Sulyap Sept 2008 (final For Printing)

News: Asian Broadcasters Ink Accord on Cultural... 2

OFW-KOREA-2006-001

Volume 1

Issue 11

Editorial: Empowered Signature Campaign

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News: Fr. Cedric Surprises Changhyun Filcom...

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Feature: Mama Ems: Her Strength, Our Inspiration

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Opinion: An Open Letter to the Philippine Senate...

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Photo Essay: No to NPS-SSS Campaign

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September 2008

www.sulyapinoy.org

by Elizer Peñaranda

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yehwadong, Seoul — Songs, praises and smiles have greeted His Excellency Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, DD as Filipino Catholics led by the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community welcomed the first Filipino Apostolic Nuncio and the envoy of the Vatican to South Korea last Aug. 31 at St. Benedict Church. Filipino-Korean children offered flowers to show their joy and pride in welcoming the Papal Nuncio while Philippine Embassy officials headed by Ambassador Luis Cruz together with Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz, Consul Jed Dayang, Labor Admin. Staff Violeta Buenaventura joined hundreds of churchgoers to witness his first visit and homily with his kababayan in South Korea. Photo by Amie Sison His Excellency Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, DD (center) holds Filipino-Korean kids with HFCC Chaplain Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP (back, right) and Fr. Theophilus Choi of the Seoul Archdiocese (far right) at St. Benedict Church, Seoul.

As the representative of Pope Benedict XVI in safeguarding the interests of the Holy See, the Papal Nuncio shared his awareness of the different issues and hardships of workers in the process of migration for he has been part of it since 1963, for being a missionary of God.

by Rebenson B. Recaña

Also, he shared the pains and struggles of the Holy Family as migrants for they asked God for the needed strength and he encouraged everyone to do the same in asking God’s guidance and as Catholics, he invited everyone to oneself for the transformation in the goodness of Christ.

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asan, Gyeonggi-do- In line with the 7th year foundation celebration, Kasan Migrant Workers Community (KMWC) hosted the first song festival for Filipino amateur singers last Sept. 6 at Kasan Elem. School Gym. Participants from Kasan, Seoul and nearby provinces have joined in to belt out and serenaded the audience with the opening song Si Hesus, Ang Susi ng Lahat as the Kasan Diva Mary Joy Lor together with Orly Tungala showed off their vocal prowess.

Photo by Felix Ferrer Hyehwadong, Seoul - Hundreds of Filipino workers participate in the "No to NPS-SSS Lump-sum Transfer" signature campaign recently launched by Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA).

More so, HFCC Chaplain Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP has reveled a few of the Papal Nuncio’s favorites like bola-bola and shared personal experience like for being so fatherly when one (turn to page 2)

The day has finally come as her rendition of “I Will Always Love You” gave Florie May Sabio to win the Grand Prize in the first Kasan (turn to page 2) by Dondave Jabay taewon, Seoul – The office of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul led by His Excellency Ambassador Luis T. Cruz held the 2008 first leaders forum attended by different Filipino Community (FILCOM) leaders in South Korea last Sept. 6 at the Philippine Embassy.

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Photo by Elizer Peñaranda Sr. Luz Olalia, SJBP presents the token of appreciation and plaque of recognition to KMWC President Carl Anthony Dacones during the anniversary celebration.

Embassy staff from different consular offices and departments also attended the said forum. Minister and Consul General Abraham R. Estavillo, Consul Sylvia M. Marasigan, and Vice-Consul Arnel G. Talisayon of Philippine Embassy office; Attaché Photo by Dondave Jabay Col. Martin N. Pinto, PN (M) (GSC) from the Office Amb. Cruz (standing) shares his opinion about the NPS-SSS of the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces; Com- controversial agreement to FILCOM leaders in response to mercial Counselor Edgardo (turn to page 4) their sentiments expressed during the open forum part.

NEWS by Elizer Peñaranda National Broadcasting N etwo rk Ma n ag e r Agerico Arias of the Philippines joined other delegates as they inked the joint production accord among the 10 participating countries. “Our country and South Korea have started sharing a few documentaries since last year, which paved the way to promoting culture, tourism and eventually investments,” Arias said. Photo by Bong Perocho

“We’ve showcased our Amb. Luis Cruz joins the NBN Manager Agerico Arias and PR Officer Maria Besa way of living, stories of (far right) with other participants at Grand Intercontinental Hotel, Seoul. some Filipinas married eoul, South Korea - The Korean Broadcasting to Koreans, and the fun and satisfaction that await Institute (KBI), under the sponsorship of the a number Koreans who retire in the Philippines,” Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Arias added. Korea, organized a three-day workshop on “The Future of co-Production Beyond the Prosperity” at the On the other hand, Philippine-Korean Cultural Grand Intercontinental Hotel. House in Seoul (PKCH), headed by its PR manager Eunha Park, brought the Sulyapinoy Perform“This workshop will surely lead to an increase in the ing Team, which showcased Philippine folkdances awareness of diverse cultures within our regions like Subli and Cariñosa in support of the event. through advanced technology in information and media, for it is our youth who will get the greater value “South Korea is now welcoming the world as it gets of this endeavor,” said Philippine Ambassador Luis multicultural, and we need to share the vast culture Cruz in the workshop held last September 3-5. and the world-class talent of the Filipino migrants in an international meet such as this one,” Park Delegates from South Korea, China, Cambodia, Indocommented. nesia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Brazil and the Philippines participated and discussed Also, Vu Thi Viet Hong of Vietnam serenaded the the joint production of programs on the said event as audience with her musical instrument called dan a way of cultural exchange and building a system for tranh, while the Mongolian performers showcased strong community relations in the region. their national heritage musical drama.

