers from the Philippines hired by the Los Angeles Unified School District to fill teacher shortages in math, science and special education.

Filipino exchange teacher Ferdinand Nakila landed in Los Angeles expecting "Pretty Woman" scenes of swank Beverly Hills boulevards and glittering celebrities. What he got was Inglewood, where he stayed for two weeks in temporary housing and encountered drunkards, beggars, trash-filled streets and nightly police sirens.

It got worse. In training sessions about American classrooms he received in the Philippines, he was told his students might not be quite as polite and respectful as those in his homeland. Nothing, however, prepared him for the furious brawl that broke out in one of his Los Angeles classrooms, where two girls rolled around on the floor clawing at each other while the other students jumped on the desks and cheered.

But Nakila said his American sojourn has transformed him into a far better educator than when he arrived in August 2007. In the Philippines, he was imperious and demanding, throwing students out of his classroom for inadequate preparation with little thought of their plight.

In Los Angeles, his daily encounters with students struggling to learn despite shattered homes, sexual abuse, physical violence or hunger have humbled him into a new vision of teaching.

"I realize we are servants and teaching is more about touching lives and helping students own their own learning," said Nakila, 38, a special education teacher in English at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles.

Nakila is part of a recent wave of foreign exchange teachers from the Philippines, who are primarily being recruited to fill chronic teacher shortages in math, science and special education throughout the United States. More than 100 school districts, including at least 20 in California, are recruiting from the Philippines, said Los Angeles immigration attorney Carl Shusterman.

The Los Angeles Unified School District has hired 250 to 300 teachers from the Philippines -- the largest contingent among more than 600 foreign exchange teachers overall, a district official said.

The statewide budget crisis and impending layoffs, however, have prompted L.A. Unified to suspend its foreign recruitment this year, said Deborah Ignagni, a district human resources administrator.

Pay is an incentive

Ignagni said the L.A. district first began recruiting foreign exchange teachers in the 1980s from Mexico and Spain to help with bilingual elementary education. But it shifted to the Philippines and Canada for math, science and special education teachers in the last four years, she said.

L.A. school officials have tapped the Philippines for several reasons, Ignagni said. The higher education system is similar, so credits are easily transferable for U.S. teaching credentials.

The Philippines has an abundance of teachers, which allows U.S. recruiters to avoid perceptions that they are taking educational resources needed by Filipinos, Ignagni said.

And most Filipinos speak English and can understand some Spanish, which is embedded in the Filipino language as a result of Spain's 300-year colonization of the islands.

Many of the teachers themselves say they jumped at the chance to work in the United States, lured primarily by far better pay. Most teachers in the Philippines earn $300 to $400 a month, less than one-tenth what they can pull down in Los Angeles.

But high processing fees from recruitment and visa sponsoring agencies have strapped many with debts of $10,000 or more.

Some, such as Gelacio Aguilar, sold land in the Philippines to finance their ventures. Others scraped up money from family and friends; still others took out loans.

To be hired in L.A. Unified, the teachers must pass basic skills exams and interviews, fulfill the requirements for a California teaching credential and have three to five years of successful teaching experience in public schools.

The teachers had hoped for work visas that would potentially lead to green cards. But L.A. Unified brings them in on three-year teacher exchange visas known as J-1s because they are easier to obtain, Ignagni said. The district is now applying for work visas for some teachers whose exchange visas have expired.

Rocky beginnings

Once the teachers arrive in Los Angeles, school officials give them a two-week orientation and offer job fairs to connect them with schools. But many describe a rocky start: loneliness, befuddlement over bus routes, apartment hunting, dealing with U.S. currency, American-style resume-writing. And, once in the classroom, utter shock.

Asked to describe his first year, Garcia leaned back in his chair, covered his face with his hands and murmured, "Oh, God."

His ninth-graders' average math skills were sixth-grade level. While he was trying to teach, students roamed the classroom, applied makeup, chatted with one other, tuned out with iPods. A hallway fight started spilling into his class, and when he tried to push the brawlers back out, he said, he was reprimanded for touching them.

During a recent evening interview at his Washington Boulevard apartment, Nelson de la Cruz pulled up his shirt to reveal a black and blue bruise. He got it, he said, after a student threw a book at him. Another teacher suffered injuries after a chair was thrown at her, said Daniel Gumarang of the Filipino American Educators Assn. of Los Angeles, which is aiding the teachers.

Some teachers have given up and headed back to the Philippines, but Ignagni estimated them at "less than a handful."

Nakila, for instance, said he learned something every day about how to handle his students. One lesson: be sensitive to their backgrounds. Aiming to inspire them, he presented Latino success stories and asked students to write about their own heroes, but the reaction was negative, even angry. When he told them about his own heroic father and asked them to describe their own, Nakila said one lashed out, "I don't even know his name, and I don't want to know."

Now he avoids lessons that might cause them to feel inadequacies in their own families.

He keeps cookies in the classroom to feed students who come to school without breakfast, a situation he said he never imagined he would find in wealthy America. He calls parents to ask why they're giving their children Kool-Aid rather than something more nutritious. He tells students he will never give up on them, even if they show their worst.

"I used to wake up thinking 'Oh, my God, let me survive this day,' " Nakila said. "Now I wake up excited, eager to meet my students."

Book Launch of Los Angeles' Historic Filipinotown (http://www.asianjournal.com/fil-am-news/3-filamnews/1441-book-launch-of-los-angeles-historic-filipinotown-.html)

http://www.asianjournal.com/images/stories/newspix/book%20cover.jpg

Carina Monica Montoya commemorates one of the most distinctive Asian/Pacific cultural legacies in the city through her new book Los Angeles’s Historic Filipinotown. The Filipino American Library (FAL), in partnership with the Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council, will present its Book Launch on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00pm at Lake Street Park (227 N. Lake St., Los Angeles 90026). Please RSVP for this free event by contacting filamlibrary@sbcglobal.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 213-382-0488. FAL is also accepting advance orders for the book ($20/each plus shipping & handling).

The City Council of Los Angeles officially designated Historic Filipinotown on August 2, 2002 . It is the first Filipino community in the United States to merit a named area with distinct geographic boundaries. Historic Filipinotown was once home to one of the largest Filipino enclaves in California , a place where many Filipinos purchased their first homes, raised families, and established businesses. The cultural continuity of the area’s Filipino families and businesses inspired the collective efforts of Filipino organizations, Los Angeles community leaders, and individuals to establish Historic Filipinotown and maintain its vibrant culture.

In FAL Book Launches, authors introduce their Filipino works of literature with residents of Greater Los Angeles. Ms. Montoya will sign copies of Los Angeles’s Historic Filipinotown, which will be on sale that day. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Admission is free and donations are accepted online at www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org. Recent FAL Book Launches include Pareng Barack: Filipinos in Obama’s America by Benjamin Pimentel and Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos.

Carina Monica Montoya, a native of Los Angeles and the author of Filipinos in Hollywood, collected the vintage images for this volume from Los Angeles historical organizations and families who settled in and around the area in the early years. Eric Garcetti, the President of the Los Angeles City Council, provides the foreword of Los Angeles’s Historic Filipinotown. It is part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series that celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country.

Founded on October 13, 1985 by “Auntie Helen” Agcaoili Summers Brown, FAL is the earliest and largest Filipino library in the country with a collection of more than 6,000 titles. Its mission is to actively promote the history, culture, and professional achievements of Filipinos and Filipino Americans through the book collection, leadership development, and cultural programming, thereby contributing to the achievement of a culturally dynamic, multiethnic America .

Given that FAL primarily survives on individual donations and one major annual fundraiser, it relies on its many supporters to continue its programs and services throughout the year. If anyone would like to give a donation online, please feel free to visit www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org. Checks may also be mailed to 135 N. Park View St. , Los Angeles , CA 90026 and made payable to “Filipino American Library”. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

FAL is a division of the Filipino American Heritage Institute (Nonprofit Tax ID Number 95-4282571).

Book Launch of Los Angeles' Historic Filipinotown (http://www.asianjournal.com/fil-am-news/3-filamnews/1441-book-launch-of-los-angeles-historic-filipinotown-.html)

http://www.asianjournal.com/images/stories/newspix/book%20cover.jpg

Carina Monica Montoya commemorates one of the most distinctive Asian/Pacific cultural legacies in the city through her new book Los Angeles’s Historic Filipinotown. The Filipino American Library (FAL), in partnership with the Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council, will present its Book Launch on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00pm at Lake Street Park (227 N. Lake St., Los Angeles 90026). Please RSVP for this free event by contacting filamlibrary@sbcglobal.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 213-382-0488. FAL is also accepting advance orders for the book ($20/each plus shipping & handling).

The City Council of Los Angeles officially designated Historic Filipinotown on August 2, 2002 . It is the first Filipino community in the United States to merit a named area with distinct geographic boundaries. Historic Filipinotown was once home to one of the largest Filipino enclaves in California , a place where many Filipinos purchased their first homes, raised families, and established businesses. The cultural continuity of the area’s Filipino families and businesses inspired the collective efforts of Filipino organizations, Los Angeles community leaders, and individuals to establish Historic Filipinotown and maintain its vibrant culture.

In FAL Book Launches, authors introduce their Filipino works of literature with residents of Greater Los Angeles. Ms. Montoya will sign copies of Los Angeles’s Historic Filipinotown, which will be on sale that day. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Admission is free and donations are accepted online at www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org. Recent FAL Book Launches include Pareng Barack: Filipinos in Obama’s America by Benjamin Pimentel and Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos.

Carina Monica Montoya, a native of Los Angeles and the author of Filipinos in Hollywood, collected the vintage images for this volume from Los Angeles historical organizations and families who settled in and around the area in the early years. Eric Garcetti, the President of the Los Angeles City Council, provides the foreword of Los Angeles’s Historic Filipinotown. It is part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series that celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country.

Founded on October 13, 1985 by “Auntie Helen” Agcaoili Summers Brown, FAL is the earliest and largest Filipino library in the country with a collection of more than 6,000 titles. Its mission is to actively promote the history, culture, and professional achievements of Filipinos and Filipino Americans through the book collection, leadership development, and cultural programming, thereby contributing to the achievement of a culturally dynamic, multiethnic America .

Given that FAL primarily survives on individual donations and one major annual fundraiser, it relies on its many supporters to continue its programs and services throughout the year. If anyone would like to give a donation online, please feel free to visit www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org. Checks may also be mailed to 135 N. Park View St. , Los Angeles , CA 90026 and made payable to “Filipino American Library”. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

FAL is a division of the Filipino American Heritage Institute (Nonprofit Tax ID Number 95-4282571).

This is what bothers me with alot of Filipino stores and establishments abroad. They look like those bodegas that you see in NY's outer boroughs such as Brooklyn or The Bronx.

I have yet to see a Filipino establishment that is nice and neat.

I'd like to believe that pinoys are unpretentious and don't bother about appearances, it's the service and the quality of merchandise (or food in a restaurant) that matters

* * *
re: book cover:

ang cute ng outfits nila, i like it :okay:

Laguna-based TDK-Fujitsu cuts 2,000 jobs (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153246/Laguna-based-TDK-Fujitsu-cuts-2000-jobs)
03/18/2009 | 06:41 PM

MANILA, Philippines - TDK Fujitsu Philippines Corp. (TFPC), which makes magnetic recording heads for computer hard disk drives, said it laid off 2,000 workers in its Biñan, Laguna facility.

TFPC is different from Fujitsu Computer Product Corp. of the Philippines Inc. (FCPP), which cut 1,750 jobs earlier this year, according to various reports which came out on Wednesday afternoon.

TFPC’s layoffs were confirmed by Labor Secretary Marianito D. Roque during a briefing in Quezon City.

TFPC, an international private company, maintains a facility in a special export processing zone at the Laguna Technopark Phase 3, reports said.

However, while TFPC and FCPP are separate entities, their parent companies agreed to work together five years ago.

In the middle of 2004, TDK Corp. and Fujitsu Ltd. – the parents of TFPC and FCPP – undertook an agreement to design, develop, and produce heads for hard disk drives.

FCPP, the local unit of Fujitsu that makes computer hard disk drives, was established in 1995. Its facility is located at the Carmelray Industrial Park in Canlubang, Laguna.

FCPP – including other Fujitsu businesses in the country – currently employs an estimated 6,000 workers, said Ernesto G. Espinosa, FCPP’s vice president for human resources and general affairs. - GMANews.TV

Well there are those government employees who have not passed their civil service eligibility exams or have not even tried taking it. There are also others who do just clerical work and sleep most of the time during office hours. But there are also those others who work very efficiently, but they are not noticed because we have this mentality that everyone in government is lazy.

The emergency employment program of PGMA is designed to provide employment for our displaced workers even for short term periods. In that way, government efficiency may improve (I say MAY) and the displaced workers would have a source of income. This program is a form assistance to our displaced workers.

Government help should only be due to those who deserve it.

Palace to the laid-off: Take emergency jobs (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090321-195429/Palace-to-the-laid-off-Take-emergency-jobs)
By TJ Burgonio

MANILA, Philippines—Don’t be choosy, take the emergency job. This was Malacañang’s advice on Saturday to Filipino workers retrenched from their jobs here and in recession-wracked countries amid the deepening global downturn.

The government is offering emergency jobs in different departments and agencies which had been instructed to save 1.5 percent of their operating expenses in order to generate 180,000 jobs.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the Department of Public Works and Highways was providing emergency temporary employment for 500,000 individuals and had approved the application of 200,000.

Those hired would be deployed in the department’s priority infrastructure projects.

As of early March, over 40,000 Filipinos had been laid off here and abroad as the global economic recession swept across two-thirds of the world and crept into Asia.

Remonde, however, said that displaced overseas Filipino workers should not expect to get the same jobs in government.

“That’s why we have retraining and reorientation,” he said over Radyo ng Bayan, referring to the programs provided by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (Tesda) for displaced workers.

“Let’s be clear. These are emergency employment. That’s why we appeal to our displaced workers—they should not expect to get the same jobs that they lost,” he said.

“What’s important is that there are jobs available, and there is money to put food on the table,” he said.

Displaced workers should coordinate with the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment to find out what jobs are available for them here and abroad, Remonde said.

“President Macapagal-Arroyo has directed Labor Secretary Marianito Roque to draw up a list of displaced workers and forward this to Cabinet secretaries for possible employment in the regions,” he said.

The administration’s emergency employment program will kick off next month after the guidelines have been drawn up, Roque said.

During the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Roque said the government will mark June 12 or Independence Day with the launching of a massive emergency employment program.

“This will be the time to commence the hiring of emergency employees who would serve the government for the next six months,” he said.

South Korea to hire more Filipinos (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090321-195377/South-Korea-to-hire-more-Filipinos)
By Kristine L. Alave

MANILA, Philippines — More Filipino workers can work in South Korea under a renewed Employment Permit System (EPS) to be signed by the Philippines and South Korea next month, a labor official said.

The new government-to-government contract is nearly completed and is scheduled to be signed in late May, when the two countries mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, Assistant Secretary Reydeluz Conferido said.

“South Korea is urging us to fast track the memorandum of understanding,” Conferido said at a news briefing. “We are finalizing the form, but the substance of the agreement is finished.”

He said the new agreement had several improvements that could result in a bigger deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in South Korea.

He said labor department officials had asked South Korean partners to relax the language requirement and to vet carefully the companies that seek to employ OFWs to ensure they are financially sound and would not lay off workers.

The Philippines sends about 6,000 workers to South Korea annually under the mechanism, Conferido said. Under the new agreement, “the number could rise,” he said.

The last agreement on the EPS was signed on 2006 and expired in October last year.

Conferido said the two governments would prioritize workers who were displaced here and in South Korea because of the global financial crisis.

He added that jobs needed by companies keen to participate in the program mostly involve janitorial work and manufacturing. Migrant workers who participated in the first EPS can apply with South Korean companies under the EPS again, Conferido said.

Aside from South Korean companies, a Canadian food and beverage firm has expressed interest in hiring more Filipino workers.

Conferido said officials of Canadian food chain Tim Hortons were impressed with the Filipinos' skills and were eager to hire them.

De Castro backs lifting of deployment ban to Lebanon (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/03/23/09/noli-backs-lifting-deployment-ban-lebanon)

The recommendation to lift the deployment ban on overseas Filipino workers to Lebanon has gained support from Vice President and Presidential Adviser on OFWs Noli de Castro.

“Many of our countrymen badly need jobs today and Lebanon offers plenty of employment opportunities,” De Castro said in a press statement.

During Monday’s meeting at the Office of the Vice President, De Castro pointed out that lifting the deployment ban to Lebanon can provide employment opportunities to thousands of Filipinos rendered jobless by the global economic crisis. Present during the meeting were DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, DFA Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr., Ambassador Rafael Seguis, Ambassador Roy Cimatu and Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs Secretary General Henry Bensurto.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has recommended the lifting of the deployment ban to Lebanon.

The DFA, through Ambassador Roy Cimatu, said the armed conflict in Lebanon has already ended and is no longer posing security threat to OFWs.

“If that is the case, then there is no more reason to maintain the deployment ban to Lebanon,” De Castro added.

In a related development, De Castro urged for bilateral agreements with more countries to further protect the welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

He issued the call after the government presented a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Lebanon on labor cooperation as well as a protocol for the deployment of Household Service Workers (HSWs) to the Middle East country.

Among the salient features of the proposed MOA and proposed protocol are the protection of the rights of OFWs and the minimum salary of HSWs which is being pushed by the government at $400.

The DFA said the Lebanese government is presently studying the Philippine proposal.

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/0/photos/188/1200x1200/14/IMGP6752.JPG?et=H%2CdOpvAaLdH2I9JLl2DBmw&nmid=218201875

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/0/photos/188/1200x1200/13/IMGP6753.JPG?et=OLe50RdvACDnyVzr7NWWsw&nmid=218201875

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/1/photos/188/1200x1200/12/IMGP6754.JPG?et=Z6OccGAIxIGSuC7HOXS4lw&nmid=218201875

^^ Most likely. Hong Kong Disneyland did put out an announcement in the Philippines that they were auditioning/recruiting musicians, singers, and dancers before the theme park opened.

15 hotels to open this year (http://http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news4_mar23_2009)
By Roderick T. dela Cruz

FIFTEEN new hotels and resorts offering 2,000 rooms will open this year despite the economic downturn, the Tourism Department says.

The new properties are worth P20 billion, and they will be employing 3,000 workers, the department says.

It says some of these new properties have already opened, and they include 28 cluster villas under the Amanpulo Resorts, which owns Sugihara Villa Resort, Vauban Villa Resort, Salamanca Villa Resort, Almonavides Villa Resort, La Galice Villa Resort, Kapangyarihan Villa Resort, and La Pucelle Villa Resort.

Rates at the Amanpulo properties start at $1,150 a night.

Shangri La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, with 219 rooms, opened to guests on March 2 with daily rates of P20,500.

Discovery Bay Misibis on Cagraray Island, Albay, with 38 villas, also opened early this year with room rates starting at $305 a night.

The 75-room Park Bed and Breakfast Hotel and Restaurant in Pasay City, which is managed by Legend Hotels International Corp., has also opened, and its rates start at P1,500 a night.

The 50-room Microtel Inn and Suites in Puerto Princesa opened early this year, and it offers a daily rate of P3,800.

The largest hotel in Cebu, the 556-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort, will open on May 20, although it has yet to announce its room rates, the department says.

It says more hotels and resorts are opening in the second half of the year, including the 232-room Oakwood Premier Manila in Ortigas Center, which opens its doors to guests in the third quarter. The room rates at its sister facility, the Oakwood Makati, start at P10,000 a night.

The 100-room Picasso Serviced Residences in Salcedo Village, Makati, is expected to be completed by Ardent Development Corp. by the second half.

Also opening in the second half are two luxury hotels near the airport in Manila and beside the Villamor Championship Golf Course.

The Newport Marriott Hotel will have 365 guest rooms, and Maxims Hotel 170 suites.

The P500-million Silang Wakeboard Park is rising up on a 12-hectare plot of land in Silang, Cavite, and it’s expected to open by August.

The Manila Ocean Park in Rizal Park is building extra facilities including a boutique hotel.

The Tourism Department is also processing an application from Bella Roca Island Resort and Spa in Marinduque.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano says these new investments in tourism-related facilities and establishments are expected to add more than 2,000 new accommodation rooms and generate 3,000 jobs.

“With this initial list of investments, the country is assured of a vibrant tourism industry with bigger revenue and more jobs,” Durano said.

The new hotels and resorts will pay no taxes for four to six years and may import capital equipment tax-free if they are registered with the Board of Investments, according to Victoria Jasmin, director of the Office of Tourism Standards.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Bill is expected to result in more investment and create more tourism zones once it is signed into law.

The Senate and the House’s bicameral conference committee has approved the bill, which will give the Tourism Department powers beyond its marketing functions.

17 Filipinos on ship seized off Somalia—DFA (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090324-195889/17-Filipinos-on-ship-seized-off-SomaliaDFA)
Agence France-Presse

MANILA – Seventeen Filipinos are among 24 crewmen seized by Somali pirates aboard a Greek bulk carrier late last week, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday.

The pirates hijacked the St. Vincent-flagged MV Titan in the Gulf of Aden on March 19. Three Greek crewmen, three Romanians and a Ukraninan were also seized.

The incident brings to 71 the total number of Filipino sailors being held by Somali pirates, the department said in a statement.

It said it has "instructed the Philippine embassy in Nairobi to coordinate with proper authorities concerning the safety and well-being of the seamen."

Three other foreign vessels with 54 Filipinos on board remain anchored off Somalia and held by pirates, it said.

The Philippines is the world's leading supplier of crew, with over 350,000 sailors manning oil tankers, luxury liners and passenger vessels worldwide, official statistics show.

Roxas opens Job-seekers’ training camps (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154000/Roxas-opens-Job-seekers-training-camps)
03/24/2009 | 03:28 PM

MANILA, Philippines — Two-day job search training camps will be held in various parts of the country to help prepare new college graduates look for jobs, Sen. Mar Roxas said on Tuesday.

Called ‘The Mar Roxas Job-Seekers Training Camps," the boot camps would be open to university graduates who wish to polish their job search skills for better and easy presentation of themselves to prospective employers. It would also help the graduates with the packaging of their credentials.

“When I was a new graduate, I discovered that it was important that I create a good impression on the interviewer, I have a good resumé, and I dress well when I face my future boss. I hope the boot camp helps new graduates especially now that jobs are scare to find," Roxas said in a press statement.

He noted that an estimated 490,000 university graduates are expected to join the already crowded employment market in the next two months when the local economy is flat and jobs are scarce due to companies closing or downsizing because of the global financial crisis.

The training camps are scheduled in different dates in 30 cities nationwide, with each camp corridor accommodating 1,000 new graduates.

Trainers of companies from the Business Processing Association of the Philippines would talk on issues such as job search hints and strategies, curriculum vitae/bio-date writing and packaging, presentation of skills (oral and visual), dress and appearance, how to answer interview questions, tips on Business English grammar, how to write letters of introduction and tips in building self-confidence.

The boot camps would be held in Malolos, Bulacan (March 25-26); Baguio City (April 2-3); Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija (April 16-17); Dagupan, Pangasinan (April 23-24), and Tuguegarao, Cagayan (April 29-30).

There will also be training camps in Bacolod March 25-26); Iloilo City (April 1-2); Cebu City (April 15-16); Dumaguete, NBegros Oriental (April 29-30); and Tacloban, Leryte (May 6-7).

In Mindanao, the camps will be held in Ozamiz (March 27-28); Cagayan de Oro (April 3-4); Iligan (April 17-18); Zamboanga City (April 24-25); Butuan (April 229-30); General Santos City (March 24-25); Digos, Davao del Sur (April 3-4); Tagum, Davao del Norte (April 17-18); Davao City (April 23-24) and Cotabato City (April 29-30).

The training camps in Metro Manila and in Southern Luzon will be held in Mandaluyong (March 31-April 1); University Belt (April 14-15); Taguig (April 21-22) Quezon City (April 28-29); Naga City in Camarines Sur (March 24-25); Legazpi in Albay (April 1-2); Batangas City (April 14-15); Lucena in Quezon (April 22-23) and Dasmariňas, Cavite (April 29-30).

The training camps would be held in partnership with local universities and university Student Councils. Those interested in participating in the training seminars can e-mail kristina@brand-channels.com or text (city or place of training) ,, Name and University where they graduated to 0915-199-9689 (For Globe subscribers); 0919-851-8416 (Smart) and 0922-554-1246 (Sun). - D'Jay lazaro, GMANews.TV

Palace considers giving out 'unemployment insurance' (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=451556&publicationSubCategoryId=200)
By Dino Maragay Updated March 24, 2009 01:47 PM


MANILA, Philippines – A government official announced that Malacañang is considering the possibility of granting cash benefits to citizens who lost their jobs due to the current economic crisis, reports said today.

According to National Economic Development Authority Secretary Ralph Recto, this was part of a proposal he made at today’s cabinet meeting.

The proposal states the granting of a P10,000 monthly subsidy to those who lost their jobs due to the crisis. Recto said the monthly benefit will be given for up to six months.

The former senator added that members of Social Security System (SSS), particularly those who have been paying their monthly contributions for the past two years, can avail of the unemployment insurance.

Recto said that upon President Arroyo’s approval, the unemployment insurance will be obtained from SSS funds and the national budget.

what about those who lost their jobs because they chose to resign? our monthly premiums to SSS should also somehow compensate that.

Noli backs lifting of OFW ban to Lebanon (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20090325-196084/Noli-backs-lifting-of-OFW-ban-to-Lebanon)
By Cynthia Balana

MANILA, Philippines—Vice President Noli de Castro has endorsed the lifting of the government ban on the deployment of workers to Lebanon in order to give Filipinos more job opportunities in light of the global financial crisis.

In a meeting on Monday with Cabinet officials at his office in Pasay City, De Castro, the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), said it was time the ban was lifted as the security situation in Lebanon had greatly improved.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, Foreign Undersecretary Esteban Conejos, Foreign Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, Ambassador Roy Cimatu and Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs Secretary General Henry Bensurto.

Cimatu, who had been to Lebanon several times to check on the peace and order situation there, told the group that normality had returned since the 2006 armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah when the Philippine government imposed the deployment ban.

“If that is the case, then there is no more reason to maintain the deployment ban to Lebanon,” De Castro said. “Many of our countrymen badly need jobs today and Lebanon offers plenty of employment opportunities.”

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Lebanon were established in 1946 but a Philippine embassy in Beirut was opened only in 1996.

There are over 20,000 documented OFWs currently in Lebanon, with 99 percent of them working in the households of Maronite Christians in Northern Beirut, according to the DFA.

Earlier, Lebanese honorary consul in Manila Joseph Assad said the country was safe and its labor market could still absorb workers.

EC envoy: New directive protects migrants (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090324-195973/EC-envoy-New-directive-protects-migrants)
By Veronica Uy

MANILA, Philippines—A new measure passed by the European Commission, the Employers Sanctions Directive, will protect migrant workers in the continent, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Ambassador Alistair MacDonald of the Delegation of the EC to the Philippines said Tuesday.

“This is good news because it will prevent illegal migration that results in trafficking of persons and ensure that the legal assistance provided to the migrant workers is the same for local workers,” MacDonald said.

“It would not prevent it totally, but it [recruiting illegal workers] will be much, much, harder,” the ambassador said when asked about the new rule, which has raised concerns it would lead to a massive crackdown on undocumented workers.

The directive, which takes effect in spring and become enforceable in the 27 EU member-states on or before the summer of 2011, requires all employers, including individual household employers, to verify the status of their migrant employees.

Those employing illegal or overstaying migrants would have to pay fines including the cost of returning illegally staying foreigners, repayment of outstanding wages, taxes and social security contributions, and administrative measures like loss of subsidies, among others.

MacDonald also said such sanctions on employers would improve working conditions for migrant workers.

“Workers will receive just wages because the employers and the member-state concerned will be held liable,” he said.

“Sanctioning the [abusive] employer is strongly legal, and because of this directive, abusive employers can now go to jail,” he added.

Last February, during the Philippines-European Union negotiations on Partnership Cooperation Agreement held in Manila, European Commission's Director for Asia James Moran said both the Philippines and EU are looking to enhance mechanisms for legal migration.

"The great majority of our foreign workers are from the Philippines and as such, having policy coherence on migration for the best interest of both countries is part of the challenge. Migration policies would also mean controlling illegal migrants,” Moran said.

EU estimates put the number of illegally staying migrants in Europe at 4.5 million to 8 million, with a projected annual increase of 350,000 to 500,000.

As in many parts of the world, undocumented migrant workers are employed mostly in dirty, dangerous, and demeaning jobs in construction, agriculture, household service, catering, and other hospitality service sectors.

Government records show that as of December 2007, a total of 953,519 Filipinos are in Europe. Of that number, 284,987 are permanent residents, 555,542 are temporary residents, and the rest are irregular residents.

Recruitment industry leaders ask DoLE to amend unified contract scheme (http://mb.com.ph/articles/200112/recruitment-industry-leaders-ask-dole-amend-unified-contract-scheme)
By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO

The recruitment industry asked Tuesday the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to amend the unified contract scheme to safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will be deployed to Saudi Arabia.

Vic Fernandez, president of the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI), said the government’s inaction to their proposed measures could be detrimental to both OFWs and their recruitment agencies.

“Its implementation will lead to more cases of contract substitution, a practice of some employers in the Middle East by which contracts of OFWs are replaced with disadvantageous provisions that did not pass through the POEA,” he said.

Under the scheme of the Saudi National Recruitment Committee (SANARCOM), Filipino workers likewise will not be given the opportunity to seek the help of the Philippine labor representative in settling disputes with their employers.

Recruitment industry leaders already met with DoLE officials regarding their proposal to mitigate the impact of the unified contract on private sectors and deployment of Filipino workers.

They suggested to the labor department that it should be firm with SANARCOM and not allow any onerous provision to be approved for implementation which would place them and OFWs at risk.

However, DoLE has not taken any action on the matter or made amendments in the SANARCOM hiring scheme even to the expense of local recruitment agencies being controlled by their counterparts in the Middle East country.

Fernandez explained that Filipino licensed recruiters passing through SANARCOM-accredited recruitment agencies in order to deploy OFWs to the Kingdom would cause delay to the recruitment process.

“SANARCOM acting as a broker is highly unacceptable to the Philippine agencies, as it will verify workers’ job contracts without the participation of the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) based there,” he said.

^^ Most likely. Hong Kong Disneyland did put out an announcement in the Philippines that they were auditioning/recruiting musicians, singers, and dancers before the theme park opened.

I see. But those who manned the shops or rides were Chinese juggling from Chinese to their variety of English. In HK Ocean Park, there was a band that entertained the audience before the dolphin/seal performance. One of the lead singers sang "Anak'. :cheers:

Economic downturn weighs on Filipino migrant laborers
By Karen Lema

"We have yet to feel the full effects of the global economic crisis"


MANILA (Reuters) - Like millions of Filipinos, Alma Ang left her homeland to work abroad for a salary far higher than she could have ever earned at home.

Now, as the global financial crisis bites, Filipino migrant workers face the prospect of losing their jobs abroad and returning home unemployed and often in debt.

In the case of Ang, after paying a recruitment agency 120,000 pesos (about $2,500) for a job at an electronics factory in Taiwan, she was retrenched within a year and is back in the Philippines without any work at all.

"I wanted to earn more money so I could build a house for my family, but that did not happen," said Ang, 31, who gave up her job as a quality control officer at a garment factory near Manila for a job in Taiwan that paid four times her salary.

http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20090325&t=2&i=9407824&w=450&r=2009-03-25T011025Z_01_BTRE52O039L00_RTROPTP_0_PHILIPPINES-WORKERS

As the global economic crisis deepens, countries such as the Philippines, which are heavily reliant on remittances sent home by migrant workers, face the prospect that workers may return en masse after losing jobs in recession-hit economies abroad.

Migrante International, an NGO that assists Filipino migrant workers around the world, predicts that 100,000 workers may lose their jobs this year.

"We have yet to feel the full effects of the global economic crisis," Gary Martinez, head of Migrante International, told Reuters. "The situation will certainly worsen in the coming months."

A mass influx of returned, unemployed workers could weigh on the Philippines which has one of the highest unemployment rates in Southeast Asia and one of the highest poverty rates, with one-third of the population living below the poverty line.

Mass unemployment and social problems that often accompany large-scale joblessness could also take a toll on what is expected to be a tight presidential election next year to replace President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

JOB LOSSES

http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20090325&t=2&i=9407822&w=450&r=2009-03-25T011025Z_01_BTRE52O039I00_RTROPTP_0_FINANCIAL-PHILIPPINES-WORKERS

Working abroad has become a way of life in the Philippines. Millions leave every year to work overseas, mostly as domestic helpers, seafarers or caregivers, to support families back home.

Last year, 1.4 million Filipinos moved abroad for work, a daily deployment of close to 4,000 people. Due to high unemployment at home, the Philippine government has long championed the exodus of workers abroad, despite widespread disquiet of a drain of talent.

Arroyo calls these migrant workers "modern day heroes" because the money they send home has kept the Philippine economy afloat even in times of economic uncertainty.

But as the global economy faces its biggest downturn in decades with a slump in shipping and recessions in many of the countries that employ Filipino migrant workers, the Philippines may find itself particularly exposed.

Around 10 percent of the country's estimated 90 million population live abroad. Last year, they sent home a record $16.4 billion in remittances, a major pillar of the domestic economy.

http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20090325&t=2&i=9407828&w=450&r=2009-03-25T011025Z_01_BTRE52O039P00_RTROPTP_0_FINANCIAL-PHILIPPINES-WORKERS

Continued...
"If I lose my job, I cannot afford to come back home" (http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE52O0CN20090325?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true)

Layoffs, hiring in Cavite ecozones (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20090326-196206/Layoffs-hiring-in-Cavite-ecozones)

By Karen Lapitan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:19:00 03/26/2009

ROSARIO, CAVITE – While dozens of workers are losing jobs at the Cavite Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), hundreds are going to be hired soon as more investors are coming in, according to CEZA authorities.

Tereso Panga, CEZA administrator, said while two companies will close at the export zone, five are opening soon.

Panga, however, refused to identify the two firms that would close and the five ones that will open as their owners requested that their companies not be identified in the meantime.

The two companies planning to shut down between April and May will displace 142 workers while the five new projects that will soon be approved will hire at least 1,000 workers, he added.

Panga said companies inside CEZA are currently employing 61,633 workers, which could increase in the coming months.

He said the CEZA’s official figures on laid-off workers and companies imposing reduced work hours do not tally with data gathered by the Cavite Workers’ Assistance Center (WAC).

“We respect the data that WAC has presented, but our official figures are far below what they have,” Panga said.

He reported that 1,688 workers were laid off from January to March this year.

“The temporary work adjustments, like the no overtime policy, only serve as a response of the companies to the global financial crisis. It is better than shutting down the companies, and these adjustments are not permanent,” Panga said.

He said 11,886 workers had to cope with reduced work hours or forego overtime pay from January to March.

Concerned sectors in Cavite, known to be a location for a number of industrial parks housing export-oriented companies, convened on Sunday to discuss how to prevent massive job losses.

The WAC, a nongovernment organization that organized the event, presented the results of a survey conducted among workers in Cavite factories.

Laura Sarmiento, WAC research committee head, said her group conducted the survey for a closer look at real labor data in economic zones.

The survey was conducted from Jan. 29 to Feb. 8 with 495 respondents from 162 factories.

By the DiversityInc staff (http://www.diversityinc.com/public/5554.cfm)

March 20, 2009

Keywords: Filipino, Philippines, Filipino teachers, Filipino exchange teachers, education, math, sciences, special education, teacher shortage


School districts across the country are recruiting Filipino exchange teachers to fill chronic shortages in math, science and special education teaching positions, according to the Los Angeles Times. More than 100 districts, including at least 20 in California, have hired teachers from the Philippines, Los Angeles immigration attorney Carl Shusterman says. And as many as 300 of the more than 600 foreign-exchange teachers in Los Angeles alone are Filipino, although foreign recruitment has been suspended this year because of the state budget crisis in California.

U.S. school districts have turned to the Philippines to fill gaps for a variety of reasons, including the fact that the Philippine system of high education is similar to United States' system. Most Filipinos also speak English and can understand Spanish, which has become part of their language skills because of 300 years of Spanish colonization. And the country has an abundance of teachers.


For the educators themselves, teaching in the United States offers the chance to multiply their income tenfold and offers the eventual hope of a U.S. green card. But there are also drawbacks; fees from recruitment and visa-sponsoring agencies can leave teachers in debt, according to the Times. Teachers can experience a culture shock not only in their new home but also in American classrooms. Many say they weren't prepared to deal with classroom brawls, physically combative students and students performing well below their grade levels.

Spain and South Korea Open To Pinoy Workers (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/march/26/yehey/top_stories/20090326top3.html)

Filipinos kept their jobs in Spain and those at home could look to South Korea as a destination in a world where work is increasingly hard to find.

Angel Moratinos, the Foreign Minister of Spain, assured that the estimated 50,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Spain are unscathed despite the global financial crisis.

“They [OFWs] are very much welcome because they are helping the economy,” Moratinos told a press conference at the Goldenberg Mansion in the Malacañang Palace Complex on Tuesday night. “We are very grateful to the contributions of the Filipinos to Spain’s economy.”

He praised the Filipino migrant workers for their competence and their ability to adapt in their working environment easily.

“I think they [Filipinos] are very experienced [in their field of work]. I cannot say that everything is rosy in Spain, but they have stable jobs and are well-integrated [into our society],” the Foreign Minister said. “I think that, in general, those areas where there is a Filipino community are not affected by the crisis.”

Jobs in South Korea

Filipinos at home who are similarly competent and adaptable can try looking for jobs in South Korea, officials said on Wednesday.

That option became possible after sister cities Manila and Incheon signed an agreement inviting the Philippine government to the Inchon Global Fair and Festival to be held on August 7 to October 25 this year. The agreement was signed in 2008.

During a meeting at the Manila City Hall, Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang Soo, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Ok and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim agreed to deploy Filipino workers to the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ).

That economic zone—a logistics, international-trade, leisure and tourism hub for Northeast Asia—is reputedly suitable for improving the business environment for enterprises with foreign investments and the living conditions for foreigners.

Spain’s service sector

In Spain, most Filipinos work in the service sector and live in the big Spanish cities of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia.

Moratinos said the Spanish government is working to expand the civil rights of immigrants in Spain so immigrants could also cast their votes in Spain’s elections.

He is in the Philippines for a three-day official visit. Before the press conference, Moratinos and Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alberto Romulo signed three bilateral agreements.

The agreement between the department’s Foreign Service Institute and the Diplomatic Academy (Escuela Diplomatica) of Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks to enhance information exchange on academic activities and special training courses between the two institutions.

The agreement on development aid, through the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation, earmarked at least 5 million euros for the improvement of health services in Bicol and Caraga region (northeastern Mindanao).

The agreement on the Remunerated Employment for Dependents of Diplomatic and Consular Officials authorizes dependents of diplomatic, consular, administrative and technical staff of the diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Philippines to engage in paid activities in the host state after obtaining appropriate authorization in accordance with the provision of the agreement and the laws of Spain.

Jobs at Incheon

The deployment of Filipino workers who possess the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to the Incheon Free Economic Zone, according to the mayor of Incheon and the South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines, would be properly guided by existing regulations in the free economic zones in the Philippines and South Korea.

Ahn assured Lim that employers in the Incheon would uphold the welfare and interest of the Filipino workers.

To forestall the “prolonged and severe” employment crisis, the International Labor Organization (ILO) also on Wednesday called for a “Global Jobs Pact” that it said would address job scarcity.

During a recent high-level meeting at its Geneva headquarters, the ILO’s director general, Juan Somavia in a statement said that international coordination to tackle the crisis was weak and that the financial, trade, economic, employment and social roots of the global crisis are interlinked and so must be the policy responses.

The meeting took off from a study by the ILO’s International Institute for Labor Studies entitled “The Financial and Economic Crisis: A Decent Work Response,” that said that demographic projections suggest that nearly 90 million net new jobs would be needed over 2009 to 2010 to absorb new entrants in the labor market and avoid a prolonged jobs gap.

In earlier financial crises, the labor market recovered only 4 to 5 years after the economic recovery, the study said.

“We need to implement a coherent and coordinated job-oriented recovery strategy, based on sustainable enterprises, as soon as possible,” Somavia said. “If stimulus efforts are delayed, the jobs crisis will be prolonged and severe and employment may only start to recover in 2011.”

The ILO study found that the stimulus packages lean heavily toward financial bailouts and tax cuts instead of job creation and social protection and noted that on average, fiscal stimulus packages for the real economy are five times smaller than financial bailout packages.

The International Labor Conference in June this year will focus on tackling the Global Jobs Pact.

Options for the jobless (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/march/26/yehey/opinion/20090326opi1.html)

There will be at least 350,000 new graduates of Philippine colleges and universities this year. Not all will find jobs in the field they have earned diplomas in.

The business process outsourcing (BPO) firms are finding it hard to find qualified workers from Filipino college graduates. Many of those BPO talent scouts pursue prefer jobs elsewhere. According to a report of the research group and think tank Universal Access to Competitiveness and Trade (UACT), which services the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), only six and at most 10 Filipino college graduates who applied with and were screened by Filipino as well as Philippine branches of multinational BPO firms were hired. Why? The applicants’ inadequate proficiency in English and in other required skills.

Some 41,000 Filipinos have so far lost their jobs, President Gloria Arroyo said on Tuesday. Which is good news, in a sense, because earlier job-loss figures bandied about were much higher.

What are your options?

If you can’t get an office job or blue-collar work, what are your options?

If you could forgo the search for the pay envelope, there are many things you could do for yourself or your community. You can continue improving yourself or do community service.

Sen. Richard Gordon, Philippine National Red Cross chairman, recently asked for volunteers to serve their fellowmen. That’s a good start. You can help the local school teach reading and writing. You can coach the neighborhood basketball team.

Continue your personal and professional growth. Education does not stop after leaving school; it’s for life. Visit the library. Read, read anything, from newspapers, books, to comic books. This is the secret of successful dropouts and undergraduates. They were voracious readers.

Take a Civil Service Exam. The Civil Service Commission conducts lots of exams in different occupations. You may not feel qualified, but take a chance anyway. You may pass the test and add civil service eligibility to your resume. Think you’re smart? Do you have the aptitude to become a diplomat? The Department of Foreign Affairs will hold an exam for Foreign Service officers in May.

Learn a foreign language other than English. A second language will open doors for you. Did you know that call-center workers who speak Spanish get a higher pay than those who don’t? And please hone your English, written and oral. Even law graduates have a problem passing the Bar because they cannot discuss a case in plain English.

Be a self-employed entrepreneur

Start a small business. The Arroyo administration has an ambitious package for micro enterprises. With a home-based business, you could employ others and provide needed products and services. The National Statistics Office says that the informal sector employed 10.5 million last year. With good planning and a modest capital, you could become a self-employed entrepreneur.

If you plan to stay longer with your parents, at least be useful at home. You can help mother by cooking or washing clothes. You could help dad by being frugal, shunning all kinds of waste. If you can’t change the world, you can at least improve life at home.

Finally, try to be a good citizen. Cast your vote on election time, but focus on the issues, not the personalities. Pay your taxes willingly and correctly. If you pay your taxes dutifully, you have a greater right to demand service and to protest red tape. Filipinos who don’t pay taxes accept government foolishness for granted.

Part 1 (http://www.asianjournal.com/aj-magazine/midweek-mgzn/1510-collecting-memoriescelebrating-history.html)

It all started with a young woman’s desire to better know her father, who died when she was too young to remember. Carina Monica Montoya was just six years old when her Filipino daddy, Tomas "Tommy" Montoya, died.

