1st Semester 2009 Accomplishment Report

POLO-Tokyo First Semester 2009 Accomplishment Report

Introduction Japanese companies are rebuilding inventories steadily due to some improvements in the manufacturing sector. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), industrial output increased 5.9 percent from the previous month, rising for the third straight month in May 2009. Moreover, manufacturers estimate that output will continue but at a slower rate in June and July this year. Household spending, a key indicator of private consumption, also increased 0.3 percent in May from a year earlier, owing mainly to the government’s "eco-points" program that pushed sales of some energy-efficient electronic items and the recent swine flu fears which obliged consumers to spend more on healthcare products. But while manufacturing companies in Japan may be starting to increase production, they are not hiring yet. The Bank of Japan’s closely watched "tankan" survey indicated that large manufacturers are still hesitant to invest and that business sentiment at small companies is weakening. Japan’s unemployment rate, meanwhile, rose to 5.2 percent in May 2009, the highest in more than five (5) years. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said that the total number of unemployed persons went up by 770,000 from a year ago to 3.47 million in May 2009. Underscoring this bleak jobs environment is a recent report of the Labor Ministry on the ratio of job offers to job seekers where it hit the lowest record of 0.44. The figure suggests that there were only about 44 job offers for every 100 job seekers. All told, the figures provide the latest evidence that the worst of the recession may have passed and reflect some positive impacts of the government stimulus package. Nevertheless, the Japanese government is still concerned about the severe situations small and medium-size companies face compared to large companies. So far, wages and the jobs market have not improved and will most likely limit spending by Japanese consumers. Against this backdrop, POLO-Tokyo pursued its objectives of employment facilitation, OFW protection and welfare services, policy advocacy and networking for the period ended June 2009. The following are the highlights of POLO-Tokyo’s accomplishments during the period covered:

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Employment Facilitation On-site Verification of Employment Contracts. The number of companies recommended to POEA for accreditation as principals expanded by about fifteen (15) times (+839) in the period ended June 2009. This figure is mainly due to the resumption of the authentication and/or verification of documents for Filipino performing artists in Japan since September 2008. As a consequence, the Post referred to POEA a total of 898 companies from 59 companies recorded last year (Table 1). Table 1: On-site Verification of Employment Contracts and Issuance of OECs and ECCs, First Semester 2009 1st SEM 2009

1st SEM 2008

Increment

Number of Contracts Recommended For Registration to POEA

898

59

+839

Number of OECs Issued

687

706

-19

Total Amount Collected from OEC Fee (In Local Currency: Yen) Number of ECCs Issued

176,950 46

529,500 85

-39

st

Source: POLO Tokyo, 1 Semester 2009

On-site Issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC). From January to June 2009, the number of OECs issued on-site totaled 687 (down by 2.69 percent) OECs issued benefiting the same number of OFWs compared to 706 OECs issued on the same period last year. This figure translated to about ¥176,950 collected for the payment of the OEC fee which is 66.58 percent lower than the amount collected last year. This is due mainly to a decrease in the collection fee amount from ¥750 per OEC last year to just ¥200 per OEC in February and ¥250 starting May this year. On-site Issuance of Escrow Clearance Certificates (ECC). Escrow clearance certificates (ECCs) were also issued at Post to assist principals who were withdrawing escrow bond deposits because of cessation of their business operations. From January to June this year, 46 ECCs were issued which is lower compared to the 85 ECCs issued last year.

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Table 2: On-site Verification of Documents, First Semester 2009 1st SEM 2009

1st SEM 2008

Total Number of Documents Verified On-site

118

117

Job Orders Recruitment Agreements Manning Agreements Special Power of Attorney Trade License (Company Registration)

28 28 5 27 30

29 29 2 28 29

Total Number of Workers Involved (as per Job Order) Overseas Performing Artists Seafarers/Manning Personnel Skilled Workers (i.e., engineers, IT workers)

2,014 1,561 0 453

2,053 441 20 1,592

Increment +1

-39

st

Source: POLO Tokyo, 1 Semester 2009

On-site Verification/Review of Documents. The verification/review of documents related to the hiring of Filipino workers basically ensures that the contract (between the Filipino worker and his employer in Japan) is in compliance with POEA rules and regulations and its terms and conditions are at par with what is prescribed under Japanese laws and standards. For the first semester of 2009, about 118 documents were verified by POLO-Tokyo, benefiting 2,014 workers. Verified documents during the first half of 2009 involved contracts of overseas performing artists (1,561) and engineers and other skilled workers/professionals (453). Looking more closely at these figures, the number of skilled workers involved decreased by 72 percent from 1,592 to 453 workers, due mainly to the lingering effects of the global financial crisis wherein recruitment of skilled personnel by Japanese companies was severely affected. Surprisingly, the number of overseas performing artists involved was not as greatly affected but instead grew by more than three-folds from 441 last year to 1,561 requests for overseas performing artists in the first semester of 2009. Labor Market Information. As of June 2009, Post prepared a total of 37 reports which included policy recommendations forwarded to DOLE Head office.