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KMWC 7th Anniversary Song Festival with Judith Mas and Jannel Gonzales won first and second runners-up respectively. Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador Luis Cruz congratulated the KMWC for getting stronger after 7 years of providing services and spiritual guidance to all migrants. “We’re here to celebrate with you as you promote our culture and share our Filipino musicality to all Koreans and to the rest of foreign community in South Korea,” Ambassador Cruz shared. Also, the event paved the way to recognize the KMWC officers and volunteers headed by its President Anthony Carl Dacones and Vice-President Francis Katigbak while Labor Attaché Atty. Delmer Cruz awarded the certificate of recognition to the newly registered Filipino communities. However, SULYAPINOY editorial staff in the presence of Dondave Jabay, Maria Regina Arquiza and Elizer Penaranda joined the board of judges together with Fr. Jun Perez, SVD who celebrated the Holy

Mass and emphasized a number of issues which confronted all Filipino migrants, hard labor and human trafficking especially among women. Also, KMCC Sister Luz Olalia, SJBP shared the struggles and crucial stages of the community and how it succeeded like the 7-year old child who has reached “The Age of Reason”. “This is the most celebrated birthday in a child’s life for he/she knows already the right from wrong,” Sister Luz said. “We thank Fr. Glenn, Fr. Paul, Juliet, Columban Missionaries, Tina, Chris, Jojo, Sr. Julie, Sr. Cecile and all who have been part of this wonderful journey and to the Almighty for given us the opportunity to celebrate our culture and bountiful blessings, let’s all celebrate,” Sister Luz continued. KMWC President Anthony Carl Dacones and Officer Maricar Cardano with the special participation of Ma. Jhonna “Joey” Fiedacan, Administrative Assistant II of Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) emceed the musical event.

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Meanwhile, Dioribon “Bong” Perocho, the Filipino interpreter of the Korean language for the Philippine delegates and a volunteer of the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community in Seoul shared the good impressions of the media participants from other countries about the Philippine broadcasting programs which are highly appreciated in promoting culture and the arts. However, government support as the financing agency, aside from the broadcasting network, should focus on media and its important role in community development. Co-production should also provide opportunity in promoting diverse culture of the participating countries instead. The needed plans, study and research in order to achieve a better job in joint production were a few of the suggestions raised prior to the signing of the said accord. The Korean Wave or “Hallyu” has been a phenomenon among Asian countries including the Philippines and the initiative of the South Korean government and KBI in the agreement of coproduction mutually benefit the 51,000 Filipinos in South Korea and the reported 100.000 Koreans in the Philippines.

Inspirational Quote Where there is unity there is always victory.” - Publilius Syrus -

Filipinos Hail Archbishop may feel comfortable and for being the nuncio for both South Korea and Mongolia. However, Ambassador Luis Cruz has started sharing the ambassadorial rank with the Papal Nuncio since they have common roots and function in promoting the well-being of all Filipinos in South Korea. As apostolic nuncio, he is considered the representative or ambassador of the Holy See to the bishops of the Episcopal Conference and particular churches. Also, his primary duty is to make firm and effective the bonds of unity between the Pope, the head of States and the bishops. The 66-year-old Papal Nuncio was hailed in Cebu and was ordained priest in 1966. He was named as the fourth Apostolic Nuncio to South Korea last April 12 and replaced Archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig.

EDITORIAL

Filipino Communities Unite to Support the No to NPS-SSS Accord

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aried sentiments, views and analyses have been burst out as various Filipino organizations signed the “No to National Pension Scheme-Social Security System (NPS-SSS) Campaign” to show opposition to the said bilateral agreement on social security.

The absence of the proper consultation to the concerned OFWs here in South Korea, loss of workers’ small business opportunities upon going back home after our sojourn period, unfair compulsory coverage to the NPS-SSS social security agreement, and the NPS lumpsum refund will be prone to become an object of corruption and some other personal analyses have triggered the EPS workers led by the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) to initiate the massive campaign for social awareness and participation.