"I began research on the early Filipinos in America in general, and the Filipinos in Los Angeles in particular, all in an attempt to know and understand my father’s life during the early years," said Carina. The result of her research is the remarkable book which will be launched on April 4 at Historic Filipinotown -- Images of America Los Angeles’s Historic Filipinotown.

Carina Montoya was born and raised in Los Angeles and her personal interest in local history has led to an amazing book of images of the past. Her father, Tommy Montoya, was from General Trias, Cavite and was one of the first young Filipino men to arrive in the 1920s, live in Los Angeles’s Little Manila, and eventually settled in and around the Temple-Beverly corridor. She collected many of the vintage images from the early Filipino families who settled in and around the Temple-Beverly corridor, the Filipino community, and Los Angeles historical organizations. Her remarkable vintage photographs illustrate developments throughout the century that not only led the early Filipino families to an area in the city they could finally call home, but it created a cultural legacy that remains as the foundation of the town today.

"My father served in the US Navy, and as a result of his service was granted citizenship. He settled in Los Angeles and found work in Hollywood as a waiter at Don The Beachcomber, a popular Polynesian restaurant/bar that mostly catered to Hollywood film industry crowd. My father did not have any relatives in America when he immigrated. His friends became his family, living in groups, sharing food and money when times were bad, such as during the depression years. When he met and married my mother in the early 1940s, they lived in an apartment in Little Tokyo. They lived through the forced relocations due to urban developments. When I was an infant, he was diagnosed with having Multiple Sclerosis. He became paralyzed from the neck down and had to put in an iron lung at Rancho Los Amigos in Downey, CA." Carina recalled. "My father passed away before my seventh birthday and I have very vague memories of him. Through my books I’ve been able to see and understand my father’s life as an immigrant. A desire to know my father has been my inspiration. Many of the photographs and information that I obtained from individuals and families in and around the Temple-Beverly corridor helped put names to faces and faces to places and places that collectively comprised the Filipino community of Los Angeles. I wanted to start from where it all began for my father, in Little Manila, and where my young immigrant mother with two fatherless children sought security and familiarity among friends and family, in the Temple-Beverly corridor. In my hunt for photographs, I’ve retraced my father’s steps in and around downtown Los Angeles, Bunker Hill, and the Temple-Beverly corridor. Of course many, if not all, of the buildings that comprised Little Manila from the 1920s-1940s are no longer there, but echoes of the ghost pool halls, barber shops, diners and taxi dance halls breath life into my photographs that would have otherwise been left forgotten. Each photograph was a piece of the puzzle that in the end contained the big picture of what Historic Filipinotown today is all about. The challenge was finding the photographs, and the information to go with them," the young author said.

Part 2 (http://www.asianjournal.com/aj-magazine/midweek-mgzn/1510-collecting-memoriescelebrating-history.html?start=1)

Carina’s research also highlighted the resiliency, persevering spirit and closeness of the early Filipino immigrants, as demonstrated in the life of her mother, Rose. Talking about her mother, Carina recalled, "She initially came to America in the late 1940s to visit her older brother, Amor Guerzon, who lived in Seattle and worked in the Alaskan fish canneries during fish season. He later became a key figure in the formation of a union to protect the Filipino cannery workers in providing them with better wages and working conditions. She met my father in San Francisco and married soon after, settling in Los Angeles. When my father fell ill, she had to find work to support two young children, in addition to growing medical bills. Too proud to accept charity, she hired a retired couple from New Orleans who lived next door to babysit my brother, Eric, and I while she attended classes at Los Angeles City College. She took English and business classes, which resulted in her finding a job at Occidental Life Insurance Company in downtown Los Angeles, now the TransAmerica building. Although her salary was low, it was enough to pay the rent, put food on the table, send up to private schools and receive music lessons. The relationship my brother and I had with the babysitters extended beyond the child care years and even to this day we regard that couple from New Orleans as our grandparents."

"My mother did not re-marry, and raised my brother and as a single parent. We belonged to the Santa Maria Association, an Ilocano organization founded in the 1940s. It was a family-oriented organization that held monthly meetings, celebrated holidays such as Christmas, Easter, etc., and provided a place for us to go and feel at home. Organizations such as the Santa Maria Association helped its members during difficult times by contributing money to help pay funeral expenses," Carina recalled.

Carina attended Immaculate Heart of Mary grammar school in Los Angeles, and Holy Family High School in Glendale. She graduated from the College of Great Falls (now University of Montana) in Great Falls, Montana, majoring in Sociology with a minor in criminal justice. To work towards a Masters degree in History, she attended Cal State University in LA but has since transferred to Excelsior College in New York, in an online course that better suits her busy schedule. When not doing historical research, Montoya is a Judicial Assistant to a United States federal judge in downtown Los Angeles. She is also an active reservist in the United States Navy.

Montoya is also the author of the book, Filipinos in Hollywood, and the co-author of a series of Filipino children’s cook books, all written in the spirit of promoting and preserving Filipino culture and tradition.

Part 3 (http://www.asianjournal.com/aj-magazine/midweek-mgzn/1510-collecting-memoriescelebrating-history.html?start=2)

In the book, Los Angeles’s Historic Filipinotown, one can see how the early Filipinos faced severe discrimination. Among the interesting highlights of Montoya’s research brought this to the fore. "The first wave of Filipinos brought in three types: workers, military servicemen, and students. Regardless of economic status during the 1920s-1940s, Filipinos were relegated to service-related jobs and stoop labor in the fields. Prior to Filipinos able to purchase land, lifting of strict immigration laws and anti-miscegenation laws, all Filipinos living in America were subjected to the same obstacles of discrimination," Carina explained.

"In 1933, after Salvador Roldan challenged a California anti-miscegenation law that prohibited interracial marriages between whites and "Mongolians, Negroes, Mulattos, and persons of mixed blood," arguing that Filipinos were Malayan, he won the case and was allowed to marry his Caucasian wife. However, two months later, the statute was amended to include Malay, and marriages between Filipinos and Caucasians prior to the amendment were deemed void," said Carina. "Another highlight is that the early immigrants/ nationals were mostly brought to the US to fill America’s agricultural needs. Laws restricted what Filipinos were able to do in America - where they could work and where they could live. This accounted for much of the "transient" lifestyle of these young men, following crop season up and down California, and in the Alaskan fish canneries during fish season. For some it was a practical lifestyle, but for others it prevented any attachment to a place," she added.

Fortunately, discrimination is no longer a big issue today. "I can honestly say that my brother and I never felt the effects of discrimination and interracial marriage, language barriers, identity confusion, etc., was never an issue," Carina says. "We looked at ourselves as American and had no socialization problems. It wasn’t until I began research on the early Filipinos in America in general, and the Filipinos in Los Angeles in particular, all in an attempt to know and understand my father’s life during the early years, that I realized discrimination did in fact exist and that both my father and mother experienced it."

Part 4 (http://www.asianjournal.com/aj-magazine/midweek-mgzn/1510-collecting-memoriescelebrating-history.html?start=3)

Carina’s inspiration for her books is all personal. Her other historical book, Filipinos in Hollywood, was also done in an attempt to better know her father and understand his life through the history of the Filipinos in Los Angeles. Carina says, "In getting to know my father through my books, it has enlightened me about so many things about the Filipino community and has brought me back to my own roots and lighted a flame within me to preserve this history that I am very much a part of. My children’s cook books (with renowned artist/muralist Eliseo Art Silva as illustrator) are also an attempt to preserve our culture, identity and heritage by passing on this information to future generations. The cook books incorporate Filipino history and food, such as, where adobo came from and it’s Spanish influence, and how it is made."

Montoya is currently working on establishing a Los Angeles Filipino museum that will be housed in an original Victorian house purchased in the 1930s by one of the city’s oldest Filipino families, located in the heart of Historic Filipinotown. The museum will exhibit photographs dating back to the 1920s of Filipino immigrants that came to America and settled in Los Angeles. Photographs of the first Filipino organizations founded in Los Angeles, i.e., Filipino Federation of America, Inc., Philippine Women’s Club, Santa Maria Ilocus Sur Association, Pangasinan Association, Cebu Brotherhood, and many others, will all be on exhibit.

Carina believes that Filipino Americans can contribute better to society and be more recognized as a potent force in the mainstream. "We should not let go of our culture and heritage because that is what defines who we are. If you are proud of your culture and heritage, then you are in a position to make a difference. Change can be a good thing, and power can be reflected in numbers," says the remarkable author."

A Filipino celebration made serious (http://www.nyunews.com/arts/theater/a-filipino-celebration-made-serious-1.1624689)

What do you get when you mix a group of Filipinos, catered food and the Kimmel Center? A musical, of course!

For months, students in NYU’s International Filipino Association have been composing music, writing dialogue and drafting lyrics for the IFA’s annual event, Philippine Cultural Night.

“We’ve never had a history of violence, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a voice,” CAS sophomore and director Nikki Agravante said of the importance of a distinct Filipino identity. “That doesn’t mean we’re not a people in our own right; we deserve our own culture, and we deserve to be recognized.”

This year, the PCN is addressing what it means to be Asian American in the U.S. PCNs are usually variety shows that display club members’ various talents and celebrate important aspects of Filipino culture, but NYU’s IFA has developed it further. It is the only school on the East Coast to turn this night into a full-blown musical, with 12 original songs, professional choreography and an all-student cast and crew. When it comes to celebrating their cultural heritage, NYU’s IFA does it big.

“Last year, it was the first time we made it more modern, a musical,” Agravante said. “We dealt with more of the standard stereotypes of the Philippines: interracial dating, homosexuality, whitewashed Americanization of Filipinos — these are standard issues that come up over and over, but we never want to do the same show twice.”

As they planned the show, the IFA found that Filipino issues affect other Asian Americans as well. Gillian Seok, who plays the lead role, is Chinese.

“The whole point of a culture club is to show other cultures your culture and also touch up and connect with them,” Seok said. “So this PCN is really trying to open up, not just be about Filipinos.”

The musical centers around AJ, a high school senior in Southern California who is coping with his parents’ divorce in unhealthy ways. On top of that, his cousin Julia, who recently came to the U.S., is trying to escape a dark secret from her past. The story of their relationship underscores the Filipino emphasis on family and home and how adjusting to American life complicates that cultural ideal.

Playwright Aaron Heredia said, “I found that [in Asian American cultures], other people’s perception of your family is important, and this play is kind of the breakdown on why that is so important and what happens when you can see inside.”

Although PCN deals with serious issues, it pokes fun at the various aspects of life unique to the lives of young Asian Americans. It’s a musical, after all, and a musical composed by Filipinos at that — which is exactly why the doors to PCN open an hour early at 6, with a banquet of Filipino food catered by Fiesta Grill. Aside from typical Filipino staples of lumpia (egg rolls) and chicken adobo, the buffet includes a full lechon — a roasted suckling pig. For IFA, it’s never entertainment without food and socializing first.

“PCN is the glue that holds the club together,” Agravante said. “Before PCN, people are only sort of part of IFA. Then they start seeing each other every day. Then they’re hanging out even after the show.”

Over 85,000 jobs available in RP’s largest employment fair (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154533/Over-85000-jobs-available-in-RPs-largest-employment-fair)

Laid-off Filipino workers who find themselves the latest victims of the global economic crisis could find employment in the biggest jobs’ fair in the country launched by the government and private sector this year.

Labor Undersecretary Rosalinda Baldoz told reporters on Friday that more than 85,000 job vacancies are available to Filipinos who would take part in the “Labor Day Tayo Na! Trabaho Na! Jobapalooza ’09" that will be launched from March 30 to May 1.

“This is the first time in the Philippines that a jobs’ fair would stretch to one month," Baldoz said. “This is the opportunity for employers to match applicants with the right jobs."

Labor Assistant Secretary Reydeluz Conferido said they decided to launch a month-long jobs’ fair to prevent job mismatching and to properly screen all applicants.

“Hopefully by May 1 when we celebrate Labor day, there would actually be jobs available," Conferido said.

About 60,000 jobs would be made available through the help of job search website Phil-job.net, while 25,000 more would be supplied by employers through Jobstreet.com.

But Baldoz said that a total of 100 more employers, both local and overseas, have promised to support the jobs fair and offer various more employment opportunities for Filipino applicants.

Grace Colet, country manager of Jobstreet.com, said about 30 percent of the bulk of job opportunities still come from the BPO sector, which include call center jobs. Meanwhile, overseas employment come second in the job vacancies followed by computer, sales, and marketing jobs.

The Jobapalooza will be held simultaneously in 16 regions on May 1 and would be centered at the SM Mall of Asia SMX Convention Hall.

The jobs’ fair would be led by different trade unions in the country such as the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Federation of Free Workers, Associated Labor Union, Philippine Transport General Workers Organization, All Workers Alliance Trade Union, Trade Union of the Philippines and Allied Services, Alliance of Filipino Workers, Philippine Organization of Labor Unions, and the National Association of Trade Union.

85,000? wow! let's hope these jobs will pay each workers with minimum wage, at least. Unilever should sponsor this job fair. They sponsored Lovapalooza! :lol:

i heard a rumor about nursing graduates who are 'employed' locally. however, instead of being paid for the service, these newbie nurses are the ones who pay the clinic/hospital for the trainings and expertise gained. after 5 or 6 months, the employer chooses the top nurses who gets regularized. those who gets confirmed will now be eligible to get monthly salary and benefits. the unfortunate ones will have to scout for other employers. some say this has become a practice. nurses are left out with no option but to take the job and pay for it. :ohno:

OFWs want DoLE execs in Libya axed (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090330-196951/OFWs-want-DoLE-execs-in-Libya-axed)
By Jerome Aning

For neglecting welfare of colleagues

MANILA, Philippines—An alliance of overseas Filipino workers’ groups in the Middle East Sunday called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to recall two of its officials in Libya for allegedly neglecting the welfare of about 50 OFWs who had complained of contract substitution and inhumane living conditions in the North African country.

Migrante-Middle East accused labor attaché Nasser Mustafa and welfare officer Robert Baccig of siding with the OFWs’ employer, Cifex World, instead of with the Filipinos.

“We demand the immediate recall of both Mustafa and Baccig as they are not fit to do their jobs of representing the interests and welfare of our deployed OFWs in Libya.

“The two must be replaced by qualified officials who could best represent and defend the interests and welfare of our fellow OFWs in Libya,” Migrante-ME coordinator John Leonard Monterona said in a statement e-mailed to the Inquirer.

Migrante-ME also sent a letter Sunday to Rep. Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora, chair of the House committee on overseas workers affairs, requesting him to conduct an investigation into the plight of the 50 OFWs.

The OFWs wrote Migrante on March 14 recounting their woes in Libya. The letter was referred to the OFWs’ main agency, Sharikat Al-Saide International Manpower Services, which has deployed 300 OFWs to Libya.

Mustafa, who was furnished a copy of the letter, replied on March 21, assuring Migrante that the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Libya, which he heads, was attending to the OFWs. He said that since the substituted contracts were considered binding under Libyan law, the POLO would go after the deployment agency.

The labor attaché said all 287 OFWs at Cifex, including the 50 complainants, had verbally reported the abuse to POLO. Nineteen of them had ran away from their employer and sought refuge in the Philippine embassy. Thirteen were later repatriated while six returned to work.

On March 28, the 50 OFWs held a dialogue with their employer’s representatives, together with Mustafa and Baccig.

Quoting relatives of the complainants, Monterona said the OFWs were surprised when Baccig claimed he had never received any complaints from the 50 OFWs. Mustafa, on the other hand, reportedly defended a new contract that the OFWs were made to sign just before their departure from Manila last year.

“We were told that the issue of their inhumane living and working conditions had not been properly attended to by their employer and it was not brought out properly by the Philippine officials,” Monterona said in his letter to Zamora.

Fewer layoffs seen in Q2, says labor exec (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20090331-197142/Fewer-layoffs-seen-in-Q2-says-labor-exec)
By Kristine L. Alave

MANILA, Philippines—Signs of better times ahead.

There will be fewer layoffs in the second quarter (Q2) of the year as investments in mining and real estate, as well as demand in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, pick up, a labor official said Monday.

Displacements in the second quarter will be inevitable, but this is expected to take place at a slower pace and “only in the export manufacturing sector,” Labor Undersecretary Rosalinda Baldoz told Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net).

Moreover, Baldoz said the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) had received reports that some companies were returning to their normal work schedules, after instituting reduced or flexible work schedules in the past few months.

“There are reports that some companies that had to lay off workers are slowly recovering as new orders have started to come in,” she said.

Around 14,021 workers who were temporarily laid off have returned to their jobs, according to Labor Secretary Marianito Roque.

Citing data from the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics, Roque said the biggest number of affected workers who had returned to work were in Region IV-A (Calabarzon), totaling 7,975 in 29 firms. Region III (Central Luzon) followed with 2,418 workers in 11 firms, Region XII (Davao) with 1,712 workers in seven firms, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region with 1,588 workers in two firms.

Baldoz said they see 120,000 new jobs in the BPO industry and around 825,000 from the government’s pump priming projects under the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program.

“Voice positions for call center agents remain to be the bulk of job vacancies but non-voice services such as back-office processing in accounting and finance, engineering and software development, animation and graphics, and medical transcription would continue to increase in demand,” she said.

Apart from the real estate and housing sectors, another bright spot is the mining industry, with seven mining firms with a total investment of $15 billion until 2013 about to start operations this year, creating jobs for engineers and laborers.

Overseas deployment remained healthy, the labor undersecretary noted, with displacements abroad slowing down “to almost negligible levels” in the past few weeks.

She added that around 106,800 new jobs were created in the Middle East, the top destination for overseas Filipino workers, in the first quarter of the year.

The employment situation in Taiwan, where most of the OFWs were based, had also improved, Roque said. Data from the Manila Economic Cultural Office showed 468 OFWs found jobs in that country this month and 851 displaced OFWs were rehired by their employers, he said.

Baldoz said the country’s electronics sector was the worst hit by the global financial crisis, affecting almost half of its total work force. The crisis also hit about 10 percent of employees in the automotive, garments, mining, property, services and woodworking industries.

But she said the government expects the crisis to bottom out in the next few months, with 397 workers losing their jobs daily in mid-March, compared to 437 at the start of the month.

“Before the first semester ends, we could say that the worst is over,” she said.

14,021 Filipino workers rehired (http://mb.com.ph/articles/200966/14021-filipino-workers-rehired)
By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO
March 31, 2009, 6:48pm

After they were temporary laid off, some 14,021 Filipino workers nationwide are now back to work after 53 companies that employed them have resumed normal operations, Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque announced.

"The positive development is an indication that more affected workers would be returning to their regular jobs," Roque said, adding that those called back to work were regular workers previously placed under the flexible arrangements.

Data from the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) showed that the biggest number of affected workers who returned to their regular work are in Region IV-A (Calabarzon) with 7,975; followed by Region 3 (Central Luzon), 2,418; and Region 12 (Central Mindanao), 1,712.

The same BLES records indicated that six establishments from Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Region 13 (CARAGA) have rehired 1,916 workers after they were temporary displaced and suffered reduced workloads.

They pointed out that the rehiring of workers resulted from new investments coming in at the Cavite Economic Zone, the most affected by the crisis in terms of region, and in tourism particularly in the establishment of new hotels and resorts in the country.

“The anticipated operation of seven mining firms this year and its infusion of about US$15 billion investments would create new jobs for engineers, mining laborers, and other related workers,” Roque said.

In overseas employment, host countries are reportedly rehiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid fears of losing enough supply of manpower resources in their respective operations.

Roque specifically cited Taiwan where 851 laid off OFWs were called back to work by foreign employers while a total of 468 Filipino workers found new jobs in the host destination last March.

BLES said 6,405 OFWs so far fell out from their jobs abroad and the bulk of the laid off workers still came from Taiwan with 4,197; followed by United Arab Emirates and Canada.

But Labor Undersecretary Rosalinda Baldoz said there is no reported additional dislocation of Filipino workers yet, an indication that the number of those losing their jobs appears to have stabilized abroad.

She said workers’ displacement due to the global financial crisis will continue in the coming months but it’s expected to taper off and limit to the export and manufacturing sectors only.

Of the number of establishments hit by the crisis, 11,547 were permanently laid off, 38,806 temporary laid off and 59,149 had suffered pay cuts or reduced workloads.

^^ Most likely. Hong Kong Disneyland did put out an announcement in the Philippines that they were auditioning/recruiting musicians, singers, and dancers before the theme park opened.

Obviously they're Filipinos. Filipinos are more musically inclined and alot of entertainers in HK bars and clubs are Pinoys

Pagcor City to create 200,000 jobs (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=454223&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio Updated April 02, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - More than 200,000 jobs will be created from April to June as construction for resorts, hotels and restaurants in the PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) City will be in full swing during the second quarter.

In an interview, PAGCOR chairman and CEO Ephraim C. Genuino said construction will begin in the second quarter and employment created by investments in the PAGCOR City is estimated to exceed 200,000.

At the same time, Genuino announced that they are negotiating with three multinational firms that will bring in a minimum of $3 billion worth of new investments in the Las Vegas type city before the end of the year.

Genuino said he doesn’t know exactly how much these firms will put in the country but the minimum investment in the PAGCOR City is $1 billion. This means that the investment would be more than $3 billion.

He added that the new investments will bring in more jobs to the country.

Genuino refused to divulge who the new investors are saying only that they are from Europe, the United States and Korea. “These firms have global personalities,” he noted.

He said PAGCOR is in the process of reviewing the investment proposals. He said the study is expected to be completed within two to three months and the investment will hopefully come in before 2010.

He said investments for the PAGCOR City has deviated from amusement and has instead shifted to tourist attractions the entire family can enjoy. “Only three percent of the entire investments are geared towards gaming. Majority are tourist attractions.”

The Genting group of Malaysia and the Azure group, the Japanese partner of casino mogul Steve Wynn, each of which would be spending at least $3 billion, are the first two investors in the PAGCOR City.

The other is the investment of mall tycoon Henry Sy’s SM Investment Corp. The company is in talks with a US-based casino operator and is considering developing a one -1.2 hectare casino facility at an estimated cost of P2 billion to be rented to casino operators.

Earlier, Genuino said $20 billion would be spent in putting up the Entertainment City. The complex will be built in three phases on an 800 hectares of reclaimed land. The first phase will host a hotel-resort and theme park. The next two phases will have retirement villages and entertainment centers.

Philstar.com - Wednesday, April 1MANILA, Philippines – The Hong Kong-based magazine columnist who labeled the Philippines as a “nation of servants” has issued a public apology for the racial slur, reports said today.

According to reports, HK Magazine columnist Chip Tsao made the apology last night over a local TV station in Hong Kong.

The apology came a few days after Tsao branded the Philippines “a nation of servants” in his column titled “The War at Home.” He also reportedly told his Filipina servant that he will terminate her employment in the event the Philippines takes over the highly disputed Spratly islands.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday barred Chao from entering the Philippines, adding that “he could only be allowed entry to the country following a public apology for his insults.” - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

^^ Actually, I was expecting that the posts from NOT SO GOOD NEWS on the HK article would have been more appropriate under this thread.

Philstar.com - Wednesday, April 1MANILA, Philippines – The Hong Kong-based magazine columnist who labeled the Philippines as a “nation of servants” has issued a public apology for the racial slur, reports said today.

According to reports, HK Magazine columnist Chip Tsao made the apology last night over a local TV station in Hong Kong.

The apology came a few days after Tsao branded the Philippines “a nation of servants” in his column titled “The War at Home.” He also reportedly told his Filipina servant that he will terminate her employment in the event the Philippines takes over the highly disputed Spratly islands.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday barred Chao from entering the Philippines, adding that “he could only be allowed entry to the country following a public apology for his insults.” - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

I think Filipinos over reacted or misinterpreted Chip's article.

Honestly not everyone in HK view Filipinos or even Indonesians this way.

I think the problem lies on how we perceive the word "servant" . If people think being "servants" is synonymous to being slaves, low-class, or muchachas, then we cannot do anything about that..

For me, I don't mind being called a servant. As a matter of fact, if being a servant means being of service to others, i am proud of it..

I am proud being a servant to humanity

I am proud being a servant to my country

I am proud being a servant to my family

and most of all

I am proud being servant to GOD...

^^ I'm fine with the word servant but what irked me was what he thinks about servants...

Hong Kong writer: Sorry, we're all servants (http://philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=454405&publicationSubCategoryId=68)
By Pia Lee-Brago Updated April 02, 2009 12:00 AM

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1273/78495230.jpg

MANILA, Philippines - The Hong Kong columnist who has been the target of Filipino rage since he called the country “a nation of servants” issued a public apology Tuesday evening, admitting that he crossed the line and was sorry.

But Chip Tsao justified his choice of words, even citing Scripture in saying people are all “servants” of God.

“The ‘servant’ is a good term. A Hong Kong government official is a civil servant. We are all servants to God, right? I’m now aware that I’ve crossed the line and I offer my public apology,” Tsao said over Hong Kong’s ATV, a private and major television channel in the territory.

Only Tsao’s voice was heard on the evening telecast, which ran his photo and a file video.

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong reported yesterday to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Tsao’s apology was aired on ATV’s 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts.

In an AFP interview, Tsao said he was sorry if his satirical article caused offense.

“The article never intended to be insulting to the Filipino domestic workers,” he told AFP.

“English, being a global language, is open to different interpretations by those who come from various cultural backgrounds. Has anyone been deeply upset, it was never my intention and I feel sorry.”

Despite his apology, Hong Kong’s Filipino community will push through with its planned rally on Sunday.

“We are very, very angry at this article,” said Dolores Balladares, chair of United Filipinos in Hong Kong.

She said she expected thousands of marchers at this Sunday’s rally against Tsao.

“We are all united in our position that the article was racist, discriminatory and demeaning to Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong,” she said in an earlier statement.

Tsao raised hackles by writing that Manila’s claims to the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea were ridiculous in the face of Beijing’s rival territorial claims.

“As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter,” he wrote.

More than 100,000 Filipinos work in the southern Chinese city of Hong Kong, mostly as low-paid domestic workers.

Tsao wrote in his column that he had warned his own maid that if she wanted a pay raise next year she should tell her compatriots the Spratlys belong to China.

He has since been barred from entering the Philippines, despite the magazine issuing an apology.

HK Magazine is published by Asia City Publishing Group, which runs free English-language listings and lifestyle titles in several Asian cities, including Bangkok and Singapore.

The diplomatic dispute over the Spratlys, believed to sit atop vast mineral and oil deposits, was renewed early last month when China sent a patrol vessel to the area.

The chain of atolls and reefs is also claimed in whole or in part by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan maintained he has yet to hear a sincere apology from Tsao before he would lift the blacklist order.

“Did he already issue an apology? He should be sincere with his apology. I have not seen or heard from him,” according to Libanan, who arrived in Zamboanga Wednesday.

“If acceptable we will lift it, if it is not acceptable inasmuch as he is still defining his statement, we would like to peruse whether it is acceptable.”

Sen. Francis Pangilinan said it was good that Tsao has apologized and realized that he should not demean Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

He said the apology was a victory for Filipino migrant workers there who have learned to fight for their rights.

Sen. Francis Escudero stressed the government must pursue the filing of a damage suit against Tsao despite his purported apology.

“But let us also be reminded by his racist diatribe of the graver problems confronting our heroines in Hong Kong,” Escudero said.

Senators noted Tsao’s comments against the Filipinos and the Philippines as whole might be unacceptable but should also serve as a wake-up call that the country could not depend on sending its people abroad forever in order to survive.

They said the government could no longer shut its eyes to the growing problems faced by overseas Filipino workers given the global economic crisis, which would include racism, and thus its programs must focus now on how to generate jobs here and encourage OFWs to come back home.

“The racist remarks of Chip Tsao also contain veiled threats to our OFWs in Hong Kong. The country’s stand on the contested Spratly islands should not have a direct bearing on our countrymen working abroad. Our labor offices overseas should really watch out for racist remarks or attacks against our OFWs,” Sen. Manny Villar said.

Earlier, Villar issued a warning against the increasing incidents of so-called recessionary racism in Europe and the Middle East where a large number of OFWs are working. He said there was growing resentment and hostility toward migrants and foreign workers in various countries amid the ongoing global financial crisis.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson noted Tsao’s comments were “myopic” while Sen. Richard Gordon said it should drive the government to do better for its people.

Villar said that a long-term approach or strategy should be implemented in order to bring back as many OFWs to the country and give them equal or even greater opportunities than they would find working abroad.

Sen. Loren Legarda said with the dwindling job opportunities abroad due to the global economic downturn, “it is time for our government to develop strategies for future economic growth.”

Legarda said the government could start with small and medium industries that could start producing the manufactured products being consumed locally and develop them to large industries with economies of scale. - With Aurea Calica, Roel Pareño

Nickkita Lau andABS-CBNNews (http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=80429&sid=23322935&con_type=1)

Thursday, April 02, 2009

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/newsimage/20090402/5_2009040122122286243chip.jpg

Columnist Chip Tsao has made an impassioned apology in Spanish for his controversial remarks which got his name on the Philippines blacklist and angered domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

However, it was not immediately clear if it was enough to offset a protest demonstration planned for Sunday.

Also, it was not immediately clear why Tsao chose Spanish in his radio show instead of Tagalog, though it was commonly spoken in the country for more than 400 years.

"A todos los hermanos y todas las hermanas filipinos: Lo siento mucho. Vamos a vivir en paz," Tsao said, which roughly means "To all Filipino brothers and sisters, I am very sorry. We should live in peace."

Deputy Filipino Consul General Kira Danganan- Azucena welcomed Tsao's apology, but said it is up to the country's Bureau of Immigration to decide whether to lift the ban on his entering the country.

"Hopefully it will address the hurt the Filipino community in Hong Kong has felt," Danganan-Azucena said.

Filipino Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said Tsao himself would have to apply to the Philippine authorities to have the ban lifted.

"Tsao can request assistance from the consulate in Hong Kong which will then communicate with the Department of Foreign Affairs," Libanan said.

He said the DFA would inform the Bureau of Immigration if Tsao has been removed from the blacklist.

Earlier yesterday, Filipino rights groups said they would proceed with Sunday's demonstration as earlier apologies by Tsao had not been sincere.

They also planned to submit official complaints with the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Hong Kong Press Council.

Tsao was also put on a watch list at the Philippines Consulate to prevent him from hiring a Filipino domestic helper should he decide to do so. He currently employs two Indonesian maids.

The consulate said a Filipino maid to whom Tsao referred in his article did not work for him but for his father.

The consulate's labor attache Romulo Carlos Salud said the maid, Louisa, had been located and had claimed to know nothing about what was said in Tsao's article.

Nevertheless, Salud said, the consulate wanted to meet with her and have her read the article.

The anti-Tsao movement has escalated since March 27 when he called the Philippines a "nation of servants" in what was supposed to be a satirical column over the country's claim to the Spratly Islands.

United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL) said while Tsao has made several apologies, he keeps insisting he was misunderstood.

Military offers temporary jobs to jobless (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090402-197596/Military-offers-temporary-jobs-to-jobless)
By Katherine Evangelista

MANILA, Philippines--In a bid to help those who have been affected by the retrenchments due to the global financial crisis, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will open temporary jobs, a military spokesman said Thursday.

This temporary employment follows a directive by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued on February 10, Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Torres, AFP spokesman, said.

He explained that the military offices were asked to submit their list of available positions to the AFP's Personnel Office or J1 by April 15.

"Every military office shall submit their list of positions available for temporary hiring of civilian employees," Torres said.

Executive Order No. 782 instituted measures to assist local workers laid off due to the global financial crisis. The directive includes all government departments and agencies, including government-owned and or controlled corporations, local government units, and state universities and colleges.

Agencies are expected to allocate 1.5 percent of their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) to generate temporary employment for displaced workers.

Torres said that the AFP has an annual MOOE budget of P13 billion. At P8,000 monthly pay for a six month contractual job, the military can accommodate 4,063 people.

Torres said that the AFP required nurses, psychologists, construction workers, auto mechanics, administrative clerks, utility personnel, computer programmers and data encoders, among others.

He said the AFP expects to hire the people that they need by June.

However, Torres said the temporary employment would only to given to displaced employees and dependents registered with the Department of Labor and Employment.

Interested dependents must present proof of affinity with a displaced DOLE-registered worker.

StarTek hires more agents for Makati unit (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20090402-197497/StarTek-hires-more-agents-for-Makati-unit)

MANILA, Philippines — Business process outsourcing (BPO) firm StarTek is hiring another 400 agents to fill its 1,110-seat facility in the Makati business district with mostly non-voice talents within the year.

StarTek managing director Ed Mallari said this recruitment effort would double the company’s current employee base, which included a mix of agents, supervisors and managers.

Since opening its doors in the Philippines late last year, StarTek human resource director Joyce Penalosa said the BPO firm had been employing “nontraditional HR sourcing methods” in getting employees.

She said StarTek relied mostly on viral marketing tools, or word of mouth, to recruit agents. The company also used street-level display advertising in high foot-traffic locations.

“We ensure that we provide potential recruits with a positive, firsthand experience of StarTek culture by focusing on what’s most important to them, such as a truly enjoyable place to work and long-term career opportunities. Applicants then share this experience with their personal network of friends,” she related.

“During the hiring process, we closely monitor how each applicant found out about StarTek. As a result, we know that word-of-mouth and point-of-interest visuals are our most effective recruitment channels,” she said.

The company likewise entertained walk-ins, which was how it got its first 400 employees, she said.

In an earlier interview, StarTek president and chief executive Larry Jones said the company was also looking at further expanding its presence in the country by opening other sites, most likely in other areas in Metro Manila and in Cebu.

In the near term, however, StarTek will concentrate on ramping up operations at its $10-million Makati facility, its first outside North America, he said.

The company currently has a total of 9,000 seats in over 20 sites in the United States and Canada.

It provides high-value voice and non-voice services to its clients, including customer care, sales support, complex order processing, accounts receivable management, technical support and other industry-specific functions.

I think the problem lies on how we perceive the word "servant" . If people think being "servants" is synonymous to being slaves, low-class, or muchachas, then we cannot do anything about that..

For me, I don't mind being called a servant. As a matter of fact, if being a servant means being of service to others, i am proud of it..

I am proud being a servant to humanity

I am proud being a servant to my country

I am proud being a servant to my family

and most of all

I am proud being servant to GOD...

Totally agree , but what really surprise me how fast we are to get offended by racial jokes when we are one of the most racist people on earth.

Unbelievable !

It boils down to one thing! Filipinos should wake up and realize that there are many good ways to make a living in the Philippines especially the government officials so that they should provide decent job and life in the Philippines rather than sending people overseas. Somehow this trend is embedded on almost more than half of filipinos, that they would want to go to college so they can land a better job and life overseas, especially in north america and oceania where filipinos migrate and take up citizenship in their host country.


And Porknight, from my experiences and observations, filipinos doesn't really necessarily discriminate other races, if there are racism in the Philippines? It's mostly towards our fellow filipinos we tend to act we are above our fellow filipinos and I am not saying every single filipinos are that way...

sino ang ginagamit na panakot sa mga bata tuwing hapon....
at marami pang iba

Local studio wants Filipino animators (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090402-197601/Local-studio-wants-Filipino-animators)
By Erika Tapalla

MANILA, Philippines—A Philippine-based animation studio is looking for more Filipino animators in an attempt to keep local talents from going abroad.

Toon City Animation Inc., director of operations Jonathan Tinsay said the company currently employs 800 animators under different disciplines, including 2D, 3D and Flash animation.

An award-winning local animation studio, Toon City Animation was recently acquired by the Bacnotan Consolidated Industries, Inc. (BCII). It services US clients Universal Studios, Walt Disney, Warner Brothers and European client Atlantica.

"We are excited about this acquisition since it brings to the Philippines much-needed jobs from abroad and keeps world-class talent home," said BCII president Ramon Del Rosario.

Tinsay said there is an ongoing recruitment for more animators.

"The animators are on contractual-basis, hired on project-basis who gets compensated on their output," added Toon City chief financial officer Orlando Verde.

According to Del Rosario, BCII wants to seek opportunities in the business process outsourcing sector because of its attractive returns.

"In the animation production services, 6.7 million US dollars were invested for 80 percent interest in One Animate Ltd.," Del Rosario said.

One Animate Ltd. has a 95-percent interest in Toon City Animation Inc.

It was acquired November 2008 from the Bahamas-based Baker family who retained a 5-percent stake in the company.

"The crisis does not affect the company or the industry because people will always want to be entertained. It takes one to two years before videos are produced and if production stops there will be others; otherwise, what will be shown in the one or two years?" Verde said.

Toon City Animation Inc. is located in Mandaluyong city.

"Children of immigrants often feel like both insiders and outsiders in regard to American culture....For these children of immigrants, it turns out, acting is a little like what they've done their whole lives: balancing two identities, inhabiting two worlds and living convincingly in both."

-- Neda Ulaby, NPR News

I agree. The word "servant" is okay, but the way he further described it was terrible. Being a domestic helper is not anything to be ashamed of. Being in a foreign land to seek employment is not something to be ashamed of as well.

Due to compulsion from our government, and also due to the anger of most people who have read Tsao's article, the columnist apologized to our officials and to the Filipinos in Hong Kong. The representatives of the Philippine government in Hong Kong have at least succeeded in ensuring that Tsao apologizes to the Filipinos.

"There still is an American dream..." (http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-03-binghamton-shooting_N.htm)


"People were there in the process of being tested for their citizenship," Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., whose district includes Binghamton, told the Associated Press. "He just went in and opened fire."

Hi! Does anyone know where to look for summer jobs for students? thanks

10,000 ‘green collar’ jobs in Cagayan Valley (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20090404-197897/10000-green-collar-jobs-in-Cagayan-Valley)

MANILA, Philippines — Almost 10,000 jobs have been generated in the Cagayan Valley region though the government’s Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said.

Of the 9,917 beneficiaries, 4,467 were hired under Department of Agriculture farm-to-market road projects and 4,517 were employed for repair of irrigation systems, Yap said.

CLEEP is part of a P330-billion economic resiliency program that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is implementing this year to stimulate the domestic economy. It is meant to help Filipinos ride out the deepening US-induced global recession.

So-called “green collar” jobs were also created under the department’s coconut replanting program to ensure the sustainability of the government’s biodiesel feedstock program in line with the Renewable Energy Law, Yap said.

Yap, who was designated Cabinet steward for CLEEP in Cagayan Valley and Bohol province, said other government departments also came up with their respective employment projects.

He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) implemented a “Cash for Work and Food for Work” program, and the Department of Interior and Local Government and Department of Public Works and Highways provided jobs under the Out-of-School Youths Servicing Towards Economic Recovery (OYSTER) project.

To date, the DSWD has employed a total of 376 individuals under its program. The
Department of Public Works and Highways “Kanan Program,” a roadside maintenance project, has generated a total of 255 jobs so far.

The Department of Labor and Employment has the Tupad and Isla projects to help generate jobs among marginalized fisherfolk and displaced workers. It has hired 202 individuals.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will hire 4,452 out-of-school youths and 3,572 forest guards under its Bantay Gubat Program and Upland Development Program, respectively.

Chip to remain on BI blacklist–Libanan (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/nation/8301-chip-to-remain-on-bi-blacklistlibanan.html)

Written by Estrella Torres / Reporter
Friday, 03 April 2009 18:08

DESPITE his apology, the ban on Hong Kong magazine columnist Chip Tsao from entering the Philippines stays, Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said.

Libanan said Tsao himself would have to apply to Philippine authorities in Hong Kong to have the ban lifted.

In Hong Kong, Chip went to the Philippine Consulate to convey his “formal and personal” apology on Wednesday night.

Protests against Chip escalated in Hong Kong early this week although the publisher and editors of Hong Kong Magazine apologized for the column, and later Chip himself.

Deputy Consul General Kira Danganan-Azucena reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday that Chip personally came to the consulate to apologize for his controversial article, “The War at Home,” published in the March 27 issue of Hong Kong Magazine.

“In his address to the members of the Filipino community present, Mister Chip conveyed his ‘most sincere’ apologies to the Filipino people for the offense he had caused through his commentary,” said Azucena.

She added that Chip explained that he had “never intended to demean any particular group” when he wrote the article, whose aim was to poke fun at local authorities and other sectors.

“He [Chip] said he now realized that he had crossed the line, for which he was terribly sorry,” said Azucena. “After his brief address, Mister Chip stood up and bowed before the group.”

The diplomat said the Filipino community in Hong Kong and those who expressed outrage here in the Philippines should put a closure on the matter.

“The Philippine Consulate and community leaders officially accepted Mister Chip’s apology and acknowledged his gesture of visiting the Consulate General to personally meet and convey his apology to the Consulate and to the Filipino community,” said Azucena.

“Chip can request from the [Philippine] Consulate in Hong Kong, who will then communicate to the DFA,” Libanan explaine.

The DFA would inform the Bureau of Immigration about Chip’s application and the latter will decide whether to remove the journalist from the blacklist.

The immigration commissioner earlier said Chip will only be removed from the immigration blacklist if he issues a public apology for the derogatory article he wrote about Filipinos.

in those 85,000 job openings, i doubt if they can hire at least 70% of that estimated job opening...

Hi! Does anyone know where to look for summer jobs for students? thanks

Look around and you will see. Companies appreciate having OJTs. They pay them from 70 to 100% of the minimum wage. Still, referrals is the best way to land an OJT job.

as if naman pupunta si chip dito

US Census officials urge Filipino communities to fill out information (http://www.asianjournal.com/dateline-usa/15-dateline-usa/1585-census-officials-urge-filipino-community-to-fi-ll-out-info.html)

Census Bureau officials are urging Filipinos residing in the United States to fill out their 2010 census information.

Filipinos were overwhelmingly undercounted in the last census in 2000 and that has negatively impacted the amount of money community groups helping Filipinos have received, said Tessie Plata of the Census Bureau in Los Angeles.

"Do not take the importance of the Census for granted," said Plata. "This is where the fair share of funding for the community comes from. Without this money, the Federal government will only give a certain amount of money to help our community."

The United States Constitution requires the federal government to count the nation’s population every ten years. The information gathered determines how many representatives will speak for a County or City in Washington, DC and state, as well as the City’s share of most federal and state funding programs. Programs and facilities affected by the census count include funding for schools, roads, hospitals, child-care and senior centers, among many other projects.

"We don’t know where we’re going if we don’t know who we are," said Council President Garcetti during a press conference in Los Angeles City Hall. "And the Census is not only mandated every ten years, it has been a tradition in this country since 1790, something that we do to ensure we know who America is."

With the 2010 census only a year away, Census officials are getting a jump on the matter to ensure an accurate and complete count of the number of people residing in the US.

During the past week, politicians have been addressing their residents to take part of the Census, and Census Bureau officials were on the ground fl oor canvassing neighborhoods to verify addresses.

The Address Canvassing project is trying to verify more 145 million addresses nationwide.

"We put to work approximately 140,000 people to canvass all known streets and roads throughout the country," said Lynne Choy, media specialist of the 2010

Census Los Angeles Regional Census Center. "The canvassers will identify every living quarter where people live or could potentially live, and verify more than 145 million addresses."

Census officials are making sure that all residents will take part in the 2010 census. In Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has teamed up with community groups, faith-based organizations, labor unions, and business to ensure that every resident is counted.

"The Census is too important to leave anything to chance," Mayor Villaraigosa said.

However, many people in the community, especially in the Filipino community, have a misperception about giving their information to the Census Bureau, said Plata.