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Social Protection and Welfare Services for OFWs OWWA Membership Promotion Program. OWWA Membership Promotion Program during the first semester of 2009 resulted in the enrolment or renewal of membership of 352 OFWs in OWWA – an increase of about 76 percent (+152) from the year ago OWWA membership. Total revenue collection reached USD 8,388.49 which increased by 69 percent compared to the amount collected during the same period last year (Table 3). Table 3: Number of OFWs Enrolled to the OWWA Membership Program, First Semester 2009 1st SEM 2009

1st SEM 2008

Increment

Number of OWWA Membership

352

200

+152

Total Amount Collected from Membership Fee (Currency: USD)

8,388.49

4,966.84

st

Source: POLO Tokyo, 1 Semester 2009

Workers Assistance Program. Post handled a total of 45 welfare cases during the first half of the year, which is 20 percent lower than the 56 cases recorded last year. Of the 45 welfare cases, some 52 workers were involved complaining about illegal recruitment, unpaid salaries, maltreatment, confiscation of passports, sexual assault, and contract violations. Some cases also involved request for repatriation, temporary shelter, legal advice, report of status of detention and whereabouts, and assistance in filing insurance claim and in securing travel documents. Out of the 45 cases managed by the Post, 30 were resolved or closed while the rest remained pending for resolution at the end of the June 2009.

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Repatriation. Post recorded 11 cases of on-site repatriation assistance during the period in review. Repatriation assistance were provided to eight (8) female and three (3) male workers. The services provided include provision of transfer assistance to airport and temporary shelter; facilitation of issuance of travel documents; and coordination with concerned employers, agencies and government authorities. These cases were also coordinated with OWWA RAD for airport transfer, ambulance and legal assistance. Employers shouldered the repatriation expenses in most cases. Policy Advocacy During the first semester of the year, Post participated in the seminar organized by ILOJapan and the ILO Association of Japan entitled, “Employment and Labour Trends in China under the Global Economic Crisis,” held last 29 January 2009. The theme of the seminar centered on the effects of the current crisis on China’s labour and employment aspects. A Memorandum of Cooperation on the Development of Asian Seafarers was agreed upon between DOLE and the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLITT) last 12 March 2009. On that same day, Post actively participated in the policy forum, “Japan-Philippines Seafarer Policy Forum” held at the Mita Kaigisho Special Meeting Room. The purpose of the forum was to deepen the understanding of participants about the International Cooperative Training Project for Asian Seafarers particularly between the Philippines and Japan. On-site Networking, Linkages and Other Key Activities Creation of networks and linkages are an essential component of the development program at the Post. The aim is to explore and sustain cooperation with both local and international institutions for purposes of resources sharing by way of conferences and seminars, professional or worksite and welfare-related visits, publication exchanges and donations. On 22 February 2009, the PML or the Philippine Men’s League (Tokyo, Japan) held its Induction of Officers and New Members at the Meguro-Satsuki Kaikan. Labor Attaché Danilo P. Cruz led the induction of the new members of the PML. Post also participated in the Annual General Meeting of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (PCCIJ) which was held at the Philippine Embassy last 25 February 2009. Post teamed up with the Love and Acceptance Hands-on Integrity (LAHI) Association, a Filipino community organization based in Ibaraki and Tochige prefectures, to conduct a 5

One-day Computer Training Program at the Ibaraki Ken Kensei Learning Center on 28 February 2009. On 29 March 2009, IPS, Inc. launched a jobs fair in Tokyo where members of the Filipino community were able to gain access to productive and remunerative employment in the metropolis. The event was billed, “Pinoy Life Fair 2009” and Post actively participated in said event. Labor Attaché Danilo P. Cruz gave a special message during the opening ceremonies. On 31 March 2009, LAHI Association President Maria Wena Inoue informed the Post that sixteen (16) Japanese elementary schools made a pledge of support to the "Classroom, Galing sa Mamamayang Pilipino Abroad" (CGMA) project of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Together with the donation from the LAHI Association, a total of ¥400,000 was acknowledged by Labor Attaché Danilo P. Cruz for the donate-a-classroom project of DOLE. The donors identified the Gandara Central Elementary School in Samar, Leyte as their beneficiaries. Arrival of Filipino Nurses and Caregivers. Under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), the first batch of nurses and nursing caregivers from the Philippines arrived in Japan in two (2) separate flights last 10 May 2009. A total of 273 health professionals were on-board Japan Airlines (JAL) flight 746 which arrived at Narita Airport around 1430 JST and JAL 742 which arrived at around 1930 JST.