The ongoing signature campaign is highly recognized and supported by the majority of the 51,051 members of different Filipino communities which paved the way for all Overseas Filipino Workers including the religious sector band together as one with a common goal. They have given their usual support by disseminating information and encouragement to churchgoers who are also the concerned individuals on the said current issue. Filipino Employment Permit System Workers Association (FEWA) and SULYAPINOY spearheaded the signature campaign in full support of the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community (HFCC) led by its chaplain, Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP, Kasan Migrant Workers Community (KMWC), Changhyun Filipino Catholic Community, Human Rights Welfare Organization Filipino Community (HRWOFC), Ansan Filipino Catholic Community (AFCC), Philippine Migrant Workers Association in South Korea (PMWAK), Osan Migrant Workers Center, communities from Pusan such as the Filipino Migrant Workers Association in Pusan (FIMIWAP), Filipino Association In Gimhae Korea (FASIGKO) Filipino Workers Association in Korea (FILWORK), and some other Filipino communities in South Korea..

More so, the SULYAPINOY website which currently conducting the online signature campaign has shown the participation of some other workers and concerned Filipino nationals around the world thru online who cannot come and personally sign the petition letter which remarkably received the unprecedented statistics (1,070 at this writing-ED) of signatures online.

Regardless of gender, religion, visa status, all OFWs are currently calling for immediate solution and revision on the said agreement for the general welfare of the workers and protection from vested interest of some alleged greedy public officials who would surely take our money for some anomalies, unscrupulous plans and personal interests. Why are we so much worried of the planned transfer of the NPS lump-sum refund to SSS?

With support from Philippine radio program like DZME, the issue has reached the Philippine House of Senate thru the offices of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, Chairperson on Committee of Foreign

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Elizer M. Peñaranda Opinion Editor: Rebenson B. Recaña Feature Editor: Elizer M. Peñaranda Cartoonist: Alden C. Balgos

Affairs and Sen. Manny Villar, Senate President. Our campaign program against the NPS-SSS social security agreement continues to empower all concerned workers with the needed information for we strongly believe that justice will be served for the general welfare of all OFWs, to foster solidarity among Filipino communities and awareness on issues concerned with among Filipino migrant workers all over the peninsula. Also, our struggles go on for our families in the Philippines who have sacrificed greatly in the process of migration and keep on praying while waiting for the immediate return of the loved ones working overseas with the refund resources enough to rebuild the broken pieces in our lives brought by social injustices, poverty and unemployment to our own country.

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Managing Editor: Dondave Jabay News Editor: Edward A. Castro Literary Editor: Amie Sison Photojournalist: Felix S. Ferrer

Layout Artist: Dondave Jabay Circulation Managers: Teofilo C. Camo; Alwyin A. Casiño; Marcelino M. Serdeña III Contributors: Bro. Joel Tavarro, Richard C. Corpuz, and Sofonias “Chabok” Paragsa Adviser: Ma. Regina P. Arquiza Consultant: Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP; Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.

Chairman: Rebenson B. Recaña

Vice Chairman: Dondave Jabay

Board of Publication in: Outreach, Recreation and Religious Program: Alden C. Balgos Budget and Finance: Marcelino M. Serdeña III SULYAPINOY Website Development and Maintenance: Dondave Jabay Newsletter Sponsorship Program: Edward A. Castro Training & Workshop: Richard C. Corpuz

SULYAPINOY Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk-dong, Seoul Korea FEWA Office Address & SULYAPINOY Distribution Center: Inside WOORI BANK, Hyehwa-dong Branch, Jongno-gu, Seoul

For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & Advertisements

D I S C L A I M E R Different opinions are encourage to stimulate m e m b er i np u t a nd i nv o l v em en t . SULYAPINOY’s role is to provide information that permits FEWA members to develop informed opinions on subjects that will affect their status as migrant workers and, in some instances, their personal lives. FEWA does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in SULYAPINOY reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of FEWA unless so stated.

Please submit them to our website and the following emails below: Website: www.sulyapinoy.org News: [email protected] Opinion: [email protected]

Feature: [email protected] Literary: [email protected]

All Staff: [email protected] or [email protected] Editor-in-Chief: [email protected]

• • •

Managing / Sports: [email protected]

We reserve the right to refuse any submission we deem does not meet our policies and guidelines. SULYAPINOY is still in need of writers. Aspirants may email the Editorial Staff for more details. For literary entries, please limit your essay composition to a max. of 600 words only due to space limitation.

Thank you for your time and interest! www.sulyapinoy.org

SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008

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NEWS by Elizer Peñaranda share the love of God with one another.

“The accident has given me the realization and much appreciation on the struggles and sacrifices of all migrant workers,” he shared.

Photo by Elizer Peñaranda

“All the hardships that sometimes end in accidents could be compared to the passion and sacrifices of Jesus Christ as he died on the cross for the greatest purpose-salvation,” the priest continued.