Plata said that Filipinos (especially Filipinos living illegally in the US) believe that any information they give the census bureau will be used against them or the information will be given to other government agencies like the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"But that’s not true," said Plata. "The census is completely safe and confidential. We do not divulge any information out there to anybody and we don’t share our information to any federal government agencies."

According to the 2000 census, there were only 2.3 million Filipinos living in the US. Almost half (1.3 million) lived in California and about 300,00 lived within the Greater Los Angeles County.

Plata said that there should have been more Filipinos counted in the last Census.

Plata said that it is important to have an accurate count of Filipinos.

"For example, suppose a disaster comes along (affecting Filipinos) and only 58 percent of Filipinos turned in their census information," questioned Plata. "What’s going to happen to the other 42 percent? The government only gives money to what it sees on the census."

Plata added that filling out the census information is easy.

The census form asks 10 questions and takes 10 minutes to finish.

5,000 jobs available in Singapore (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics4_april4_2009)

President Arroyo said some 5,000 new jobs will be available for Filipinos in Singapore with the expansion of the Resort World at Sentosa Island.

Mrs. Arroyo said the country has sent a delegation to Singapore last month to explore possible job opportunities for migrant Filipino workers in the face of a global economic crisis.

Administrator Jennifer Manalili of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said she went to Singapore last month with Labor Secretary Marianito Roque to discuss available slots for Filipino workers with Resorts World chief executive Tan Hee Teck.

“They are expanding and there will be openings for workers for hotels, casinos and performers,” Manalili said.

“Universal Studios will also have a theme park so they told us they want to hire Filipino talents and performers. They noted that Filipinos are good in music and in dance so they might come here to conduct auditions either next month or in June,” she added.

Manalili said the government will send a team again in early May to “finalize discussions and requirements for Filipino workers.”

Resorts World plans to open four of its six hotels by the first quarter of 2010 and expects to fill up some 10,000 job vacancies.

Of these available positions, 3,000 will be for the casino, 3,000 for theme park operations and about 4,000 for hotel and other entertainment facilities.

About 46,000 Filipinos working in the country have been adversely affected by the global crisis while some 5,700 migrant workers were laid off.

Earlier, Roque said more than 100,000 jobs are also available in Qatar while other emirates within the United Arab Emirates are also prepared to absorb Filipino construction workers who were laid off in Dubai.

The public and private sectors are also prepared to provide close to one million domestic jobs, of which about 700,000 will come from the government and 120,000 from the business process outsourcing sector.

75,000 get jobs under gov’t emergency program — NAPC (http://mb.com.ph/articles/201524/75000-get-jobs-under-gov-t-emergency-program-napc)
By MARVYN N. BENANING

More than 75,000 idle Filipinos have found jobs through government's emergency employment program, Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) said Sunday.

Panganiban stressed 75,016 people were employed in March under the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), an increase of 11,000 from the 64,000 employed in February.

"The latest reports from the field indicate that around 11,000 more Filipinos were hired to work on CLEEP projects between February 25 and March 23 of this year," Panganiban said.

The NAPC chief said the total outlay for emergency jobs has increased as more agencies started implementing projects under CLEEP.

A report issued by the NAPC macro-policy unit says as of March, a total P10.6 billion in investments has been committed to CLEEP, up by P1.6 billion from the P9-billion planned allotments in February.

"Most of the recent financial allocations have come from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), Panganiban revealed.

Bulk of the newly-hired workers are engaged in the forestry and environmental protection programs of the DENR and the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) and Integrated Services for Livelihood Advancement of Fisherfolk (ISLA) programs of DoLE.

"We have done well so far, but now is not the time to rest. Plans are under way to hire more workers and allot even more government funds for CLEEP," Panganiban added.

Military offers 2,000 jobs to civilians (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090403-197697/Military-offers-2000-jobs-to-civilians)

Filipino workers who were laid off as a result of the global economic meltdown could turn to the military for some 2,000 civilian job positions it is offering by June.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Thursday announced that it was allotting P97.5 million, 0.75 percent of its budget for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), to help workers affected by company slowdown and closures get by until the end of the year.

“Anyone can apply as long as they are registered as displaced workers with the Department of Labor and Employment,” the AFP spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres Jr., told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City Thursday.

The “emergency employment positions” available at the AFP are for nurses, psychologists, computer operators, administrative clerks, auto mechanics and data encoders, among others, Torres said.

From June to December, the military could accommodate 2,188 unemployed Filipinos if they were to take home about P8,000 monthly, he said.

But as to the number of jobless workers it can temporarily employ, the AFP’s office of the deputy chief of staff for personnel or J1 has yet to finalize the list.

“Based on our timeline, the list should be done by the end of the month and will be posted on the Internet,” the AFP spokesperson said, adding that all available positions should be filled up by June.

He said the military move to open its doors to jobless Filipinos was in line with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s order to all government agencies to temporarily hire qualified DoLE-registered displaced workers and their dependents.

“This is our share to that concerted effort in alleviating the condition of those who are affected by the global financial crisis,” Torres said.

Under Executive Order No. 782 Ms Arroyo issued in February, all government agencies were directed to use 1.5 percent of their MOOE budget for hiring on either fixed or short-term basis qualified displaced workers.

The measure was aimed at boosting job security and shore up the capacity of private firms to support government efforts to help the country recover from the global economic meltdown.

The labor secretary has warned that up to 200,000 workers could lose their jobs in the country by the end of June this year because of plunging demand for Philippine exports.

The global recession has also caused overseas Filipinos to lose their jobs.

Hoops cure for the homesick (http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/sports/story/0,4136,197734,00.html)

Having to leave behind family members and friends of many years to move overseas is often the hardest thing to do.

But these guys have a secret for coping with homesickness: Basketball.

Hailing from the Philippines, these amateur basketball players have adapted very well to life in Singapore.

What originally started as a group of five to 10 players playing basketball on a court has slowly grown to about 30 on certain days.

This group of basketball-loving Filipinos meet at the basketball court at Block 205 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 twice a week. They come from as far as Hougang and Woodlands for their basketball sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 6pm and 9pm, a routine that has been going on for a few years.

To Filipinos, basketball can be considered the unofficial national sport of their country and it is as big as the National Basketball Association (NBA) back in their homeland.

One of the pioneers of this group, who wanted to be known only as Jim, said: 'Basketball is more than a sport to us, and maybe you can even consider it a religion. I cannot name a person in the Philippines who has never played basketball in his life. It is that big.'

Sev Del Campo, an employee of Robert Bosch, agrees. He said: 'All of us here are bonded by our nationality and our love for basketball. To say that the game unites us is not wrong.

'Occasionally, when there are too many players, we will divide ourselves into teams of fives and play a short match - the winning team stays and the losing team is replaced by the next team and we make sure everyone has a chance to play.'

So far, there have been no fights over playing time and some of them even go to nearby hawker centres for dinner and a chat after the game.

Their love for the sport even takes them the extra mile to ensure that their basketball game goes on smoothly - they would collect a dollar from every player to replace the nets if they're torn.

Jim adds: 'If you really love the game, you will make sure that the courts are taken care of.'

This weekly gathering is not just open to Filipinos, it is open to anyone who shares their passion for the game and to those who want some good exercise.

Sev says: 'We welcome anyone. Just pop by the court, join us and enjoy yourself. Don't be shy.'

He added: 'I have only been in Singapore for nine months, but I am really well settled. Initially, I used to miss home a lot and had problems relating to my work but ever since I met these guys, things have been great.

'We are all countrymen and we all love basketball. I, personally play to relieve stress and meet more of my fellow Pinoys (a slang for Filipinos) and it helps me to combat homesickness.'

Routine

Joseph Yan Yoro, who has been playing with the group for about a year, added: 'I was introduced by one of my friends who stays around the area and I decided to come down one day as I had nothing much to do.

'Now, it is a routine for me to be here, enjoy myself and be around my countrymen.'

Besides just being friends on the court, Sev and Jim also try to arrange outings for the group once in a while.

Their most memorable outing was to the Singapore Indoor Stadium to watch a basketball game between the Singapore Slingers playing their favourite team, the San Miguel Beermen.

Although their team lost, they thoroughly enjoyed the company they had that night and watching their team play.

'It was just like the good old days back home in the Philippines,' said Sev.

Road project to generate 100,000 jobs (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/april/03/yehey/top_stories/20090403top3.html)

President Gloria Arroyo unveiled Thursday an ambitious P38-billion road project of the Metro Manila Tollways Corp. that would boost the government’s infrastructure development program and create more than 100,000 jobs during the five-year construction period.

In a related development, the lifting of the ban on sending Filipino workers to Lebanon and Jordan would not be implemented right away, despite the President’s approval. The lifting would also create more jobs opportunities for Filipinos.

According to a statement on Tuesday, the P38-billion road project includes P2.1 billion that would link the North Luzon Expressway with Circumferential Road 5 (C-5), P16 billion for a highway connecting North Luzon Expressway to the South Luzon Expressway, and more than P10 billion for the construction of Skyway Stage 2.

“More than one hundred thousand jobs are available in the construction of this network,” Mrs. Arroyo said in a chat with construction workers and truck drivers at the site.

She added that the planned P2-billion alternate entry point to the North Luzon Expressway, Metro Manila’s gateway to Central and Northern Luzon, would decongest traffic in the capital region.

The planned connector road that will link the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) is an “elevated, 13-kilometer, four-way expressway linking the NLEX to the SLEX and Skyway through Road C-3 in Caloocan and Buendia Avenue in Makati City,” according to the Metro Manila Tollways Corp.

It added that the connector road should reduce travel time between the highways from about an hour to between 15 and 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, the planned Skyway Stage 2 “will extend the existing Skyway from Bicutan to Alabang in Muntinlupa City, while facilitating the needed rehabilitation works on the existing expressway including toll collection systems and the toll plazas.”

The 100,000 or so construction workers needed for the project would complement the 880 now employed by the tollway corporation.

300,000 illegal Pinoys staying in US (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/04/02/09/300000-illegal-pinoys-staying-us)

An estimated 300,000 Filipinos are staying in the United States illegally as of January 2008, data from the US Department of Homeland Security revealed.

The DHS report said the Philippines is the fourth leading source of illegal immigrants in the country as of January 2008.

Mexico remained the leading source of unauthorized immigrants to the US with an estimated seven million Mexicans living in the US illegally. The next leading source countries for unauthorized immigrants in 2008 were El Salvador (570,000), Guatemala (430,000), the Philippines (300,000) and Honduras (300,000).

Overall, a total of 11.6 million immigrants are estimated to be staying in the US illegally as of January 2008, which declined from 11.8 million recorded a year earlier.

The DHS said an estimated 8.8 million of the total 11.6 million unauthorized immigrants living in the United States in 2008 were from the North America region, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. The next leading regions of origin were Asia (1.2 million) and South America (850,000).

The department defines unauthorized residents as foreign-born persons who entered the US without inspection or were admitted temporarily and stayed past the date they were required to leave. Unauthorized immigrants applying for adjustment to lawful permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 245(i) are unauthorized until they have been granted legal permanent residency status, even though they may have been authorized to work.

Most illegal immigrants staying in California

The DHS report said California remained the leading state of residence of the unauthorized immigrant population in 2008, with 2.9 million; followed by Texas (1.7 million), Florida (840,000) and New York (640,000). California’s share of the national total declined from 30 percent in 2000 to 25 percent in 2008.

The DHS said males represented 57 percent of the unauthorized immigrant population in 2008. Males accounted for 62 percent of the unauthorized population in the 18 to 34 age group in 2008 while females accounted for 52 percent of the 45 and older age groups.

The DHS has said the number of Filipinos immigrating to the United States posted a significant decline last year. It said the number of Filipinos immigrating to the US fell from 74,606 in 2006 to 72,596 the following year to 54,030 in 2008.

The Philippines slid from the third biggest source of immigrants in the US, overtaken by India despite a slight decrease in their own numbers during the same period.

Mexico remained the top source of immigrants followed by China.

"The number of new LPRs (legal permanent residents) that were born in the Philippines decreased as a result of a decline in the use of recaptured visa numbers made available in the employment-based third preference class," the report said.

We should not be mad at the one who said we are a 'nation of servants'. We should be mad about those who (were given lots of God-given talents) go abroad and and get a 'low-end' job. An we should be even be more angry to the powerful and rich who waste their wealth on themselves and not investing on their country to create jobs.

When I went to Hong Kong, I was talking to a local Hong Kong guy. He don't know I'm Filipino because I don't look like one (I'm half Saudi Arabian). He mentioned that his maid who is a Filipina was very good in cooking. She could cook anything he said. That's nice but if she only had the opportunity and confidence she could have become a talented chef and could put up business. But she did was do what everyone else did which was go abroad, away from family, and become a domestic helper for a family she's not related to. Part of this was her fault and part of it was also the ones I mentioned above who were rich and powerful.

I live in a "maykaya" family. I'm don't like to spend too much buying material junk. When I finish school I will invest every centavo for the future of the Philippines. Kahit 'half' lang ako. Sa puso ko Pinoy ako. hehe...

Just sharing my thoughts :) Hindi ako nangangapanya. :lol:

Which rich people were you refering to? I think the rich people in the Philippines already have businesses around the Philippines BUT? There are few of them who do that so we were left to the Chinese immigrants or generations of filipino chinese and now even Korean to start businesses in the Philippines. What we have in the Philippines are waves of gradutes and educated filipinos who took a degree in other fields that is focused on being employed, in the Philippines for corporations and mostly for overseas demands and not the type that would develop technologies and create businesses that would take us to global market where we can promote our technologies, export and trade.

Somehow you are correct, the mindset of most filipinos are to fill in jobs only and does not include creation of jobs to create balance. Filipinos tend to look on other turfs, so to speak, because they see the grass is greener out there but what they failed to see is that the grass in their own turf is as green as everywhere else in the world if they just learn to cultivate it, sow it with their seed of knowledge then water it to allow it to grow bigger and wider. We don't have the enterpreneuralship spirit in us because what our elder generations sowed upon us was the same "the grass is greener in the other side of the fence." This is where the Philippine Government needs to focus and promote, perhaps, they should provide more funding for the development of technology. For one thing, the Philippines use to be a big rice exporters in the world, we trained our neigboring countries how to cultivate the soil, we failed to flourish this talent and the result? The neigboring asian countries we trained did even better and surpassed our technology while we filipinos flee to fill in jobs overseas especially in the field their host countries citizens does not FEEL like doing or is lacking. We help those countries flourish economically and we forget our own countries need not thinking more than half of the filipino migrant workers return to the Philippines to retire and the sad part is half of them retire broke, they would rely on their kids to help them get through their daily lives.

Now, North American immigrants have a little bit of an edge when they retire to the Philippines if they do retire there but that requires them to take up US or Canadian citizenships, perhaps those in Australia shares the same benefit and perhaps a few others also from Europe and such.

Look around and you will see. Companies appreciate having OJTs. They pay them from 70 to 100% of the minimum wage. Still, referrals is the best way to land an OJT job.

Right, specially now, the companies are replacing personnel with OJTrainees to save some quids.

Different government agencies will be hiring contractual workers for the time being to address the jobs generation concern. It will not only be a one way activity because those who will be hired will be able to help to deliver government services to the public. For example, those who will be employed for the OYSTER program will be able to complete drainage construction works faster. They earn a considerable amount of compensation while they help in the completion of small projects that will benefit the public. The Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program is the umbrella program for this jobs generation project.

MMDA in need of 1,800 new office, field workers (http://mb.com.ph/articles/201663/mmda-need-1800-new-office-field-workers)
By ROY C. MABASA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Tuesday that the agency is in immediate need of about 1,800 new employees for office jobs and field operations – with or without work experience.

MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando said a job at the MMDA is a good stepping stone for those who wish to land a higher-paying job abroad or in private companies in the future.

“We do not discriminate. With or without (work experience), we will accept everyone who is willing to work with us. We will even train you,” Fernando said.

For manual labor, the MMDA needs laborers, foreman, painters, carpenters, masons, and drivers who will be assigned to work in the agency’s Landscape Management Office, Road Clearing Group, Traffic Engineering Center, and Construction and Equipment Maintenance Office.

Two hundred twenty-six traffic enforcers are also needed to augment the ranks of the Traffic Operations Center (TOC), the MMDA’s traffic management arm.

RP lands 4th in remittances in 2008: World Bank

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 04/10/2009 6:21 PM

The $16.43 billion that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sent home last year placed the country in the fourth spot in the world's top recipients of remittances, the World Bank said.

The top three are India ($45 billion), China ($34 billion), and Mexico ($26 billion).

Landing in fifth place is Poland with $11 billion, followed by Nigeria ($10 billion), Egypt ($9.5 billion), Romania ($9 billion), Bangladesh ($9 million), and Pakistan ($7 billion).

Even with a projected drop of 5 to 8 percent for developing countries this year, the World Bank said remittances will remain resilient as well-established migrant workers are unlikely to leave their host countries even with the ongoing crisis.

Instead of going home, these workers are more likely to reduce the amount of money they send, the World Bank said.

The World Bank is expecting remittances to developing countries to fall to $290 billion this year from last year's high of $305 billion as the global economic crisis continues to take its toll on employment, particularly in host countries such as the United States.

In the Philippines, the multilateral lender is expecting a 4-percent drop in remittances for 2009. This will have a huge impact on the country as many families are highly dependent on remittance inflows.

Analysts watch the pace of Philippines' remittance growth as indicator of consumer spending, the fate of the peso, and other hints of upcoming economic data.

as of 04/10/2009 6:22 PM

Filipinos found in every country in the world (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090412-198815/Filipinos-found-in-every-country)

There is a Filipino in every country in the world.

This fact, often treated as a joke, has actually been established by the Philippine Migration and Development Statistical Almanac of the Institute of Migration and Development Issues (IMDI).

“There are 239 countries identified to have Filipinos,” said IMDI executive director Jeremaiah Opiniano, writing in the foreword to the report.

Of this total, 209 are members of the United Nations, while 30 are non-members, including islands and territories unfamiliar to many Filipinos.

“Filipinos go to these countries as temporary migrants, permanent migrants and undocumented or irregular migrants,” the report said.

The almanac was published last year by the IMDI, a non-government organization concerned with migration issues, to document the total number of Filipinos who have gone overseas, whether they left temporarily or permanently, and with or without proper documents.

According to Opiniano, the almanac used data from administrative sources, surveys and selected quantitative studies

Global model

But, as migration researcher Benjamin Cariño said, despite the importance of international migration to national policy, there are serious limitations in the country’s international migration statistics, as well as the whole system of collecting these.

He noted, however, considerable improvement in the work of the administrative and statistical agencies over the years so that some have even remarked the Philippines as a global model in international migration statistics.

The 357-page almanac is divided into three chapters dealing with the following topics: Harmonized statistics on overseas Filipinos, the countries of destination of Filipinos and the provinces of origin of overseas Filipinos.

The section on harmonized statistics presents data on the number of migrant workers across the globe, categorized as “temporary,” “permanent residents” and “undocumented or irregular migrants.”

It also contains information on the number of migrant households (defined as a family having a member working overseas) in the country, remittance flows and the impact of overseas migration on development.

Country of destination

The section on the destination countries of Filipino migrant workers profiles each destination state, its development indicators, the pattern of international migration and remittance flows, and the number of Filipinos working there.

Overseas migration indicators, as well as statistics on a home province’s state of poverty, can be found in the last section.

The four major regions in Luzon – the National Capital Region, Southern Tagalog, Central Luzon and Ilocos – are “origin areas of temporary and permanent overseas migrants, as well as the hubs of many households receiving assistance from abroad”.

The top migrant destinations were the Middle East and Asia for overseas Filipino workers, classified as temporary migrants, and North America for permanent migrants.

RP-Saudi corridor

“The Philippines-Saudi Arabia corridor is the biggest migration corridor for temporary migrants, while the Philippines-United States migration corridor is the biggest for permanent migrants,” Opiniano said.

The almanac also charted the pattern of remittance flows to the Philippines since the mid-1970s.

“The Philippines, from 1975 to 2007, has received over $120 billion in cash remittances, all passing through the formal banking system,” said Opiniano.

The report also estimated the remittances flowing into every Philippine province. Its triennial estimates since 2000 showed that families receiving assistance from migrants abroad got P208.848 billion in 2000 (covering 1.107 million migrant households), P245.856 billion in 2003 (1.31 million households), and P348.524 billion in 2006 (1.601 million households).

Increased remittances

The flow of remittances has increased so much over the years that the estimated figure was bigger than the income of almost 70 percent of the country’s provinces.

“Comparisons between estimated remittances during the year 2003 and the audited gross incomes of provincial governments show that remittances of migrant households are more than the total local government incomes in 55 of 79 provinces,” the almanac said.

According to Opiniano, the statistical data used in the almanac came from the following government agencies: Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Statistics Office, National Statistical Coordination Board, and the Bureau of Immigration.

Filipinos found in every country in the world (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090412-198815/Filipinos-found-in-every-country)

There is a Filipino in every country in the world.

This fact, often treated as a joke, has actually been established by the Philippine Migration and Development Statistical Almanac of the Institute of Migration and Development Issues (IMDI).

“There are 239 countries identified to have Filipinos,” said IMDI executive director Jeremaiah Opiniano, writing in the foreword to the report.

Of this total, 209 are members of the United Nations, while 30 are non-members, including islands and territories unfamiliar to many Filipinos.

“Filipinos go to these countries as temporary migrants, permanent migrants and undocumented or irregular migrants,” the report said.

The almanac was published last year by the IMDI, a non-government organization concerned with migration issues, to document the total number of Filipinos who have gone overseas, whether they left temporarily or permanently, and with or without proper documents.

According to Opiniano, the almanac used data from administrative sources, surveys and selected quantitative studies

Global model

But, as migration researcher Benjamin Cariño said, despite the importance of international migration to national policy, there are serious limitations in the country’s international migration statistics, as well as the whole system of collecting these.

He noted, however, considerable improvement in the work of the administrative and statistical agencies over the years so that some have even remarked the Philippines as a global model in international migration statistics.

The 357-page almanac is divided into three chapters dealing with the following topics: Harmonized statistics on overseas Filipinos, the countries of destination of Filipinos and the provinces of origin of overseas Filipinos.

The section on harmonized statistics presents data on the number of migrant workers across the globe, categorized as “temporary,” “permanent residents” and “undocumented or irregular migrants.”

It also contains information on the number of migrant households (defined as a family having a member working overseas) in the country, remittance flows and the impact of overseas migration on development.

Country of destination

The section on the destination countries of Filipino migrant workers profiles each destination state, its development indicators, the pattern of international migration and remittance flows, and the number of Filipinos working there.

Overseas migration indicators, as well as statistics on a home province’s state of poverty, can be found in the last section.

The four major regions in Luzon – the National Capital Region, Southern Tagalog, Central Luzon and Ilocos – are “origin areas of temporary and permanent overseas migrants, as well as the hubs of many households receiving assistance from abroad”.

The top migrant destinations were the Middle East and Asia for overseas Filipino workers, classified as temporary migrants, and North America for permanent migrants.

RP-Saudi corridor

“The Philippines-Saudi Arabia corridor is the biggest migration corridor for temporary migrants, while the Philippines-United States migration corridor is the biggest for permanent migrants,” Opiniano said.

The almanac also charted the pattern of remittance flows to the Philippines since the mid-1970s.

“The Philippines, from 1975 to 2007, has received over $120 billion in cash remittances, all passing through the formal banking system,” said Opiniano.

The report also estimated the remittances flowing into every Philippine province. Its triennial estimates since 2000 showed that families receiving assistance from migrants abroad got P208.848 billion in 2000 (covering 1.107 million migrant households), P245.856 billion in 2003 (1.31 million households), and P348.524 billion in 2006 (1.601 million households).

Increased remittances

The flow of remittances has increased so much over the years that the estimated figure was bigger than the income of almost 70 percent of the country’s provinces.

“Comparisons between estimated remittances during the year 2003 and the audited gross incomes of provincial governments show that remittances of migrant households are more than the total local government incomes in 55 of 79 provinces,” the almanac said.

According to Opiniano, the statistical data used in the almanac came from the following government agencies: Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Statistics Office, National Statistical Coordination Board, and the Bureau of Immigration.

^Only goes to show that Pinoys are contributing not only to RP Economy but to the World Economy.

Different government agencies will be hiring contractual workers for the time being to address the jobs generation concern. It will not only be a one way activity because those who will be hired will be able to help to deliver government services to the public. For example, those who will be employed for the OYSTER program will be able to complete drainage construction works faster. They earn a considerable amount of compensation while they help in the completion of small projects that will benefit the public. The Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program is the umbrella program for this jobs generation project.

Hmmmm. I smell something fishy! :lol:

^^^^Indirectly, yes, but regardless of having OFW in different countries all over the world, the filipinos still can be considered as contributor for World Economy because we trade with many countries. Foreign investors come to the Philippines. So we are both contributors and recipients of it just like any other countries in the world unless the Philippine economy is totally collapsed.

137 Filipinos stranded in Dubai (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090413-199078/137-Filipinos-stranded-in-Dubai)
By Veronica Uy

Probe, suspension of recruiter sought

MANILA, Philippines—One-hundred thirty-seven Filipino bus drivers are stranded in Dubai and asking the government to help repatriate and give them justice, a labor policy group said Monday.

In a statement, the Blas F. Ople Policy Center also called on the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to investigate and, if possible, suspend the license of CYM International Services, the agency that recruited the drivers, and its counterpart in Dubai, Al Toomoh Technical Services.

“The sheer number of victims involved constitutes an act of economic sabotage by this licensed agency,” said former labor undersecretary Susan Ople, who heads the center named after her father. “We urge immediate action and for the owners of the agency to be barred from leaving the country.”

She said one of the drivers, Claro Oliver of Rizal province, contacted her office over the weekend about their plight.

Citing her conversation with Oliver, Ople said the agency promised the Filipino drivers good-paying jobs with the Dubai government’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The drivers said they paid as much as P150,000 to CYM International Services in exchange for the jobs.

However, some of the drivers—some of who quit their local jobs despite years of service—have been waiting for the RTA jobs since January this year.

“Desperate for food and cash, the stranded drives have resorted to scavenging a dumpsite for scrap food,” Ople said.

The Filipino community there learned about the workers’ plight from Ares Gutierrez and Jay Hilotin, Filipino journalists working in Dubai, and went to the dumpsite where they were staying to bring them food, water, and other items.

Eliseo Maximo, who has worked for 11 years as a bus driver in Manila, said: “We’ve been collecting aluminum cans, selling them at 4 dirhams [1 dirham is about P10] per kilogram in Ajman, just to have something to eat.”

Aside from lack of food and shelter, the stranded Filipino drivers who have worked for years in companies like Baliuag Transit also complain that because their passports are being held by the Dubai counterpart of their agency, they could not apply for new jobs.

Ople asked the Philippine consulate in Dubai to intervene and retrieve the passports of the stranded workers, as they still want to work in Dubai instead of being repatriated back.

“If they come home, whatever they earn as bus drivers won’t be enough to pay off their loans and still sustain the needs of their families,” she explained.

Ople said she is awaiting documents from the bus drivers that would help speed up the POEA’s investigation into the alleged illegal recruitment practices of CYM International Services and its counterpart in Dubai.

The former labor undersecretary said she also hoped the 137 drivers would be able to meet President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Vice President Noli De Castro, and other high-ranking officials who are now visiting Dubai.

Layoffs ease at ecozone factories, as companies gear up production (http://mb.com.ph/articles/202230/layoffs-ease-ecozone-factories-companies-gear-production)
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

Layoffs and retrenchments of workers in the country’s economic zones have finally stopped because companies are starting to rehire workers to gear up their production again as product inventory starts to dry up after a long production lull.

This was reported by Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Lilia B. De Lima said there was no report of retrenchments and layoffs in the past two weeks compared to January when retrenchments were at the highest affecting mostly semiconductor and electronics firms.

“Since March 16, there have been no report of retrenchments but those retrenched workers are being supported by TESDA for their retraining. In fact, some are rehiring already,” De Lima said. The global financial crisis has affected a total of 41 ecozones in the country and 274 companies of which 85 have laid off their workers. As of March 16, PEZA reported a total of 17,665 workers who lost their jobs following the global financial crisis. Despite the crisis, De Lima said only one company, Intel, shut down its operation in General Trias, Cavite although between October and March 16, there were 55 companies that undertook temporary shutdowns of anywhere from 1 month to 6 months.

But some have reopened already like the one in Baguio, 4 in Bataan, 14 in Cavite, 15 in Mactan1 and 2 in Mactan2. “In fact, there are 62 companies that are rehiring 4,900 workers,” De Lima said. De Lima said that PEZA in cooperation with other government agencies have implemented all measures to remedy the impact of the crisis and save jobs.

PEZA has spearheaded the creation of the POSAC, a one stop-action center for all the economic zones. Retraining of workers was also undertaken to improve the skills of workers and prepare them for an economic rebound. On the side of the investors, PEZA has continued to assure them of government support and encourage them to keep their workers.

The crisis, however, has taken its toll on PEZA’s investment generation in the first quarter as investments went down 50 percent to P13.6billion in the first quarter this year from P27.7 billion in the same period last year.

http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFMAN26691220090413?feedType=RSS&feedName=somaliaNews

Filipino sailors say jobs outweigh pirate worries
Mon Apr 13, 2009 8:25am GMT

By Manny Mogato

MANILA, April 13 (Reuters) - More Filipinos than any other nationality are held hostage by Somali pirates, but there was no dearth of seafarers looking for jobs on Monday in Manila despite the threat of more confrontations.

With dozens of cargo vessels anchored empty and idle in most ports around Asia because of the financial crisis, hundreds of sailors were gathered at the city's Luneta park, which functions as a recruitment centre for seafarers.

"Those pirates are the least of my concern," 48-year-old Joel Estabio, a chief steward on an oil tanker, told Reuters.

"I'll take the risk rather than see my family die in hunger. If something terrible happens to me aboard any tanker, my wife and children would get something from my insurance and from my employer. Here, they get nothing."

About 40 percent of 800,000 seafarers around the world are Filipinos. And of nearly 250 sailors being held by the pirates, almost 100 are from the Philippines.

Although the hostages have been treated relatively well so far, the pirates have threatened repercussions after Sunday's dramatic rescue of a U.S. cargo captain by special forces, who killed three pirates and took one into custody.

No one knows how this will affect the hostages.

Most jobseekers said they were aware of the dangers in waters near Somalia and around the delta region in Nigeria where pirates are active.

2 of 10 OFW families to feel global pinch
Daily Tribune
04/13/2009
http://www.tribune.net.ph/business/20090413bus1.html

About two in every 10 families of Filipinos working overseas will be adversely affected by the current global turmoil according to the World Bank (WB).

The WB estimated that in dollar terms, remittances would shrink by four percent but in peso terms the WB said the effects of the remittances slowdown would be muted.

In the World Bank’s latest semi-annual economic update for the East Asia and Pacific region, titled “Battling the Forces of Global Recession,” global growth is projected to turn negative in 2009, as will growth in a large number of countries in the region.

The fairly stable 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) sent back home for the past six years from overseas to family members is key to the health of the economy, WB Philippines economist Eric Le Borgne said.

Not only does it boost private consumption from the purchase of basic necessities to big ticket items such as cars and housing, private consumption accounts for over 75 percent of GDP, it also lifts foreign exchange reserves, the current account, and deposits in the banking system.

The WB said as the wealthiest countries drag the world into a recession, and world unemployment is projected by the International Labor Office to potentially increase by 50 million, many Filipinos working overseas will also be affected.

It indicated that some will lose their jobs, others will see their incomes reduced, net deployment overseas will decelerate though still expected to remain positive, but all are adjusting to the risk that their income and jobs are less secure than they thought even a few months ago.

The latest data do point to a significant weakening of remittances as of the last quarter of 2008, Le Borgne added.

In January, remittances posted zero annual growth in dollar terms. “Looking into the details of the January numbers, we see that remittance from the all important United States, accounting for over half of total remittances to the country, were down by 25 percent in dollar terms compared to January last year.

Le Borgne, however, said surging remittances from the Middle East managed to offset the decline from the US. “Can growth from the Gulf continue at such a pace? To what extent is this surge masking the return of overseas Filipino workers bringing with them their total savings and severance packages?,” he said.

As the Gulf-related surge is expected to slow down, and given global growth prospects in the rest of the world, the WB have revised our estimate downward for the dollar growth rate of remittances to the Philippines to negative four percent, he said.

In peso terms, given our expectation on exchange rate and inflation, the impact will be more muted, Le Borgne added. He said, however, around two in every 10 families who are receiving remittances will be adversely affected, and the fight against poverty with it.

In battling the forces of global recession, the Philippines’ overseas foreign workers are really the country's front line soldiers, he said.

Filipinos in frame for 220,000 ME jobs in 2009

by Andy Sambidge
Monday, 13 April 2009

JOBS BOOST: Hundreds of thousands of new jobs could be created for Filipinos in the MENA region in 2009.Hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the Middle East and North Africa will be available for Filipinos during 2009 despite the global slowdown that has caused many to lose their jobs in the region, the president of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has been told.

More than 220,000 new jobs, including 39,000 in the emirates, would be targeting Filipinos, she was told at an employment forum in the UAE on Sunday.

She praised government officials and companies in the region for helping to keep the Philippines economy moving.

Sources:
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/552393-filipinos-in-frame-for-220000-me-jobs-in-2009-

http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093243546

Filipino couple depart Japan leaving 13-yr-old daughter behind
Monday 13th April, 08:56 PM JST

NARITA —
An undocumented Filipino couple, who were under a deportation order, left Japan from Narita airport Monday afternoon to return to the Philippines, leaving behind their 13-year-old daughter who was born and raised in Japan and recently granted special permission to stay for one year.

Arlan Calderon, 36, and his 38-year-old wife Sarah arrived at the international airport near Tokyo with their only daughter Noriko, who burst into tears as she saw them off.

While repeatedly expressing his appreciation for the Japanese people who had taken their problem to heart, Arlan told reporters that he is ‘‘very worried about leaving behind my daughter as she is still a minor. She cannot take care of herself.’’

Sarah expressed concern about her daughter’s safety and health, saying, ‘‘I told her to take care of herself and make sure she doesn’t catch a cold.’’

Their departure came a day before the expiration of their provisional release status on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Noriko, who has been entrusted to the care of Sarah’s younger sister, said that she is anxious about her life as a whole and school ‘‘because it is my first time living apart from my parents.’’

‘‘I won’t be able to eat the delicious food my mother cooks,’’ she said, adding that her parents are ‘‘irreplaceable.’’

‘‘But it’s not like we’re never going to see each other,’’ said the teenager, who recently became a second-year student at a junior high school in Warabi, Saitama Prefecture. ‘‘I hope I can show them the next time we meet that I do my best.’’

Earlier in the day, relatives and Arlan’s colleagues gathered at the family’s home in Warabi to bid farewell to the couple.

‘‘We will be waiting for you (to come back),’’ said construction worker Yasuhisa Nagashima, one of Arlan’s colleagues, adding that it would not be ‘‘goodbye.’’

Arlan hugged each of his colleagues and thanked them for their kindness.

‘‘Noriko is here, so I hope we can return to her side as soon as possible,’’ Arlan said, adding that he hoped the day would come when the family would ‘‘be able to live quietly together in Japan.’’

The family had long been seeking special permission for residence for the whole family. But while the Justice Ministry granted Noriko special permission to stay, it declined to extend a hand to the parents.

In mid-March, the Filipino couple told Japanese immigration authorities that they would return to the Philippines in April, leaving behind their daughter who has strongly expressed her wish to stay in Japan to continue her studies. She said she wanted ‘‘to stay in Japan to pursue my dream of opening a dance school in Japan with my best friend.’’

The couple decided to split the family for fear that Noriko could also be detained and deported should the family continue to seek permission for the whole family to remain despite a request from the immigration authorities that they choose between the departure of the entire family or just the parents, according to the family’s lawyer Shogo Watanabe.

The Justice Ministry’s decision to grant permission to Noriko came three days after her parents decided to leave the country.

Noriko will now live with her aunt, who has obtained permanent residence status, and her Japanese uncle. Her relatives will move from Tokyo’s Kita Ward, where they currently reside, to Warabi to allow Noriko to continue her education there.

But as it is expected that Noriko will require some assistance in continuing her life in Japan, the lawyer set up a fund in March aimed at helping Noriko with her future educational and living expenses.

According to Watanabe, the fund had raised 1.58 million yen as of last Friday.

As for the Filipino couple’s livelihood back in the Philippines, Arlan said that nothing has been decided yet, except that he and his wife will move in with Arlan’s mother who lives in Manila.

‘‘The Philippines is not like Japan,’’ he said, adding that it still remains unclear if he would be able to find a job there.

Meanwhile on Sunday afternoon, the family of three handed out around 600 thank you cards, designed by Noriko, on street corners in Warabi to ‘‘express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Japanese people,’’ Arlan said.

Arlan Calderon came to Japan in May 1993, a year after his wife. Both entered the country using other people’s passports and stayed undetected in Japan. Their daughter was born in 1995.

The couple filed a lawsuit seeking nullification of the deportation order against them, but the Supreme Court rejected their petition last September.

This is heartbreaking....Japan-born girl separated from her Filipino parents because they came to Japan illegally. Click here (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/13/japan.philippines.calderon/index.html) to view vidclip from CNN.

A battle for Japan's future: Calderon case fallout will linger long after parents' departure (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090414zg.html)

Despite being Japan's most densely populated area, Warabi rarely causes a blip on the national media radar.

Set in a rusting corner of Saitama Prefecture, the city has two minor recent claims to fame: a communist mayor and the 13-year-old daughter of illegal Filipino immigrants.

An odd place perhaps for two groups with radically different visions of Japan to take to the streets, but this is where neo-nationalists and liberal opponents could be found slugging it out last weekend.

On one side, a party of nationalists crammed into a small park and listened to ringleader Makoto Sakurai, a rising new-right star who turns out for protests in a three-piece suit and watch chain.

"People in other countries are looking at this case very carefully," Sakurai told the crowd to cheers of "Send illegal foreigners home!" "They see that we are a soft touch. If we allow this girl to stay, many more will come. It's totally unacceptable."

Some of the nationalists handed out copies of an article from a Manila newspaper "proving" that the case had received a lot of publicity in the Philippines. "Filipinos now know that if they have a child illegally in Japan, the child will win special rights," said Takehiro Tanaka.

Hemmed in behind police with riot shields, a group of counterdemonstrators were kept half a kilometer away near Warabi Station. "They're racists," spat Ryo Hagitani. "Please don't mistake their views for those of ordinary people. Japanese people don't support them. We want foreigners to come here."

Noriko Calderon, the unwitting target of all this attention, would have heard Sakurai from the cramped Warabi apartment she shares with her Filipino parents. But she was miles away with her mother, thanking supporters who had backed their fight to stay in Japan.

Last month, the family's six-month legal battle ended when Justice Minister Eisuke Mori gave Noriko a one-year special residence permit, allowing her to live with her aunt and continue school in this city. Her parents, Arlan and Sarah, who came to Japan in the early 1990s on false passports, were sent back to the Philippines on Monday.

"I understand public sentiment in this case but the law is the law," said Mori. "Illegal entry is illegal."

Reached despite interventions by Amnesty International and the U.N. Human Rights Council, the decision caused dismay among the family's supporters and the Calderons' lawyer, Shogo Watanabe: "The ministry said it didn't intend to split the family apart but that is what they have done."

The bitter deportation pill has been sweetened with a little humanitarian sugar: Noriko's parents will be allowed to return for short stays to visit their daughter in the future, explained Arlan as he prepared for his flight from Narita airport. "We hope to get back next year sometime. We're so grateful for that because this is a very important time for Noriko. She is still just a child."

But the Warabi nationalists reacted to the decision with fury, demanding that Noriko be deported too. "It's the fault of the leftwing media and the communist local government," said Takao Kambara, one of about 50 rightist demonstrators. "They made people feel sympathy for the Calderons, but the simple fact is they came here illegally. They should all be sent home."

Walking behind a van blasting out high-decibel venom at the local government, the Hinomaru-waving protesters filed noisily past Noriko's junior high school. "Shame on Filipinos," shouted one middle-aged man who held a sign saying: "Kick out the Calderons." Takehiro Tanaka said they would be back every month until Noriko was put on a plane to Manila. "We can't allow her to stay or foreigners will exploit our softness. It sends the wrong message to other countries."

Counterdemonstrators brandishing placards saying: "We are all human," and "Let the Calderons stay" were kept far behind until the cops swooped in and arrested a man, forcing them to detour to the police station. "They never touch the rightists, only us," said one angry protester, who declined to give his name. He condemned Japan's immigration policies, which he said treated foreigners as "disposable and deportable commodities." "Immigrants like the Calderons work hard and contribute to our society by paying taxes, so they should be forgiven, no matter how they came in," he said. "In other parts of the world, people live together in diversity and in mutual respect. Why can't we be the same?"

The protests are a battle for "the future of Japan," said Hagitani. "Our neighbors China and Korea have grown powerful and we're saying that we don't want foreigners. What will they think of this country?"

The twin demonstrations resonated far beyond these narrow streets and again threw Japan's conflicting attitudes toward immigration into sharp relief. Nationalists say they represent the nation's silent majority, which fears that the foreign hordes are set to trample through Japan's carefully built legal barricades. Most view the Calderon case as a wedge issue, the latest in a series of signs that Japan is preparing to invite millions of foreigners to replenish its declining population.

Politicians and business leaders have recently floated the idea of increasing immigrants from about 2 to 10 percent of the total population, but so far have failed to match that with hard policy. Japan's dismally performing economy has knocked these plans back: Many immigrants are returning home. News that the welfare ministry is effectively bribing foreign factory workers to return to South America has incensed pro-immigration activists, as reported in these pages last week.

The Warabi neo-nationalists appear divided about whether the current level of immigration — still tiny by international standards — is acceptable, though all were quick to deny xenophobia. "I have nothing against foreigners and can accept them to some degree, as long as the come here legally and obey this country's laws," explained Daigo Hayashi. "But countries that have allowed mass immigration have failed." America, the world's No. 1 economy, can't be classed as a success because its society is so "chaotic," he added. "It's the same in the U.K., France and Australia. Outsiders cause disruption in societies. I can't be enthusiastic about the idea of bringing in 10 million foreigners."

Demonstrator Iori Uchida said he would allow "limited" numbers of immigrants in depending on which country they come from. "Europeans and Americans are acceptable, but not Koreans or Chinese. Wherever Koreans go they cause 100 times more crimes than other races," he said, a claim with no basis in fact.

Although viewed around the Warabi streets as extremists, the nationalists claim they are swimming with the popular tide. Some point to the popularity of nationalist-themed comics like the best-selling "Hate Korea" series, and praise the ministry of education for last week authorizing a revisionist high school textbook that the Seoul government says whitewashes Japanese war crimes.

Sakurai is a leading proponent of the revisionist view in books and articles, arguing that Japan led the liberation of Asia from white colonialists. While his views might relegate him to the margins of commentary in other countries, he is a semi-regular pundit on TV shows here.

But Arlan Calderon says he has been heartened by the messages of support Noriko received from across Japan. "I don't think the nationalists represent the true views of Japanese people."

He said letters and petitions helped sustain the family though the fight. "I hold no grudges against the government, or Japan. We're just sad because we wanted to stay and a lot of people fought for us."

"Hopefully we'll be back here soon to see them again."

Pinoy immigrant seeks seat in European Parliament (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=457488&publicationSubCategoryId=204)

A Filipino is running for a seat in the European Parliament representing Britain in June.

Gene Alcantara, who has been a British national since 1992, said the government has pressured immigrants and it’s difficult for them to exercise their rights as citizens of Britain and Europe.