The contingent were met at the airport by Consul General Sulpicio M. Confiado, Labor Attache Danilo P. Cruz, and Messrs. Emmanuel Austria and Dennis Cabato from the Consular and Labor Sections respectively. Japanese media including representatives from three (3) major television networks (NHK, TBS and TV Tokyo) were present to cover the arrival of the Filipino health workers. After their arrival, the first batch of Filipino nurses and caregivers will receive six (6) months Japanese language training and basic information related to their jobs from 6

selected language institutions in Tokyo (AOTS and Arai Gakuen), Osaka (AOTS), Nagoya (NIC), and Hiroshima (HIC). They will start working full-time in the latter part of this year. Welcome activities to kick-off the training course have been scheduled during the week. In Tokyo, Arai Gakuen has planned an opening ceremony of the Japanese language course for the 78 Filipino nursing caregivers on 11 May 2009. Labor Attaché Danilo P. Cruz was the guest of honor at the 2nd Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Japan (PCCIJ) seminar on Filipino Nurses/Care-Givers under JPEPA held at the CITI CLUB OF TOKYO last 20 May 2009. LABATT Cruz made a brief presentation on the seminar topic. After his presentation, participants to the seminar were given opportunity to ask questions and be clarified about the JPEPA program implementation.

On June 9 2009, JICWELS organized a closing ceremony for ten (10) candidate caregivers (exempted from the Japanese language training) who attended the Introductory Training of “Kaigo” for Philippines Candidates for “Kaigofukushishi.” The welcome address was given by Labor Attaché Danilo P. Cruz.

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PGMA 2009 Official Working Visit to Japan. H.E. President Gloria MacapagalArroyo visited Japan from 17 to 21 June 2009. Her working visit included an audience with the Emperor and Empress of Japan and the pursuit of very good bilateral relations and cooperation in field of labor, trade, security and economy.

The Japan-Philippines Maritime Cooperation Dinner Reception in honor of H.E. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was successfully held on 19 June 2009 at the Hotel Mariner’s Court in Tokyo, Japan, and was attended by delegations from the Philippines and representatives from the host organizations led by the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA), All Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU), and International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ).

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The Dinner Reception was preceded by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Japanese and Philippine representatives which included Mr. Yoji Fujisawa of the JSU, Mr. Koji Miyahara of IMMAJ, Mr. Takao Manji of the PhilippineJapan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCC); and Mr. Eduardo Santos of the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), Mr. Democrito Mendoza of the Philippine Seafarers Union (PSU) and Mr. Eduardo Manese of PJMCC. The signing of the MoU was witnessed by Mr. Masafumi Shukuri, Vice-Minister for land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Mr. Marianito D. Roque, Minister for Labor and Employment. As part of the MoU, the JSU, JSA, IMMAJ and their Philippine counterparts – AMOSUP, PSU and PJMCC – will continue to work together in creating and pursuing projects aimed at developing the competencies and skills of Filipino seafarers and ensuring that their skills and competencies are aligned with the changing ship technologies and global shipping industry needs.

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Meeting with the Filipino Community. On 19 June 2009, H.E. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was warmly welcomed by the Filipino community at the 4th floor of the Hotel Mariners’ Court in Tokyo.

AOTS Japanese Language School Visit. On 20 June 2009, H.E. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited the AOTS language training center where thirty-six (36) Filipino candidates for “Kangoshi” (nurses) are undergoing free Nihonggo language training. The Filipino nurses are part of the 283 Filipino health professionals training in Japan. The President commented that these nurses and caregivers are the “first visible impact” of the implementation of the Japan – Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA.

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Business Forum. In celebration of the Filipino Migrant Workers Day this year, a business forum with the theme, “Usapangkabuhayan: Puhunan sa Masaganang Buhay… A Livelihood Festival for Filipino Workers in Japan” was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Philippine Embassy last 21 June 2009. The forum aimed to provide Filipino workers in Japan: 1) Information on financial management, investment and business options through business counseling and financial literacy training; 2) Skills on business management and product preparation through entrepreneurship and production training, and 3) Job search assistance for employment in the Philippines or other countries. Resource speakers included Labor Attaché Alicia Santos and Director Saul De Vries of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) and Dr. Rosalinda Lacsamana of the Technology Resource Center (TRC). Former Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas also graced the event to share her knowledge and expertise to the participants.

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