Fr. Cedric Alimbuyong, MSP, with injured left thumb, shares the awards with teammates. On the other hand, his enthusiasm over sports has positively influenced aseok, Gyeonggi-do—After two weeks of churchgoers to indulge in sports like in the recently medical treatment due to a basketball acciconcluded First conference of the CFCC Bowling dent, Fr. Cedric Alimbuyong, MSP surprised the Tournament initiated by their officials namely ArChanghyun Filipino Catholic Community (CFCC) man Aguilar and Karen Crisostomo. with his homily and the awarding ceremony of the First CFCC Bowling Tournament last Sept. 14. As the heat of the summer ends, bowlers like In his homily, the accident brought him into an inRonnie, George, Rey, Hydee and Fr. Cedric struck depth understanding in serving the Filipino Catholic down their opponents as they bagged the first community as they uphold the Catholic Faith and championship award for the said sports event.

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RP Embassy Holds... Garcia of Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC); Labor Attaché Delmer R. Cruz, Welfare Officer Esperanza Cobarrubias and Administrative Staff Violeta Buenaventura of Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) were among the speakers of the said forum as they discussed their respective agenda concerning their office plans and projects involving all Filipinos in South Korea. On the other hand, FILCOM representatives from Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) and SULYAPINOY, Philippine Migrant Association in Korea (PMWAK), Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO), Samahan ng mga Ilokano, INC Association, LEDAGs Production, PHILWAK & BOJC, Ansan Filipino Community, Cordillera Brotherhood Organization (CBO), Damayan Club, Geumchon Foreign Workers Mission Church, Word for the World-Korea, ICIC & PASOK, S.F.A., and FKSA were among the participants of the forum. Also, Judith Hernandez, a Filipina and the first foreign-born political candidate in South Korea and Maria Regina Panol Arquiza or “DJ Regina”, current radio broadcaster of the first multicultural radio program in South Korea and at the same time current editorial adviser of SULYAPINOY newsletter attended the said event. Amb. Cruz explained the importance of the event as he shared his previous experience of having the same activity while he was assigned in Malaysia. “Being the father of Filipino migrant workers in South Korea, I can say that you are also my children or grandchildren. It is my responsibility to give you updates about our Philippine government plans and projects for the welfare of our ‘Kababayans’ here in South Korea.

Also, Freddie Hernandez (Dhokie Red Team), Nympha (Guri Silver Team) topped their games with the highest scores respectively while other surprised awards were given to Cid Castillo, most improved player; Cindy of Blue Team, best in uniform; and Arman Aguilar, performance level award. Jay R Tenorion, a participant bowler, shared the fun and excitement of bowling among Filipinos aside from the all-time favorite basketball. Fr. Cedric and CFCC volunteers have invited all migrants to participate actively in sports fest like bowling for it provides and sustains fun and camaraderie for whatever seasons there might be. ”We are expecting you all to visit our community and become a participant to our Second Bowling Tournament set last Sept. 21,” Fr. Cedric invited.

Words of Wisdom "Never consider the possibility of failure; as long as you persist, you will be successful." ~ Brian Tracy ~

Another important purpose of this event is for me and the entire Philippine Embassy office to personally thank and acknowledge our some ‘Kababayans’ who did some exemplary services to the public,” Amb. Cruz said.

different top Asian Artists such as Rivermaya of Philippines, Rain of Korea, and other superstars from 9 Asian Countries. Details of the said event are currently posted at the Philippine Embassy website http:// www.philembassy-seoul.com.

Also, he reiterates the important role of all Filipinos in South Korea. “Although I was appointed as a current Philippine Ambassador of South Korea but for me all Filipinos are ambassadors of goodwill. I acknowledge your role as a mirror of our country for helping our Philippine government in promoting our own culture and traditions through your good deeds and for making the Philippines well-known to the Korean people,” Amb. Cruz added.

More so, labor attaché Delmer R. Cruz discussed about Korean labor law and immigration policy updates affecting OFWs in South Korea. He shared about the success of the EPS Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) consultation made with FEWA members. He also shared about the current status of the Social Security Agreement signed between Philippine government and Republic of Korea.

Among the major announcements made by the embassy thru Consul Sylvia M. Marasigan is the upcoming 60th Anniversary of Friendship between Philippines and Korea to be held on June 11-14 next year. The big event entitled “One Philippines” Expo shall compose a 3-day expo which includes a grand parade of festivals to be participated by different Filipino communities in South Korea. On the part of cultural promotion program, Vice Consul Arnel G. Talisayon announced the upcoming Trainers’ Training Seminar that aims to develop cultural partners that will conduct similar workshop to Filipino-Korean children in the future and encouraged everyone to participate especially those who have the hearts to become a volunteer-trainer that will enhance and share their talents in promoting Filipino culture to the Koreans. He also announced the upcoming 5th Asia Song Festival 2008 to be held on October 4 at World Stadium in Seoul Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park. The program will be participated by performers from

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During the open forum, FEWA administrative adviser Rebenson Recaña didn’t hesitate to express his sentiments in behalf of all Filipino migrant workers against the controversial NPS-SSS agreement. “Being the owner of the NPS Lump-sum Refund benefits, the SSS, or the proponents, should have properly consulted all the concerned OFWs in South Korea before the signing of the said Bilateral Agreement. The absence of consultations clearly violated our constitutional rights. We, the entire OFWs in South Korea are strongly against the mandatory transfer of our NPS lump-sum refund to the SSS. We cannot wait for 65 years of age before we can get the fruit of our hard works and sacrifices from the 3D (Dirty, Difficult, Dangerous) jobs we have and the discriminations from our Korean employers,” Recaña commented. Updates on Machine Readable Passport (MRP), contingency plans, overseas absentee voting, financial literacy program and business opportunities in the Philippines, and OWWA membership were also discussed for the leaders inform their respective communities.