“In this difficult time of global recession, these have created a climate of fear and uncertainty among migrants, and resentment in the wider British community, instead of acceptance and integration,” he said.

In e-mail messages, Alcantara said ethnic minorities and immigrants have been made the scapegoat for a lot of ills in British society.

“I would stress the positive contribution of migrants to Britain, harness their energies, and work on building a more inclusive and fair society that does not discriminate or exclude those who have spent their lives serving the good of this country,” he said.

Alcantara claims the media has blamed immigrants for problems in housing, healthcare and social services, and accused them of taking jobs away from citizens.

“Our first major task is to urgently encourage Filipinos living in London who are now British citizens or European citizens to register with their local council as voters,” he said.

“The next challenge would be to get them all to turn out on polling day on 4th June 2009. Thirdly, we need to encourage them to vote for the right candidate.”

Filipinos in London have sufficient numbers to secure a seat if they and their relatives and friends participate in the elections, Alcantara said.

Around 29 percent of the seven million Londoners reportedly come from ethnic minorities, and its population is the most diverse in the UK.

An estimated 200,000 Filipinos live in the United Kingdom, about 60 percent of them based in the 70-plus boroughs/districts of London.

The population of London is now estimated to be 7.5 million and turn out for the UK in the last European elections in 2004 was 38.4 percent.

Alcantara ran for Westminster Council in 1998, and stood for Parliament in West Ham in 2005. In both cases he failed to get elected, but he felt he had raised awareness among immigrants to participate in the electoral process in Britain.

Born in the Philippines, Alcantara immigrated to Britain when he was 21.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_363483.html

April 14, 2009
Lead anti-piracy, Philippines

MANILA - A LEADING seafarers' group called on the Philippine government on Tuesday to lead an international response to piracy off the Somali coast.
Around half of the 228 seamen aboard 13 ships being held hostage by Somali pirates are Filipinos, according to the International Seafarers Action Center.

'The Philippine government should rally the international community to take bolder steps against these marauding pirates,' the group's president, Edwin de la Cruz, told AFP.

'The Philippines, being the home country of most of the victims, should be at the forefront of an international response,' Mr de la Cruz said.

As a last resort, the Philippines should also push for the deployment of an international 'expeditionary force' with a UN mandate to crush the pirates and rescue the hostages, he said.

Mr De la Cruz said the government should also force ship owners to give crew members the right to refuse to man ships in areas considered high risk.

He noted that 'profit oriented' shipping companies were known to wander into hostile areas to cut travel time, making them vulnerable to attacks.

'This has become a global problem, not just a Somali problem,' he said, adding that Somali pirates have vowed to step up attacks after the US Navy killed three pirates and rescued the American captain of a cargo ship attacked last week.

'We should now rally the UN and other democratic countries to exert force and real pressure against the pirates.' 'The US move was a commensurate response to the problem,' he said.

The Philippines is the world's leading supplier of crew, with over 350,000 sailors manning oil tankers, luxury liners and passenger vessels worldwide, official statistics show.

The Malaysia-based International Maritime Bureau (IMB) piracy reporting centre said that since January there had been 74 attacks compared to 111 in 2008 off Somalia. -- AFP

Ending Somali piracy: few options for US forces
April 14th, 2009 @ 7:37pm
By TODD PITMAN
Associated Press Writer

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Stamping out Somalia's piracy scourge using U.S. warships or military force will be virtually impossible, according to maritime experts who said Tuesday the real problems lie ashore in the ashes of Somalia's failed state.

Fixing those problems could take decades, and the U.S. already tried intervening _ 17 years ago in a failed humanitarian mission that ended with helicopters shot down and dead US soldiers dragged through Mogadishu's sand-swept streets.

"It's understandable to find people yelling at their televisions, saying 'shoot them all or stop them,'" Graeme Gibbon-Brooks, managing director of Dryad Maritime Intelligence Service in Britain, said of the pirates. "You have the might of international navies, and you can't end this?"

But sending in more warships is like "sticking a Band-Aid on a gunshot wound," he said. "The fact is, what you see at sea is a manifestation of the problems ashore in Somalia."

The Islamic country of 8 million people disintegrated in 1991 when warlords toppled the president. Since then, it's been ruled by heavily armed rival clans, hit by famine, and suffered relentless outbreaks of street-fighting that turned it into a no-go zone for most foreigners.

The U.S. dispatched troops in 1992 as part of a U.N. relief operation to feed hordes of hungry civilians, but the Americans became entangled in local clan warfare. Months later, militias shot down two helicopters and killed 18 American soldiers in a battle recounted in the book and movie "Black Hawk Down."

Images of gunmen dragging the bodies of U.S. soldiers through Mogadishu became an icon for those opposed to U.S. involvement overseas. Then-President Bill Clinton ordered a U.S. withdrawal and promised no troops would be deployed there again unless there was a clear U.S. national interest.

Somalia's anarchy, though, has come back to haunt.

U.S. officials believe al-Qaida has operatives there, and hit at least one suspected terror base in 2007.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday he saw no immediate need to bulk up the military response to piracy on the high seas. On Monday, the day after U.S. Navy snipers shot dead three Somali pirates holding American freighter Capt. Richard Phillips hostage, President Barack Obama vowed that Washington was newly committed to halting "the rise of piracy," though he didn't say how.

It's a battle America is already involved in.

In December, the U.S. pushed a resolution through the U.N. Security Council, clearing the way for international forces to conduct operations on shore in Somalia against pirate havens. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had said Washington wanted to be sure forces could conduct "hot pursuit" of pirates on land if necessary.

That hasn't happened.

Pirates operate openly in several towns along the coast, but attacking those sanctuaries would be problematic because intelligence is thin and there are almost no easy targets. Gunmen and guns are rampant in Somalia, and pirates like all insurgents easily meld into the civilian population.

"You have to be able to tell the difference between good guys and bad guys, and they all look very similar," Gibbon-Brooks said.

The same holds true on the high seas.

Pirates have begun to capture larger vessels for use as "mother ships," enabling their tiny skiffs to operate hundreds of miles offshore. But while U.S. Defense officials say privately they would like to focus on disabling such ships, it's difficult to distinguish pirates masquerading as fishermen from the real thing.

The international community is desperate to free the dozen or so hijacked ships moored along Somali's coast, waiting for ransoms to be paid. But attacking them would endanger the hundreds of innocents aboard, who are essentially the pirates' human shields.

Gibbon-Brooks said each ship had an average of 25 kidnapped crew aboard and perhaps 30 pirates.

Most nations and ship owners have been reticent to use military options because they fear civilian casualties and damage to precious cargo. Beyond that, pirates have rarely harmed hostages.

While America's own rescue turned out well Sunday, a similar French-led rescue Friday left one French citizen dead. And in November, the Indian navy sunk a Thai-owned fishing trawler after coming under fire, killing 15 of the 16 sailors aboard.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle facing the U.S. and its allies is the sheer size of the seas around the Gulf of Aden and Somalia's 1,900-mile coastline, the longest in Africa. It's impossible for ships to be everywhere at once, and they can only guard a tiny fraction of the tens of thousands of vessels that transit the region annually.

In October, NATO sent a seven-ship naval force to the Gulf of Aden, and the European Union sent its own flotilla.

The coalition has had some success: two military helicopters drove off pirates who had boarded a Chinese cargo ship as the crew hid behind locked doors. Indian sailors captured 23 pirates who had been threatening a merchant vessel and handed them over to Yemen for prosecution.

But pirates countered by increasing operations outside the Gulf of Aden.

"They're expanding," said Noel Choong, who heads the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reporting center in Kuala Lumpur. They're "getting bolder and more desperate to get ships."

On Tuesday, pirates nabbed a Greek-managed ship with 22 Filipino seamen aboard in the Gulf of Aden, with another group of pirates in speedboats taking a Lebanese-owned cargo ship off Somalia's eastern coast.

The incidents brought the total number of reported attacks this year alone to least 78. Pirates now hold at least 17 ships and 300 crew.

While there have been calls for companies to place armed guards on vessels, most experts believe that would only escalate conflict and spark firefights. Gibbon-Brooks said pirates typically fired across bows to stop vessels and so far have not intentionally targeted crew.

"For many people it's a mystery why we let pirates get away with it. But everyone usually comes home unharmed," Gibbon-Brooks said. "The point is, life is precious, it makes no sense to hazard it."

Analysts say sailors best options may be those already have: evasive maneuvers, swamping pirate skiffs with wake, forcing them back with fire hoses. Some have suggested traveling in sea convoys.

How are we competitive with the region? Are we that far? What opportunities are there in the country that would make Filipinos stay and not look for work abroad.

How are we competitive with the region? Are we that far? What opportunities are there in the country that would make Filipinos stay and not look for work abroad.

If you mean by "region" as "other nations to compete with", there would be lots of replies that you can get from here. But an internet search on why Filipinos want to go abroad to find a better job would immediately answer your inquiries.

As far as opportunities for Filipinos to stay and work, I'm sure there are lots of them, but working abroad is always tempting to find a better future for their families.

Yes, region as to other nations. I know many Filipinos go abroad to find better paying jobs. However, what I mean is what can our current status offer to somehow make the Filipinos think twice about leaving. What kind of opportunities or job offerings do we have that could give our countrymen a decent compensation in respect to our cost of living.

For Sure Filipino is always looking for Higher Compensation, Fluctuation of Exchange Rate also affects, Better Incentive, Lack of Job Opportunity is one of the main reason....:D

1. there is truth that the govt. and families left behind are being complacent and are just depending on ofw remittances.
2. Isn't he being a hypocrite though ,since his children are also working abroad instead
of using their talents in the PHils for nation building.
3. ambitious and/or greedy persons will always seek greener pastures abroad if
there is a great wage differential and better career growth opportunities.
4. If the govt. absolutely has no initiative to improve conditions and opportunities at home ,
they should at least make our workforce super employees by making them highly skilled and highly competitive through a super education. and i don't mean super maids, nothing wrong with being maids as long as it's not the majority that leads to stereotypes, this should be a pressing issue that the next aspiring president needs to address.





No photo The ubiquitous Pinoy
DEMAND AND SUPPLY By Boo Chanco Updated April 17, 2009 12:00 AM

I have a strong feeling that the day will come when Tagalog will become as major a language as English or Spanish. Any Pinoy can travel the world and be at ease that there will be someone who will understand him wherever he goes. Thanks to our rotten politicians who did nothing to make our economy respectable, Pinoys found it necessary to go far and wide to earn a living.

As it is now starting to happen, there is hardly a corner of the world that had not been settled by Pinoys for economic reasons. And because many of these Pinoys ended up as yayas, it is entirely possible that the next generation of Singaporeans, Europeans and yes, even those of the tribe of Cheap Shot in Hong Kong would be able to speak or understand Tagalog. I noticed a Pinay yaya pushing a Caucasian kid in a stroller in a Singapore mall last week and she was talking to the toddler in Tagalog. My wife and I saw that same scene on board a cruise ship last year in Greece.

Oh well… unlike the Mexicans and other Latin Americans whose migrant workers basically went to the US, our workers went everywhere. This is also why OFW remittances were not as badly affected as the remittances of the Latin Americans whose jobs vanished in America.

Given the declining population growth rates in Europe and Japan, they may have no choice but to admit an ever increasing number of Pinoy migrants. And why not? We are just about the most culturally adoptable people I know of. We tend to blend with the population of host countries. We don’t insist on separating ourselves by wearing head scarves or national costumes as everyday attire. Unlike Hispanics in America who insist on special privileges in schools and other institutions to speak in Spanish, we have no problem speaking in English.

But we do have the tendency to find security with fellow Pinoys and if the Pinoy community is big enough, to break up into regional groupings too. I am always amazed every time I walk down Orchard Road in Singapore and pass by Lucky Plaza. It is almost as if we have conquered that patch of the island state. Last week, I noted that there are stores there that sell among other things, frozen Vigan longaniza from Gov Chavit’s home province.

There was a Philippine National Bank and a Metro Bank branch in Lucky Plaza as well as a number of remittance centers. Smart has a branch there too. SM or Ayala should buy the building and complete the Philippine conquest of that mall. I am told that it is full house on Sundays when our yayas go there during their day off.

In a mall near my son’s place at Novena, my wife and I were looking at a store that specializes in providing solutions to various foot disorders. I have this painful heel spur that limits my ability to walk long distances and so we decided to inquire what they have. A Singaporean sales clerk initially attended to us but it was difficult to communicate with her surprisingly limited English. Then the store’s podiatrist came and she happened to be Pinay who sounded like she knew her business. They made a sale.

As we walked back to my son’s place after a chicken rice dinner, we came upon a Catholic Church conducting Holy Thursday Mass. Most of the people there looked like Pinoys and most probably are. In fact, I have come to the conclusion that were it not for Pinoys, attendance in Catholic Churches in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, would have declined enough to close the church.

My son, who is better traveled than I, tells me that he has met Pinoys in the unlikeliest places in the world. While he was working for a food manufacturing company in an isolated rural part of Ireland, he was greeted on his first day of work by a Pinay working in the company cafeteria.

Indeed, this mass migration of Pinoys has already affected life back home. We are now starting to have generations of Pinoys who grew up in homes broken up by the need for one or both parents to work abroad. While studies showed that OFW children were in general better provided for and better educated, one wonders about the long term emotional impact of not having a normal family while growing up.

This reminds me of how a major network suffered a ratings setback some years ago because its scriptwriters failed to account for mothers going abroad to work and leaving their husbands behind to raise the children. Traditional gender roles have shifted and the network was till gearing their prime time offerings to mothers, the way it had traditionally been doing. The other network had somehow managed to offer raunchier programs that appealed to the husbands left behind.

And even after they have returned, focused group interviews showed OFW mothers were no longer attracted to traditional soap operas where the women are portrayed as long suffering martyrs. Having experienced working abroad and overcoming difficult conditions there, OFW women are more inclined to appreciate telenovelas where women are portrayed as more empowered and less inclined towards traditional gender expectations.

This brings up another important concern: whether OFW remittances are creating a nation of unproductive citizens (like lazy husbands) who are content to just sit around waiting for their monthly fund transfers. There are fears that those left behind are unable or unwilling to find work because they are happy enough with the peso equivalent of the “padala” from the OFW mother or father or both.

This problem could happen to the macroeconomy too. A BSP paper “Philippine Overseas Workers and Migrants’ Remittances: The Dutch Disease Question and the Cyclicality Issue” raised this issue. Happily, the study concluded that while remittances play a significant role in the economy, there is still “no strong evidence to suggest that remittances have led to a Dutch disease phenomenon.”

Dutch disease, which describes the deterioration of the manufacturing sector in the Netherlands due to strong reliance on natural gas production, is an economic theory that explains that de-industrialization of a nation because of its dependency on other revenue sources, specifically, foreign exchange inflows. I suspect the reliability of OFW remittance may be breeding complacency among our leaders and the families left behind.

Exporting labor was supposed to be a stop gap measure resorted to by the Marcos government while the economy was supposedly being developed and still unable to absorb the flow of people into the labor force. But the stop gap measure has been there for decades now and government is showing no signs that it is ready to depend on other means to sustain the economy. In fact, the economy has deteriorated in the meantime while population growth exerts an increasing pressure on jobs creation.

Going abroad to find decent work is now seen as a fact of life. A McCann Erickson survey of our young people has shown that the ultimate ambition of our youth is to go abroad to work. The biggest number of graduates appears to be in nursing and tourism related courses because of the supposed promise of these courses for students to eventually work abroad.

Nothing wrong with that. My experience with my own children is that sending them abroad straight out of college was the best post graduate course in life they could get. But our people should have a real choice about where to work. They shouldn’t have to go abroad because our economy cannot give them a good job here.

That’s the real challenge for all those people who want to become president in 2010. They should give us a program that should revitalize domestic job creation through a more robust economy. Or even just have a credible program to harness OFW remittance flows so that it could be used to provide the capital needed to sustain the growth of other sectors of the economy.

Then again, if nothing really happens to our economy… that would give us no choice but to populate and conquer the world whether the world wants it or not. Actually, we have started that process already. The world just wouldn’t be the same without all the Pinay yayas and nurses and all our sailors doing what they do best.

No comparison

From Marilyn Robles.

Tatay: Bagsak ka na naman! Ba’t di mo gayahin si Pedro? Palaging may honor.

Anak: Unfair naman kung ikumpara nyo ako kay Pedro.

Tatay: Bakit naman?

Anak: Matalino tatay nun!!!

Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@gmail.com

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A Pinay in Timor Leste (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090417-199862/A-Pinay-in-Timor-Leste)

Timor Leste has been in the news lately because their First Lady, Jacqueline Aquino Siapno, is from the Philippines. Not only that, when she came to visit the Philippines with her 5-year-old son, Hadomi, she decided to just take a bus home to Dagupan City, and a tricycle from the bus station to Barangay Bonuan Gueset.

The trip made the news, startling (and somewhat upsetting) her husband because of the security implications, but Siapno shrugged off the media frenzy, commenting that she’s a martial arts practitioner and can defend herself. Siapno’s husband is Fernando Lasama de Araujo, head of Timor Leste’s National Parliament.

Many of my friends have been even more charmed by the news coverage because it included a different kind of love story between our Filipina and her husband.

A quick detour here about surnames: Some of our newspapers have been calling her “Mrs. Lasama,” a curious reflection of differences in newspaper policies. The Philippine Daily Inquirer prefers to call her by her maiden name, Siapno.

But why Lasama? Following Spanish and Portuguese tradition, a person’s name, like Fernando Lasama de Araujo, has the paternal surname, followed by the maternal, so he’s actually Lasama, not Araujo (oops, the Inquirer uses Araujo, maybe preferring the maternal name?).

We need more stories like this for our front pages because we do tend to get too conscious about status. Siapno shows how people can remain so simple and humble even when they reach high places. So, I thought I’d give even more space to this story, doing a recap of what’s been featured and taking this opportunity to talk about Timor Leste, also known as East Timor. We know far too little about our Southeast Asian neighbors and when it comes to Timor Leste, the reactions usually are, “Where’s that country?” and “Are they part of Asia?”

The other Catholic country

I thought I’d talk about Timor Leste first to give the context for Siapno’s story. Timor Leste means East Timor, Timor being an island that’s part of the Malay archipelago, and therefore of Southeast Asia. West Timor is part of Indonesia while East Timor (Timur Timor in Indonesian) is independent.

Timor Leste was a Portuguese colony until 1975, which explains why they are predominantly Catholic and why they have Portugese surnames. With 97 percent of Timor Leste’s population being Catholic (compared to 81 percent in the Philippines), the Philippines can’t continue to keep claiming to be the only predominantly Catholic or Christian country in the region.

After Portugal had its Carnation Revolution (a kind of people power revolt) in 1974 and overthrew a right-wing dictatorship, its colonies intensified their calls for independence. In Timor Leste, the political party Fretilin led the independence movement and in 1975, they declared Timor Leste’s independence from Portugal.

Indonesia, ruled at that time by the dictator Suharto, responded by invading Timor Leste and occupying it. The United States, Australia and other Western powers accepted the Indonesian invasion because they were worried about Fretilin, which was seen as too Left-leaning. Timor Leste was, and still is, an important geopolitical force with petroleum resources, and with its proximity to an often volatile Indonesia.

Between 1975 and 1999, the Indonesian occupation resulted in political oppression, massive population dislocations and many deaths. Published estimates of deaths range from 60,000 to 200,000, figures made even more horrific when you consider that Timor Leste’s population is only about a million.

Fretilin continued to lead the struggle for independence, but also pursued diplomatic channels to get international pressure exerted on Indonesia. In 1996, Bishop Carlos Belo and Fretilin leader Jose Ramos-Horta were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

In 1999, the United Nations supervised a referendum in Timor Leste, with 79 percent of votes cast supporting independence, but this was rejected by pro-Indonesian militia. More violence erupted and it was not until 2002 when Timor Leste was able to declare an independent republic.

The political situation is still unstable though because of power struggles. In 2006 there were riots in the capital Dili and last year there was an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

Doctor First Lady

Siapno is actually not officially the First Lady, the title attached to her because the incumbent president, Jose Ramos-Horta, is unmarried. (In Timor Leste, the president is head of state, a largely symbolic position, while the prime minister is the actual head of government.) Since Araujo is the second highest ranking official in Timor Leste, Siapno is First Lady.

I suspect Siapno wouldn’t care less about all this First Lady bit. Besides her bus trip, the media noticed how simply she dresses, without jewelry.

Anyway, back to our Pinay. I’m using information from the University of Melbourne, where her curriculum vitae appears because of her affiliation with their Asia Institute.

Siapno grew up in the Philippines but did part of her high school in the United States, moving on to Wellesley for her undergraduate work. She earned her master’s from the School of Oriental and Asian Studies at the University of London and her Ph.D. from the University of California in Berkeley. If we want to pursue this Filipino fixation with titles, she’s a Doctor First Lady.

I think newspapers should be talking more about her work. She has been a consultant with the United Nations Development Programme, Oxfam and other development agencies. The Inquirer did report that she was working with Amnesty International, an organization working for the release of political prisoners. Fernando Lasama was one of those political prisoners and Siapno, who was doing research in Indonesia, visited him in Jakarta, where he was serving a nine-year sentence for subversion.

Love blossomed and they kept in touch by correspondence. International pressure and Amnesty International do get results. Lasama was released in 1998 before finishing his sentence, and married Siapno in his home village in Timor Leste in 2001.

Beyond the First Lady title then, Siapno’s is quite accomplished. Her doctoral research in Indonesia produced a book, “Gender, Islam, Nationalism and the State in Aceh.” She was also associate editor of the Encyclopedia of Women and Islamic Cultures. She teaches at the Universidade da Paz in Dili.

I’m always telling my students that with all the Filipina nannies raising the children of the world, we’re quietly “colonizing” the world. Don’t be surprised if a few years from now you have leaders of countries talking about their Filipina yaya, maybe even talking in English with an accent from yaya.

Siapno’s story reminds me that even now we already have Filipinos working in government, corporations, non-government organizations, making a difference for their adopted countries—and for the world.

The rank and file and entry level salaries in the country is very very low. Some companies even pay employees with as low 9K a month (provincial rate). Some are taking advantage of the huge supply of available manpower that's looking for employment. Even after 5 or more years of working in the same position, employees still get the same low salary. Some workers managed to get yearly increases through CBA. There may be promotions - but in my company the added compensation is not commensurate to the added responsibilities. You'll never wish of becoming a supervisor...left alone becoming a manager.

Here's a salary report from jobstreet for supervisors from different fields:
http://myjobstreet.jobstreet.com/premium/basicSalaryReport.asp?param=Supervisor|000|ph||ph

Notice the age and years of experience columns and compare it with the salary column. If one is an experienced worker and is being paid with 30K a month as a supervisor, and someone offers him a job in Dubai which will pay him USD1300/mo, entry level...then you know what will most likely be his choice.

If you are a supervisor, the 30K a month salary is already considered a 'fat' paycheck in Manila. Some managers are paid with that amount. But then for some employees, that's not an end-all-be-all thing. We look beyond our monthly take home rate. We want job security, a healthy and safe work environment, an inspiring leader, a meaningful work...something we can be proud of and something that builds up our expertise. In my case, I want something that gives me time for the other aspects of my life that I value so much. Remember, our job will not take care of us when we are sick. It might be able to pay our bills. But it's our family and friends who will take care of us.

In addition, our managers or supevisors are big factors whether we should stay or leave a company. Two of the top reasons why employees leave their work is - the boss, and a coworker. We always yearn for someone who can act as a leader, who can inspire, who can cast a vision - letting us see beyond our daily deliverables. So if you get promoted to the manager level - be sure you know how to be a LEADER rather than a manager. So far I only had managers. :(

Jobless get 3 months health coverage in Philippines

Eugene Nuñez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Publication Date: 19-04-2009

The Philippine government insurance agency is extending by three months the medical insurance coverage of hundreds of workers who were laid off as a result of the global recession.

The move came as top Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth) officials said the agency was in good financial health despite the crisis gripping economies around the world.

Dr Rey Aquino, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer, gave the assurance in a media briefing here Wednesday, saying the agency has no stake in foreign investments, only in local government units.

Aquino, together with PhilHealth senior vice presidents Tito Mendiola, Gregorio Rulloda and Ruben John Basa, is doing the rounds nationwide in line with the agency's advocacy for a PhilHealth universal coverage.

“PhilHealth, considered as the biggest insurance firm in the country, is not affected by the current worldwide financial crisis,” claimed Aquino, as he gave assurance that based on their actuarial studies, the agency is solvent for the next seven years.

Although he did not mention PhilHealth’s financial assets, Aquino said that in the field of insurance services, the agency’s record in the last seven years would support their claim that PhilHealth is stable.

Aquino said that last year, PhilHealth’s coverage had reached 74 percent nationwide and that by February 2010 coverage will reach near the 90-percent bracket in the goal for universal coverage.

He cited the province of Albay, through the leadership of Gov. Joey Salceda, as one of the few provinces with universal coverage by PhilHealth, attained through the agency’s sponsored program which now provides a 35-percent increase in benefits despite no additional fees in premium paid by the members.

Aquino also said that in times of financial crisis, PhilHealth offers special financing to members laid out of work.

He advised laid-off employees to seek the help of their employers to pay the premium for at least one year until the worker finds a new job or is rehired.

The government estimates that at least 40,000 workers lost their jobs as a direct result of the global recession.

Badly hit were manufacturers of electronics and other export products.

They suffered huge losses and were forced to lay off workers or cut working hours when orders for goods dropped in the United States and Europe, two of Philippine exporters’ biggest markets.

Foreign chambers to hold job fair

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 04/19/2009

Four foreign chambers have teamed up to hold a job fair at the end of April to help Filipinos cope with the ongoing global economic crisis.

The Australian-New Zealand, British, European and Canadian chambers of commerce in the Philippines decided to hold a job fair after results of their survey in late March this year showed that 30 percent of the 85 polled companies had either retrenched their employees or implemented cost-reduction methods like reduced work weeks.

"That's a significant amount already reflecting the effect that this crisis has had on employment in this country. It's time to bring out a new perspective on job oppoertunities. This job fair aims to show Filipinos that there are still opportunities amid this crisis," said Chris Ward, Vice president of the Australian-New Zealand chamber and chairman of the Chambers' Careers Fair 2009.

Ward notes that while only 25 companies agreed to participate in the fair this year, much less than the turnover in previous job fairs, the firms are in sunshine sectors, such as business process outsourcing, information technology, education, retail, and even journalism.

"This job fair gives us the opportunity to get all the graduates and people looking for jobs under one umbrella," said Guenter Taus, general manager of the Joint Foreign Chambers.

Leslie Stokes, Chiarman of the Britisch Chamber of Commerce said, "This will also give them the opportunity to re-assess their skills and career paths to the industries that are available at this time of crisis."

Henry Schumacher, executive director of the European Chamber of Commerce adds, the job fair is also open to internships for college students as well as vocational courses for undergraduates. "It's important to note that we're not only after college students. You don't need to finish college to become somebody. That's why the TESDA will be there. That's why DOLE will be there. We're also encouraging vocational training for high school students. It will help them greatly at this time," said Schumacher.

The Chambers' Careers 2009 will be held at the Gorietta Activity Center on April 22 to 23. Michelle Orosa, ABS-CBN News

7,000 PLUS JOBS OPEN IN ALGERIA
TO HIGHLY SKILLED PINOYS


Three multinational companies engaged in large development projects in Algeria need some 7,050 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to work for them, a Libya-based labor attaché said Friday in a statement.

According to a report by Labor Attaché Nasse Mustafa, the three firms—Daewoo E&C of Korea, the COJAAL consortium of Japan and SNC Lavalin of Canada—prefer to employ Filipinos. And those firms need more than 7,000 highly skilled workers to work in road and infrastructure projects in Algeria, a country in northern Africa.

Daewoo E&C of Korea would need some 5,650 highly skilled OFWs like engineers, electricians, pipe fitters, welders, carpenters and masons for a $569.3-million new Algerian oasis city project.

Meanwhile, the COJAAL consortium, which now employs 2,150 Filipinos, would need 600 more OFWs for road projects in Annaba, also in Algeria.

The consortium includes companies like Kajima, Taichi, Nishimachu, Hajama and Itochu.

Responsible for the renovation of the Benghazi International Airport in Libya, the SNC Lavalin also said it would be employing 800 OFWs for the construction of a water dam.

Labor department

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Manila confirmed that demand for Filipino workers in Algeria is expected to rise in several sectors—infrastructure, energy, agriculture and other ongoing developments in that country.

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said in a statement that Algerian employers prefer the skills and knowledge of Filipino workers particularly in sectors that include field works and assignments.

He also cited a report by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tripoli, Libya, that also said Algerians like Filipino workers. The Philippine embassy in Libya, along with all the government officers posted there, also looks after Algeria.

Based on records, Algeria now employs 2,697 OFWs.

The Labor department statement said, “. . . The impressive economic developments in Algeria are complemented by the successful reduction of its external debt to the Paris and London Clubs, the strength of its oil and gas sectors, as well as the construction of flourishing new cities in the desert.”

Mustafa said that despite the nationalization policy of Algeria, more skilled Filipino workers are still preferred by its business sector, which has considerably given OFWs a niche in the social strata and an opportunity to contribute to the country’s development and its rising population and economy.

He added that the continuous demand for OFWs in countries like Algeria signified the global competitiveness of Filipino workers amid the financial crisis that has threatened world economies.
-- Bernice Camille V. Bauzon
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/april/18/yehey/top_stories/20090418top3.html

I hope some legislators will really work on restructuring our income tax bracketing. It just is not fair considering the cost of living and the salary ranges that we have now.

In the past 10 years, salary ranges have really widened. Minimum wages have really not gone up, and 6 digit earners have really increased. But ratio of the taxation is really unfair. One will already be taxed 32% once you reach 42K above per month. While you get the same percentage if you are earning 500K.
That is a big gap.

I know they have excempted income taxes for minimum wagers.

However, the tax codes have actually been based on a cost of living dating 2 decades ago. Exchange rates and daily living expenses have really changed alot. salaries have changed.

I hope tax bracketing will be revised. The maximum bracket. I think should be modified atleast. This greatly affects workers who are earning 100k below.

I think the government is doing the part of its bargain. (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/157674/6000-land-jobs-in-21-days-under-govt-programs)

True to its words, the government is now creating jobs to those who need it. After all, there are qualified people who can do the jobs that we need. We might as well give it to those who are qualified.

I am sure the government will continue this program especially now that it is posing positive results for the benefit of the public.

Just an insight on how the our minimum wage earners fare with their counterparts in some cities in Asia including Australia:

Metro Manila, P382/day or P9,932/month = US$207
Jakarta, Rp1,020,000 per month or US$95
Kuala Lumpur, range from 700 to 1,570 Ringgit or US$198 to $421/mo. They have pending proposal to set it at US$375/month.
Hanoi, VND650,000 = US$36.70/month or could go as high as US$49/month
Bangkok, Baht 6,090/month = US$188/month
Shenzhen Yuan 850/month = US$134/month
Taiwan = US$500/month
Korea = US$604/month
Singapore = US$1,589/month
Australia = US$2,159/month

http://www.hanoitimes.com.vn/newsdetail.asp?NewsId=10739&CatId=51
http://www.indonesiamatters.com/1509/minimum-wage/
www.nsw.com.my
http://www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph/pages/statistics/Asean%20Wages%202009.pdf

Just an insight on how the our minimum wage earners fare with their counterparts in some cities in Asia including Australia:

Metro Manila, P382/day or P9,932/month = US$207
Jakarta, Rp1,020,000 per month or US$95
Kuala Lumpur, range from 700 to 1,570 Ringgit or US$198 to $421/mo. They have pending proposal to set it at US$375/month.
Hanoi, VND650,000 = US$36.70/month or could go as high as US$49/month
Bangkok, Baht 6,090/month = US$188/month
Shenzhen Yuan 850/month = US$134/month
Taiwan = US$500/month
Korea = US$604/month
Singapore = US$1,589/month
Australia = US$2,159/month

http://www.hanoitimes.com.vn/newsdetail.asp?NewsId=10739&CatId=51
http://www.indonesiamatters.com/1509/minimum-wage/
www.nsw.com.my
http://www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph/pages/statistics/Asean%20Wages%202009.pdf

mas mataas pa pala ang wage natin sa Bangkok kahit na mas mayaman sila kaysa satin. Australia's wage is way too high at 2,159/month. hehe

mas mataas pa pala ang wage natin sa Bangkok kahit na mas mayaman sila kaysa satin. Australia's wage is way too high at 2,159/month. hehe

Thailand's GDP per capita is higher because their total economic output is higher and their population is lower than the Philippines.

However, it's a different story if the wealth of the nation is felt by their masses esp. the rural Thailand where most of the poor people live. Their workers earn less than the average Filpino workers based on dollar value.

mas mataas pa pala ang wage natin sa Bangkok kahit na mas mayaman sila kaysa satin. Australia's wage is way too high at 2,159/month. hehe

Baka naman yung 2,000 dollars sa Australia ay just enough for them to make it through.

mataas siguro cost of living sa Australia.

US kasi minimum ata 3000 dollars amonth. Just enough for them.

And also Singapore. One of the most expensive labor cost in the region, with Korea being the other one.

That figure above also explains why manufacturing companies are moving out from the country to any of Vietnam, Indonesia or Thailand.

Another big hindrance is the Unions we have here.

I have encountered a few big international manufacturing firms to pass on the Phils primarily of the Unions and High minimum wage.

I could imagine some areas in China which should be lower than the Shenzhen wage rate.
Boom talaga manufacturing nila.

Another big hindrance is the Unions we have here.

I have encountered a few big international manufacturing firms to pass on the Phils primarily of the Unions and High minimum wage.

I could imagine some areas in China which should be lower than the Shenzhen wage rate.
Boom talaga manufacturing nila.

Pero masyadong anti-labor yung policy nila. Pati yung kalidad ng gawa nila hindi rin maganda.

The main components of manufacturing costs are labor and overhead. The only solution this country will have is to lower overhead costs particularly electricity by investing on power production and dismantling the crippling cartel of the power companies. The costs of doing business such as processing business permits should be simplified and business-friendly. Provide a conducive environment for investments by constructing and maintaining facilities that allow them to be more productive and efficient.

Higher productivity and efficiency means cost savings. Cost savings = income.

And also Singapore. One of the most expensive labor cost in the region, with Korea being the other one.

That figure above also explains why manufacturing companies are moving out from the country to any of Vietnam, Indonesia or Thailand.

Yup, expensive sa Singapore.

Food is a little bit cheaper.

China and Vietnam are cheaper because the government can imposed laws or edicts that can depressed prices. i.e. all lands are owned by the state. Prices can be controlled because China and Vietnam are still de facto Communist politically and economically.

yeah true. Many chinese firms in the mainland is really being monitored by US. Since many US firms invest there, these firms need to keep up with the US labor requirements. Atleast they would somehow be careful to protect their customers. Pero dami paring nakaka lusot specially on child labor.Pero masyadong anti-labor yung policy nila. Pati yung kalidad ng gawa nila hindi rin maganda.

The main components of manufacturing costs are labor and overhead. The only solution this country will have is to lower overhead costs particularly electricity by investing on power production and dismantling the crippling cartel of the power companies. The costs of doing business such as processing business permits should be simplified and business-friendly. Provide a conducive environment for investments by constructing and maintaining facilities that allow them to be more productive and efficient.

Higher productivity and efficiency means cost savings. Cost savings = income.

Some painful lessons in illegal migration

By Carlo Osi (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/mindfeeds/mindfeeds/view/20090415-199505/The-sad-story-of-Noriko-Calderon)
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:52:00 04/15/2009

Filed Under: Family, Crime, Migration

WASHINGTON D.C., United States—There are many reasons why Filipinos and citizens of other economically struggling countries migrate to the United States, Japan, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, just to name a few. These immigrants, whether legal or illegal, believe that greener pastures await them in those countries.

They may also want to fast-track their careers, permanently visit relatives, join their loved ones, or try some new thing abroad. Immigrants may likewise be too sick of the dirty play of domestic politics and the culturally ingrained corruption in government and in the private sector, or simply too wary of the ills of a confused culture. Whatever the reason, they flock to the embassies for their ticket from poverty, disillusion, and helplessness.

The Calderons

Take the case of the parents of 13-year-old Noriko Calderon. Her surname immediately rings a bell as it’s a common, Spanish-derived Filipino surname. But Noriko is foreign-sounding. Yes, it is a Japanese girl’s name. Noriko was born of Filipino parents, Arlan and Sarah Calderon, who migrated to Japan illegally in the early 1990s.

After over a decade in Japan, perhaps not going back to the Philippines even a single time in those years, Sarah Calderon was arrested by Japanese officials in 2006 for her illegal stay. By that time, Arlan Calderon was gainfully employed, and everyone in the family speaks fluent Japanese. Noriko has presumably never visited the Philippines, never learned Tagalog or any other Philippine dialect, and has so integrated into Japanese ways that she is culturally Japanese and not in any way Filipino—except the fact that both her parents are Filipinos.

Arlan and Sarah Calderon did not want to be deported from Japan without a fight, so they engaged a lawyer who fought for them all the way to the High Court. The court ruled against them, quite expectedly, and gave the young Noriko a choice between going back with her parents to the Philippines or staying in Japan. Born and raised in Japan with probably no idea what the Philippines was about, Noriko chose to stay where she is. She was in her Japanese school uniform, crying and in distraught when her parents were boarding the flight that brought them back to their homeland.

This is a sad tale about the life and struggles of illegal immigration. The Calderons’ lawyer argued that it was not about Japanese immigration laws but what would be in the best interest of the 13-year-old child. True, but anyone who has lived and socially interacted in Japan would immediately think that Japanese authorities would not bend any law or regulation and would, in fact, fiercely implement their statutes. In short, there was almost no way the Calderons would not be deported.

Japan and its uniqueness

Japan is a contrast of wonders. On the bright side, Japan is a wonderful place to be in, any time of the year. The people are peace-loving, attentive, polite, and demure. There is literally a near-zero crime rate in most parts of Japan. Almost no one violates traffic rules, no violence in the streets, almost no protest actions against the government, and everyone is always courteous. There is a pervading cultural discipline that one feels immediately upon walking the streets, going to restaurants, or meeting the people. Japan also has a vibrant economy, many scenic attractions, a distinct and marvelous culture, and an efficient government. It even provides so many scholarships to deserving students from all over the world every year.

But, as in any culture, it also has some darker sides. There is so much rigidity imbedded in its culture that seemingly no one is flexible. There are hierarchies in corporations, universities, homes, and even social places that are unbendable. Japanese individuals who try to disobey these rigidities and hierarchies are often characterized as protruding nails that should be hammered down to teach them a lesson. Everyone follows a strict, straight line and a handed down order. Do otherwise and one will be subjected to extreme penalties, if not social ostracism. Older bureaucrats who were products of a very strict, post war regimen are not expected to adapt to anything.

Immigration to Japan: some painful lessons

This is perhaps the fate suffered by the Calderon family. For the Japanese immigration authorities, it was black and white. For them, beyond the notion of preserving family unity, the Calderon parents broke the law and should suffer the penalties of arrest and eventual deportation. There were no ifs and buts. It matters not to these rigid immigration bosses that the child will be separated from her parents. Perhaps their conscience is cleansed by the choices they gave the girl: your parents (and go back to a country you don’t know) or Japan (and stay in the country where you grew up).

Unfortunately, the choice they gave Noriko was far from fair. It may be correct given the strict wordings and statutory construction of Japanese immigration law. On the issue of humanity, however, it was a horrible set of choices to give a child. It can even be considered callous. It must be remembered that the Japanese environment where Noriko grew up is such a very distinct and different culture that she will feel lost anywhere else in the world. Had she grown up in the United States or in any English-speaking country, then a transition to the Philippines may not be as difficult. But transitioning from a purely Japanese environment to a Philippine culture would be extremely arduous and painful.

For some, her parents are to blame. Certainly, the Japanese authorities are claiming this. But are the parents to blame? The perspective of any economically struggling country will vary, but generally these nations will not blame them. They were simply seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families which is why they immigrated.

The better and larger question is: How come there are so many unresolved problems in struggling nations that force their nationals to seek opportunities abroad that may or will subject them to the risks of discrimination, maltreatment, cruelty, or deportation?

These are but some of the painful lessons to be learned from immigrating illegally to a country that is not known for accepting immigrants with open arms. There are certainly many more tragic stories of Filipinos and other nationals who migrate to Japan, Saudi Arabia, and even the United States. There are thousands of nameless and faceless people languishing in jails and detention centers waiting for a chance to be heard in court.

The recent killing by US Navy Seals of three Somali pirates who captured American ship captain Richard Philips is noteworthy. It has been said that to be able to rid the world of these Somali pirates, there should be a great effort to fix Somalia. In the same way, to be able to rid ourselves of illegal immigration to Japan, the United States and elsewhere, we need to fix the Philippines. And that is one tough task.

The author spent several years in Japan as a scholar and expatriate. He is a US- and Japan-trained lawyer with a Master of Laws degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a Certificate of Business from Wharton.

Send comments to carlo.osi@gmail.com or through http://eastofturtleisland.blogspot.com/.

yeah true. Many chinese firms in the mainland is really being monitored by US. Since many US firms invest there, these firms need to keep up with the US labor requirements. Atleast they would somehow be careful to protect their customers. Pero dami paring nakaka lusot specially on child labor.

I highly doubt about that. US firms invest in China for profit and it's very naive to think that these firms would also replicate the US labor code in treating their employees/workers in China because that would defeat the very purpose of moving their operations to countries with lower labor conflicts. Like you said earlier, unions don't even exist in China.

Quality control standards audit can be within their area of interests but labor codes and worker culture? It's one of the first things they will consider before moving their operations because its impact on their bottom lines can be pretty significant.

gOgkJNT0CYY

Honestly the article does have some points. It would be difficult for Noriko to adapt in the Philippines as she is more used to the Japan's society.

But if ever they bring her to the Philippines, there is a sizable Japanese community there and even primary and secondary education such as The Manila Japanese School.

^^ The father and daughter could be mistaken as Japs. :)

another news on our Filipino seamen:

Pirates free crew of Filipino tanker

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

NAIROBI, Kenya (AFP) - Somali pirates yesterday released an Asian chemical tanker they captured five months ago but still held at least 17 other ships as high-seas attacks in 2009 soared to record levels.

Foreign warships have failed to curb the threat on a crucial global maritime route and the world scrambled to find an answer, with Somalia pleading for help to set up its own force and other voices arguing mariners need armed guards.

The MT Stolt Strength, a chemical tanker captured by pirates on November 10, was freed with its crew of 23 Filipinos.

Andrew Mwangura, who heads the East African Seafarers Assistance Programme, said all crew members were safe and added that the ship was headed to the Indian port of Kandla but might call at an African port on the way.

"We don't have all the details but it was released early this morning," he said. "We think that something was paid but we don't know what the amount of the ransom was."

The tanker, which has owners in Japan and the Philippines, had most recently been held not far off the pirate lair of Harardhere.

Little had filtered on ongoing negotiations for its release in recent days, prompting the families of the crew to launch fresh pleas for help from the Filipino authorities.

Norway's Stolt-Nielsen, a leading transporter of bulk liquid chemicals which chartered the ship, confirmed its release in a statement issued in London.

"The company recognises that the safe release of the ship and crew have been a difficult and protracted process for the ship's owners and managers. We are relieved that a safe conclusion to this traumatic situation has been reached."