FEATURE

Mama Ems: Her Strength, Our Inspiration

“It

takes one wounded healer to heal another wounded person.”

She has been a survivor, a missionary, a leader, an educator, a consultant, a friend, a loving mother and a believer, that’s how we used to know the current Chair of the Education Committee of Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community and the Chief Editor of the Sambayanan Newsletter, our Mama Ems, Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.

by Elizer Peñaranda Studies in South Korea. “It was Prof. Joson who informed me about the former chaplain of Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community Fr. Glenn Giovanni Jaron, MSP until I became part of the community as an escape from homesickness and boredom at first,” Mama Ems shared.

Coping with Complexities Just like other migrants, Mama Ems has experienced culture shock for she was once a victim of unpaid salary and misfortune but she finds time to console by comparing her condition and believed that Koreans just have different ways of expressing their concerns.

Overcoming Struggles and Hardships Mama Ems was raised in Batac, Ilocos Norte and belonged to a big family of seven children. Being the fifth she has fond memories of her happy childhood and didn’t give any burden to her father with regard to studies. At early age, she fully understood how difficult life was for she harvested tobacco leaves and planted garlic for 5 pesos a day. “I have been working since elementary to support my studies until I became the valedictorian in our class and salutatorian in high school and proudly received the prestigious Gerry Roxas Leadership Award,” she shared.

Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.

Currently, Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat is serving the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center for Filipino Migrants in Seoul, South Korea and who has been actively providing seminars, workshops and recollections among various Filipino communities and spearheading the outreach educational programs of the community like the Mount Carmel High School Scholarship in General Nakar, Quezon and her valuable involvement in Education Programs funded by American Women’s Club, Seoul, South Korea.

Upholding Faith and Values

In 2004, she was one of the fortunate 52 scholars from different Asian countries and became the second Filipino researcher under Korea Foundation for Advanced

However, she has been thankful to her heaven-sent loving children-Renz, Racquel, Reinier and Rocev who make her even courageous. “One of my religious friends advised me of ‘Never deprive your children of what you have when you were still young because you gained strength from the experiences you had’ and I’m so proud of my children for they understand everything including me as their mom,” Mama Ems shared.

Serving God and Community

Her father inspired her to value education for it was the sole treasure he could humbly provide with his children. “Though I earned a scholarship in college, I needed to pay for my dormitory. Everyone was bit worried of my whereabouts for I couldn’t stay with them longer until they discovered my parttime job of washing almost a hundred of plates and pans which I hid from them until our graduation and they admired me instead,” she added.

Her values from home and faith in God have motivated her to pursue her studies in the College of the Holy Spirit in Batac where she helped the nuns in selling snacks in the canteen during her break time. These learned lessons and values in life gave her brighter and bigger opportunities and the rest were beyond her expectations like earning degrees from College of the Holy Spirit-Manila, University of Sto. Tomas and Ateneo De Manila University respectively.

“But I couldn’t explain there was a calling and a feeling of compassion to serve our community here in South Korea until the biggest challenge in my life has come and found myself all alone but I have to stand and be stronger for my children and for the community where I love to share my time, talent, knowledge and life withSambayanan,” she said.

Mama Ems with her heaven-sent angels.

Sharing Dreams and Aspirations Her life in the academe for more than 20 years and the privilege of being the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Calamba, Faculty in some universities like in the College of the Holy spiritMendiola, De La Salle University-Manila, First Asian Institute of Technology and Humanities-Tanauan which tempted her to go back to the academe.

More so, she mentioned her working relation with colleagues and the HFCC chaplain. “I have to be flexible because I am working with people of different management styles so I see to it that the quality of output which I’ve given to Fr. Glenn before is the same as with Fr. Alvin’s and I’m very blessed for they are so understanding,” she said. “For being strong is a grace from God and I firmly believed in ‘What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.’ South Korea is the gift I received from Him and I want to share this wonderful gift with others for it has given me the strength to understand more about life and my purpose of living with the community,” Mama Ems continued.

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OPINION & LETTER

Dear Senators: Warm Greetings from Filipino Overseas Workers in South Korea! We the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) and all Filipino organizations in South Korea, are spearheading this Signature Campaign to register our very opposition to the Social Security System (SSS) and the National Pension Scheme (NPS) Social Security agreement which terminates the immediate grant of the Lump-sum Refund benefits after the period of sojourn of approximately 33,714 OFWs in South Korea based from their monthly contribution under the National Pension Scheme. This issue started two-years ago when the Philippines and South Korea signed a bilateral agreement providing for social security protection and benefits to their respective citizens. A ceremony was held on December 16, 2005 at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace, with Secretary Alberto G. Romulo of the Philippine Foreign Affairs, and Minister Ban Ki-Moon of the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) signing the agreement. The said agreement actually did not directly specify the transfer of the NPS Lump-sum Refund to the SSS but the NPS Head Office in Seoul had confirmed to FEWA that once the Bilateral Social Security Agreement is ratified by the Philippine Senate, all OFWs covered by the NPS can no longer avail the immediate Lump-sum Refund benefits currently granted to all OFWs in South Korea through the ‘Principle of Reciprocity’ after their sojourn period. Instead, they can only avail the Lump-sum Refund at the age of 65 years. Attached herewith are the copies of the signed and brief explanation of the Bilateral Social Security Agreement and the detailed explanation about the National Pension Scheme (NPS) of South Korea. NPS website can also be found at http://www.nps.or.kr/ for further reference. We, the undersigned, make our ardent appeal to the Honorable Senators to uphold the rights of the EPS workers who strongly oppose the afore-mentioned SSS plan on the following grounds: 1) Absence of proper consultation to the concerned OFWs. Being the owner of the NPS Lump-sum Refund benefits, the SSS, or the proponents, should have properly consulted all the concerned OFWs in South Korea before the signing of the said Bilateral Agreement. Article lll - Bill of Rights, Section 7 of the Philippine Constitution states “The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions.” Therefore, the procedure undertaken in the formulation of the said agreement clearly violated our constitutional rights. 2) Loss of workers’ small business opportunities upon going back home after their sojourn period. The workers’ claim in lumpsum of their monthly NPS contribution, after the end of their sojourn, is now impossible since according to NPS-SSS agreement, the lump-sum refund shall be only claimed when an OFW reaches at the age of 65. The Philippine government should realize how tough is the life of the Filipino migrant worker in South Korea, working in 3D Jobs (Difficult, Dangerous, and Dirty) category, and how important is the NPS contribution Lump-sum Refund for the reestablishment of their economic condition upon returning back home. That money plays a very important role in rebuilding OFWs’ respective families together as it will be used to establish any small business opportunities which may prevent them from going back abroad that keeps them away from their love ones with no choice due to lack of jobs in the Philippines.

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Furthermore, that money is the only saving that most workers can bring after their contract as they regularly send their monthly income to their respective families in the Philippines. The concerned OFWs cannot wait for 65-years of age in order to get their own money. 3) Compulsory coverage to the NPS-SSS Social Security Agreement is unfair. Each Filipino migrant worker should be given the option whether he wants to be covered by the said Social Security agreement or not. It is very unfair that the said immediate grant of NPS contribution Lump-sum Refund benefits after the OFWs’ sojourn period will be mandatorily terminated for the purposes of observing the principle of Social Security. Just like the Social Security between Canada and Korea and other countries such as US, Germany, Hungary, and France which have also signed the same agreement between Korea, any citizens of the said countries who have worked in South Korea has an option to claim their NPS Lump-sum Refund benefits when they permanently leave Korea after their sojourn period. In addition, for Filipinos, majority of them may only have a maximum of 3-5 years of sojourn period in South Korea. Under the Social Security rules, insured members should have at least 10-years of NPS contribution period before they could avail the old-pension benefits at the age of 65. Even applying the ‘totalization rule’ between the SSS contribution and NPS contribution of OFWs, still the total contribution amount cannot reach the required 10-years NPS contribution amount. Thus, instead of claiming the old-pension benefits at the age of 65, still the Lump-sum Refund shall be claimed similar to the Lump-sum Refund benefits immediately granted after their period of sojourn. In this case, it is very clear that the said agreement will not provide any better benefits to all concerned OFWs. 4) The NPS Lump-sum Refund will be prone to become an object of corruption. The money which is the fruit of workers’ years of hard labor can become an easy target for some greedy government officials either in Philippines or in South Korea, particularly in the social security agency. When this happens, the time and effort spent by the OFWs in working and waiting for their well-deserved benefits may just end up into frustration and grief. In view of the above, we the Filipino Overseas Workers in South Korea, with the support of our fellow migrant workers around the world, our fellow Filipinos in our motherland, our respective families and friends, humbly request our beloved Senators to support our call: 1)

2)

3)

To reject the NPS-SSS Social Security agreement and ensure us of the continuing availability of our NPS Lump-sum Refund through the ‘Principle of Reciprocity’ after our sojourn period. If scrapping of the signed Social Security agreement is impossible, there must be a revision to make the coverage of the agreement optional for us. If any of us do not like to avail the said Social Security instead we would only like to avail our NPS Lump-sum Refund benefits, then we should be immediately granted right after sojourn period. To review the signed Bilateral Social Security Agreement and ensure that our rights as Overseas Filipino Workers in South Korea will be protected fairly under the rule of law.