Manila also confirmed the Philippines-flagged vessel was "now under the command of Captain Abelardo Pacheco, and proceeding to safer waters".
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20090421T230000-0500_149905_OBS_PIRATES_FREE_CREW_OF_FILIPINO_TANKER.asp

^^ The father and daughter could be mistaken as Japs. :)

another news on our Filipino seamen:



That term can be offensive to some

That term can be offensive to some

oh sorry, I didn't know that....please delete it or MOD can delete it. Thanks.

oh sorry, I didn't know that....please delete it or MOD can delete it. Thanks.

Unfortunately, this isn't my moderating section so I can't do anything about it :(

I guess some US firms are really just out there for the profit. But I'm sure many of them are very careful on which factories their products are being made, specially big names. Because if certain labor groups in the US find out that their produts are associated with firms practicing child labor, these groups would shout out to boycott their brands. This has happened to I think either GAP or Tommy Hilfiger if I'm not mistaken, and has greatly affected them too.

Honestly the article does have some points. It would be difficult for Noriko to adapt in the Philippines as she is more used to the Japan's society.

But if ever they bring her to the Philippines, there is a sizable Japanese community there and even primary and secondary education such as The Manila Japanese School.

Although I know so little about this story, pardon me but I want to dip a hand on it.

If it is true that the parents did something illegal (they are accused of being illegal immigrants), then they should have known (sooner or later) of the consequences of their acts.

When they arrived at NAIA, the father "did not" (or "do not want to") speak in Filipino to show he no longer belong to the Philippines?

Now the poor innosent child shares the price of what the parents have to pay. :ohno:

bit in his other interwiew, he spoke in filipino....

^^ That's not the concern of the US labor groups or unions but of human rights groups. :lol:

What they are concerned of is 'just and fair' treatment and better working conditions for their employees in the home country and maybe retention of US jobs by preventing them from being exported overseas.

So, going to China to hire workers for a third or a quarter of the labor cost of their American counterparts is simply not favorable to them because that means, less jobs at home.

Although I know so little about this story, pardon me but I want to dip a hand on it.

If it is true that the parents did something illegal (they are accused of being illegal immigrants), then they should have known (sooner or later) of the consequences of their acts.

When they arrived at NAIA, the father "did not" (or "do not want to") speak in Filipino to show he no longer belong to the Philippines?

Now the poor innosent child shares the price of what the parents have to pay. :ohno:

They are illegal immigrants. And of course they know the consequences but they took the risk just like other Filipinos in other countries.

I wouldn't be surprised if the freedom to travel to other countries is strict towards Filipinos compared to other nationalities. Visa is required to Filipinos travelers and usually they have a limited number of stay in that particular country.

IMF downscales '09 economic growth for RP to zero, 7.1% decline in remittances
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 04/22/2009 9:44 PM

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has further lowered its 2009 growth projections for the Philippine economy and remittances from overseas Filipino workers.

In its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO), the IMF has revised its gross domestic product (GDP) growth to zero after its 2.25 percent forecast made only in February. It cited the declining trade and slower consumer spending.

“The revision [in the Philippines’ growth outlook] reflected the prospect of a significant contraction in exports and imports and a weakened outlook for remittances, which we now anticipate to decline by 7.5 percent in 2009,” IMF resident representative Botman told reporters in a press conference late Wednesday.

Botman said the Philippines' trade performance will be dragged by slowing world trade. IMF projected global trade to decline by 1.25 perccecnt in 2009--the first decline since the Second World War and by far the deepest global recession since the Great Depression.

Philippine exports data showed it has been declining at double-digit pace for 5 consecutive months.

The international lender said the risks to the outlook for the region remained “tilted squarely to the downside,” adding that the key concern was a deeper and longer recession in advanced economies outside Asia.

Botman said the Philippines will post a modest but delayed recovery in 2010.

Remittances, too

The IMF is also expecting remittances to the Philippines to decline by 7.1 percent. Previously, it echoed the Philippine government's projections that last year's $16.4 billion will be maintained this year.

Remittances have previously been resilient despite previous crisis at home and, in 1997/98, in Asia. It allowed the Philippine economy to continue posting healthy growth levels since it fueled consumer consumption.

Botman said it expects consumption to grow slower by 2.7 percent as remittances decline.

Nonetheless, Botman said the increased government spending is likely to pick up the slack in remittances.

“The recent announcement to increase the deficit target to close to 3 percent of GDP is appropriate and provides an upside risk to our growth projections while not affecting investor confidence,” Botman said.

Debts

What concerns the IMF about the Philippines is its high level of debt that could be made worse by higher deficit spending and higher borrowing.

“Given the still-high level of public debt, there should be a measured fiscal stimulus to avoid compromising fiscal sustainability and policy credibility,” the IMF said in the report.

“To provide more scope for fiscal easing and outlays on well-targeted pro-poor cash transfers, [IMF] directors suggested raising the tax collection effort, broadening the tax base, and rationalizing tax incentives,” it added.

The government announced Wednesday that it is likely to borrow more overseas as first quarter budget deficit swelled to P120 billion, already nearing the entire year's official deficit target of P199.2 billion.

200,000 Middle East jobs for Filipinos (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20090422-200820/200000-Middle-East-jobs-for-Filipinos)
By Christine Avendaño

MANILA, Philippines—A labor official on Wednesday assured the Senate labor committee that there were really 200,000 jobs open to Filipinos in the Gulf region as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had earlier announced.

Carmelita Dimzon, administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, told Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada that the jobs were really forthcoming as she stressed that the Middle East remained the “top employer” of the Philippines.

”Seventy percent of our deployment for one year comes from the Middle East,'' Dimzon told Estrada in reply to his questions during a hearing on the plight of 137 Filipino bus drivers stranded in Dubai after their recruiters failed to produce the promised jobs there.

Estrada then asked why, if the jobs were really available, those stranded Filipinos were not able to benefit from them.

She replied that officials were now helping provide jobs for the 115 still remaining in Dubai, and that 80 of them were now being considered for jobs there.

Dimzon informed Estrada that the bulk of jobs being offered were mostly in construction and professional services.

More protection urged for Pinoy migrants (http://mb.com.ph/articles/203463/more-protection-urged-pinoy-migrants)
By CHARISSA M. LUCI

In the wake of the current global economic slowdown that makes migrants vulnerable to exploitation and social exclusion, the Philippines has called for greater protection for migrants as it expressed all out support to the international fight against racism.

During the World Conference on Racism in Geneva, Switzerland on April 22, Undersecretary Severo S. Catura of the Office of the President called on the all foreign governments to sign and ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers.

The ICPRMW is a human rights treaty that seeks to ensure protection and non-discrimination of migrants and members of their families, said Catura, also the executive director of the Presidential Human Rights Committee of the Philippines.

"Migrants have become even more vulnerable in this global era, and thus need greater protection of their human rights as well as protection from racism and xenophobia," Catura told the High-Level Segment of the Durban Review Conference.

The Philippines is a state party to the ICPRMW which currently has 37 signatories, majority of which are countries of origin of migrants. The treaty is still awaiting the nod of the destination countries.

He said that aside from losing their jobs, Filipino migrant workers could be exposed to social exclusion, exploitation and xenophobia as a result of the current crisis.

The Philippines is presenting its initial report to the United Nations Committee on Migrant Workers, the expert body which oversees implementation of the ICPRMW, this week in Geneva.

During the negotiations on the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, which was adopted by consensus on April 21, the Philippines proposed paragraphs on protection of the human rights and welfare of migrants and combating discrimination against migrants, including domestic workers.

The Philippine delegation in Geneva, led by Permanent Representative Erlinda F. Basilio, also cited the need to enhance international cooperation in order to eradicate trafficking and promote a human rights-based approach in identifying and providing assistance and treatment to victims.

The Philippines also highlighted the importance of addressing poverty and underdevelopment which exacerbates differences between peoples.

Catura said the collective and timely adoption of the outcome document in the fight against racism showed that "when there is the requisite political will, we, the members and observers of the United Nations, can overcome our differences and make a difference in the lives of the victims of racism."

An ardent supporter of the fight against racism, the Philippines supported the convening of the 2001 Durban Conference on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, as well as its 2009 conference held in Geneva.

In 1982, the Manila Declaration Against Apartheid was adopted recognizing that apartheid was a crime against humanity.

Hitachi opens new warehouse in Subic (http://mb.com.ph/articles/203531/hitachi-opens-new-warehouse-subic)

Japanese firm Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics Philippines Corp. (HTMP), a leading manufacturer of automated teller machines and terminal card reading machines, defies the ongoing global economic slowdown as it pursues expansion plan with the inauguration of a new warehouse in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Hitachi Asia Ltd. general manager Hitoshi Goto said the unveiling on Friday of its new 3,564-square meter warehouse in Subic Techno Park is indicative of how HTMP workers envision bigger and brighter operations for the company. “Success should be attributed to the deeply committed and hardworking workers and officers of the HTMP. We believe this will promote operational efficiency to meet the vision towards global competitiveness,” Goto said during the inauguration.

Goto also proudly noted that the firm’s workers and management see a clear direction for the company, despite concerns on the global financial crisis that has affected even the HTMP and other Hitachi facilities world-wide. HTMP president Kiyotaka Adachi, meanwhile, described the new warehouse as part of HTMP’s business strategy to control cost and improve its efficiency to be able to compete strongly. The warehouse operation involves receiving of goods, stocking, warehouse controlling, keeping and materials handling, picking or withdrawal of parts, delivery of picked parts to production, as well as for shipping.

“The inauguration of this new warehouse marks the start for HTMP to compete in the global market despite worldwide financial difficulties,” Adachi said. “In order to improve efficiency, companies like the HTMP need to introduce change in the job process. This warehouse will enable us to conserve
our resources and also improve our production output,” he added.

Filipinos: The lowest paid minority in Finland (http://www.scandasia.com/viewNews.php?coun_code=fi&news_id=5370)

Immigrants on average make less money than Finns, specifically the ones from non-western countries. Foreigners have earned less than Finns for some time, but the gap is now widening. According to research by Statistics Finland a foreigner earned six per cent less than a native Finn during 2007. In 2001 the pay discrepancy was only one per cent. The study bases the reasons for this widening pay gap on the fact that many more foreign employees work in lower paid jobs. The Filipinos have an average income on 1800 Euro and ranks last on the list on nationality.

Researcher Antti Katainen of Statistics Finland points out that wage differentials have matched the needs of the Finnish labour market. “I think that the most important aspect of the study was that the earnings were mainly very competitive for those foreign employees who are mending the lack of skills and know-how, and weaker for those who are mending the lack of the Finnish work force,” he says.

Although much of the pay gap can be explained by structural differences in the foreign and domestic segments of the labour force, there are some indications of discrimination. “By discrimination, I mean the wage inequality that cannot be explained via earnings data,” Katainen explains. “In other words, there was still some equality although I standardised employee gender, age, occupation and economic activity in my calculations.”

There were very wide differences in the pay of various nationalities. Some nationalities earned considerably more than Finns. These include foreigners from Austria, India, Denmark and the Netherlands, all of whom earned on average 30 per cent more than the Finnish average. In contrast, people from Uzbekistan, Somalia, Thailand and the Philippines earned over 30 per cent less.

The study pointed to different careers for the disparity among citizens of different states. The study states that the highest paid nationalities were much more likely to be employed in the high-paying IT sector. Those from countries at the bottom of the scale were more often found in lower-paying positions such as cleaners or warehouse workers.

In some professions foreigners had higher earnings than Finns. These include sales and marketing directors, bus drivers and cooks. The study concluded that foreigners were more likely to work nights and weekends as bus or tram drivers and so were paid more. In the cooking profession, Finns were more often found in lower-paid schools and health centres while foreigners were more common in private restaurants which pay better.

In comparison, a foreign doctor, maintenance man, cleaner or cargo handler was more likely to be paid less than a Finnish colleague. There were also large discrepancies in pay for construction workers. The study cited as examples that foreign painters and plasterers were paid 10 and 26 per cent less than Finnish counterparts respectively.

Despite the current economic slowdown and increase in redundancies, Katainen is certain that there will still be a demand for more foreign workers in the future. “Definitely, yes,” he replies emphatically. “The Finnish population is ageing and there will be a lot of open jobs in the future in many different kinds of activities and occupations.”

On Labor Day, May 1, there will be a grand jobs fair to be conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment. I suggest those who would like to check out job opportunities attend this jobs fair. However, remember and do not complain, that the employers have necessary requirements for the employees. So if one does not get hired because of lack of the necessary skills requirements, he should move on and keep on trying. Some jobseekers have the habit of complaining that no one hired them.

Aside from this Labor Day jobs fair, there will be another jobs fair on our independence day, June 12. That will be another chance for jobseekers to find employment. Aside from that the ongoing emergency employment program of the government is something worth checking out too.

This is heartbreaking....Japan-born girl separated from her Filipino parents because they came to Japan illegally. Click here (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/13/japan.philippines.calderon/index.html) to view vidclip from CNN.

Illegal = consequences (a price to pay, which their daughter has to share)

she had a choice to stay in Japan or go with her parents to the PHilippines, she chose to stay in Japan. What does that project to the world about the image of the Philippines. It is so bad, that you'd rather be separated from your family than to get stuck in the PHils. they could try their luck as a family in the Phils unfortunately race is a birthright you cannot choose or disown and unfortunately Japan is still a xenophobic society. they were even deporting Brazilians who have Japanese blood, just recently in the news.

^^ Japan is really hurting economically, but they did offer some compensations to those part Japanese-South Americans, maliit lang yata but some agreed.

On Labor Day, May 1, there will be a grand jobs fair to be conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment. I suggest those who would like to check out job opportunities attend this jobs fair. However, remember and do not complain, that the employers have necessary requirements for the employees. So if one does not get hired because of lack of the necessary skills requirements, he should move on and keep on trying. Some jobseekers have the habit of complaining that no one hired them.

Aside from this Labor Day jobs fair, there will be another jobs fair on our independence day, June 12. That will be another chance for jobseekers to find employment. Aside from that the ongoing emergency employment program of the government is something worth checking out too.

Is this the 80,000 jobs opening the DOLE announced? Sobrang dami nito. I will try to apply and if I am not accepted okay lang.

^^ Yes, it is. There is also a jobapalooza, as far as I know. This only means we have a lot of job opportunities in the country, contrary to what others claim that we are just sending workers abroad. The government provides enough employment opportunities in the country, as what we can gleam from these job fairs.

But of course, we cannot blame those who want easy money. Even if they go abroad, they don't know where they are heading to, really.

Just curious, do they have to coincide this job fair with the labor day and independence day celebrations?

Why not just open it up everyday on DOLE offices and other easy access locations like the month-long job fair last March in Pasay City.

Each employers of the fair can assign a person from their HR to man their area or have the employees of DOLE give the applicants some handouts and job applications since on the spot hiring is nearly impossible without the assessment and verification of the qualified applicants. Those manual, construction or unskilled labor on the spot hiring is a different case.

There are small jobs locally that our kababayans can apply for if they are looking for employment opportunities and sources of income. Sometimes one just needs to be patient when looking for jobs because it is really never easy. But in this jobs fair, the government is making it easy for the people by announcing the fairs in advance so the applicants can prepare their requirements and documents.

In the jobs fair there may be some job opportunities for abroad. Jobseekers can try and apply too if they want. The important thing is to be careful and check it with the POEA first.

World’s oldest person has Filipino caregivers

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 04/28/2009 12:36 PM

Filipino caregivers are helping the oldest person in the world live longer.

At 115, African American Gertrude Baines is officially the world's oldest person since the January 2, 2009, death of Portuguese woman Maria de Jesus, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Baines said her secret to success is a lifetime of clean living and a caring group of people at the Western Convalescent Hospital in Los Angeles, California. She has been at the hospital for the last decade.

Hospital administrator Emma Camanag said Filipinos are good at caring for elderly patients especially Baines.

"[We're] naturally patient and more medically inclined. We know how to treat our elders,” said Camanag.

The nursing home staff said they treat each resident with the same level of care and attention that they give to Baines.

“She's a very strong woman. At her age, she could still tell you what happened to her in the past," Camanag said.

Baines is their in-house celebrity. The US President and Mrs. Obama sent birthday greetings when she turned 115..

Baines, who is the daughter of former slaves, voted for Barack Obama and made history as the oldest American voter last November.

“She's very happy voting for as she said a 'colored man'. She said she wouldn't mind to live a hundred years more and to vote again,” Susie Exconde, the hospital’s director of nursing, said.

Baines recently said that her dream now is to once again vote for Obama in 2012. Pinoy care providers are doing their best to help her realize her dream. Reports from Yong Chavez, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

Local companies reluctant to make layoffs (http://mb.com.ph/articles/204052/local-companies-reluctant-make-layoffs)
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

Local companies have refrained from laying off people and relocating offshore as they resort to other cost cutting measures such as cutting down expenses for travel, logistics, fuel, facilities and marketing, results of the preliminary survey conducted by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) showed.

MAP Trade, Industry and ICT Committee chair Elizabeth Lee Tuesday unveiled the initial results of the survey on Cost of Doing Business (CODB) project.

Lee said that the survey is still ongoing but the committee considered it necessary to release the partial but significant results in order to proactively align the programs of the committee, and MAP as a whole, that will benefit the Philippine business community.

The survey was conducted on the 800 MAP members covering a cross section of industries of Philippine business in manufacturing and services.

Respondents were from multinational companies, large, medium and small enterprises. The industries range from car manufacturing, ICT, financial institutions, service providers like logistics and BPO companies.

The respondents said that the top three cost-saving measures they implemented to mitigate the impact of the global financial crisis on their operations are: Improving productivity such as the use of automation and ICT at 61 percent, business process re-engineering such as redesigning organizational processes at 33 percent, and outsourcing or out-tasking at 21 percent.

Retrenchment and offshore expansion, which means moving operations out of the Philippines, were the last viable options being considered by the companies.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090429/local/man-who-started-fight-kicked-sailor-on-stretcher-police

Wednesday, 29th April 2009
Bar brawl death trial
Man who started fight kicked sailor on stretcher - police

Waylon Johnston and Claudia Calleja

The man who started a bar brawl that led to a Filipino sailor's death kicked the victim as he lay defenceless on a stretcher, two police officers told a trial by jury yesterday.

PC Mario Galea and PC David Sciberras were testifying in the trial of Charles Demicoli, 34, who is pleading not guilty to murdering the sailor, 44-year-old Perfecto Montalban in 2000 in Cherries Bar, Birżebbuġa.

The officers said Noel Falzon, known as Il-Ġgant (the giant), and who had been identified on Monday as the man who started the fight, had kicked the stretcher with the injured Filipino on it as he was taken away. The sailor's head had been smashed by a bar stool during the fight and at that point he was only semi-conscious.

Mr Falzon had pinned the blame on the Filipino, saying he had ended up in a state because he was drunk and had taken drugs, the officers said. The man was aggressive and swearing at people around him even as the Filipino was being taken away, PC Galea said.

The two officers were the first on the scene and said that when they got there the sailor was already lying on the road, face down. He was surrounded by a "considerable amount" of broken glass and a group of people.

PC Galea said he pulled one man aside, a certain Michel who was the bar owner, and asked him what happened. He told him the sailor had fallen down the stairs.

Later, the bar owner propped up the sailor against the wall and the ambulance was called.

The first medic to see Mr Montalban, Lucienne Attard, said: "He was restless, he was not responding to questions or orders and this is a sign of a severe head injury". He had blood coming out of his ears and nose and had two black eyes.

The victim's skull in fact was fractured in various parts, neurologist Anthony Zrinzo testified. The fractures were at different points.

The injuries, Dr Zrinzo said, were compatible with a fall down a flight of steps, also suggesting that they could have been the result of more than one blow.

A small, lightly coloured wooden square stool, which was produced as an exhibit in court yesterday, had a tiny amount of blood on it.

Arrests were made a day after the fight but Police Superintendent Carmel Bartolo, who admitted under cross examination that the scene of the crime had not been sealed, said bar staff had washed down the place by that time.

The head of the Prosecution Unit at the Attorney General's Office, lawyer Anthony Barbara, prosecuted.

Lawyers Gianella Caruana Curran and Emanuel Mallia appeared for the accused.

A Pinay in Timor Leste (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090417-199862/A-Pinay-in-Timor-Leste)

Timor Leste has been in the news lately because their First Lady, Jacqueline Aquino Siapno, is from the Philippines. Not only that, when she came to visit the Philippines with her 5-year-old son, Hadomi, she decided to just take a bus home to Dagupan City, and a tricycle from the bus station to Barangay Bonuan Gueset.

The trip made the news, startling (and somewhat upsetting) her husband because of the security implications, but Siapno shrugged off the media frenzy, commenting that she’s a martial arts practitioner and can defend herself. Siapno’s husband is Fernando Lasama de Araujo, head of Timor Leste’s National Parliament.

Many of my friends have been even more charmed by the news coverage because it included a different kind of love story between our Filipina and her husband.

A quick detour here about surnames: Some of our newspapers have been calling her “Mrs. Lasama,” a curious reflection of differences in newspaper policies. The Philippine Daily Inquirer prefers to call her by her maiden name, Siapno.

But why Lasama? Following Spanish and Portuguese tradition, a person’s name, like Fernando Lasama de Araujo, has the paternal surname, followed by the maternal, so he’s actually Lasama, not Araujo (oops, the Inquirer uses Araujo, maybe preferring the maternal name?).

We need more stories like this for our front pages because we do tend to get too conscious about status. Siapno shows how people can remain so simple and humble even when they reach high places. So, I thought I’d give even more space to this story, doing a recap of what’s been featured and taking this opportunity to talk about Timor Leste, also known as East Timor. We know far too little about our Southeast Asian neighbors and when it comes to Timor Leste, the reactions usually are, “Where’s that country?” and “Are they part of Asia?”

The other Catholic country

I thought I’d talk about Timor Leste first to give the context for Siapno’s story. Timor Leste means East Timor, Timor being an island that’s part of the Malay archipelago, and therefore of Southeast Asia. West Timor is part of Indonesia while East Timor (Timur Timor in Indonesian) is independent.

Timor Leste was a Portuguese colony until 1975, which explains why they are predominantly Catholic and why they have Portugese surnames. With 97 percent of Timor Leste’s population being Catholic (compared to 81 percent in the Philippines), the Philippines can’t continue to keep claiming to be the only predominantly Catholic or Christian country in the region.

After Portugal had its Carnation Revolution (a kind of people power revolt) in 1974 and overthrew a right-wing dictatorship, its colonies intensified their calls for independence. In Timor Leste, the political party Fretilin led the independence movement and in 1975, they declared Timor Leste’s independence from Portugal.

Indonesia, ruled at that time by the dictator Suharto, responded by invading Timor Leste and occupying it. The United States, Australia and other Western powers accepted the Indonesian invasion because they were worried about Fretilin, which was seen as too Left-leaning. Timor Leste was, and still is, an important geopolitical force with petroleum resources, and with its proximity to an often volatile Indonesia.

Between 1975 and 1999, the Indonesian occupation resulted in political oppression, massive population dislocations and many deaths. Published estimates of deaths range from 60,000 to 200,000, figures made even more horrific when you consider that Timor Leste’s population is only about a million.

Fretilin continued to lead the struggle for independence, but also pursued diplomatic channels to get international pressure exerted on Indonesia. In 1996, Bishop Carlos Belo and Fretilin leader Jose Ramos-Horta were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

In 1999, the United Nations supervised a referendum in Timor Leste, with 79 percent of votes cast supporting independence, but this was rejected by pro-Indonesian militia. More violence erupted and it was not until 2002 when Timor Leste was able to declare an independent republic.

The political situation is still unstable though because of power struggles. In 2006 there were riots in the capital Dili and last year there was an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

Doctor First Lady

Siapno is actually not officially the First Lady, the title attached to her because the incumbent president, Jose Ramos-Horta, is unmarried. (In Timor Leste, the president is head of state, a largely symbolic position, while the prime minister is the actual head of government.) Since Araujo is the second highest ranking official in Timor Leste, Siapno is First Lady.

I suspect Siapno wouldn’t care less about all this First Lady bit. Besides her bus trip, the media noticed how simply she dresses, without jewelry.

Anyway, back to our Pinay. I’m using information from the University of Melbourne, where her curriculum vitae appears because of her affiliation with their Asia Institute.

Siapno grew up in the Philippines but did part of her high school in the United States, moving on to Wellesley for her undergraduate work. She earned her master’s from the School of Oriental and Asian Studies at the University of London and her Ph.D. from the University of California in Berkeley. If we want to pursue this Filipino fixation with titles, she’s a Doctor First Lady.

I think newspapers should be talking more about her work. She has been a consultant with the United Nations Development Programme, Oxfam and other development agencies. The Inquirer did report that she was working with Amnesty International, an organization working for the release of political prisoners. Fernando Lasama was one of those political prisoners and Siapno, who was doing research in Indonesia, visited him in Jakarta, where he was serving a nine-year sentence for subversion.

Love blossomed and they kept in touch by correspondence. International pressure and Amnesty International do get results. Lasama was released in 1998 before finishing his sentence, and married Siapno in his home village in Timor Leste in 2001.

Beyond the First Lady title then, Siapno’s is quite accomplished. Her doctoral research in Indonesia produced a book, “Gender, Islam, Nationalism and the State in Aceh.” She was also associate editor of the Encyclopedia of Women and Islamic Cultures. She teaches at the Universidade da Paz in Dili.

I’m always telling my students that with all the Filipina nannies raising the children of the world, we’re quietly “colonizing” the world. Don’t be surprised if a few years from now you have leaders of countries talking about their Filipina yaya, maybe even talking in English with an accent from yaya.

Siapno’s story reminds me that even now we already have Filipinos working in government, corporations, non-government organizations, making a difference for their adopted countries—and for the world.

Barbara striesand has a Filipina Yaya for her son. He introduce his yaya as his second mom.

It is sad how the world is suffering right now especially the Filipinos who are losing their jobs. I want to help in my own little ways by recommending this job site where I also found my current job now as a cadet engineer. Guys try GoPinoy.com. They have a list of jobs in the Philippines (http://www.gopinoy.com) and overseas. I am just really thankful because I was unemployed for more than 8 months. Good Luck everybody!!! :banana:

Just curious, do they have to coincide this job fair with the labor day and independence day celebrations?

Why not just open it up everyday on DOLE offices and other easy access locations like the month-long job fair last March in Pasay City.

Each employers of the fair can assign a person from their HR to man their area or have the employees of DOLE give the applicants some handouts and job applications since on the spot hiring is nearly impossible without the assessment and verification of the qualified applicants. Those manual, construction or unskilled labor on the spot hiring is a different case.

My theory on coinciding the May 1 and June 12 because both dates are non-working legal holidays. :)

It is unfair for the govt. when people are always blaming them for the increase in the unemployment rate in the country. We must take note of the fact that there is a global recession and almost all of the economies in the world are affected by this crisis.

Compared to other countries, who are terribly devastated by the fiscal crisis, the Philippines is quite fortunate since we are able to withstood the greatest challenges of the storm (fiscal crisis) and we are now on the road to recovery.

The govt. is trying its best to generate job employment for all the displaced employees even the retrenched OFW's. Let's be patient because the govt.'s programs are slowly taking its effects.

Japan Recruits Foreign Nurses To Care For Elderly (http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/74958/-japan-recruits-foreign-nurses-to-care-for-elderly.html)

Japan faces a nursing shortage. The nation has the world's oldestpopulation but not enough young people to help care for them. Now Japanis loosening up its immigration policies and turning to foreign nursesto help make up for that deficit.

Filipino nursing students in suburban Quezon City, north of Manila (2004 file photo)Mila Bustalino hasworked many jobs during her 20 years living in Japan. After migratingfrom the Philippines, she cleaned houses, washed dishes and babysat forwealthy families so that she could send money to her own family backhome.

But for the past two years she has worked at a nursinghome, taking care of elderly Japanese. She gives a few examples of whatcaregivers do.

"Serving them their food snacks, giving them a bath, so our main reason, to make the old people happy," she said.

Soon, Bustalino may have more Filipino co-workers.

In May, around 300 trained nurses and caregivers from the Philippines willarrive in Japan and begin working at hospitals and homes for theelderly.

But their recruitment, which is allowed under afree-trade agreement Tokyo signed with Manila three years ago, has comeunder fire from the Japan Nursing Association. It says the Filipinosmight not have sufficient training or understanding of Japanese cultureto work as caregivers. Plus, it says, they will take jobs away fromskilled Japanese nurses.

But many of the imported workers maywind up doing basic care-giving jobs in nursing homes - bathing andfeeding patients. The pay for this work will far exceed that of trainednurses working the Philippines, but many labor analysts say mostJapanese do not want this type of low-paying, low-skilled job.

Martin Schultz, senior economist at the Fujitsu Research Institute in Tokyo,says Japan needs its young workforce in higher paying professions, toincrease the tax base that goes to support senior citizens.

"Japan's society has a major aging problem, this means there needs to beservices for aged people. This is usually not a high-wage,high-productivity sector, in many countries this sector is covered byimmigration, by low-wage immigrants," he said.

But Japanese nurses are not the only ones who are cautious about inviting Filipinos to work here.

MarianTanizaki is director of the Philippines Center, a support group formigrant workers in Tokyo. She worries that Filipino nurses will havefew opportunities to advance their careers in Japan and just beregarded as cheap labor.

"My concern, being a Filipino, is thattoo difficult for Filipinos. Although, I am not undermining theintellectual capacity of these Filipino nurses, but I think they arebetter off in English-speaking countries where they can express theirtalents, their abilities and they are freer to work and they will behappy," she said.

Caregiver Mila Bustalino says those concernsare exaggerated. She notes the Filipino nurses will receive languagetraining and says they can adjust easily to their new environment.

She adds that the salary here makes up for any of the problems the Filipino workers might encounter.

"If you have the courage or interest to learn more, come to Japan, you will get more money," she said.

IfJapan's experiment in allowing foreign nurses to work here does notwork out, there may be other options in a few years. The government issupporting research to create highly skilled, care-giving robots thatcould start working at nursing homes within five years.

Our seafarers are modern-day heroes (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=463180&publicationSubCategoryId=85)

“The Seafarer” by sculptor Julie Lluch, commissioned by Capt. Oca, is a life-size bronze statue located near the Manila Yacht Club on Roxas Blvd., Manila. It is a tribute to the relentless, determined and undying spirit of Filipino seafarers.
During a recent lunch with the ladies, the conversation was all about the dangerous Somali pirates and the heroism of Capt. Richard Phillips, captain of the Maersk Alabama, who mode himself captive to these terrorists of the high seas in exchange for the lives of his crew. We were so impressed by the bravery and selflessness of this man but not one of us wanted to be in the shoes of his wife, who must have been going out of her mind worrying about the fate of her husband, and worse, not knowing what kind of torture he was undergoing. For sure, he was not being treated like a king.

Photographer Mandy Navasero, who collaborated with Marissa Oca on a book about seafarers and the people in the maritime industry, made us realize the dangerous plight of the seafarers. She said, “The seafarers are thousands of miles away from home, doing without normal comforts, immersed in physically demanding and mentally challenging tasks, exposed to harsh weather conditions for endless days and nights. They have to endure to be able to make an honest living and support their families back home. And now there are these evil pirates to contend with!”

Marissa’s book, Read to Bridge Oceans, is a tribute to seafarers and their families. It enlightens readers on the difficult role of a seafarer’s wife who is left alone for months on end, coping, being a good mother to her children who hardly see their father.

There are over 500,000 seafarers in our country. About 230,000 of them are employed on various ships worldwide, according to Marissa, president of the Gig and the Amazing Sampaguita Foundation, which published the book. She is also at the helm of the Seamen’s Village in Dasmariñas, Cavite, where 476 families of seafarers live, and president of the St. Pancratius School where children of seafarers get their basic education. Her father, Capt. Gregorio Oca, heads the 85,000-strong seafarers’ labor organization called the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP). The family is also behind the school for seafarers, the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP). It has produced since its conception in 1997 more than 800 midshipmen and midshipwomen.

According to estimates, a staggering US$2 billion are remitted to the Philippines by our seafarers or about 17 percent of the total annual OFW remittance of US$12 billion. It is stated in the book that approximately 25 percent of the world’s seafarers are Filipinos, which makes our country the “crewing capital of the world.”

The Philippines is an archipelago and traveling between our islands requires water transportation. “Such means of transport developed and honed the skills of many of our people in conquering unpredictable waters,” says Capt. Oca. “Seafaring is a profession, a lifetime career for many, and it truly runs in the blood of Filipinos. I took the same road and sailed the seven seas, and for over half a century now, I have chosen to be passionately involved in matters concerning seafarers and the maritime industry. As they say, ‘Once a seafarer, always a seafarer.’”

Daughter Marissa, like her father, is passionately involved in the concerns of the families left behind. She states that for the 230,000 Filipino seafarers that are on ships all over the world, there are a million children with their mothers at home. The only way these mothers can reinforce their bonds with their children is to read to them every night before sleeping. Reading takes the children on different voyages, and can show them the world where their fathers are. When her own children were growing up, Marissa read to them every night and she found that this anchored her relationship with them in a most fulfilling way.

Her book Read to Bridge Oceans has three chapters with beautiful photography by Mandy Navasero. It chronicles the maritime industry and its allies, their families and the maritime schools in other parts of the country.

While the book remains a documentation of seafarers and their families, the book’s real purpose is to encourage reading among seafarers and their children. There are individual testimonials of various personalities in the maritime industry extolling the virtues of reading.

“Our 476 families at the Seamen’s Village in Cavite are taking their cue from the African proverb modified — ‘It takes a child to raise a village’ — in this case, a village of readers. Embracing the value of quality time through reading together is an inspiring start,” Marissa reiterates.

Her book also lets us appreciate the seafarers’ hardships and sacrifices to give their children a better future and our economy a substantial boost.

OFWs ‘heart and soul’ of nation, says Romulo (http://mb.com.ph/articles/204485/ofws-heart-and-soul-nation-says-romulo)
By CHARISSA M. LUCI

Recognizing that Filipino workers are "the heart and soul of the Philippine nation," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo pledged anew Friday his department's commitment to safeguard and promote the rights and welfare of more than eight million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Romulo took the opportunity to thank Filipino migrant workers for their valuable contributions in the economy amid the global economic slowdown gripping the rich economies.

"The men and women of the Philippine foreign service reiterate our commitment towards upholding, protecting, and promoting the rights and interests of our overseas Filipino workers," he said in a statement.

"Today, we pay tribute to the generations of working men and women to whom our country owes so much," he said.

The foreign affairs secretary said the ingenuity and creativity of Filipino workers are the Philippines' single biggest comparative advantage for local and global productivity and competitiveness.

"Today is a time to look ahead. While we honor the triumphs of our workers, let us also examine where we may have fallen short and where we can make the most difference," Romulo said.

He also expressed the DFA's recognition of the dedication, commitment, and tremendous courage of labor leaders and union members who strive to improve working conditions and raise living standards.

The chief diplomat of the country said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) supports the strengthening of the spirit of tripartism – among labor, management, and the Philippine government – and enhancing education and training geared towards providing a decent and productive employment and an improved quality of life for workers and their families.

Guam to hire 20,000 workers (http://mb.com.ph/articles/204693/guam-hire-20000-workers)
By RAYMUND F. ANTONIBy RAYMUND F. ANTONIO

Employment prospects for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) abroad seem to have brightened in 2010 as Guam will be needing more manpower resources for its construction projects following the relocation of thousands of US military personnel and facilities from Okinawa, Japan to that country.

Jennifer Jardin-Manalili, administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), said that some 15,000 to 20,000 jobs await foreign workers next year.

“With the forthcoming construction of various facilities and housing for US military personnel in Guam, our Filipino workers are being considered to be part of this huge building project by that time,” she said in an interview.

But so far, Manalili could not tell how many Filipino workers will be hired out of the personnel needed in Guam since they have to finalize an agreement yet with its labor officials.

Other jobs that await Filipino workers in Guam include engineers, electricians and plumbers aside from construction workers, she added.

“The promise of 20,000 Guam construction jobs for Filipino workers will remain an illusive dream unless several issues are unraveled by the POEA in their negotiations with the Guam labor officials on the model employment contract,” Recruitment industry leader Emmanuel Geslani said.

Geslani explained that workers are not sure to get jobs in the host country because the standard job contract being pushed by POEA contradicts Guam's labor laws which stipulate food and accommodation will be shouldered by the workers.

“If the POEA will insist on their standard labor contract then all bets are off in this case as workers will have to pay for their food and accommodation in Guam. If POEA, however, will align a new contract for Guam then a total review of all employment contracts with other countries is necessary,” he said.


Employment prospects for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) abroad seem to have brightened in 2010 as Guam will be needing more manpower resources for its construction projects following the relocation of thousands of US military personnel and facilities from Okinawa, Japan to that country.

Jennifer Jardin-Manalili, administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), said that some 15,000 to 20,000 jobs await foreign workers next year.

“With the forthcoming construction of various facilities and housing for US military personnel in Guam, our Filipino workers are being considered to be part of this huge building project by that time,” she said in an interview.

But so far, Manalili could not tell how many Filipino workers will be hired out of the personnel needed in Guam since they have to finalize an agreement yet with its labor officials.

Other jobs that await Filipino workers in Guam include engineers, electricians and plumbers aside from construction workers, she added.

“The promise of 20,000 Guam construction jobs for Filipino workers will remain an illusive dream unless several issues are unraveled by the POEA in their negotiations with the Guam labor officials on the model employment contract,” Recruitment industry leader Emmanuel Geslani said.

Geslani explained that workers are not sure to get jobs in the host country because the standard job contract being pushed by POEA contradicts Guam's labor laws which stipulate food and accommodation will be shouldered by the workers.

“If the POEA will insist on their standard labor contract then all bets are off in this case as workers will have to pay for their food and accommodation in Guam. If POEA, however, will align a new contract for Guam then a total review of all employment contracts with other countries is necessary,” he said.

RP-Bahrain agribiz venture to create 20k jobs (http://mb.com.ph/articles/204841/rpbahrain-mindanao-venture-generate-20000-jobs)

By MARVYN N. BENANINGMay 4, 2009, 5:27pm

The Philippines and Bahrain have started talks on an agribusiness project in Mindanao that government hopes would generate 20,000 jobs.

Marriz Agbon, president of the Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp. (PADCC), a DA-controlled company, said Bahraini Minister for Industry and Commerce Hassan Fakhro and officials of the Bahrain-based Nader & Ebrahim S/O Hassan (NEH) and its Philippine partner, AMA Group Holdings Corp., recently paid a call on President Arroyo to relay their intent to invest in Mindanao's agribusiness sector, particularly in the Davao region.

The venture covers 10,000 hectares initially, Agbon said.

Ebrahim Hassan Mubarak Al-Ameer of NEH and Ambassador Amable Aguiluz V, chairman emeritus of the AMA Group, were present during the call.

"This is an offshoot of President Arroyo's visit last February 4 to Bahrain, when a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a general framework for agriculture and fisheries cooperation between the two countries was signed by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and Minister Fakhro," Agbon said.

Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat represented the DA during the initial discussions with Bahraini officials on the project.

In a report to Yap, Agbon said that NEH has organized a technical working group to study which crops could be grown commercially in Davao.

The group will submit its recommendations in 180 days from the start of its technical mission, which began March 7, he said.

Among the crops being considered by the Bahraini group are banana, rice, corn, pineapple, coffee and sugar in commercial quantities.

"NEH has committed an initial area of 10,000 hectares for the first five years under the project, which will employ about 2,000 workers per hectare, or a total of 20,000 jobs for the entire project," Agbon said. "Another 100,000 people, representing the families of the workers, will benefit from this venture."

He said NEH and its Philippine partner AMA would provide "social infrastructure support" to the area covered by the project, such as schools and medical facilities NEH, which has already invested in 2,500 hectares of land in Davao, had built schools and health clinics to benefit the families in the area.

The PADCC, Agbon said, provided NEH-AMA with the list of public lands that could be considered for the project.

He said the crops to be harvested under this agribusiness venture would be sold locally and in Bahrain and other markets overseas.

Earlier, the Philippines and Bahrain had formed a joint committee to oversee the smooth and effective implementation of its MoU on agriculture and fisheries cooperation.

Under the MoU, Manila and Manama committed to reinforce bilateral cooperation in the areas of plant science, crop technology, vegetable and fruit preservation, biotechnology, post-harvest technology, livestock and fisheries, organic agriculture, aquaculture, coastal and deep-sea fishing management, irrigation and water resources, halal industry.

Both parties committed under this MOU to achieve greater cooperation in these areas through the following efforts:

1.Exchange of science or technical materials and information in agriculture and fisheries;
2.Exchange of professionals, scientists, technical experts and trainees;
3.Conduct of studies related to areas of mutual interest;
4.Organization of training workshops, seminars and conference in areas of mutual interest;
5.Conduct of promotional and facilitation activities including agricultural products, trade fairs and special exhibitions;
6.Cooperation in the areas of food and commercial sectors and food industries, technology transfer and innovation, implementation of activities related to trading in agricultural products through meetings, seminars, and other methods considered appropriate, and
7.Cooperation in other related areas to be identified and agreed upon by the countries, such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures relating to the import or export of agricultural and fisheries products.

US-based health care company in need of Filipino workers (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/160255/US-based-health-care-company-in-need-of-Filipino-workers)
05/07/2009 | 02:36 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Despite a drop in the deployment of Filipino nurses to the United States in 2008, a representative from a US-based health care company will be arriving in Manila to recruit Filipino workers.

Recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani said US-based Cambridge Healthcare will come to Manila to interview registered nurses, as well as physical and occupational therapists, for deployment to hospitals and healthcare facilities all over America.

Applicants, however, will have to go through local firm St. Georges Recruitment International Inc. first, he said.

St. Georges said it will be accepting the resumés of walk-in applicants with special ward experience in ICU/CCU, Telemetry, and ER for initial screening.

There will also be an evaluation and final screening before applicants are presented to Cambridge Healthcare officials who will make the final selection.

Health care professionals who qualify will be selected and petitioned by Cambridge for H-1B or temporary non-immigrant visas under a non-cap exempt status.

They will then be deployed within four to six months after selection and submission of all complete documents as required by US visa authorities.

Qualified workers will be given assistance and housing allowance, a 36 to 40 hour work week, overtime pay, US-standard benefits and options, paid legal, licensing and testing fees.

Geslani quoted Cambridge officials as saying the salaries for positions will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate and the assigned area of work.

Nurses or therapists must have at least one year experience in the specialty area and be currently working or on volunteer duty with a 100-bed capacity hospital or higher in order to be eligible to apply.

NCLEX, IELTS, and NTPE, NBCOT, TOFEL/IBT passers will be given priority in the selection process.

Interested applicants may send their resume by email to manilaoffice@sgrii.com, or by courier to St. Georges Recruitment International Inc. at 7844 Mavenue Bldg. Makati Ave. cor.
Guerrero St. They may also call 899-0557 for other inquiries. - Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

UN to subject RP to greater scrutiny on protecting OFW rights (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/160268/UN-to-subject-RP-to-greater-scrutiny-on-protecting-OFW-rights)
LUZ RIMBAN, VERA Files
05/07/2009 | 03:48 PM

The United Nations’ Office of the High Commission on Human Rights (OHCHR) will subject the Philippine government to “a higher level of scrutiny" when it comes to protecting the rights of migrant workers, after the Philippines claimed to be a global “model" among countries sending out workers overseas.

The UN OHCHR reviewed the Philippine report on protecting migrant workers’ rights at a meeting of its Committee on Migrant Workers in Geneva from April 23 to May 1.

In that meeting, the country’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Erlinda Basilio, said the Philippines has “one of the most developed overseas employment programs in the world" and that it was recognized as a “model" for “migration management."