OPINION & LETTER For the welfare of all Filipino Overseas Workers!

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SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008

7

LITERARY

S U LY A P I N

FEWANIAN

ni Richard Corpuz (SULYAPINOY Board of Publication)

ni Joel Tavarro (FEWA Board Member)

Tinaguriang mga bagong bayani sa bayan ng mga bayani Mangagawang bayani, makabagong bayani Sa labas ng inang bayang bayani Sulyapin mga bagong bayani Sa lugar ng mga kimchi ay nahahapi Ngayon ay lumalaban sa banta ng Inang bayang bayani.

Isang samahan na sinikap punpunin ng mga huwaran Pinagbigkis, pinagkaisa, binansagang Fewanian Noon ay hindi napapansin, hindi inaasahan Subalit dumating ang panahon na naging tanggulan. Mga pinuno na madaling kausap at madali rin lapitan Binubuo ng mga kagawad na magalang at kinagigiliwan Sa Woori Bank, Hyehwa ang opisina ay matatagpuan Dito ay dumulog kung sa kontrata ikaw ay nagulangan.

Mga bagong bayani sa bansang Korea Tayo'y magkaisa labanan natin ang maduming pulitika Pensyon natin kanilang pinupuntirya baka saan mapunta Sulyapin, sa pakikipaglaban ay makisama. Hirap, pagod, pawis, dugo ay hinaharap para sa pangarap Mga minimithing pangarap Mga namumuno, at bayani ng ating bayan Ito pa ba ang inyong isusukli pensyong pinaghirapan Ng mga bagong bayani inyo pang pagsamantalahan. Sulyapin, tingnan at pagmasdan Pagkahapi ng bawat isa Dahil sa layo ng minamahal na pamilya Ito ay di namin muling madarama Kung aming pensyon di mo mithiing pang makuha Sulyapin, Tingnan, Pagmasdan Bayani mo Inang bayan.

Inaabot dinadamayan ang problema ng mga kababayan Lalo sa pangmamaltrato sa mga manggagawang dayuhan Ito ay tumatag at lumakas upang inyong masandalan Usaping legal payong moral ikaw ay handang pag-ukulan. Noon ay pintas ng iba sa una lamang at walang patutunguhan Subalit ang hangarin ay makatulong kung kaya’t pinatnubayan Ng Amang nasa langit na tanging takbuhan at sumbungan Ngayon nga ay nakilala na di lamang sa bayan ng hangguk saram. Tila isang balaraw na may talim sa pakipagtalakayan Isang tinig na wari mo ay panudla dala ay katotohanan Katotohanang pinalakas sa bisa ng karunungan at kaalaman Kaalamang naging puwersa upang makamit ang katarungan. Na nagsilbing baluti upang marami ang maproteksiyunan Matibay na kalasag muog at tanggulan ng sambayanan Kaya mga mamamayang Pilipino tayo ay magkapit-bisig Magbigkis, magtulungan, tumindig na may malakas na tinig.

KILOS KA KABAYAN

HUWAG KANG MATAKOT

PARA SA SULYAPINOY

ni Amie Sison (SULYAPINOY Literary Editor)

ni Marcelino Serdeña III

ni Alwyin Casiño (SULYAPINOY Circulation Manager)

Nandito tayo at pangungulila ay hinaharap Sapagkat ang bayan natin ay naghihirap Maayos na hanapbuhay kay hirap mahanap Kahit anumang diploma ang ating iharap.

May takot ka bang nararamdaman? At sarili ba ay sadyang naguguluhan May mga bagay bang nais na subukan Ngunit natatakot at nag-aalinlangan.

Salamat po sa ating pahayagan Na nagbibigay ng mga kaalaman Tungkol sa mga karapatan Sa bawat ating mga kababayan.

Kaya't tayo nga ay nangibang bayan Upang umangat ang ating kabuhayan Kahit kapalit ay kalungkutan Pagiging OFW ay wala ng atrasan.

Pangamba ang iyong nararamdaman Pagkat alam mong sadyang di maiiwasan Kasama talaga sa ating kabuhayan Makaranas na mabigo at tayo'y masaktan.

Pahayagan na pinaghirapan namin Sana inyong tangkilin Mga nilikom na balita tungkol sa atin Sana parati ninyong basahin.

Bilang OFW ay hindi biro Lalo na kung tayo ay nabibigo Kasama ang mga problemang sakop dito Basta kabayan, huwag kang susuko.

Huwag kang matakot aking kaibigan Isipin mo na kayang kaya mo yan Ang mga pangamba at pag-aalinlangan Iwaglit mo sa iyong sa puso at isipan.

Sa mga balita na tayo ang bida Mga nangyayari dito sa Korea Kredibilidad sa inyong mababasa Taas-noo kami iharap sa masa.

Ngunit kung ang lahat ng hirap ay makayanan Anu pang hadlang ang nandyan Na gumugulo sa ating isipan Hirap ng mga OFW na pagsasamantalahan.