Committee Expert Prasad Kariyawasam of Sri Lanka told the Philippine delegation that they would then have to expect a more intense scrutiny from the Committee.

The Committee also urged the government to review its labor migration policy to ensure that migrants workers’ human rights are protected.

The UN Committee noted “with concern" that although the government has taken steps to protect overseas foreign workers or OFWs, “abuse and exploitation continue, especially towards women migrants and that these are underreported."

OFWs are hailed as modern-day heroes for sending home billions of dollars in remittances that help the Philippine economy stay afloat. But OFWs suffer widespread abuses from the time they start applying for jobs abroad to the time they actually work and return home.

In its report to the UN Committee, Philippine government said that as of December 2004, OFWs live and work in 194 countries and territories all over the globe. The figure includes 3.2 million permanent settlers, most of who can be found in the United States.

Saudi Arabia hosts some 1 million out of the 3.6 million OFWs. “Over the years, the volume of Filipinos leaving the country for temporary contract work is greater than those who leave to reside permanently abroad," the Philippine report said.

The Philippine report also noted the increasing number of women making up the migrant workforce. In 2005, about 200,000 new hires were women, representing 72 percent of new recruits.

The non-government group Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) puts the total number of Filipinos overseas at 8.7 million, 4.1 million of whom are temporary workers.

The group, which was also present at the meeting in Geneva, said that even though government denies promoting overseas employment, “every year, POEA targets to deploy one million migrant workers," making the government a de facto promoter of overseas work.

“Since 2006, POEA has surpassed the 1 million target. In 2007, the POEA deployed 1,077,623, an increase of 1.42 percent from 2006 deployment figures. The number of migrants every year, for the last four decades, has been increasing, with rehires constituting more than 50 percent of the deployment," CMA said.

The meeting was called to check the compliance of signatory-states to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The Philippines is one of 41 states that are signatories to the Convention.

Aside from calling on both sending and receiving governments to protect migrant workers’ rights, the Convention also provides standards for the treatment and welfare of migrant workers, both documented and undocumented.

In its concluding observations at the end of the week-long meeting, the Committee noted positive measures the Philippine government has taken on migrant workers rights and its prioritization of overseas work as a domestic and foreign policy issue.

But the UN body also pointed out that it had yet to receive full reports on compliance and implementation of the International Convention on Migrant Workers’ Rights.

The Committee also said it “acknowledges that the geography of the thousands of islands in the State party makes it challenging to effectively monitor the movement of people and control borders to prevent irregular migration and to safeguard the rights of all migrant workers."

The Committee also urged the government to “support a comprehensive study on the situation of children of migrant families," and called for greater collaboration between government and non-government groups in migrant workers issues

Aside from the Philippines, the UN Committee also tackled the migration situation in Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Colombia.

A delegation of 21 Philippine officials attended the meeting, seven of whom were based at the Philippine Mission to the UN in Geneva. Fourteen others flew from Manila to attend the meeting, including officials from the Departments of Labor and Employment, Foreign Affairs, Social Welfare and Development, Interior and Local Government, and Justice.

In contrast, Azerbaijian and Bosnia and Herzegovina sent delegations of 10 each, while Colombia sent only two.

VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look into current issues. Vera is Latin for “true."

Filipino nurses still welcome in New Zealand, says DFA (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/160266/Filipino-nurses-still-welcome-in-New-Zealand-says-DFA)
05/07/2009 | 03:44 PM

MANILA, Philippines — Despite reports of discrimination, Filipino nurses are still welcome to work in New Zealand, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

An article on the DFA website (www.dfa.gov.ph) said the assurance came from officials of the New Zealand Nursing Council led by Chief Executive Carolyn Reed and Registration Manager Andrea McCance.

The council executives met with Director J. Susana Paez of the DFA’s Asian and Pacific Affairs, Director Eric Gerardo Tamayo of the Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, as well Dr. Teresita Barcelo, president of the Philippine Colleges of Nursing (ADPCN).

During the meeting, they expressed regret at the confusion brought about by "erroneous" media reporting which questioned the competence of Filipino nurses.

According to the DFA, Reed said the remarks were made by other parties who are not connected with the New Zealand Nursing Council or the New Zealand government.

The executives also met separately with officials of the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Bienvenido Tejano suggested the visit in response to the council’s expression of desire to undertake consultations with their Philippine counterparts, the DFA report said.

Filipinos constitute the second largest number of foreign nurses in New Zealand, with about 200 nurses registered every year.

McCance stressed that the Nursing Council has been making it less complicated for qualified foreign nurses to come to New Zealand.

Steps they have taken include providing complete information in its website and staggering the completion requirement of completing seven bands under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) which include the option of taking the IELTS in the country of origin.


Low failure rate

Also, the Council officials cited a very low failure rate in the required competency assessment program, and observed that Filipino nurse candidates are able to successfully hurdle the prescribed bridging program.

The Nursing Council clarified that the issuance of residency visas is beyond the scope of their work, but a foreign nurse registered with them will present such registration in support of a separate proper residency status application with New Zealand immigration authorities.

It also encourages direct applications rather than coursing registration via recruitment agencies.

Meanwhile, the visiting council representatives were briefed on the role of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) and presented the Philippines’ Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum and the educational standards for registered nurses in the Philippines.

Reed said the meetings facilitated their understanding of the Philippine nursing program for purposes of matching course requirements.

The DFA encouraged the Nursing Council, PNA and ADPCN to pursue and adopt a practice done with other countries of having school registrars identify and match subjects with foreign government requirements on the applicant’s transcript of records.

This would also facilitate the evaluation of individuals who will practice nursing in New Zealand and that they are indeed International Qualified Nurses (IQN) suitable for the country’s healthcare standards.

"The meeting’s outcome assures an open line of communication between the council and the nurses sector in the Philippines, and augurs well for better opportunities for Filipino nurses and the adoption of relevant programs to further uplift the nursing profession in the country," the DFA said. - GMANews.TV

Saudi Arabia's largest bank taps BPI for remittance (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/160235/Saudi-Arabias-largest-bank-taps-BPI-for-remittance)
05/07/2009 | 12:21 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can now easily remit their hard-earned money as the largest bank in terms of capital in the Arab world is tapping the extensive remittance network of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).

A remittance service partnership agreement was forged by National Commercial Bank (NCB) and the listed bank’s overseas remittance business division.

Money from Saudi Arabia through NCB will be coursed through BPI, benefiting families of overseas Filipino workers

“We believe that our partnership with BPI is the right platform to serve the interest of our customers, especially Filipino families, as well as contributing positively to the economies of both the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Omar M. Hashem, NCB senior vice president and head of electronic transactions banking division, said.

Money can be transferred 24/7using the NCB phone banking service on 920000330 or through any of the 1,400 NCB ATMs all over the Kingdom or AlAhli Online banking.

Filipinos will be able to use remittance services through ATM machines, phone banking and online banking of NCB, which also has 275 branches all over the Kingdom.

All transactions are also available in the Filipino language to ease communication for customers. -Ruby Anne M. Rubio, GMANews.TV

Number of displaced workers due to global crisis drops, says NEDA (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=465276&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Iris C. Gonzales Updated May 08, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - The number of displaced workers in the Philippines as a result of the global financial crisis went down in April, indicating that the country is slowly recovering from the difficult economic tide, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director for policy and planning Dennis Arroyo said yesterday.

Arroyo said that the country is already on the road to a “mild recovery” this year.

He expressed optimism that there would be a steady decline in the number of workers displaced from their jobs as the economy starts to recover from the crisis.

Citing data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Arroyo said that from April 1 to 15, the number of displaced workers has gone down to 1,026 from 14,512 workers in March.

In February, the number of displaced workers stood at 10,288, slightly lower than the 10,333 workers who were displaced in January, data further showed.

When the crisis hit the Philippines last year, 4,454 workers were displaced, data showed. The number grew to 11,116 in November and then to 11,961 in December.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto earlier revealed that the government is addressing the jobs displacement problem through the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) which is part of the economic resiliency package.

Critics, however, said that the program is not enough to absorb the new labor force entrant estimated at 900,000.

“CLEEPS cannot absorb the more than 900,000 new labor force entrants, on top of the roughly 11,600 permanently retrenched and 38,800 temporarily laid off workers plus the 12,000 displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) since October 2008 when the crisis erupted,” IBON Foundation, a non-government think tank said.

Arroyo, nevertheless, is optimistic that jobs displacement would continue to slow down in the second half of the year.
He said the Philippine economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), is likely to grow by four percent this year or within the revised GDP forecast of 3.1 percent to 4.1 percent.

Growth, he said, would come from the expected increase in domestic consumption.

SBMA holds livelihood seminars for laid off workers (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=465286&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio Updated May 08, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced it will hold a series of livelihood training seminars for those who lost their jobs as a result of the global economic downturn.

“Our target participants are workers and heads of families who have been displaced, or whose incomes have been severely reduced by the present economic slowdown. And we won’t be charging them for these. We just intend to help provide them with some new means of earning a living to cope with the crisis,” SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga said.

Salonga said they will be holding a series of seminars to educate displaced workers and unemployed residents on how to start micro businesses of their own.

The seminars which are being organized by the SBMA in cooperation with Sipag at Tiyaga Foundation, Divine Mercy Apostolate, Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), and the 132nd Squadron of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), will be conducted for free.

The first training sessions, which were held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), were conducted by technical experts from the BPSU and lasted for three hours each.

The training focused on candle making, as well as the production of powder detergent, dishwashing liquid, and fabric softener. Among the more than 350 participants who joined the first seminar were residents of the Nagyantok fishing community in barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales.

The training was also attended by members of the SBMA Landfill Recyclers Association who were economically affected by the recent closure of the landfill in the Subic free port; indigenous people from Kanawan village in Morong and Pastolan village in Hermosa, both in Bataan; and members of the Pro-Poor Livelihood Project.

As was intended by the SBMA, the project was well received by the beneficiaries and community leaders in the Subic Bay area.

“Maganda itong proyekto ng SBMA dahil nahihikayat ang lahat na magsimula ng negosyo mula sa maliit na puhunan, gaya ng candle making na mabiling-mabili para pang-regalo o pang-dekorasyon. (This is a good project because everyone is encouraged to start a business using small capital like candle making which is very marketable as gift or for decoration),” said Laureano Artagame, chairman of Subic Municipal Federation of Aquatic Resource management committee (MFARC).

Luz Estandian, chairman of the SBMA Landfill Recyclers’ Association, lauded the SBMA for coming up with a scheme to help participants earn while staying at home.

“Napakaganda ng ideyang ito. Marami sa mga miyembro namin ang hindi naman puwedeng mag-apply ng trabaho sa factory. Dito, pwede kaming kumita kahit nasa bahay lang, (This is a good idea. Many of our members cannot apply for work in factories. Here, we can earn even at home)” she said.

Last month, the SBMA also facilitated the grant of full scholarships to some 1,000 displaced workers from the Subic free port through the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Labor to gov't: Time to boost social security (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/05/07/09/labor-govt-time-boost-social-security)

by Michelle Orosa, ABS-CBN News | 05/07/2009 11:08 PM



Stakeholders of the labor sector are calling on the government to strengthen labor laws and policies, particularly for social security, amid the raging global economic crisis.

During the National Conference on Phillipine Labor Law and Social Security amidst a Global Recession held Thursday at the Social Security System (SSS) headquarters in Quezon City, the International Labour Organization (ILO) stressed the importance of social protection especially for the unemployed--both in the formal and informal sectors---during the ongoing crisis.

The ILO noted the current social protection provided by both the government and the private sector is not enough, despite the mandate that social protection is a basic right of all citizens.

"When an external shock causes an initial fall in formal sector employment, majority of workers simply cannot afford to remain unemployed. Many have had to turn to the informal economy where jobs are often precarious and offer little social protection," said ILO representative Jesus Macasil in his presentation.

Social security basics

Macasil stressed that there are four "basic social security floors" that the government is mandated to fulfill for its people: health benefits, child benefits, unemployment insurance, and pension.

Of these, he pointed out, the Philippines has only fulfilled two: basic health benefits through Philhealth, and child benefits through conditional cash transfers. But the country still has no unemployment insurance, and pension still comes from contributions from the employees themselves.

Dr. Rene Ofreneo, director of the Center for Labor Justice, said the government may not be able to afford unemployment insurance at the moment, at least in the magnitude that is needed to protect thousands of workers in the country. But he noted that the government still has many avenues available to ensure, at the very least, health insurance for the unemployed.

"Like in Thailand, they were able to implement this system where people who pay at least 30 baht have health insurance of up to a certain amount. We should be able to do something like that for the meantime. No country is too poor to not afford some sort of social protection," he said.

Informal sector, too

But Ofreneo emphasized that the task of ensuring social security is not a task for the government alone.

"We can keep our existing contribution systems in place, the SSS, the GSIS, but the problem with these is that they are limited to the formal sector, or those employed and able to give contributions. We have to reach out to the informal sector because they too have a right to social security protection. We need a replacement income system in plane, especially now," he said.

Atty. Sonny Matula, SSS Commissioner for the Workers Group said the Philippine government and all sectors involved should take the crisis as an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a better labor environment. "The Philippines is in danger of getting left behind in crafting the social protection policies needed," he said.

Mirko Herberg of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung agreed.

"It is during times of crisis that governments should think out of the box, think of imaginative and creative solutions to protecting their people," he said.

RP posts adopting proactive measures vs A-H1N1 (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/160288/RP-posts-adopting-proactive-measures-vs-A-H1N1)
05/07/2009 | 04:52 PM

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine embassies and consulates abroad have adopted a proactive stance to protect Filipinos from the A-H1N1 (swine flu), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday.

"In places where the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed cases of A/H1N1, Philippine posts have issued advisories to Filipino communities to take precautionary actions. Posts have also set up hotlines for Filipinos who have concerns or questions on A/H1N1," the department said on its website (www.dfa.gov.ph).

In New York, the Philippine Consulate General disseminated the advisory by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene entitled, “Swine Influenza: What New Yorkers Need To Know" to the Filipino Community.

There are over 280,000 Filipinos living and working in New York.

As of May 6, the WHO said there are 403 laboratory confirmed human cases in the United States.

“Filipino-Americans are encouraged to constantly monitor the news about the incidence of swine flu within and outside their areas, and stay vigilant for any possible threats to their health," Consul General Cecilia Rebong said.

In Canada, Consul General in Toronto Alejandro Mosquera said the more than 330,000 Filipinos there are still safe from swine flu.

“So far, there is no report of any Filipino in this consular jurisdiction among the confirmed cases," he said. There are 165 human cases of the said flu in Canada.

In Barcelona, Spain, the Philippine Consulate there announced a hotline (628 472 866) which Filipinos could contact in case they have any information or questions on A/H1N1.

It also issued an advisory to the Filipino community. There are 57 confirmed cases of the A/H1N1 strain in Spain.

Philippine Ambassador to London Edgardo Espiritu personally appeared on Filipino cable television to emphasize the need for the Filipinos in the United Kingdom to take precautionary measures.

In Berne, Switzerland, the Philippine Embassy has scheduled a meeting with officials of Roche Pharmaceuticals to discuss the effectiveness of Tamiflu and Relenza in combating A/H1N1.

The two drugs are said to be the cure for the flu strain.

But Ambassador Maria Theresa Lazaro said there have been resistance fears raised about Tamiflu in Switzerland. The meeting was set for May 19.

In Hong Kong, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.’s (PLDT) SMART 1528 and Vodafone Smartone’s Barkadahan sa Smartone agreed to the Philippine Consulate’s request for them to issue regular SMS (text) broadcasts to remind the Filipino community to take precautionary measures.

There are three Filipinos quarantined at the Metropark Hotel in Wanchai, Hong Kong. They are in good condition and will be released Friday.

Consul General Claro Cristobal said HKSARG requested post to review the Filipino version of a pamphlet on A/H1N1.

“Post made revisions and submitted the enclosed pamphlet to the government," he said.

In Dili, Philippine authorities are coordinating with Filipino United Nations volunteer physicians who are detailed at the Guido Valadres National Hospital there.

“Should any suspected case be reported, particularly if a Filipino is involved, Post would immediately be informed," ad interim Charge d’Affaires Ariz Severino Convalecer said.

He added that the post’s warden system, which was established following the 2006 crisis, has been reactived.

The warden system consists of community leaders who are long-time residents of Timor-Leste and could assist the Embassy in the execution of its contingency plan for crisis situations.

The wardens were also tapped to disseminate advisories and other useful information to the Filipino community.

Also, the Embassy maintains close contact with the WHO, the UN Population Fund and the International Committee of the Red Cross which have offices in Dili.

In Shanghai, the Philippine Consulate General issued a swine flu advisory to the Filipinos there as well as in the provinces it covers.

“Post will closely monitor updates regarding the outbreak in order to issue warnings if necessary," Consul General Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez said. - GMANews.TV

16,000 jobs in Libya await OFWs – DoLE (http://mb.com.ph/node/199882)
By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO

At least 16,000 job vacancies await overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Libya this year as the African country embarks on a massive development project despite the global financial crisis, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) reported Friday.

Labor Attache Nasser Mustafa, of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tripoli, said OFWs in the construction, oil and gas, hotels and in the medical and other service sectors are needed in Libya.

In his report to DoLE, Mustafa said three Korean firms namely Daewoo, Hyundai and Al Nahr, are facilitating the employment prospects for OFWs in construction projects in Libya.

These firms are reportedly recruiting Filipino engineers, skilled construction workers and other professionals to work in the development of hotels, housing units, power plants and road and renovation projects.

Oil firms in Libya are also likely to hire qualified Filipino skilled oil and gas workers. The POLO based there is also exploring opportunities for the deployment of 4,000 nurses and medical workers in Tripoli and Benghazi Medical Centers.

“While jobs were lost in countries affected by the global financial crisis, the employment situation in Libya remains upbeat and highly favorable for OFWs,” Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said.

Roque said Libya, which is the largest country in North Africa, has embarked on a massive development project because of its huge oil revenues.

DPWH jobs fair generates 29,000 jobs for workers (http://mb.com.ph/node/199889)


Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane yesterday announced that the DPWH Jobs Fair has already provided 29,000 jobs to displaced and/or idle Filipino workers all over the country.

A first in the history of the DPWH, the job fair project was launched only in February this year with the full support of President Arroyo and in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the two associations of contractors of the country.

Secretary Ebdane said, “After only two months since we launched our jobs fair, we have already received more than 45,000 applicants in the various DPWH offices all over the country and out of these number, we have placed 29,000 in new jobs.”

“This is our modest contribution to battle global recession which has displaced many of our construction workers abroad,” Ebdane said.

The DPWH secretary added that, “I am very happy to be of help to our Filipino workers and I encourage more of our idle construction workers to apply in their nearest DPWH office in their areas. I assure you, those who will qualify will get good jobs.”

Of the 45,000 applicants, a high 63% have been hired. Currently, the bulk of hiring is in the Cordillera Autonomous Region and in Region 6, where mega projects of the DPWH are on-going.

Ebdane encourages more applicants in the Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan areas, saying “we are launching mega projects in these areas soon. We will need good workers.

Our workers are as essential as the projects themselves in providing a better way of life for our countrymen, especially those in the far flung areas of our archipelago.”

Ebdane added that among the new and immediate mega projects to be launched by the DPWH are the Palawan Roads and Bridges project, and the Butuan Roads and Bridges project that aims to connect Agusan del Norte with Agusan del Sur.

Meanwhile, a Pump Priming forum initiated by the DPWH was held in Nueva Viscaya in line with President Arroyo's job generation program.The DPWH conducted the Pump Priming meeting among the contractors in Cagayan Valley region.

Ebdane said that majority of the funds needed in the DPWH Pump Priming Projects were already released and should be immediately implemented not only to generate employment but to improve the country's needed infrastructure facilities.

DPWH Region II Director Eugenio Pipo said that 60 percent of the DPWH 2009 budget for infrastructure is allotted for the Pump Priming Projects.

During the meeting, the contractors were informed that the DPWH Regional and District Offices will accept applicants and will report to them according to the needs of the contractors for hiring.

The contractors were also advised that although they have their permanent employees, they must employ at least 50 percent of their non-skilled work force from the locality to support the program.

A total of 30 representatives from various contractors from the based on Cagayan Valley Region attended the meeting.

Libya needs 16,000 workers (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090509-204057/Libya-needs-16000-workers)
By Kristine L. Alave

MANILA, Philippines -- The North African country of Libya is in need of more than 16,000 migrant workers, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said Saturday.

Citing a report from Philippine labor officials in Tripoli, Roque said oil-rich Libya is experiencing a construction boom and has remained relatively unscathed by the global financial crisis that battered major Filipino workers’ destinations such as Dubai and Taiwan.

“The employment prospects in Libya and nearby nations are favorable for OFWs as they continue to be the preferred choice among foreign employers,” Roque said, noting that OFWs have become popular abroad because of their skills, industry, adaptability, and facility with the English language.

Job opportunities abound in the Libyan oil and gas sector, construction industry, and health sectors, he noted.

According to the labor chief, "Korean firms like Daewoo, Hyundai, and Al Nahr are currently recruiting thousands of OFWs for their development and construction projects in Libya."

Philippine labor officials are "constantly conducting meetings with these companies as well as with other firms in Libya in need of foreign workers to pave the way for the recruitment and deployment of OFWs with appropriate skills to this country," Roque said.

Aside from opportunities in the infrastructure and oil industries, Libya is also opening its tourism and medical sector to Filipinos.

Talks were underway to allow Filipino health workers to work in Libyan hospitals, Roque said. Labor officials in Tripoli have requested the Libyan health ministry to allow the recruitment of around 4,000 Filipino medical workers for the Tripoli and Benghazi Medical Centers and other hospitals and clinics in Libya, he noted.

According to the Labor chief, Libya is also developing its tourism sector and has been luring hotel developers in the country, which serves as the gateway between the Mediterranean and Africa.

The Philippine labor office in Tripoli also reported that there were opportunities for OFWs in the hotel, oil and gas, and technical services sectors of Libya's neighbors like Algeria, Chad, Malta, and Morocco.

30% drop in deployment of land-based OFWs (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090510-204225/30-drop-in-deployment-of-land-based-OFWs)
By Jerome Aning

MANILA, Philippines -- The deployment of newly hired land-based overseas Filipino workers fell by nearly 30 percent in 2008 compared to 2007, according to revised figures released by the Phililippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

The POEA data given to the media showed only 216,803 newly hired land-based workers were deployed in 2008 compared to 306,383 in 2007. The agency has yet to release its full report on OFW deployment for 2008.

Commenting on the figures, recruitment industry consultant Emmanuel Geslani said in a phone interview on Sunday that the data on the land-based new hires seemed "realistic and shows the actual situation of the industry which is suffering from reduced deployment in all markets."

In January, the POEA, through its mother-agency, the Department of Labor and Employment said 1,376,823 million OFWs were deployed in 2008 -- 27.8 percent higher compared to the 1,077,623 in 2007.

No breakdown of the figures was released by the POEA. The data on the new hires was the first details of the 2008 deployment figures to come out.

Geslani urged the POEA to come out with its complete report so that the recruitment industry could formulate marketing strategies as the country and the rest of the world suffer from the economic crisis.

The decrease in the deployment of new hires in 2008, according to the POEA figures, is reflected in regional figures for Asia (-53.3 percent), the Americas (-49.6 percent), Europe (-48.6 percent) and the Middle East (-18.6 percent).

The deployment to the Top 10 countries of 2008 that are markets for land-based newly-hired OFWs also shrank, with the exception of the United Arab Emirates, where 43,991 new OFWs were deployed, an increase of 0.5 percent.

Most of the countries were affected by the global economic crisis.

Saudi Arabia, the top destination, only had 76,148 new hires compared to 96,890 in 2007. Other markets in the Top 10 were Qatar, with 25,186 new hires (-13.3 percent); Taiwan, with 17,204 (-39.5 percent); Kuwait, with 10,107 (-38.7 percent); Hong Kong, with 8,333 (-62.6 percent), Canada, with 4,849 (-41.6 percent), Bahrain, with 2,882 (-30.9 percent), Italy with 2,288 (-56.4 percent) and Singapore with 2,276 (-38.2 percent).

Geslani said that if there were about 300,000 new hires (as stated by DOLE) and 216,000 of them were land based (as stated by the POEA) then the other 84,000 were sea-based.

"Usually we deploy a total of 250,000 land-based OFWs every year and 300,000 sea-based workers every year. And the usual ratio of rehires against new hires, is 55 percent versus 45 percent. But if the number of land-based new hires slumped, then so would the number of rehires. I think it's impossible to have 1.3 million total deployments if the markets of new hires actually declined and no new major market opened up in 2008," Geslani said.

He also recalled that the POEA admitted processing 19 percent less overseas employment contracts (OECs) in 2008 compared to 2007, without providing any breakdown of rehires and new hires and land-based and sea-based.

The lack of breakdown in the figures for January and February in 2009 also led Geslani to question the veracity of the POEA's data-gathering. He said the agency had yet to explain why it had a total deployment figure of 283,348 for the first two months of the year when only 196,967 contracts for land- and sea-based workers, including rehires, were processed.

Geslani said the recruitment industry "constantly" questioned the 2008 deployment figure of 1.37 million since it was first announced by the government last January. One recruiters' group, the Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc., has written the POEA to obtain a comprehensive report of the 2008 deployment situation.

"There's no basis to support such a 'bloated' figure as the entire world went through its worst financial crisis since the 1930s. The actual figure for new hire deployment indicates the real picture, not the rosy one that DOLE/POEA has been bragging of a 27 percent, which is now being used as an indicator of a growing economy of the country," he added.

Geslani is a former vice president PASEI and has been with the industry for three decades both as a practitioner and consultant.

The consultant said the higher deployment numbers could have risen from the fact that immigration counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where 95 percent of all out-bound OFWs pass through, only checked if workers had overseas employment contracts and not if the OECs were genuine or not.

The checking of the overseas employment contracts used to be the duty of the POEA Labor Assistance Center at NAIA but it was scrapped in April 2008, according to Geslani. Since, then he said, the POEA had no direct way of accurately validating and recording genuine POEA-processed OFW deployment.

"What agency was actually counting the workers exiting NAIA with OEC certificates? No one at the airport--the airline check-in personnel, airport terminal fee collectors or the immigration officers--can properly validate the genuineness and authenticity of POEA e-receipts (issued after for the OECs). So it is possible that documents presented to airport officials were not really processed by the POEA," he said.

Geslani said the rising cases of off-loading by the Bureau of Immigration due to "suspicious documents" of departing OFWs bolsters the recruitment industry's suspicion that many illegally recruited workers are leaving the country daily "by the thousands" using fake e-receipts.

"The implementation of the POEA advisory has opened the floodgates for illegal recruiters to use fake e-receipts which cannot be validated properly by airport authorities," he said.

Geslani called on the POEA not to depend on airlines and immigration counters in counting and tallying exiting OFWs. He said those using fake receipts would become undocumented OFWs who would have no access to protection by the POEA and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration abroad.

^^ This simply shows that the government agencies are following the orders of the president with regard to creating employment opportunities for the public. Surely, this will help the public with their choices on available jobs in the country. They might choose it instead of leaving their families for abroad.

Many of us think that by leaving the country and working abroad, we will be able to provide for our families. But we should also consider that the financial need is just one of the aspects we should provide for our families. Even if you have big salaries, but it would entail great danger to the future of your children because you were not them to rear them properly, you might as well consider working locally.

92 nurses, 188 caregivers hired under JPEPA (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090511-204322/92-nurses-188-caregivers-hired-under-JPEPA)
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez

MANILA, Philippines—They may have landed in Japan by this time, savoring the land’s chilly weather and beginning their journey towards a new life of challenge and greater opportunity.

They are the 92 nurses and 188 caregivers who left the country Sunday after being hired in various institutions under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

The stories about life and leaving tell of the same tales as that of thousands of Filipinos working abroad, but each departure always conveys a mixed feeling of joy, sadness and uncertainty.

Japan is not a bed of roses, this much Maria Theresa Urquico knows. She left, anyway, for the benefit of her three children, aged 7, 6, and two-and-a-half years old.

“I’ve read not-so-good stories about Japan, but this opportunity to work there under JPEPA is one that I cannot let pass. For now, this is the best that’s available,” said the 36-year-old nurse in an interview at a send-off ceremony in Quezon City two days before their flight.

Urquico and fellow nurse, Christine Guevarra, have been accepted as “candidate nurse” at the Kurokawa Hospital.

Like the rest of the health workers who were hired under the agreement, they will undergo six-months training to learn the native language before being deployed in their respective institutions.

The health workers would be classified as candidate nurses and caregivers until they pass the licensure examination that would elevate them to the status of being full-fledged nurses and caregivers.

The first licensure examination for nurses is scheduled on February 2010 and would be held every year. Candidate caregivers, meanwhile, need at least three-years of work experience before they can take the national certification examination.

Under their contract, the health workers are eligible to work in Japan for three years and may work there continuously if they pass the examination.

Labor Assistant Secretary Reydeluz Conferido said the candidate nurses and caregivers would receive between 150,000 and 180,000 yen per month.

The standard rate of nurses in Japan is between 350,000 yen to 420,000 yen, he said.

Urquico, who has worked in Saudi Arabia from 1997 to 2006, said she feels jitters taking the examination, but she said they have no choice but to pass the exams to be allowed to continue to stay there beyond three years.

“I hope they also have practical examinations, where they could really see how Filipino nurses work,” she said.

Jesse Rey Cruel, 25, is coming in to Japan as caregiver, although he is a registered nurse.

He said he lacked a few months to complete the requirement that nurses should have at least three years of work experience.

But Cruel sees better prospects in Japan.

He said he’d be assigned in a first-rate hospital in Japan, unlike in Qatar where he worked only in a secondary hospital. Technology is Japan “is a lot better,” he added.

And there is less discrimination, Cruel said.

“I want career development and bigger earning,” he said.

After three years, he said he will take the exam so he could raise his status to a nurse.

Serlun Kiat DaJose of Santiago, Isabela said she is feeling joy and sadness about leaving.

“Joy, because my dreams to support my family would be fulfilled, and sadness because I would be leaving two innocent children – grades 2 and 3 – but I know that God will take care of the rest,” she said as she delivered a response in behalf of the caregivers.

Addressing Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Makato Katsura, DaJose said, “We promise to do our best, work hard, and behave.”

“We hope you will take good care of us the way we take care of you,” she added.

Katsuda said that the hiring of the health workers under JPEPA has “raised to a higher level” the relationship between the Philippines and Japan.

He said the nurses and caregivers might face challenges “that are not easy” but that they should be able to rise above it.

Conferido said he is confident that nurses and caregivers would be able to adapt easily to the Japanese culture and would be able to hurdle the examinations.

”The key here is their grit, their determination, which all of them, I think, have,” he said.

What is the minimum wage in our country today? How do we derive the class elite, a, b, c, d, e in terms of family income? what would be the ranges?

hot issues that peoples need to bring on the presindential candidates that needed to be discuss in debate and how they are going to solve and deal about when they are president. Issues like population control when now the countrys' population has reach to almost 98million and is nearing to 100 million. Education, Corruption, Economic, Social and Political reform. The old banner tama na sobra na luma na is no longer applicable. We have been in two so called revolution but in reality nothing has really change. The citizens are poorer that what it used to be.

Pero masyadong anti-labor yung policy nila. Pati yung kalidad ng gawa nila hindi rin maganda.

The main components of manufacturing costs are labor and overhead. The only solution this country will have is to lower overhead costs particularly electricity by investing on power production and dismantling the crippling cartel of the power companies. The costs of doing business such as processing business permits should be simplified and business-friendly. Provide a conducive environment for investments by constructing and maintaining facilities that allow them to be more productive and efficient.

Higher productivity and efficiency means cost savings. Cost savings = income.

You're right. What we need first and foremost is to lower our power rates or the government should create policies that will encourage highly efficient alternative energy technologies especially solar, wind power etc. which are now capable of generating utility-scale grid quality electricity for industries.
There's even an American company manufacturing and exporting Solar Panels here in our country called Sunpower which makes it even better since there will be after installation technical support without having the need for expensive foreign consultants. With lower power rates foreign and even local investors might be encouraged to produce the basic raw materials that go into the production of consumer items i.e. steel, aluminum, composites, synthetic rubber, polymers etc. which are generally power hungry industries instead of purchasing them from nearby Asian countries thereby sparing our manufacturing industries from the added burden of shipping time, freight, importation costs etc.

Labor cost can also be offset or overcome with higher productivity by implementing best practices i.e. Six Sigma, JIT, TPM etc. :cheers:

The essence of fulfillment (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife3_may14_2009)

How would you like to live in a country where you have to schedule one month ahead to have dinner or coffee with a friend, where you couldn’t build your dream house without first being approved by the government’s architect, employees are charged up to 52-percent income tax, almost all stores closes at 6 p.m. and on Sundays and everything is expensive save for the bread and milk? Not the best place to live in right and not inviting at all! Ironically, The Netherlands, where I am currently residing, is the third happiest place to live in the world.

According to the latest survey conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development based in Paris, Northern European countries like Belgium (10th), Norway (9th), Switzerland (7th), Ireland (5th), Sweden (4th), Finland (2nd), Denmark (1st), along with countries like New Zealand (8th) and Canada (6th), are top places where residents find fulfillment in their every day life. The survey quantified the overall satisfaction of citizens 15 years old and above from 140 countries in terms of six different forms of positive or negative feelings within a day. Included are questions that relate to earning respect, feeling of accomplishment and productivity and enjoyment of every day activities on a scale of 1-100. The median was 62.4. The organization concluded that economic health, as these countries score higher Gross Domestic Product and less unemployment rate than the rest, plays a key role in the happiness of the people but that’s not all to it.

The Dutch hardly look like they are the most satisfied people nor are they happy folk. In fact, they are often typecast as a close, cold, and stingy race. They are perennially complaining about the weather, the government and its rules and taxes and how prices are so expensive. But generally, they, as well as other Europeans, live in a balanced work-life attitude. Work is treated not just as a moneymaking venture but with utmost respect and genuine concern for the growth of the company hence the high productivity of Dutch/European workers. It’s unlikely that you would find them answering messages or calls which are not work-related. In return, companies do their best to make sure workers are happy, giving as many benefits as they can afford.

The 40-hour work week is strictly dedicated to performing their jobs. The rest of the time is devoted to rest, having an early dinner, watching the 6 p.m. news, and retiring to reading or drinking a glass of wine afterwards. Weekends are devoted to gardening or attending family or friend’s affairs. Travel is part of the yearly itinerary, at least twice a year, in summer break and winter for the average citizens—more often for the moneyed. They don’t worry about getting sick because health insurance covers everything or being jobless, sick or invalid because the government gives enough subsidies. The environment and security are top priorities of the government, employing enough personnel to keep The Netherlands a safe and healthy country to live.

But is satisfaction measured by such a boring routine or well-structured system? Don’t we always need to have friends around, reachable anytime of the day? What about the liberty to build a pink or orange house, have access to the malls, cinemas, and coffee shops 24 hours a day or at least till bedtime?

Probably not but those were some of the things I had to learn to live without in order to survive the Dutch way of life. Coming from a very democratic country, it was quite depressing at first to have so many rules to live with and not having as many fun activities as I was used to. Coping with the system (rules included) taught me how to value more essential things in life rather than settling for most of the time senseless things that only offer temporary happiness.

In The Netherlands, schedules are strictly observed because people want to have their own privacy to do the things that they love to do alone or with loved ones, like spending a quiet night drinking wine and talking about how the day went, a sunny (rare thing) afternoon sipping tea or coffee in the garden, enough time to enrich the mind with books or the daily walk or jog in the park to keep body and mind fit. These are the things that Filipinos generally enjoy in the company of friends but as I’ve found out, more enjoyable doing alone or with the closest person in your life (husbands, wives or children) as it gives more opportunity for family bonding. The Dutch value their immediate family, giving as much time as they can because these are the people that will truly stick with them through thick and thin.

It’s hard to make friends with the Dutch as it is with the French, if you don’t talk their language, and with the English, if you don’t get their droll wit, because they don’t forge superficial friendships. It takes long years and lots of trust to have one true Dutch friend, but he or she is also the one who will protect you at your lowest point.

In terms of money, the Dutch are very frugal to the point of being stingy. And it’s not only practiced by the people but by the monarchy themselves. Having an apartment with the basic amenities, money to travel and buy the basic needs, and a car to ferry oneself or family to office or school is usually enough to be considered a comfortable living. They don’t aspire for luxury cars, branded clothes, shoes or bags, the latest gadgets or expensive pieces of jewelry (in fact, they seldom wear one) as a means of happiness. But they put very high regard on education, as many of them pursue a double master or doctoral degree while working. I’ve learned to prioritize what I actually need over what I desire and persevere to learn as much as I can about the culture and the language.

Rules are a big part of the society. Although they are liberal in most matters like with sex, soft drugs, and religion, rules make sure that everything is kept in moderation. I have been questioned many times about my age when buying cigarettes because 16 years old and below are strictly not allowed nicotine or alcohol. You can’t buy them anywhere unlike in the Philippines and smoking in restaurants is prohibited to protect the lungs of non-smokers. The rules on garbage, cars, houses, and buildings makes the Dutch landscape organized and avoid unnecessary chaos including congestion and pollution.

While they complain about the taxes, they diligently and honestly pay it nonetheless because as a country operating in a socialist system, they know that taxes benefit the country and themselves in the long run. They have strong opinions about other religions (like Islam and Purists) and immigrants flocking to the country but keep it among themselves so as not to offend anyone. Most of the Dutch have either one or two international organizations they regularly help like World Wide Fund, Amnesty International or Children’s of War as their way of giving back to their otherwise comfortable life.

In conclusion, living in a wealthy country really does its part in keeping someone satisfied but generally, respecting other people, living a productive life and following the rules, is the key to finding satisfaction, in a well to do society.

You're right. What we need first and foremost is to lower our power rates or the government should create policies that will encourage highly efficient alternative energy technologies especially solar, wind power etc. which are now capable of generating utility-scale grid quality electricity for industries.
There's even an American company manufacturing and exporting Solar Panels here in our country called Sunpower which makes it even better since there will be after installation technical support without having the need for expensive foreign consultants. With lower power rates foreign and even local investors might be encouraged to produce the basic raw materials that go into the production of consumer items i.e. steel, aluminum, composites, synthetic rubber, polymers etc. which are generally power hungry industries instead of purchasing them from nearby Asian countries thereby sparing our manufacturing industries from the added burden of shipping time, freight, importation costs etc.

Labor cost can also be offset or overcome with higher productivity by implementing best practices i.e. Six Sigma, JIT, TPM etc. :cheers:

Agree!!:cheers:

Manila Times

Saturday, May 16, 2009


LEARNING & INNOVATION
By Moje Ramos-Aquino, FPM

Filipinos here, Filipinos there, Filipinos all over the world

:cheers::):cheers:
Our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are not only propping up our economy; in particular, they keep afloat all airlines flying the Philippine skies. The Philippine Airlines plane from Manila to Hong Kong and the Cathay Pacific plane from Hong Kong to Manila were simply brimming with OFWs. There were just a few of us non-OFWs and foreigners on those flights.

In the Hong Kong-Johannesburg leg of my tour and the return trip, maybe a fourth of the passengers were OFWs, mostly seamen and mine workers.

You know you are travelling with OFWs when:

• They show pictures of their family to one another.

• Male OFWs talk about their spouse with longing (“I have to buy this face mask to follow my wife’s orders for me to take precautions against swine flu. I didn’t really wear it.”). The females talk mostly about their children, their parents, their friends. They talk about their dreams and aspirations for their children.

• They compare notes about their employers and circumstances of their employment, happy or sad.

• Going away, they bring a lot of local cooked food, even instant noodles.

• Coming home, they bring everything that they could put their hands and could afford—anything that would please the family they left behind and compensate for their absence. They could barely lug their hand-carry baggage filled mostly with toys and overstuffed dolls.

• At the NAIA pre-departure, nobody is in the mood for chitchat. The moment the plane takes off NAIA runway, there is a silent mantle of sadness (or even a feeling of doom) and you see a lot of eyes filling with tears. Nobody is talking now. They pretend to sleep or read the inflight duty free catalog. When they reach Hong Kong, they are businesslike. They plead their newfound acquaintances to meet on Sundays at the park.

• From the pre-departure area in Hong Kong and all throughout the flight, they are very animated and jubilant. Some are resting, with a smile on their face (maybe playing in their mind their anticipated reunion with their family, kin and friends).

• The moment the plane touches NAIA runway, there is an air of euphoria! Never mind the admonition of the purser to sit tight until the plane comes to a full stop; they jump from their seat and retrieve their baggage from the overhead bin. When the plane finally stops, they are all lined up in the aisle, ready to bolt out of the plane, touch the soil of their motherland and hug and kiss the faces of their loved ones.

• They rush out of the airplane, stop at the duty free counter for some last minute pasalubong walk fast to Immigration, wait restlessly at the baggage carousel, pass customs (some even give something to the customs personnel), and zoom to the waiting area where their family shout their names all at once while the OFWs review the faces at the other side of the road, recognize loved ones and shout with glee while waving hands vigorously. Lots of kissing and hugging and joyful tears.

• Some get out of the arrival area via the vehicle exit, cross the street to get a regular taxi. All along they walk in a bunch, people and cargo (in Tagalog, kuyog). Everybody happy.

Some of the OFWs I met are: Delia Tolentino, Brian Dionela, Noli Santos, Robert Espina, Larry Mendoza, Rely Mendoza, Mina Foronda, Elaine Oliver, Willie Bonaquit, Ana Marie A Martin, Dunder and Bernadette Velasco, Russelle Matitu and Jun, Isay and Joshua Regala. Thank you all!

Questions: While everybody is proclaiming our OFWs as modern day heroes, are we doing enough for them and the family they left behind? What assistance do we give them at the airport? They appreciate the rondalla. I have a thousand and one questions. I wish every OFW is a Manny Pacquiao who earns millions and who puts our country in the consciousness of the whole world. But in their own quiet toil, don’t all our OFWs do the same? We are known every day in the whole world because of them. The people they serve only have praises and gratitude for them (even HK mediaman Chip Tsao).

www.innovationcamp@yahoo.com, innovationcamp@yahoo.com :cheers::):)

Filipinos here, Filipinos there, Filipinos all over the world (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/may/16/yehey/business/20090516bus13.html)

Our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are not only propping up our economy; in particular, they keep afloat all airlines flying the Philippine skies. The Philippine Airlines plane from Manila to Hong Kong and the Cathay Pacific plane from Hong Kong to Manila were simply brimming with OFWs. There were just a few of us non-OFWs and foreigners on those flights.

In the Hong Kong-Johannesburg leg of my tour and the return trip, maybe a fourth of the passengers were OFWs, mostly seamen and mine workers.

You know you are travelling with OFWs when:

• They show pictures of their family to one another.

• Male OFWs talk about their spouse with longing (“I have to buy this face mask to follow my wife’s orders for me to take precautions against swine flu. I didn’t really wear it.”). The females talk mostly about their children, their parents, their friends. They talk about their dreams and aspirations for their children.

• They compare notes about their employers and circumstances of their employment, happy or sad.

• Going away, they bring a lot of local cooked food, even instant noodles.

• Coming home, they bring everything that they could put their hands and could afford—anything that would please the family they left behind and compensate for their absence. They could barely lug their hand-carry baggage filled mostly with toys and overstuffed dolls.

• At the NAIA pre-departure, nobody is in the mood for chitchat. The moment the plane takes off NAIA runway, there is a silent mantle of sadness (or even a feeling of doom) and you see a lot of eyes filling with tears. Nobody is talking now. They pretend to sleep or read the inflight duty free catalog. When they reach Hong Kong, they are businesslike. They plead their newfound acquaintances to meet on Sundays at the park.