Minsan kung ating iisipin Na tayo ay napag iiwanan na rin Sa panahon na kay bilis sa pag tulin Kaya't minsan tuhod ay nanginginig rin.

Sa paglabas nya sa bawat buwan Nagkakaroon kami ng kaligayahan Sa mga Pilipinong nag aabang Napagmasdan ko ito'y pinag aagawan.

Kaya ako ay may isang panawagan Tayong lahat ay magtulungan Pirma mo lang ang tanging kailangan Upang mabago ang iyong kinabukasan.

Tiwala sa sarili ay wag mawalan Manalig ka sa Poon nating tanggulan Huwag kang matakot pagkat makakamtan Ibibigay niya ang tagumpay na inaasam.

Kayo ang aming inspirasyon At talento naman mula sa Poon Makaasa kayo at kami'y tutulong Sa pagbibigay ng aming panahon.

8 SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008

(FEWA Vice-President)

www.sulyapinoy.org

FUN & LEARN / ANNOUNCEMENTS

By: Sofonias ‘Chabok’ Paragsa

2

3 5

6 7

9

노 동 2 3 빨 래 무 5 4 방 대 한 6 침 나 8 대 근 무 로 10 운 11 전 기 사 1

1

4

By: Dondave Jabay

교 과 9 무 서 료 12 의 7

8

10 11 12

Answer to August Issue

DOWN

ACROSS 1) problem, question 2) originally, primarily 4) children's book 7) safety first 9) see, meet 11) food 12) beer

1) 3) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9)

current FEWA president location walk, stroll Tuesday dictionary antenna regulation dress, uniform cheers 10) next week

Instructions: 1) Fill the white squares with numbers 1 to 9 so that they add up to the sums shown in highlighted squares (gray color). 2) A gray color square will show one or two numbers separated by a diagonal line. 3) A number that is above the diagonal line is the sum of the row of white squares to its right. 4) A number that is below the diagonal line is the sum of the column of white squares beneath it.

Two important rules: 1) There are no zeroes. 2) Do not put the same number in each sum of the row of white squares to its right or column beneath it.

The most exciting part!!! The first person to answer the puzzle correctly will be given a public recognition through SULYAPINOY newsletter and website. How to report your answer? Please call 010-9294-4365 or email @ [email protected]

Answer Here

by Alden C. Balgos

Answer to August Issue

CONGRATULATIONS TO… (All winners who got the perfect answer) 1st - Dominic Nuesca, Gojandong Namdong Go, Incheon City, South Korea. 2nd - Rogelio A. Paguigan Jr., Gyeonggido, Hwaseong-si, Yanggam-myeon, Yodangri, South Korea 3rd - Peter Divinagracia, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-go, Seoul, South Korea

01 - Charlie Compra Vicente Tanag Jr 02 - Freede V. Sasi Agustin S. Factor Jr. 03 - Edwin C. Padilla 04 - Francisco S. Tupas Francisco Q. Santiago Jimmy S. Agoncillo 06 - Jose Ramon L. Porras 07 - Lory P. Mones 08 - Placido E. Abanto III 11 - Jubinel T. Sucuaje

17 - Oliver T. Alingod Louie B. Bueno 20 - Mary Jane E. Perez 22 - Liwayway B. Toreno 23 - Lovely A. Bucao Belmar H. Mangumay 26 - Noel T. Villamor Charita G. Rubio 28 - Carmelito V. Canlas 29 - Julius Caesar B. Ocampo 31 - Cheryl C. Balungag

www.sulyapinoy.org

SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008

9

PHOTO ESSAY Overseas Filipino Workers Across South Korea

Kasan Community: A Call for Unity

Changhyun Community: One Voice, One Goal

Ansan Community: http://www.petitiononline.com/sulyap71/petition.html

10 SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008

www.sulyapinoy.org

FACES, PLACES, & PACES / OUR SPONSOR YouEal Leisure Park - Paju City

All Aboard! Enjoy our journey as we take the FEWARide.

Let's Cheers! Give a toast for a new found taste.

Bon Appetit! Savor friendship with a good fight.

Fly High! Come and join us to reach the FEWA Sky.

세일 여행사 ( 주 ) Seowon Bldg., 10th Floor 91-1, Kyeongwon-dong Chongro-gu Seoul Fax #: 723-5781 or 724-0636 Seil Tour System offers very reasonable prices which are amazingly cheaper than other agencies you can find for these routes:

INCHEON - MANILA - INCHEON ROUTE / INCHEON - CEBU - INCHEON ROUTE / PUSAN - MANILA - PUSAN ROUTE We may deliver your ticket thru mail. Please send your payment through our bank account… #032#032-0101-163167 Nonghyup Bank - Seil Tour We’re always ready to assist you for your good trip. For more details please contact… MILA MONTERDE at 02-724-0677 or SHIN HWA-YOUNG at 02-724-0664 Other Services Offered: We can book you worldwide www.seiltour.co.kr / www.itms.co.kr

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SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008

11

OUR SPONSOR

12 SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008

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