• From the pre-departure area in Hong Kong and all throughout the flight, they are very animated and jubilant. Some are resting, with a smile on their face (maybe playing in their mind their anticipated reunion with their family, kin and friends).

• The moment the plane touches NAIA runway, there is an air of euphoria! Never mind the admonition of the purser to sit tight until the plane comes to a full stop; they jump from their seat and retrieve their baggage from the overhead bin. When the plane finally stops, they are all lined up in the aisle, ready to bolt out of the plane, touch the soil of their motherland and hug and kiss the faces of their loved ones.

• They rush out of the airplane, stop at the duty free counter for some last minute pasalubong walk fast to Immigration, wait restlessly at the baggage carousel, pass customs (some even give something to the customs personnel), and zoom to the waiting area where their family shout their names all at once while the OFWs review the faces at the other side of the road, recognize loved ones and shout with glee while waving hands vigorously. Lots of kissing and hugging and joyful tears.

• Some get out of the arrival area via the vehicle exit, cross the street to get a regular taxi. All along they walk in a bunch, people and cargo (in Tagalog, kuyog). Everybody happy.

Pinoy orchestra’s debut is hot-ticket event (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090515-205262/Pinoy-orchestras-debut-is-hot-ticket-event)

For the cultural and social cognoscenti or just plain music lovers among the Filipinos living in Southern California, all roads tomorrow evening, May 17, lead to the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, where the first Filipino symphony orchestra outside the Philippines makes it historic debut.

It promises to be an exciting gala night. Bob Shroder, the Cavite-born and -raised musical director and conductor of the Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra (Faso), told us that the orchestra has grown from the original plan of 40 to 45 to about 60 members. It will be an unprecedented moment—a theater stage in the US brimming with 58 Pinoy musicians, from talented teenagers to accomplished veterans, who will play Filipino classics, pop and Broadway gems, and classical music.

“I’m very, very excited,” enthused singer Joey Albert, who’s one of the guest performers (the others are Stephanie Reese and Pete Avendaño). She wrote via email, “I’m looking forward to finally be able to sing my hit songs with a full orchestra. But, I’m more excited for Bob, who’s a dear friend. This has been his longtime dream. Someone as dedicated to Filipino music like Bob deserves an opportunity like this.”

Bold decision

“Any philanthropic endeavor is always a bold decision,” Joey declared about Bob’s undertaking, especially in these tough economic times. “I applaud Roger and Cora Oriel for creating Faso. This most uplifting event will make every Filipino-American proud.”

The Oriels, who are outstanding leaders of the Fil-Am community, are the publishers of Asian Journal and Balikbayan, a glossy new magazine distributed in the US and the Philippines.

The singer told us, “I will be performing three OPM tunes and two English songs, including a most unconventional surprise number, originally arranged by Louie Ocampo for a string quartet. I’m looking forward to a most uplifting evening filled with pride in Filipino artistry and the oneness in art and soul of Fil-Am artists.”

Having worked with Bob before, Joey knows that the orchestra is in good hands. “Bob is one of the most dedicated and disciplined musicians I know,” she shared. “Both his music and life are inspiring. His quest for musical fulfillment is no different from his successful quest for his father. Both were guided by an invincible sense of determination and dedication. This is how Bob found his father, as well as his dream concert.”

“I pray that this does become a permanent institution,” Joey said of Faso. “We’ve all seen good orchestras come and go in the Philippines, shattered by economic, political and personal conflicts. I hope that everybody has finally learned that pride and ego do nothing but destroy good and beautiful things—and that, to make a good thing last, everybody has to truly come together and make sacrifices for the bigger cause. This is one Filipino artistic endeavor I pray will stay.”

Unity and pride

Tagumpay “Pi” de Leon, son of National Artist Felipe Padilla de Leon and Iluminada Mendoza, an accomplished pianist who plays the contrabass in Faso, is optimistic. “I’m very excited,” Pi said via email. “I feel that something good will come out of this, in terms of lifting the spirits of our people and, hopefully, instilling in them the feeling of unity and pride as Filipinos.”

Pi, who described himself as “an engineer by profession and a musician by avocation,” champions rondalla music in Southern California. He teaches rondalla courses at UC Riverside (he also taught the first ever Philippine string ensemble at UCLA). “I’ve never played in an orchestra,” he wrote. “I’m more of an aficionado as far as playing the bass is concerned. It’s gratifying to know that I can contribute in some way to a wonderful and successful concert.”

“Bob is really doing a good job, considering that he has to manage individuals with different levels of experience and ability,” Pi said of their orchestra leader. “Overall, I believe he has the right temperament and patience to lead it.”

Pi is confident that a bright future awaits Faso after it makes its hot-ticket gala night debut tomorrow evening at 6. He explained: “The ultimate goal of Faso is to establish itself as a legitimate institution that nurtures Filipino talents and promotes the beauty of our culture, particularly in music. I’m all for it. I believe that, as Filipinos, we should continually strive to make people aware of our heritage through the musical medium.”

^^ I don't do any of the above. :( Pag bumiyabiyahe ako, isang backpack lang parati bagahe ko. Kung mayroon mang malaking bagay akong dadalhin pinapa-courier ko na bago pa man ako lumipad. Hindi ako nagdadala ng maraming pasalubong. Bakit ko pa pahihirapan sarili ko eh lahat naman ng kakailanganin nila nabibili din sa 'Pinas? Hindi rin ako nagdadala ng maraming pera. Bakit pa eh ATM card ko dito sa China magagamit ko rin sa Binondo? Wala ding humahatid o sumusundo sa akin. Minsan nga ni hindi ko pinapa-alam sa bahay na uuwi ako. Basta bigla na lang akong darating sabay "Bulaga!"

I'm a failure as an OFW. :cry:

Health ruling blocks resident application
http://www.vancouversun.com/Health+ruling+blocks+resident+application/1610444/story.html

Caregiver and family denied status when daughter discovered to have chronic kidney failure
By Rebecca tebrake, VANCOUVER SUNMay 19, 2009 11:01
Hesanna Santiago has been working in Delta for the past four years on a work permit from the Philippines and recently had her permanent residency application for her and her family denied after her youngest daughter, Angelika, 12, was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure.Photograph by: Jenelle Schneider, Vancouver SunWhen Hesanna Santiago came to Canada in 2005 as a live-in caregiver, she left her four healthy children and husband in the Philippines knowing they’d have the chance to be reunited as permanent residents of Canada in three years.

Everything seemed to be on track, with Santiago finishing her two-year work term on time and submitting the immigration paperwork.

But Santiago’s hard work and sacrifice came under fire last September, when a required medical exam diagnosed her 12-year-old daughter with chronic kidney failure, disqualifying the family from permanent residency. Immigration officials told Santiago in a letter that her daughter may pose “excess demand” on the Canadian health care system.

Now Don Davies, the NDP MP for Vancouver-Kingsway, is championing Santiago’s case as a way to push for changes to Canada’s live-in caregiver program.

“To come here and spend five years of your life, away from your family, sacrificing, only to find out at that point that it is not going to happen is cruel, and there is no valid reason for it,” Davies said at a press conference Tuesday, referring to the length of time Santiago has been in Canada.

Davies wants the government to require family medical exams up front so potential nannies would know if their family was eligible for residency before leaving them for years at a time.

It would also ensure the family could not be denied residency if one member developed a medical condition while the caregiver was in Canada.

Before the required exam, Santiago had no reason to believe her daughter was unwell, said her lawyer Deanna Okun-Nachoff.

The live-in caregiver program is the only immigration track where Santiago’s situation is possible. Caregivers must commit to working 24 months before they and their families can apply for permanent residency. It is at this point that family members are required to have a medical exam.

In all other immigration classes, all members of a family have a medical exam up front and are accepted or denied as a unit. Davies called this inconsistency an unintended “cruel variation” that no parliamentarian should have a problem remedying.

Meanwhile, federal politicians are considering another caregiver-related recommendation put forward unanimously by members of the standing committee on citizenship and immigration.

The report, released May 6, recommends scrapping the second medical examination for caregivers, which disqualifies those who developed medical problems while in Canada from claiming permanent residency.

Davies, who is a member of the standing committee, hopes parliamentarians will be as receptive to further changes.

For now, Santiago’s only hope is a compassionate exemption granted by the minister of citizenship and immigration.

“Please, I am begging. Please, approve my permanent residence. It’s the only thing I want, to be reunited with my family,” said Santiago.

As she waits, Santiago continues to work two jobs to pay for her daughter’s medical bills which total $1,000 Cdn a month, a price the family couldn’t afford if Santiago had to leave Canada.

If she is allowed to stay, Santiago will join 8,237 other British Columbians who have earned residency through the live-in caregiver program since 2002, according to federal government statistics.

Filipino Muslims in Libya Establish Consultative Council Aiming at Bringing Filipinos Together (http://tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=1&i=3159)

The Filipino Muslim Consultative Council (FMCC) held its induction ceremony for its second set of officers on 17 April 2009 at the Al-Sharq Hall, Tripoli.

This occasion marked another important event in the history of Filipinos in this oil-rich and friendly country, the Great Socialist People's Arab Jamahiriyya (GSPLAJ).

Its first induction of officers was on 16 July 2006 by no less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines, H.E. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her state visit to Libya.

The affair was attended by the Ambassadors of some ASEAN countries in Libya, members of the diplomatic corps, businessmen, World Islamic Call Society (WICS) representatives, Libyan friends, other expatriates, and leaders of the Filipino community in Libya.

Hon. Nasser S. Mustafa, Philippine Labor Attaché was designated representative of the Philippine Ambassador to Libya, H.E. Alejandrino Agustin Vicente, who was then in Morocco to present his credentials as non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (AEP) to Morocco.

In his message read by Labatt Mustafa, the Ambassador said that "Mindanao is a land of peace-loving people - just like the rest of the Philippines - whose one desire is unity, harmony, peace and progress." He exhorted the officers and members to do their part in helping achieve these ends.

The event showcased the colorful, artistic and diversified culture of Muslims in Mindanao. The attendees were in a festive mood throughout the program, mostly during the cultural presentations. They enjoyed the Filipino delicacies as well.

The new set of officers are: Atty. Haznor L. Mangondaya (Chairman), Dr. Abdelmunir H. Sarail (Vice Chairman), Ustadj Abdul Aziz Ating (Secretary General), Hadja Aisah "Ricon" M. Ampuan (Treasurer) and Mr. Mohammad Tahir Jamail (Auditor).

The tribes' representatives are: Mr. Mohaimen B. Paniorotan, Mr. Abdulkader Dalama, Mr. Ali Diahing, Mr. Sahraman Abdullah, Mr. Numar Usman, Mr. Ammar Abdussalam, Mr. Abdulmubin Dalun and Ms. Maria Alethea R. Nabo.

The advisers are: Mr. Samalio D. Ayaon, Ms. Nadjefah A. Mangondaya, Mr. Hakim Jajimin, Ustadj Awal Ajanti, Mr. Ali Mariwa, Mr. Salongga Ombra and Mr. Mabussin Mariwa. The over-all adviser is Hon. Nasser S. Mustafa.

FMCC was organized by Labatt Mustafa, on instructions from the former Philippine Ambassador to Libya, H.E. Bayani V. Mangibin, who dreamed of putting Mindanao on the world map through a strong and honest Muslim Mindanao monitoring group who will assist in the development of Mindanao and will also help, in case the Libyan government will need support and assistance from the Mindanaoans who are residing in Libya.

The project was dubbed as Multi-Action Program (MAP) for Mindanao, under the slogan "Development through Mutual Consultation."

The council is composed of nine (9) Muslim Filipino tribes and the Balik Islam or new Filipino Muslims. There are thirteen (13) ethno-linguist Muslim tribes in Mindanao, but only nine (9) are represented here in Libya.

Its objectives are: to integrate and unify the Filipino Muslims in Libya regardless of tribal identity; to assist in fostering good relations between the citizens and the government of host country and of the Republic of the Philippines; to promote and foster better relations, mutual understanding, spirit of camaraderie and fellowship among Filipino Muslims and all Filipinos in Libya regardless of tribal identity and religious affiliation; to contribute to the growth and development of Mindanao and the Filipino Muslims residing in Libya; to provide instruments for the career advancement of the Filipino Muslims, especially the graduates of the universities and colleges in Libya; to provide training programs for the Filipino Muslims employed in Libya and their dependents; and to propagate Islamic teachings and Arabic language for Filipino Muslims in Libya and their dependents.

How to work here legally (http://www.balita.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=745%3Ahow-to-work-here-legally&catid=27%3Aimmigration&Itemid=44)

Filipinos have distinct advantages which allow them to work in other countries – namely, they are hardworking, educated, and have the ability to speak the English language very well. But we’re not just talking about being able to communicate well with others – most Filipinos of legal age are professionals with a college degree.

So it’s no wonder that many of the Filipinos who arrived in the United States on a tourist visa have been able to settle here permanently. By virtue of their college diploma, they have been able to find an employer, get their status changed from tourist to working visas and after a few years (some in just a few months) have become permanent residents on their way to becoming U.S. citizens.

Those who have been through this process know the drill well, so to speak. They may have been able to go from tourist to acquiring a working visa but they know it wasn’t easy, especially when there are lacking documents, or worse, if the prospective employer is not able to comply with all the requirements.

There are several working visas, but the most popular visa for tourists and for anyone who wants to work in the United States is the H-1B nonimmigrant visa. This type of visa allows most professionals or even skilled workers without a college degree to work here legally and stay here for at least three years and can be extended up to six years.

As defined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the H-1B is a “nonimmigrant classification used by an alien who will be employed temporarily in a specialty occupation or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability.”

We all know the definition of a fashion model. But what is a specialty occupation? As defined by the USCIS, a specialty occupation requires “theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge along with at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.” Notice the words “at least” which obviously means that you have to have a college diploma. But more important is the word “equivalent,” which like in the case of a fashion model, one may not always need a college degree. In the latter, you may need an immigration lawyer to find out if your experience is enough to qualify for H-1B.

Some professions that will qualify for an H-1B include those in the field of architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts.

Again, another advantage of Philippine education is that most four-year college courses earned in that country qualify as having an “equivalent U.S. college degree” when evaluated, unlike some other countries such as India, where three-year college courses are sometimes rejected for an H-1B visa.

Therefore, most Filipinos who have a college degree and enough experience can work here legally provided they find the right employer. It should be noted that it is not the employee who files for an H-1B visa, rather it is the employer, who will be required to submit the necessary documents to justify the hiring of an alien worker.

Oh, did I forget to mention that?

Under the law, employers must first find a qualified U.S. worker to fill up the position. However, there are several jobs that may require a special skill – like knowledge of a foreign language or in preparing an international cuisine – making it a specialty occupation.

Of course, there are also jobs that the U.S. labor pool cannot fill up, like the many technological and engineering positions in the Silicon Valley for example, where many Indians, Chinese and Filipinos work under an H-1B visa.

Professionals who work under an H-1B status may only work for the petitioning U.S. employer and must perform duties as stipulated in the I-29 “Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker” USCIS Form as violations may result in immediate deportation or penalties for the employer.

What’s good about an H-1B is that it also allows the employer to sponsor the H-1B worker to get a green card, which in some cases can take only a year, through an employment-based petition.

If you are here on a tourist or any other nonimmigrant visa and you want to work here legally, and someday even become a U.S. citizen, we can help you get an H-1B visa, especially now that the USCIS is still accepting applications. You only need a willing and qualified employer.

Encourage more on enterpreneurship. The more local investors plugged in the more local labor force to generate and reduce the tendency of ofw like me, it's a mistake...

How to work here legally (http://www.balita.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=745%3Ahow-to-work-here-legally&catid=27%3Aimmigration&Itemid=44)

Filipinos have distinct advantages which allow them to work in other countries – namely, they are hardworking, educated, and have the ability to speak the English language very well. But we’re not just talking about being able to communicate well with others – most Filipinos of legal age are professionals with a college degree.


Well there are a lot of foreigners in the US that are well educated too, especially from India, S. Korean, Western and Eastern Europe. The ability to speak English has absolutely no bearing in a person's chance to legally immigrate.

So it’s no wonder that many of the Filipinos who arrived in the United States on a tourist visa have been able to settle here permanently. By virtue of their college diploma,

Again college diplomas does not enable nor help a Filipino to settle in the US permanently.

they have been able to find an employer, get their status changed from tourist to working visas and after a few years (some in just a few months) have become permanent residents on their way to becoming U.S. citizens.

An adjustment of status is really a difficult endeavor. A filipino holding a tourist visa has very very very little chance for adjustment of status unless that person marries a US citizen. Even thru marriage, an adjustment of status takes at least 1-2 years. Now if one is holding a tourist visa, it is nearly imposssible to find an employer, as it would be a federal violation for an employer to knowingly hire someone with no verifyible proof of legal residence or status.



Those who have been through this process know the drill well, so to speak. They may have been able to go from tourist to acquiring a working visa but they know it wasn’t easy, especially when there are lacking documents, or worse, if the prospective employer is not able to comply with all the requirements.

That's entirely wishful thinking. As I said no employer will risk federal sanction by knowingly hire someone on a tourist visa. For them to hire, the prospective employee must posses a work permit at a minimum. Work permits however are NOT issued to tourist visa holders at all.


There are several working visas, but the most popular visa for tourists and for anyone who wants to work in the United States is the H-1B nonimmigrant visa. This type of visa allows most professionals or even skilled workers without a college degree to work here legally and stay here for at least three years and can be extended up to six years.

As defined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the H-1B is a “nonimmigrant classification used by an alien who will be employed temporarily in a specialty occupation or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability.”

We all know the definition of a fashion model. But what is a specialty occupation? As defined by the USCIS, a specialty occupation requires “theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge along with at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.” Notice the words “at least” which obviously means that you have to have a college diploma. But more important is the word “equivalent,” which like in the case of a fashion model, one may not always need a college degree. In the latter, you may need an immigration lawyer to find out if your experience is enough to qualify for H-1B.

Some professions that will qualify for an H-1B include those in the field of architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts.

Again, another advantage of Philippine education is that most four-year college courses earned in that country qualify as having an “equivalent U.S. college degree” when evaluated, unlike some other countries such as India, where three-year college courses are sometimes rejected for an H-1B visa.

Therefore, most Filipinos who have a college degree and enough experience can work here legally provided they find the right employer. It should be noted that it is not the employee who files for an H-1B visa, rather it is the employer, who will be required to submit the necessary documents to justify the hiring of an alien worker.

Oh, did I forget to mention that?

Under the law, employers must first find a qualified U.S. worker to fill up the position. However, there are several jobs that may require a special skill – like knowledge of a foreign language or in preparing an international cuisine – making it a specialty occupation.

Of course, there are also jobs that the U.S. labor pool cannot fill up, like the many technological and engineering positions in the Silicon Valley for example, where many Indians, Chinese and Filipinos work under an H-1B visa.

Professionals who work under an H-1B status may only work for the petitioning U.S. employer and must perform duties as stipulated in the I-29 “Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker” USCIS Form as violations may result in immediate deportation or penalties for the employer.

What’s good about an H-1B is that it also allows the employer to sponsor the H-1B worker to get a green card, which in some cases can take only a year, through an employment-based petition.

If you are here on a tourist or any other nonimmigrant visa and you want to work here legally, and someday even become a U.S. citizen, we can help you get an H-1B visa, especially now that the USCIS is still accepting applications. You only need a willing and qualified employer.


The only industry that Filipinos could really apply or make that work out is Nursing. Yet unfortunately due to the current state of the US economy, that door is pretty much closed as of now.

Have you ever wondered why you are here in the U.S. and not home in the Philippines?
Is it because of any economic or political or whatever personal reason?

I have been living here in America with my family for almost 5 years now.
I came here with my wife and my young son after graduating from medical
school for my residency training . We initially settled in an apartment which
was just a few blocks from where I will be training, NYU Hospital.
We had fun exploring Manhattan on foot. I myself walked to work everyday.
Unfortunately, the apartment was very expensive and we immediately ran out of money
in just 3 months after arriving from the Philippines. We found the area noisy
as well since every 15 minutes we will hear the ambulance or police sirens.
So even with the windows closed we still can't get any peace and quiet.
Later on to stretch my stipend we moved to quiet Astoria then to Woodside in Queens.
We would have stayed in Astoria but had problems with the lazy landlord.
We lived in a beautiful quiet garden apartment in a tree lined street in Woodside.
It was near church, the public library, the grocery store and the trains.
Since neither of us can cook and have grown tired of eating out or ordering the same
American food, our move to Woodside near all those Philippine stores and restos
was hailed as one of the best decisions we have made in our adult life.
And we lived within the vicinity of the Most Ethnically Diversed Area in the World.
We were introduced to a lot of different people, cuisines and cultures.
It was an adventure to try all the different food all the time.

to be continued...




:horse:

Now to cut the long story short...

I finally finished my residency training here in America and I am still here.
And bought in to the American dream:
I own a house with picket fence in the suburbs and had two more kids for a
total three kids and a dog...
But something is not right, it is not complete, I am not at home.

Last April 2, 2009, I had my Thyroid Surgery. It was one of the most frightening
thing I have every experienced in my entire life, second only to the birth of my children.
My wife couldn't pacify my anxiety prior to my very first surgery.
I was so afraid, I called my parents crying, I wanted my parents to come, but they simply couldn't.
I felt so alone because I have no family here. I was not at home.

This became more evident when I attended my grand aunt's funeral a month ago.
Family member from all over came to pay their last respects to a lady who touched all of our lives.
My grand aunt wished to go home when she died. Her remains were buried in the Philippines.
That was my wish, too. The only difference, I am not waiting until after I die.
My family is planning to go back to the Philippines. We want to live in the Philippines.
I want my children to grow up knowing their grandparents, going to the same schools as their cousins,
and knowing how to speak our language and learn our culture.
I want to go home to the Philippines.




:horse:

^^ I understand where you're coming from, Juan. Most Pinoys that have come over later in their lives (figuratively speaking of course, not that I'm implying you're already up there in age) do long and yearn to be back from whence they came from. It's only natural to miss the old days and old ways.

I hope you do get to fulfill and satisfy that feeling of "being home" soon.

Foreign worker enclaves mushroom in Singapore (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jBu5Bpn8yebrV_QKPxp_-EyfwT7g)

More than 20 percent of Singapore's 4.8 million residents are foreigners, many from less-developed Asian countries, and it shows. On weekends and holidays, malls teeming with foreign workers add an extra dimension to Singapore's claim of being a multi-racial state.

For foreign workers like P. Baskaran, the sprawling recreation centre set up by the Singapore Contractors' Association is a home away from home.

On his days off, the Indian air-conditioning technician visits the complex to play cricket, buy cheap groceries and share a few beers with friends.

"This centre is very good, it has everything I need," said Baskaran, flashing a toothy smile as he gestured in the direction of the four-hectare (10-acre) complex located in an industrial suburb.

With a supermarket, clinic, remittance services and a cinema, the centre was built for foreign workers who help power Singapore's labour-short economy.

The centre has become a second "Little India" to workers from South Asia in addition to their original enclave along Serangoon Road, a 90-minute bus ride away.

While more affluent expatriate families live in upmarket areas, workers like Baskaran are often housed in far-flung, cramped dormitories, and congregate in their thousands at favourite locations to relax on their days off.

Lucky Plaza, a run-down shopping mall along swank Orchard Road, is where Filipinos gather to eat fried pork, drink San Miguel beer and send money home.

"This is the centre of the Philippines in Singapore, this is the place where we all come to," Imelda Rico, 43, who been a maid in Singapore for 15 years, told AFP.

At Golden Mile Complex, on the other side of the shopping district, is Little Thailand where famous Thai singers perform on two television screens in a music shop next to the entrance, while the scent of lemongrass and spices fills the building.

"I like to come here," construction worker Prayun Kalangram said at a supermarket where he buys Thai delicacies and other products from home.

In yet another part of town, Aung Soe Paing offers solace to nostalgic compatriots at an eatery in Peninsula Plaza, Singapore's Little Myanmar.

Movie stills featuring the history of the country formerly known as Burma, as well as pictures of its famous actors, adorn the walls of the cosy restaurant managed by the former design student belonging to the Shan minority.

"Every group has their congregation area. Peninsula Plaza is our gathering area. We come for the local food, and to hang out," he said.

Singaporeans are a minority in the foreign enclaves, highlighting a social divide between guest workers and locals that experts say is unbreachable.

"We need foreign workers, but we don't want them to integrate into society," said Gavin Jones, a sociologist at the National University of Singapore who has worked on population and development issues in other Asian countries.

But the foreign crowd is a boon for Singaporean entrepreneurs, providing a number of niche markets that many business people are happy to exploit for a number of reasons.

"Thai people are very friendly, more friendly than Singaporeans, they don't bargain with you over a five-cent difference, not like locals," said Jimmy Phua, owner of a mobile phone shop at the Golden Mile Complex.

Las Tang, a Singaporean saleswoman at a fashion accessory shop in Lucky Plaza, agrees.

"The Filipino customers are better than the locals, they're all very friendly," she said.

Maids like Rico look forward to spending their one day off a week at the mall, which on Sundays looks more like a busy Manila shopping centre.

"This place reminds us of home," Rico said with a smile.

EU unveils Blue Card for skilled labor (http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/11014-eu-unveils-blue-card-for-skilled-labor.html)

With falling, if not fully negative, birth rates and faced with the United States’ own drive to obtain skilled workers and professionals, the European Union (EU) has established its “Blue Card” residence visa for the foreign workers it needs to remain competitive in a globalized post-industrial world.

This is seen by Manila as a boon for Filipino workers, of whom about 90,000 of the 900,000 in the EU are undocumented, although many of these illegal overstayers are skilled workers and professionals.

The Blue Card visa gives the qualified foreign workers legal work residence in all EU member-countries, and also permits them to transfer from one EU country to another without further documentation.

“The period of validity of the EU Blue Card will be between one and four years, with the possibility of renewal. A Blue Card may also be issued or renewed for smaller periods in order to cover the work contract, plus three months,” said the Council of EU in a press statement.

The Brussels-based Council of the European Union adopted the resolution establishing the Blue Card residence permit on May 25 this year, but it may need up to two years to become effective because each member-country will still have to merge it with its own laws.

Europe’s population growth has been on steady decline in the last two decades, resulting in the scarcity of highly qualified labor, so that in Germany retirees are being called back to work. A European Commision (EC) paper predicts the region will lose half of its work force in the next 50 years if the reduced birth rates continues.

Ambassador Alistair Macdonald, head of the Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines, said the EU Blue Card system will “have to be translated into national laws” by the EU member states within two years before it can be implemented.

But he said EU members such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark are not included in the countries that need to adopt the Blue Card system.

In a statement, the Council of the European Union said the Blue Card system establishes more attractive work conditions for foreign workers to take up highly qualified employment in the EU member states, seeing that it gives them a series of socioeconomic rights and favorable conditions for family reunification and movement across EU states.

Macdonald said the presence of Filipino workers has contributed a lot to the region’s economic development and “Europe is very thankful to the Filipino workers.”

He said the Council of the European Union has also adopted the Employers’ Sanctions Directive that provides criminal penalties to employers of illegal migrants and those who exploit victims of human trafficking.

Human trafficking has been a big headache in Europe, but they do not involve Filipinos. Macdonald said most of the victims of human trafficking in Europe come from Africa and China.

the Calderons need to be sent home, we Filipinos are becoming notorious for illegal immigration...let's get rid of this branding asap

they made a wrong decision coming to Japan using illegal means, now is the time for them to pay for it...it doesn't matter if they're Filipino or not, illegal aliens everywhere need to be dealt with accordingly...

Foreign worker enclaves mushroom in Singapore (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jBu5Bpn8yebrV_QKPxp_-EyfwT7g)



"We need foreign workers, but we don't want them to integrate into society," said Gavin Jones, a sociologist at the National University of Singapore who has worked on population and development issues in other Asian countries.





what a sad statement especially for the foreign workers who have been there long term. they're dispensible and at the same time exploited,
the least they deserve is to be accepted in society. :(

A Pinay in Timor Leste (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090417-199862/A-Pinay-in-Timor-Leste)

Timor Leste has been in the news lately because their First Lady, Jacqueline Aquino Siapno, is from the Philippines. Not only that, when she came to visit the Philippines with her 5-year-old son, Hadomi, she decided to just take a bus home to Dagupan City, and a tricycle from the bus station to Barangay Bonuan Gueset.


Very nice article:cheers:

Have you ever wondered why you are here in the U.S. and not home in the Philippines?
Is it because of any economic or political or whatever personal reason?



I like to tell a short story of my friend from San Juan, naglakas loob siyang pumunta sa America after we graduated from Pinas to go after his true love. (naks!), anyways, during his tour dito at ma-eexpire na, bigla na lang nabalitaan namin nasa Toronto siya and working for a tech company and after a few years, bigla na lang nasa Purdue U at kumukuha ng doctorate. Aba sikat ah, then after that, bigla na lang lumitaw sa California as head of an R&D dept. of a huge communication co.... aba, sobra na yan, our barkadas asked each other, "ano meron siya na wala tayo?"

(Dinaan namin sa inuman at kuwentuhang lasheng), "mga pare koh! *hik*, siya may utak at tiyaga, tayo, wala niyan.... toss uli mga pare ko!!!"

Then we had a get together in the Bay Area, and here's our barkada that seemed to us like he's way over our league telling us the entire event of his successful life.....in one drunken sentence.


"Mangiya pale ko, may ashawa nah siyah"..... *hik* :lol:

^^ Bitoy, sorry I didn't quite get what your story meant:dunno:

Was it about UNREQUITED LOVE turns to success and triumph in a foreign land ala Victor Hugo
or SPURNED LOVERS caused one to die and the other to live in abject despair ala Emily Bronte??? J/K

Thanks anyway.








:horse:

^^ I understand where you're coming from, Juan. Most Pinoys that have come over later in their lives (figuratively speaking of course, not that I'm implying you're already up there in age) do long and yearn to be back from whence they came from. It's only natural to miss the old days and old ways.

I hope you do get to fulfill and satisfy that feeling of "being home" soon.


Thanks Kimbro,

"I first came to visit the U.S. in 1990, I was 10 years old then.
Disneyland was a lot of fun but after 3 weeks I couldn't wait to go home.
I missed my bed, my dog, my friends and my cousins.
I couldn't imagine letting the whole summer end without spending it with them."


Kimbro, I do miss the good all days and sometimes the old ways, too.

America has been good to me and my family.
And for all the opportunities, I will be forever grateful.
America is like a father who taught me almost everything on how to become a man.
But the Philippines is like a mother who breastfed me when I was young
and held my hands when I was learning to walk.



Home is where the heart is. My heart rises and sets only in the Philippines.




:horse:

I like to tell a short story of my friend from San Juan, naglakas loob siyang pumunta sa America after we graduated from Pinas to go after his true love. (naks!), anyways, during his tour dito at ma-eexpire na, bigla na lang nabalitaan namin nasa Toronto siya and working for a tech company and after a few years, bigla na lang nasa Purdue U at kumukuha ng doctorate. Aba sikat ah, then after that, bigla na lang lumitaw sa California as head of an R&D dept. of a huge communication co.... aba, sobra na yan, our barkadas asked each other, "ano meron siya na wala tayo?"

(Dinaan namin sa inuman at kuwentuhang lasheng), "mga pare koh! *hik*, siya may utak at tiyaga, tayo, wala niyan.... toss uli mga pare ko!!!"

Then we had a get together in the Bay Area, and here's our barkada that seemed to us like he's way over our league telling us the entire event of his successful life.....in one drunken sentence.


"Mangiya pale ko, may ashawa nah siyah"..... *hik* :lol:

pre, tagay pa:D:D:D, hik, hindi koh maintindihan sinashabi moh! hik:D

Thanks Kimbro,

"I first came to visit the U.S. in 1990, I was 10 years old then.
Disneyland was a lot of fun but after 3 weeks I couldn't wait to go home.
I missed my bed, my dog, my friends and my cousins.
I couldn't imagine letting the whole summer end without spending it with them."


Kimbro, I do miss the good all days and sometimes the old ways, too.

America has been good to me and my family.
And for all the opportunities, I will be forever grateful.
America is like a father who taught me almost everything on how to become a man.
But the Philippines is like a mother who breastfed me when I was young
and held my hands when I was learning to walk.



Home is where the heart is. My heart rises and sets only in the Philippines.




:horse:

Don Juan hinihintay k na namin:D

^^ Bitoy, sorry I didn't quite get what your story meant:dunno:

Was it about UNREQUITED LOVE turns to success and triumph in a foreign land ala Victor Hugo
or SPURNED LOVERS caused one to die and the other to live in abject despair ala Emily Bronte??? J/K

Thanks anyway.








:horse:

pre, tagay pa:D:D:D, hik, hindi koh maintindihan sinashabi moh! hik:D


It's a short story of my friend who went after his childhood sweetheart and worked hard to improved himself to win her heart but after all his success in his career, napalpak and the girl married a kano na co-worker niya na nagtiyaga to win her.

Most of us thought that he is not pogi enough, dahil maganda yung girl talaga. Ayan naman ay pag nag-kukuwentuhan lasing lang naman about our friend. But he's ok, he married a Tsinita from the Bay Area and with 4 kids now.

Lesson of the story? --- Lamang pa rin talaga pag guwapo ang isang tao.!!! Hail, Hayden Kho!!! :lol:

@juan pilgrim....i just can't imagine how tormented you are. longing for dear pinas but professional career is here in the states. they always say is to follow your heart and and live in places you will find happiness.

however, its not an easy decision as you got a family to take care of. friends of mine went home after doing their residency training in the US then struggled for years to find professional success in pinas. they were given the runaround by philippine doctors/hospital administrators who are protecting their own turfs.

you are in a bind, but based on how you found success here in the US. I dont doubt you will triumph wherever you go :)

^^ there was that chinese first governor before, I forgot his name too, Obama had him on TV a couple of weeks ago. I believe the former governor who is of chinese descend is being considered as finance secretary or something....

And yes Jindal 's heritage is india, his parents were born and raised there, his wife is also of indian descend. Jindal is trying to make a name and he is a Republican. He sounds very good IMO.

You are referring to Gary Locke, the first Asian American to be elected governor in the continental US. Bobby Jindal is an up and coming Republican who's being considered as the party's candidate for President or Vice President in 2014. Below is an article on Gary Locke.

If there were ever anyone whose life was emblematic of the American Dream, it is Gary Locke. Born into poverty, the grandson of a Chinese immigrant, Locke was raised in public housing until his family saved enough money to buy a restaurant and eventually a market. A graduate of Yale University (Locke notes he was admitted by affirmative action), Locke rose through the political system to become elected in 1996 as the first Asian American governor in the continental United States. But his is a complicated tale that attests to both the benefits and burdens of being "first." What responsibility, if any, does a successful Asian American politician have to Asian Americans? As author Helen Zia says, "Asian Americans across the country look to him. It's a privilege to be the first, but with it is a lot of responsibility. He has to be good, and he can't screw up."

Exploring the tricky terrain where race and politics intersect, "The Governor" examines Locke's childhood, and his feelings about growing up and trying to fit in. A university student during the Vietnam War, Locke developed a strong feeling that society's wrongs should and could be changed through the law. After a stint working in the Washington state capital, he came to the realization that the people who made the laws were just ordinary citizens like him. "Why not him?" was the question he answered by running for the state legislature.

Locke's early days as a politician established his reputation as a hard-working "wonk" so involved with details, so conversant with numbers and facts, that he became the subject of an article entitled "The Man Who Mistook His Life for the Legislature." An extremely private person, one of his early challenges was to become comfortable with revealing himself and his deep feelings and beliefs to voters.

Someone who helped him do that was Mona Lee, a young TV reporter set up on a date with Locke who wasn't exactly keen on going out with a politician. After meeting him and realizing he was just a "normal, nice guy," she gave him a chance. The two later married and now have two children. Locke's joy and pride in his family comes across clearly in "The Governor."

Locke's initial gubernatorial campaign is profiled, in which, for the first time, he used his own life story to win over voters. The theme of an immigrant rising to success resonated with the electorate, who has chosen him for two terms as Governor of Washington, a state with only a 5% Asian population. His initial victory was a touchstone for Asian Americans not only in Washington State, but across the country, and signaled a broader acceptance of Asians as part of the changing face of the United States. Clips of President Bill Clinton recognizing Locke during his 1997 State of the Union address are included, as well as scenes of Locke preparing to speak to the nation in the Democratic response to President George W. Bush's 2003 State of the Union address.

During their first year in office, the Lockes traveled to China, an emotional trip where they were mobbed like celebrities, attracting more attention than Mel Gibson, who was shooting a movie there. Schoolchildren lined the road for miles as the Governor and his wife visited his family's ancestral village. "I sat in the room where my dad was born, where my grandfather was born, a shed almost, with no electricity and the whole experience was overwhelming," Locke quietly remembers. He wept as he left the village.

Coming to the end of his second term, Locke faces an uncertain future, having recently decided not to run for a third term. A Democrat, he has been accused of being too conservative, and he struggles to find national issues that will resonate with voters if he is to move forward to higher elected office. Many hope that he might run for President one day. The gravity of these conversations does not escape Gary Locke. "I'm aware of the expectations," he calmly says, "I know America—ethnic America—is watching."

Jobs, jobs, jobs
DEMAND AND SUPPLY By Boo Chanco Updated June 01, 2009 12:00 AM


ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – If the friends of David Magan from Moriones, Tondo, can see him now, they are bound to be impressed. Dressed in his white coat tuxedo, David barks a few orders, some in Tagalog, to the waiters in the casual dining restaurant at the top deck of the cruise chip Celebrity Century. The next moment, David is engaging a group of passengers with small talk. With over a decade on board international cruise ships, David now has the responsibility of seeing to it that some two thousand cruise ship passengers who choose to eat at the top deck restaurant, are happy with the service, three or more times a day.

David is just one of the almost 300 Pinoy crew members of this cruise ship from Celebrity lines. In fact, almost half the crew is Pinoy. There was a time when the only Pinoys on board cruise ships were found in the kitchen and security. This time, they are everywhere on board the ship. There must be at least three or four Pinoys on the front desk of the ship. Sheena Ybanez, the singer in one of the lounges is Pinay from Cebu. Even Arthur, our cabin attendant is Pinoy.

The other evening, a Pinay greeted us as we arrived to attend the dinner hosted by the ship’s hotel director… the equivalent of sitting to dinner at the Captain’s table that evening. Jonette Briones, the Captain’s Club hostess, was striking in her evening gown and her bubbly personality quickly got the evening’s guests (three other couples) at ease. Jonette said she met her Pinoy husband on board the ship too… and they are both working for the cruise line although not always on the same ship.

It has become such that Pinoy passengers have an advantage with all the kababayans around. After English, Tagalog is probably the next most useful language on board the ship. There are also a good number of Indonesian workers aboard and a sprinkling of Thais… so it is easy for a Pinoy passenger to make the mistake of talking to them in Tagalog.

I asked Daniel Stacy, a Briton who is the ship’s hotel director about the large number of Pinoys in his 800 person staff and he said it just so happened they were the best of the pick. He is happy with the Pinoys and this explains why they can now be found in almost all functions on board the ship. Even Marie, the photographer, is Pinay.

The secret of the Pinoy workers’ success? Their ability to work hard under pressure and still give a sincere smile certainly works to the Pinoy’s advantage. When I asked why there are so many of them at the front desk, one of the constantly harassed Pinoys working there commented that they seem to have the most patience to deal with a variety of concerns, complaints and what-have-you from guests from many cultures and countries. As David puts it, they are just focused on earning for their families back home… everything else, including ego concerns, are irrelevant.

Being on a cruise ship is fun only if you are a paying passenger. To the staff, it is grueling hard work. The feeding and caring of over two thousand guests is a lot of back breaking work. But then again, the 300 or so Pinoys on board this ship should also consider themselves lucky. The job pays better than what they could potentially earn back home. They are entitled to practically mandatory tips from guests. They get free board and lodging. They owe no government no taxes.

David, our Tondo boy who made good, said he started out working on inter-island vessels of William Lines operating from the North Harbor in Tondo. He said he is happy to be where he is. Another waiter we met, Alejandro Estrella, used to work at Anabelle’s on Morato Avenue and is familiar with the media personalities who used to frequent the place on Thursdays when the late Art Borjal and the late Aber Canlas were still around.

Now I understand the complaint I keep on hearing from restaurant owners and hotel managers back home about losing their trained staff to cruise ships. I guess, our local hospitality industry should just consider their staff training programs as part of their social responsibility program. If they train their people well enough, more Pinoys will be employed in better paying jobs abroad. Thanks to the past and present crop of Pinoys working on cruise ships, the Pinoy worker enjoys a good reputation.

Maybe, in fairness to the local restaurant and resort owners who train most of them, government should give an incentive allowance for every staff member they train and subsequently hired by cruise ships or other international businesses. Government should also gear up even more its own training programs. Recession or no recession, the need for Pinoy professionals and workers abroad appear to be strong.

And one thing I am sure of… our workers do us proud. They make us proud to be Pinoys!

Migration

On the whole, it seems the recession will make it more difficult for foreign workers to seek greener pastures. Even within the European Union, there is some controversy over decisions of some governments to keep labor restrictions on workers from new East European members of the EU. Germany, for instance, is reported to still have shortages of skilled labor in some areas but it has announced nevertheless that it is invoking a provision that allows it two more years before opening up its labor market to East European member countries. If they can do that to fellow EU members, you can imagine how they feel about workers from non-EU countries.

The economic downturn in countries like Ireland, for instance, is also making it difficult for it to continue with its liberal policy of attracting workers from other EU countries like Poland. Luckily, I am told that the Polish economy is doing better in some areas so that the legendary Polish plumbers in Ireland can now go home and expect to make a decent living.

Open migration of workers is as good a part of globalization as free trade in goods. But the global financial meltdown has caused a rise in protectionist tendencies from many governments, including those who should know better. Jobs simply became scarce and government leaders are under strong political pressure to keep the few they have for their own citizens.

Sometimes, it is no longer sufficient to have a good post graduate degree like an MBA from a good school. I met at least two classmates of my son from the Cambridge Judge Business School who are still job hunting over half a year after their course ended. One of them, an Indian who had lived in the US for a number of years, couldn’t get a job that paid what he was expecting back in India, media reports of reverse migration from western countries to emerging economies notwithstanding. Another one, an Asian American from San Francisco, is fast depleting his savings while job hunting.

Ironically, many companies want to hire people now in preparation for an expected recovery. As The Economist puts it, competitive companies should be adopting a “ramp up plan” and hiring new talent now to ensure they are firing on all cylinders when the economy rebounds. But head hunters say their clients are uncertain about the right timing to hire. They don’t want to be saddled with extra staff in case the recession turns out to be more prolonged than hoped for.

One solution reported by The Economist is the deferred start date. Some offer six months salary to new employees who agree to start work a year later. This reconciles the need of some firms to keep costs low for now with their need for new talent later.

So it is clear that for our kind of environment, three things are most important. First is jobs, second is jobs and third is jobs. If you have one, love it. If you don’t have one, prepare to wait a while longer to get one.

There must be a way Juan Pilgrim would still be able to practice his profession in the Philippines, especially now that there is a little bit of shortage there. I guess, just be wise and find the right contact. He just have to make sure that he can be licensed in the Philippines to practice medicine. There are still filipinos who return to the Philippines and was able to still lead a decent life, they might have been in the business sector but, you never know. What is the good thing with JP is that he is licensed in the US and if he is licensed in the Philippines as well, he can serve both countries in a way.


It's really hard when you still have alot of families living in the Philippines while you are pretty much all alone in the US with a few family here and there that are still living miles and miles away from the same area you are living in.

You are referring to Gary Locke, ."

Yes Sir! It was indeed Gary Locke.

Indonesian maids to outnumber Filipinos in Hong Kong
Business News
Jun 1, 2009, 3:56 GMT

Hong Kong - Filipino maids have for decades been a ubiquitous sight in Hong Kong. But they are about to be outnumbered by Indonesians for the first time, a news report said Monday.

The number of Indonesian maids in the wealthy former British colony rose 7 per cent last year to 125,567, compared to 126,075 Filipinos, the South China Morning Post said.
Quoting government figures, the newspaper pointed to a sharp trend for Hong Kong families to employ Indonesian rather than Filipino maids.

Indonesian maids will soon overtake Filipinos in overall numbers, the newspaper said, and it looks as if the current economic downturn will speed up the process.

The main reasons for Hong Kong families preferring Indonesian maids is that they speak better Cantonese and also that they are prepared to work for less than the legal minimum wage.

There is a government-set minimum wage of around 450 US dollars for foreign domestic helpers but Indonesians have a long-standing reputation of being prepared to work for less.

Agencies offer under-the-table deals to employers under which Indonesian maids will work for as little as a half of the legal minimum wage.

Apart from Indonesians and Filipinos, Hong Kong is home to 3,774 Thai domestic helpers and around 3,500 from other countries such as Sri Lanka, according to official figures for April 2009.



Read more: "Indonesian maids to outnumber Filipinos in Hong Kong - Monsters and Critics" - http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/business/news/article_1480589.php/Indonesian_maids_to_outnumber_Filipinos_in_Hong_Kong_#ixzz0H9yWxm3X&A

South Korea to hire 8,000 filipino workers until 2011 (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/june/01/yehey/top_stories/20090601top4.html)


South Korea, in a memorandum of understanding that iT signed with the Philippines on Sunday, guaranteed the hiring of 8,000 Filipinos to work in South Korea every year for the next three years.

And to build wind-powered facilities in the Philippines, two South Korean companies have made a $200-million investment pledge. Such facilities could lessen the Philippines’ dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen its fight against global warming.

Korea East West Power Co., Ltd. (EWP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Co. (Kepco), committed in principle to invest $50 million in Alternergy Philippine Holdings Corp.’s wind power projects in the Philippines.

Export Import Bank of Korea (Kexim) pledged to provide up to $150 million in loans to finance wind-power projects that EWP and Alternergy will undertake in the Philippines.

The pledges were contained in another memorandum of understanding on the construction of wind power plants in the Philippines signed by Kexim Chairman Kim Dong-soo, for the South Korean firm, and Trade Undersecretary Elmer Hernandez for the Philippine government.

President Gloria Arroyo, who is visiting South Korea, witnessed the signing, together with South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak.

The memorandum of understanding on employment permit system was signed by Philippine Labor Secretary Marianito Roque and South Korea’s Labor Minister Lee Young-Hee at the Blue House, the executive office and official residence of Lee.

Roque said that the memorandum reflects the high regard of the South Korean government for Filipino workers, adding that, originally, the contract tenure for workers only lasts for two years but was extended to three years.

He said that that under the memorandum, Filipinos will be hired in the manufacturing industry and other business sectors in South Korea.

During a dialogue with Filipinos in South Korea, President Arroyo asked them to pray for peaceful resolution of the tension in the Korean peninsula, saying the eruption of conflict could destabilize the region.

“I was asked by OFWs [overseas Filipino workers] if war would erupt. I told them to pray particularly now that the UN Security Council is discussing the issue to prevent any eruption of hostilities,” the President said in a speech before the Filipino community on Sunday.

“You pray for South Korea and also for the Philippines, your home country, our beloved Republic of the Philippines,” she added.

It was reported also on Sunday that North Korea fired a short-range missile off its east coast, in the latest in a series of similar launches after Pyongyang’s nuclear test this week, according to South Korean media.

Mrs. Arroyo and Lee had discussed steps that would strengthen the diplomatic relations between Manila and Seoul.

In his welcome address, the South Korean president cited the 60 years of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Philippines, saying the Philippines has a “special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Korea.”

“Following the end of the Second World War, out of all the members of Asean, the Philippines was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea,” he said. Asean, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, groups Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

“In 1950, when the Korean War erupted in the (Korean) peninsula, the Philippines dispatched 7,000 of its servicemen to fight alongside the Koreans, to fight against aggression and communism and for that the Philippines has a very special place in our hearts,” Lee added.

Mrs. Arroyo, who came to South Korea on a state visit in 2003 and attended the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting held in Busan, South Korea, in 2005, expressed happiness at visiting the country once again.

After their bilateral meeting, the two heads of government witnessed the signing of six agreements between their countries.

@juan pilgrim....i just can't imagine how
tormented you are. longing for dear pinas but professional career is here in
the states. they always say is to
follow your heart and and live in places you will find happiness.

however, its not an easy decision as you got a family to take care of. friends
of mine went home after doing their residency training in the US then
struggled for years to find professional success in pinas. they were given the
runaround by philippine doctors/hospital administrators who are protecting their own turfs.

you are in a bind, but based on how you found success here in the US.
I dont doubt you will triumph wherever you go :)

::Thanks for your input doc. (Regards to your family and everyone in WA)
Although I haven't encountered any of my friends who came back to the Philippines
after doing their residency training here in the U.S. I have heard of classmates
who were not too happy with their medical practice in the Philippines,
that they decided to take up nursing and work outside the Philippines instead.
In my case, I'm just probably burnt out, or undergoing early mid-life crisis,
I really don't know. All I know right now is that I have to make the right
decisions since I have a family to take care of.
Fortunately, I do not have to insist on being a doctor in order to provide for my family.

There must be a way Juan Pilgrim would still be
able to practice his profession in the Philippines, especially now that there is
a little bit of shortage there. I guess, just be wise and find the right contact.
He just have to make sure that he can be licensed in the Philippines to
practice medicine. There are still filipinos who return to the Philippines and
was able to still lead a decent life, they might have been in the business
sector but, you never know. What is the good thing with JP is that he is
licensed in the US and if he is licensed in the Philippines as well, he can serve
both countries in a way.


It's really hard when you still have alot of families living in the Philippines
while you are pretty much all alone in the US with a few family here and
there that are still living miles and miles away from the same area you are
living in.

mwg12a,This is exactly what's going on. We pretty much feel all alone here in the U.S.
We do not have our families near us. We hear about them getting together
for someone's special occasion and doing this and that, and I feel left out.
No matter how frequently one visits the Philippines you always miss out on something.
Time doesn't pause while you are away from them. Time you will never regain.
People live their lives, grow old and pass away while you are living your own so called life!




:horse:

South Korea to hire 8,000 filipino workers until 2011 (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/june/01/yehey/top_stories/20090601top4.html)

During a dialogue with Filipinos in South Korea, President Arroyo asked them to pray for peaceful resolution of the tension in the Korean peninsula, saying the eruption of conflict could destabilize the region.

“I was asked by OFWs [overseas Filipino workers] if war would erupt. I told them to pray particularly now that the UN Security Council is discussing the issue to prevent any eruption of hostilities,” the President said in a speech before the Filipino community on Sunday.

“You pray for South Korea and also for the Philippines, your home country, our beloved Republic of the Philippines,” she added.


In his welcome address, the South Korean president cited the 60 years of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Philippines, saying the Philippines has a “special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Korea.”

“Following the end of the Second World War, out of all the members of Asean, the Philippines was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea,” he said. Asean, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, groups Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

“In 1950, when the Korean War erupted in the (Korean) peninsula, the Philippines dispatched 7,000 of its servicemen to fight alongside the Koreans, to fight against aggression and communism and for that the Philippines has a very special place in our hearts,” Lee added.
Mrs. Arroyo, who came to South Korea on a state visit in 2003 and attended the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting held in Busan, South Korea, in 2005, expressed happiness at visiting the country once again.

After their bilateral meeting, the two heads of government witnessed the signing of six agreements between their countries.

The Koreans put this emphasis about the Philippines...we should be grateful indeed. They continue to be the biggest and the largest source of foreign tourists to date. :)

mwg12a,This is exactly what's going on. We pretty much feel all alone here in the U.S.
We do not have our families near us. We hear about them getting together
for someone's special occasion and doing this and that, and I feel left out.
No matter how frequently one visits the Philippines you always miss out on something.
Time doesn't pause while you are away from them. Time you will never regain.
People live their lives, grow old and pass away while you are living your own so called life!


kami din dito parang nagiisa lang... tapos long island pa ito, di tulad sa California na maraming pilipino... may mga pilipino nga dito pero di mo naman ka close...

^^ Families and Friends are just a click or dial away. :D

Buti nga ngayon meron na YM or Skype or Video messaging to get in touch with your friends and relatives. Ganoon naman talaga pag bago ka lang dito sa America. Hahanapin mo yung wala dito, pero you need to worry about yourselves first, friends and relatives come second.

Kalimutan muna yang emotional longing for your motherland, pag gising mo nandiyan at ganoon pa rin ang Pinas.

^^ Families and Friends are just a click or dial away. :D

Buti nga ngayon meron na YM or Skype or Video messaging to get in touch with your friends and relatives. Ganoon naman talaga pag bago ka lang dito sa America. Hahanapin mo yung wala dito, pero you need to worry about yourselves first, friends and relatives come second.

Kalimutan muna yang emotional longing for your motherland, pag gising mo nandiyan at ganoon pa rin ang Pinas.

hindi yata ako sang-ayon dyan:D

sa bawat pag-gising natin, bagong Pilipinas din ang nasisikatan ng araw:)

may nalalagas na dahon sa mga puno at may mga bagong sibol din namang mga dahon sa bawat sanga nito.

^^ walang problema, wag na lang magising....







sa katotohanan :lol:

^^ Families and Friends are just a click or dial away. :D

Buti nga ngayon meron na YM or Skype or Video messaging to get in touch with your friends and relatives. Ganoon naman talaga pag bago ka lang dito sa America. Hahanapin mo yung wala dito, pero you need to worry about yourselves first, friends and relatives come second.

Kalimutan muna yang emotional longing for your motherland, pag gising mo nandiyan at ganoon pa rin ang Pinas.

Yeah, but there are those who don't feel that is enough, it only means one thing. Their heart is not really in whereever they are in right now. JP has his wife and kids with him so you would think he would feel at home already considering he is not really NEW NEW in this country, over 2 years should be more than enough to overcome somesickness. There is nothing wrong with what he feels, it really goes beyond just survival. Maybe his heart is really in the Philippines. He is a doctor, he has all these means to still be able to lead a decent life for his family had he dedided to move back. There is nothing wrong with that, surely, there is no shame in doing that.

I just don't know how JP can set his practice up in both countries at the same time, when he is planning on staying in the Philippines more than the US. Surely he wouldn't want to lose his greencard should his mind changed again. I'm guessing his kids are US citizens as well. Maybe JP can have rental properties and his resident in the US. Practice his profession in the Philippines and then he can always attend seminars and keep his license in the US up-to-date.

:



Time doesn't pause while you are away from them. Time you will never regain.
People live their lives, grow old and pass away while you are living your own so called life!




:horse:

So true JP. follow where your heart is. money doesn't always equate to happiness. I say if you have enough means to live comfortably in the place where you're truly happy then go for it.
and don't forget all the other asian countries you can visit. I just love that part of that world.

^^^ Yep, life is how you make it. If you got the means and resources, do it.... Where ever one decides to go one will survive. I'm sure JP won't be begging in the street of Manila, Heck, i'm sure in provinces just outside Manila, they would take him and he would have a decent life for him and his family.

I have read in an article about Asian professionals who return to their homeland after their stint in the US citing homesickness, alienation from culture and society as reasons. Wanting to educate and introduce their kids to their homeland's traditions was also important for them.

Yeah, but there are those who don't feel that is enough, it only means one thing. Their heart is not really in whereever they are in right now. JP has his wife and kids with him so you would think he would feel at home already considering he is not really NEW NEW in this country, over 2 years should be more than enough to overcome somesickness. There is nothing wrong with what he feels, it really goes beyond just survival. Maybe his heart is really in the Philippines. He is a doctor, he has all these means to still be able to lead a decent life for his family had he dedided to move back. There is nothing wrong with that, surely, there is no shame in doing that.

I just don't know how JP can set his practice up in both countries at the same time, when he is planning on staying in the Philippines more than the US. Surely he wouldn't want to lose his greencard should his mind changed again. I'm guessing his kids are US citizens as well. Maybe JP can have rental properties and his resident in the US. Practice his profession in the Philippines and then he can always attend seminars and keep his license in the US up-to-date.

I know how he feels, ganoon halos lahat ng nag-aabroad, but priorities are set first, we might have different priorities in life but as common as it is, your own family comes first. Ok lang yan pag binata or dalaga pa. But everyone just need to settle down(in) then the spare time for a vacation is just a plane ticket away. ( and money.... importante ito) :D

So true JP. follow where your heart is. money doesn't always equate to happiness. I say if you have enough means to live comfortably in the place where you're truly happy then go for it.
and don't forget all the other asian countries you can visit. I just love that part of that world.

Sabi nga nila, "Have money will travel" , kaya yung istorya ko tungkol sa barkada namin about following his heart, Kaso napalpak, but later on, he had his own family.

It is important for me to let my child learn more of the Philippine culture. He would go through stages anyways, especially here in midwest that non-white are really a minority. Like I've mentioned before, this area is the 4th whitest american city. They have been nice and welcoming though so I have no problem living in this community. But I know, there are a few cases where pinoy american kids were going through "identity crisis" one college kid whose parents are close to us even made a bold move, he moved to Portland where there are alot of living pinoys in that university. Now, he has no plans on returning and might move to Cali after graduating. I think he started feeling the sense of belongingness where he is not the only pinoy american in the community. I wouldn't be surprised if that kid would make a bold move to even try the life in the Philippines as he has been traveling to the Philippines with his pinoy american friends just to go to boracay and such.

I know how he feels, ganoon halos lahat ng nag-aabroad, but priorities are set first, we might have different priorities in life but as common as it is, your own family comes first. Ok lang yan pag binata or dalaga pa. But everyone just need to settle down(in) then the spare time for a vacation is just a plane ticket away. ( and money.... importante ito) :D
.

I think his wife shares the same feelings as to JP. Their kids are still little so they surely wont go through that same stage their parents has.

Money matters is important ofcourse, but you've got to consider that he is in a profession where he has an gauge and an edge. There are some albeit few filipinos who did return to the Philippines and set up their businesses so they did make it there somehow... I'm sure being a Physician JP can gather enough fund to make sure he can set things up in the Philippines the way he wanted it to be, he can set up his own clinic as well or with his medical experiences, I don't see why he can't join any prestigeous hospitals in the Philippines and his wife can start a business as well.

^^ That's what my classmate did after his residency in Chicago. Pabalik balik siya sa Pinas and married a Pinay nurse from Baguio, but he's a US citizen and I don't know how he was able to work in Metropolitan Hosp. in Manila, but they are back here in the US for quite sometime now.

As with the case of my parents, both sides have most of their immediate families already here in the US. So, for them, family-wise, there's nothing left back home to return to. Just like what Juan P. reiterated a while back, he and his wife doesn't have much family here, and that's part of the draw that makes him want to return to the Philippines, and we can't blame him for satisfying that aspect that he feels is lacking about his life here in the US. That does not, in any means, that he can't hack it out here, as we all can see that he did pretty remarkably well with what he has carved out of his version of the proverbial "American Dream." Sometimes, family is all that matters in this world, and he's making sure that his comes first and foremost.

^^^^ there are those who still doesn't have many families in the US or perhaps have families in other countries as well but just happen to get used to the life in the US so they rather just stay. I myself is okay if I went to the Philippines and start a new life there again, it's just a whole new adjustment almost every aspect in life, but I guess I have nothing there either, I do have distant relatives for sure or other relatives that I really don't know too well so I guess i'm completely settled in where I am at right now. It's just a matter of following where your heart and mind is. There is no right or wrong for it when it comes to you and your family's happiness.

^^Thanks guys for all your input that really comfort me as I try to resolve this on going drama in my life.

I am just glad I have a very supportive wife, who gives me the time and space I need
as I indulged myself in this outrageous and idle sentimentality.

I promise not to make any hasty decisions.

I am not about to do an INVICTUS by William Ernest Henley.
(I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. etc. etc..)


Peace!
:horse:

^^JP, just follow what you feel. Even you are doing good here and feel empty inside or something is missing even you have a family with 3 kids, will stress you out not in a long run. It is summer break in the U.S.. If the hospital give you a 2 to 3 weeks vacation, might as will go home with your family sa Pinas and set yourself where you want to settle and practice.

I have cousins, brothers also doctors, UP schooled. The oldest EENT had his residency here and practiced in Chicago. He like it here and wanted to be far relatives. His youngest brother was a college exchange student here for almost a year and was never satisfied here. Upon his MD board license in the Philippines he was asked if he like to have a residency and specialized in the U.S. He said no. The parents did not push the son to follow his oldest brother. SO you see, brothers brought up the same way did not have similar reasons or outlook of life. Both have families. Their father was an MD and the mother was an RN.

Please do not forget the kids to have an American passports. Wala problems sa dual citizen kasi ang parents ay Philippines born. That is what my other cousins who are both doctors here before they came back for good sa Cebu. They kids are now grown up and had no hustle for coming and going sa U.S.

One of the drawbacks now of being separated when one comes here in America is the long wait for other relatives to be petitioned.
During the 70s until 80s, even a fifth preference would not have to wait for a long time since there are not a lot of backlogs in US immigration processing at the US embassy in Manila.
With the sudden change of political climate and economic downturn of the Philippines, most Filipinos would like to get out of the country to find a better life.
Lucky are those well to do families in the Philippines, they seemed not to be affected of the sufferings of others.

PEZA investments up 18.19% to P9.7 billion in May (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=474171&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio

MANILA, Philippines – Investments in export processing zones went up by 18.19 percent to P9.75 billion in May from P8.25 billion in March, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reported yesterday.

On the other hand, employments created inside the country’s ecozones jumped by 119 percent to 6.351 million in May from a year ago level.

“Just as we were thinking of downscaling our targets, the performance for the month of May gave us a good reason to put on hold such adjustment,” PEZA Director General Lilia de Lima said.

“Because for the first time this year in May, on a month on month basis, all our indicators registered positive growth except projected exports compared to May 2008,” she explained.

Earlier, after recording a 52- percent drop in investments for the first three months of the year, the government announced that the second quarter investments would be better as a South Korean firm finalizes its plan to invest in the country’s renewable energy industry.

“Things started picking up,” Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila said.

According to Favila, the signs are very encouraging. In fact, he said exports are starting to pick up. “Exports have bottomed out,” Favila said.

He said food and furniture exporters have started recovering the lost orders they have incurred when the global demand started slowing down.

Most importantly, Favila noted that the electronics industry is gaining ground again. “This is good news because this is our number one export,” Favila explained.

Kingdom confirms first swine flu case
Mohammed Rasooldeen & Muhammad Humaidan | Arab News

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=123237&d=4&m=6&y=2009

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced yesterday its first case of swine flu after a Filipino nurse living in the Kingdom tested positive for the disease.

Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said the nurse didn’t show any symptoms of the H1N1 virus when she arrived in Riyadh last Friday from the Philippines. She developed symptoms three days later and was tested as part of a routine check at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, where she works. A second test confirmed the virus yesterday morning.

The minister said the nurse had been quarantined and was getting medical attention. He said the authorities were investigating all those who had been in contact with the woman during the past three days. Al-Rabeeah said the detection of the case came within the ambit of efforts being made by the Health Ministry to monitor developments concerning the virus. According to sources at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, the nurse lives in the Kingdom with her husband and three children. Her family members will be under observation for the next 72 hours, the sources added.

The Ministry of Health has set up hot lines for reporting H1N1 cases: 01-4875511, extensions 333, 391 and 392. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on working days.

A Health Department source at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah said health authorities were monitoring passengers for possible swine flu. Any passenger showing high temperature on the thermal camera is subjected to thorough medical checkup. Special attention is paid to passengers coming from Mexico, the United States, Canada, Japan, France, Germany and Australia, the source said.

Among the first such cases in the region, 18 US soldiers were diagnosed with the H1N1 virus in Kuwait on May 24. Last week, Lebanon and the UAE also confirmed cases of swine flu and, on Tuesday, Egypt announced its first case in a 12-year-old American girl of Egyptian origin.

OFWs are commonly tagged as the 'bagong bayani.'

Their heroism toils to lubricate the engine of our economy through remittances they continuously contribute to the Government's purse.

In line of this, the Government is consistent in its efforts to protect the plight of OFWs through the President's involvement in bilateral conclusions with other foreign state leaders.

For Filipinos detained abroad or being charged of different raps, the agency of the Government specifically DFA is in continuous dialogue through diplomatic channels to acquire possible liberty of the accused.

Factually, OFWs are indeed heroes of the present era, for such the Government is steadfast in its resolve to guarantee their welfare.

Filipino nurse recovering; no new case found
Mohammed Rasooldeen | Arab News
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=123286&d=6&m=6&y=2009

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has requested passengers who flew with the Filipino nurse infected with H1N1 virus to contact its hot lines to ensure they are not carrying the virus.

Announcing that it has not registered any new swine flu case following the discovery of the infected woman — a nurse at Riyadh’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center — the Ministry of Health appealed yesterday to passengers who have not responded to its telephone calls to contact its Primary Health Care Center by telephone on 01 4875511-01 Ext No. 333, 391 and 392. These lines will be open from 8 a.m. till 11 p.m. on all working days.

A senior official at the Ministry of Health said that only 90 passengers of Gulf Air flight 163 that came to Riyadh from Bahrain on May 29 have responded to the ministry's telephone calls. “A total of 82 passengers are currently getting preventive treatment from hospitals and clinics throughout the Kingdom, while eight passengers are yet to come,” he said. He also added that the passengers who have been in contact with the ministry were proven not to carry the disease. The official added that the ministry has given the passengers necessary preventive doses against the disease.

He explained that thermal cameras at the airport detect cases of swine flu when those affected have fevers. The official requested that any person who has fever after returning from a country where there has been cases of swine flu should volunteer for testing.

The official pointed out that the incubation period for passengers on board the Gulf Air flight ended yesterday. “Therefore, they do not become a possible source of transmitting the disease,” he said. Chief of the Department of Infectious Diseases at KFSHRC Abdullah Al-Hokail told Arab News that clinical examinations showed yesterday that the infected nurse had recovered. He, however, added that the authorities would keep her under observation for some more time. “The others, including her own family members who were kept under observation, have not shown any signs of the virus so far," he said, adding that they will be released shortly as soon as clinical reports are completed.

Filipino volunteers clean up Batha area
Rodolfo C. Estimo Jr | Arab News
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=123289&d=6&m=6&y=2009&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

http://www.arabnews.com/2009/06/batha6_.jpg


COMMUNITY SERVICE: Ambassador Villamor with the volunteers in yellow T-shirts. (AN photo by Francis Salud)

RIYADH: A large number of Filipino volunteers took part in a campaign yesterday to clean up Batha area of Riyadh frequented by members of the community. The drive, “Keep Batha Clean” saw over 1,500 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Riyadh and Jeddah turning up for the four-hour event that kicked off at 6 a.m.

Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor and Labor Attache Rustico de la Fuente led the volunteers in cleaning up the area.

“This campaign is unique for the Filipino community,” Villamor told Arab News. “It’s their first as far as Batha is concerned. In fact, Batha is one of the areas most frequented by Filipinos on weekends. For this reason alone, it’s proper that Filipinos undertake this campaign. A clean environment contributes to good health, which will help them perform their respective jobs efficiently.”

Volunteers scoured various areas littered with debris, which they scooped up with their cleaning equipment.

The campaign was sponsored by Western Union, the Philippine Embassy, POLO-OWWA in Riyadh, Cooperative Office for Call and Guidance and Pinoy Supermarket.

The area stretches from Manila Plaza to Pinoy Supermarket and between the Sony Building and Ghuraibi Street.

“I hope such campaigns will continue and gain adherents, not only from Filipinos but other nationals as well, because it coincides with the policy of the Kingdom to keep the environment clean,” Villamor said. “Cleaning up Batha is also one way of showing our gratitude to the Kingdom for the privilege we enjoy of working and staying here.” Rodelon Del Mundo of the Western Union expressed joy at the campaign’s success.

Omar Mohammad Al-Malki, owner of Pinoy Supermarket, said he loved the campaign. “I want Batha to be like Makati, Metro Manila's financial district. I have been there a number of times and we have an office there which buys the goods that we sell in Pinoy Supermarket,” he added.

^^ it's good that the filipina nurse with H1N1 virus is recovering and getting well

Indonesian maids to outnumber Filipinos in Hong Kong
Business News
Jun 1, 2009, 3:56 GMT

Hong Kong - Filipino maids have for decades been a ubiquitous sight in Hong Kong. But they are about to be outnumbered by Indonesians for the first time, a news report said Monday.

The number of Indonesian maids in the wealthy former British colony rose 7 per cent last year to 125,567, compared to 126,075 Filipinos, the South China Morning Post said.
Quoting government figures, the newspaper pointed to a sharp trend for Hong Kong families to employ Indonesian rather than Filipino maids.

Indonesian maids will soon overtake Filipinos in overall numbers, the newspaper said, and it looks as if the current economic downturn will speed up the process.

The main reasons for Hong Kong families preferring Indonesian maids is that they speak better Cantonese and also that they are prepared to work for less than the legal minimum wage.

There is a government-set minimum wage of around 450 US dollars for foreign domestic helpers but Indonesians have a long-standing reputation of being prepared to work for less.

Agencies offer under-the-table deals to employers under which Indonesian maids will work for as little as a half of the legal minimum wage.

Apart from Indonesians and Filipinos, Hong Kong is home to 3,774 Thai domestic helpers and around 3,500 from other countries such as Sri Lanka, according to official figures for April 2009.



Read more: "Indonesian maids to outnumber Filipinos in Hong Kong - Monsters and Critics" - http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/business/news/article_1480589.php/Indonesian_maids_to_outnumber_Filipinos_in_Hong_Kong_#ixzz0H9yWxm3X&A

That's what Filipinos lack in training, speaking the territory's native language. This is an advantage to Indonesians though lack English skills are fluent in Cantonese.

But again what Filipinos have in HK is a well established community plus a high number of HK Pinoys in various careers whether its business/finance, entertainment, management, etc. That's what HK Indos lack!

As for Indonesians who want to work as a domestic helper, they are better off working in Singapore than in HK.

That's what Filipinos lack in training, speaking the territory's native language. This is an advantage to Indonesians though lack English skills are fluent in Cantonese.

But again what Filipinos have in HK is a well established community plus a high number of HK Pinoys in various careers whether its business/finance, entertainment, management, etc. That's what HK Indos lack!

As for Indonesians who want to work as a domestic helper, they are better off working in Singapore than in HK.

In a way, there is also a good thing on the lower number of Pinay Domestic Helpers in Hongkong. The country won't be labeled anymore as the most number of DH in Hongkong since another ASEAN country took the title. That record has long been accorded to the Philippines as far as I can recall.

Secondly, with the passage of the Salary Standrdization Law starting July 2009 and salary increases of government workers starting January 2010, there will be reduction in delployment as more people will be seeking employment locally. Teachers are classified as Salary Grade 11, will be receiving a minimum salary of P18,549 or US$400/month. There are so many schools in the country that offer very low tuition fees for teachers.

In a way, there is also a good thing on the lower number of Pinay Domestic Helpers in Hongkong. The country won't be labeled anymore as the most number of DH in Hongkong since another ASEAN country took the title. That record has long been accorded to the Philippines as far as I can recall.

Secondly, with the passage of the Salary Standrdization Law starting July 2009 and salary increases of government workers starting January 2010, there will be reduction in delployment as more people will be seeking employment locally. Teachers are classified as Salary Grade 11, will be receiving a minimum salary of P18,549 or US$400/month. There are so many schools in the country that offer very low tuition fees for teachers.

Filipinos still make up the largest ethnic group in HK next to the Chinese.

I don't HK is not that popular to Filipinos anymore whether tourists or workers. I more hear Singapore in conversations than HK!

Filipinos still make up the largest ethnic group in HK next to the Chinese.

I don't HK is not that popular to Filipinos anymore whether tourists or workers. I more hear Singapore in conversations than HK!

I agree....the magic of HK, will it work? i guess cheap fares in other destinations like Singapore is a major factor why HK has lost its allure unlike 5 to 10 years ago. There is also an impression among filipinos that HK is unfriendly towards Pinoys but it's just an impression..maybe brought about by the huge number of DH in the territory.

I agree....the magic of HK, will it work? i guess cheap fares in other destinations like Singapore is a major factor why HK has lost its allure unlike 5 to 10 years ago. There is also an impression among filipinos that HK is unfriendly towards Pinoys but it's just an impression..maybe brought about by the huge number of DH in the territory.

HKers tend to be more courteous towards other ethnic groups especially with the passing of the Anti-Discrimination Bill. Especially to foreign tourists since tourism is a major contributor to the HK economy.

Plus HK is closer to The Philippines and air fare is cheaper. Its probably alot of Pinoys have seen HK too much that they want to explore other places especially within ASEAN.

Its just an impression but not the reality. In fact I more had an impression of Singaporeans unfriendly towards Filipinos than in HK especially when it comes to business.

Its just an impression but not the reality. In fact I more had an impression of Singaporeans unfriendly towards Filipinos than in HK especially when it comes to business.

Singaporeans are friendly (general observation), they just don't strike the first conversation but once you know them, they are loyal, friendly and honest bunch of people that i ever met. (based on personal experience).

Crew ruling will spell ‘catastrophe’
Move to repatriate Filipino seafarers may leave inshore fishing vessels without workers
Published: 08/06/2009


More than two-thirds of the fishing boats on the west coast could be left crewless within days because the UK Border Agency has ordered all Filipino crewmen on inshore boats to be returned home immediately.

About 500 crewmen from the Philippines work on west coast boats and fishing industry leaders say the effect will be “catastrophic” if the situation cannot be resolved.

The number of foreign crewmen, mostly Filipinos, has increased dramatically with a drop in wages driven by declining profit margins, which in turn encouraged Scottish crewmen to seek alternative employment.

Mallaig and North-West Fishermen’s Association secretary John Hermse said the Border Agency decision had come as a bolt from the blue.

“Filipino crew members have been part of our fishing fleet for a considerable number of years,” he said.”

“Our boat-owners get on well with them because they are skilled fishermen and net menders.

“They’re good people to get on with. Their work ethic is good, they don’t drink at all and they’re very reliable and the west coast ports have taken to them very well.”
He said the Border Agency had decided that vessels working within the 12-mile limit of British territorial waters could not employ non-EU citizens.

He said most west coast vessels worked within the 12-mile limit, while similar vessels on the east coast were deemed to be working outwith the limit for most of their trips.

Mr Hermse said this was “a very strange way to look at it” because no east coast vessel could fish the west coast if they had foreign citizens on board as crew.

The fishermen have requested a meeting with local MSP and Justice Minister Fergus Ewing. They are also pressing for a meeting with First Minister Alex Salmond.

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation is also approaching the Border Agency on the issue.

“If this is allowed to stand, it will be catastrophic and it doesn’t matter that the EC didn’t get us with effort-limitation,” Mr Hermse said.

“This will close the industry down and it will have serious consequences for all the communities who depend on the industry.”

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1251159?UserKey=

5,000 OFWs to Korea in 10 months


INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:56:00 06/08/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Despite being shaken by the global economic crunch, Korea is expected to hire 5,000 more Filipinos within the next 10 months after Labor Secretary Marianito Roque and his Korean counterpart Minister Lee Younghee recently signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Employment Permit System (EPS).

In a statement issued by the labor department, the memorandum was signed on May 30, and witnessed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak at the Blue House, venue of the bilateral meeting between the two leaders.

Under the new MOU, to ensure that the minimum standards set by the Philippine government such as free accommodation are met, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration may review contract offers of employers.

The pact also minimizes pre-departure cancellation of employment contracts and pre-termination of existing ones by disqualifying employers as well as workers with derogatory records.

Filipino workers will also continue to enjoy pension coverage pursuant to the National Pension Law and shall be entitled to equal treatment with that of Korean workers, including minimum wage and insurance protection.

Aside from the MOU on EPS, the two labor chiefs signed an MOU on Labor and Manpower Development which provides, among others, for the training of workers on-site to better prepare them for their eventual return to the Philippines. There will be exchanges too of trainers and experts and development of curricula to improve vocational education and training.

In a recent survey conducted by the Korea Labor Ministry, Filipinos ranked first in terms of ability to adopt to the Korean society and second in communication skills.

As of December 2007, there are an estimated 80,715 Filipinos in South Korea, 6,187 of whom permanent residents, 62,528 temporary, and 12,000 irregular

Manila Standard

June 9 2009

Influx of Chinese engineers sparks protest; Mar steps in

A huge number of electrical engineers, particularly from China, have sneaked into the country to work, drawing protests from their Filipino counterparts.

Senator Mar Roxas II, chairman of the committee on trade and commerce, asked Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan to verify the presence of foreign electrical engineers and whether they are practicing their profession here, to the prejudice of Filipino practitioners.

Roxas said foreigners are not allowed to work in the country unless there are no Filipinos who have the credentials and skills necessary for the services needed.

He received a complaint from a group of Filipino engineers on the influx of foreign electrical engineers supposedly without government permits and licenses.

The complainants denounced the alleged failure of their professional organization— the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, led by its president Arthur Escalante, to act on the problem.

They said the group has not filed the appropriate criminal or administrative complaint with the state agencies concerned about the allegedly illegal activities of the alien engineers.

“I will inquire from the Bureau of Immigration about the complaint of the Filipino electrical engineers. The bureau should not allow foreign professionals in the country unless there is lack of services,” Roxas said.

The complaining engineers have called on the authorities to enforce Republic Act 7920 or the Electrical Engineering Law which prohibits the practice of electrical engineering in the country without the requisite certification and professional license from the Board of Engineering of the Professinal Regulation Commission.

While Filipino electrical engineers have to comply with strict regulations when practicing their profession abroad, foreign engineers can freely work in the country due to lax enforcement of laws. Fel V. Maragay


Wala na nang trabaho dito dahil pinatay na ng smuggled Chinese goods ang lokal na produkto pati ba naman local engineers...

malinaw naman kung sino rin ang gumagawa niyan. Mga kapwa unscrupulous Chinese na nandito(hindi Chinoy)na sinasabotahe ekonomiya natin.

Dapat maging mahigpit at mapangmatyag ang ating gobyerno dahil tayong Pinoy ang mahihirapan pag dating ng araw.

Wala na nang trabaho dito dahil pinatay na ng smuggled Chinese goods ang lokal na produkto pati ba naman local engineers...

malinaw naman kung sino rin ang gumagawa niyan. Mga kapwa unscrupulous Chinese na nandito(hindi Chinoy)na sinasabotahe ekonomiya natin.

Dapat maging mahigpit at mapangmatyag ang ating gobyerno dahil tayong Pinoy ang mahihirapan pag dating ng araw.

Aren't we a little bit bigot? Guess what, OFW are being accused by bigots of the same thing in their host countries, stealing away their job, endangering OFW's lives to some extent. Too much of everything is d@mn stupid and dangerous. So better tone down. Geeezzzzz those Chinese might be properly documented and have the necessary papers to work in the country. Knowing Mar Roxas, he will use anything to earn media mileage.

If in the proper venue those chinese are proven not to hold any valid papers to work as an EE in the country, we have Laws that will deal with this stuff.
Be prudent.

Aren't we a little bit bigot? Guess what, OFW are being accused by bigots of the same thing in their host countries, stealing away their job, endangering OFW's lives to some extent. Too much of everything is d@mn stupid and dangerous. So better tone down. Geeezzzzz those Chinese might be properly documented and have the necessary papers to work in the country. Knowing Mar Roxas, he will use anything to earn media mileage.

If in the proper venue those chinese are proven not to hold any valid papers to work as an EE in the country, we have Laws that will deal with this stuff.
Be prudent.

What bigotry are you talking about?:bash:

Its about these Chinese illegal aliens working here. Its not bigotry it about fairness and rule of law.

Philippine laws does not allow foreign engineers here or workers without special permits.

It also be damn dangerous and stupid if we allow this illegal aliens to do their thing and rampantly violating our laws.

How can we get the respect of other countries if we cant even impose our own laws?

This might even embolden this illegals to encourage others.

Besides, is helping fellow unemployed Pinoys ravaged by recession, bigotry?

It is you who should tone down.

Mar Roxas with all his fault is right.

Even Pinoys abroad are jailed and deported when found working without working permits or license.

Geez.:ohno:


I hope you have read carefully first the article before you made this comment.

What bigotry are you talking about?:bash:

Its about these Chinese illegal aliens working here. Its not bigotry it about fairness and rule of law.

Philippine laws does not allow foreign engineers here or workers without special permits.

It also be damn dangerous and stupid if we allow this illegal aliens to do their thing and rampantly violating our laws.

How can we get the respect of other countries if we cant even impose our own laws?

This might even embolden this illegals to encourage others.

Besides, is helping fellow unemployed Pinoys ravaged by recession, bigotry?

It is you who should tone down.

Mar Roxas with all his fault is right.

Even Pinoys abroad are jailed and deported when found working without working permits or license.

Geez.:ohno:


I hope you have read carefully first the article before you made this comment.

Have they proven working without permit? If you see no bigotry in your statement I can never show it to you.

Have they proven working without permit?

Its not JUST about the permits alone. Foreign workers are not allowed here especially if there are more that enough Pinoys who can do the same work.

Read the article again.

Geez.

Its not JUST about the permits alone. Foreign workers are not allowed here especially if there are more that enough Pinoys who can do the same work.

Read the article again.

Geez.

hahaha kaya pala. ngayon ko lang nalaman, di mo pala naiintindihan.

The complaining engineers have called on the authorities to enforce Republic Act 7920 or the Electrical Engineering Law which prohibits the practice of electrical engineering in the country without the requisite certification and professional license from the Board of Engineering of the Professinal Regulation Commission.

Ayan basahin mo, kakatawa na. Ano ngayon ulit ang tinutukoy ng article?

I rest my case on this.

hahaha kaya pala. ngayon ko lang nalaman, di mo pala naiintindihan.

The complaining engineers have called on the authorities to enforce Republic Act 7920 or the Electrical Engineering Law which prohibits the practice of electrical engineering in the country without the requisite certification and professional license from the Board of Engineering of the Professinal Regulation Commission.

Ayan basahin mo, kakatawa na. Ano ngayon ulit ang tinutukoy ng article?

I rest my case on this.

Ako pa pala ang hindi nakaintindi.

Di ko alam kung duling ko o hindi ka marunong magbasa.

Eto buong article para maintindihan mo.


Manila Standard

June 9 2009

Influx of Chinese engineers sparks protest; Mar steps in

A huge number of electrical engineers, particularly from China, have sneaked into the country to work, drawing protests from their Filipino counterparts.

Senator Mar Roxas II, chairman of the committee on trade and commerce, asked Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan to verify the presence of foreign electrical engineers and whether they are practicing their profession here, to the prejudice of Filipino practitioners.

Roxas said foreigners are not allowed to work in the country unless there are no Filipinos who have the credentials and skills necessary for the services needed.

He received a complaint from a group of Filipino engineers on the influx of foreign electrical engineers supposedly without government permits and licenses.

The complainants denounced the alleged failure of their professional organization— the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, led by its president Arthur Escalante, to act on the problem.

They said the group has not filed the appropriate criminal or administrative complaint with the state agencies concerned about the allegedly illegal activities of the alien engineers.

“I will inquire from the Bureau of Immigration about the complaint of the Filipino electrical engineers. The bureau should not allow foreign professionals in the country unless there is lack of services,” Roxas said.

The complaining engineers have called on the authorities to enforce Republic Act 7920 or the Electrical Engineering Law which prohibits the practice of electrical engineering in the country without the requisite certification and professional license from the Board of Engineering of the Professinal Regulation Commission.

While Filipino electrical engineers have to comply with strict regulations when practicing their profession abroad, foreign engineers can freely work in the country due to lax enforcement of laws. Fel V. Maragay

O sige, i rest mo na case mo kasi hopeless case ka na...tsaka medyo kinakalawang pa utak mo.:bash::ohno:

RE: If you cannot control your words, you can never be smart.

The only industry that Filipinos could really apply or make that work out is Nursing. Yet unfortunately due to the current state of the US economy, that door is pretty much closed as of now.


This is entirely wrong. Speaking from real world experience, I know a lot of Filipinos who work in the Engineering/Architecture field in California. I personally know 4 or 5 Filipinos who came on tourist visas and were able to change their status to H1B and eventually became greencard holders and I'm quite sure there are others like them.

The technique is to avail of the services of one of those employment agencies especially the ones owned by Filipinos. Most of them have contacts with employers who are willing to sponsor. It is not guaranteed that they will find an employer but you will have better chances of finding one. Believe me America is not perfect and no matter how many laws they have, there will always be loopholes that can be utilized to the hilt, if you guys know what I mean. And those that are equipped with at least a fairly decent command of the English language and a college degree, will generally have some foundation to start with since the H1B working visa category specifically states either a college degree or equivalent years of working experience.

All things being equal and even with a not so large disparity in wages between applicants, an employer would most likely pick somebody who knows the local language since mistakes in the performance of professional duties caused by miscommunication due to mistranslations can have negative effects on a company's reputation not to mention costly consequences for it's bottomline. In spite of America's multicultural work environment and the increasing importance of Spanish, English is still the overriding lingua franca for day to day transactions and the greater majority of customers are still English speaking. Contrary perceptions are more of an exception rather than the rule.

I agree. The word "servant" is okay, but the way he further described it was terrible. Being a domestic helper is not anything to be ashamed of. Being in a foreign land to seek employment is not something to be ashamed of as well.

Due to compulsion from our government, and also due to the anger of most people who have read Tsao's article, the columnist apologized to our officials and to the Filipinos in Hong Kong. The representatives of the Philippine government in Hong Kong have at least succeeded in ensuring that Tsao apologizes to the Filipinos.

Tsao's real intention of portraying our country as a nation of slaves lies in his use of the word "master". Taken in this context he's implying that we have no rights to protest against a superior authority and erroneously emphasizing that China/HK is feeding us when he completely forgot that our DHs worked for it and didn't receive that "food money" for free. His play on words regarding the meaning of servants is just a futile effort to deodorize his ill intentions and what he was truly conveying.

On another angle, psychologically he may have intentionally wanted to be controversial to indirectly boost his popularity or even the flagging sales of their magazine. I don't know if it's just me but sometimes I see the same pattern where media and celebs would make similar controversial comments just to get some mileage or even boost their diminishing popularity. And knowing that the Philippines is one of the major consumers of English language media in the region they probably think that people will buy whatever it is they're selling just out of curiosity to find out what the fuss was all about. Bud sadly, with that goal in mind, it quite often backfires in the end. :bash:

They are illegal immigrants. And of course they know the consequences but they took the risk just like other Filipinos in other countries.

I wouldn't be surprised if the freedom to travel to other countries is strict towards Filipinos compared to other nationalities. Visa is required to Filipinos travelers and usually they have a limited number of stay in that particular country.


Well, the great majority of people from other countries who go to Japan especially those coming from other third world countries like the Philippines are also required to get a visa. Even the Chinese, Indians, Russians etc. Our country's situation is not really unique as far as visas are concerned and at least Filipinos are not totally banned from travelling there and to other G8 countries like what other "unfriendly" countries find themselves in.