MABUHAY!It can be recalled that at the height of our campaign to have the Travel/Deployment ban be lifted, we tried ALL possible means to achieve this goal. Petitions, paid publications, personal pleas, passionate call to the Philippine government officials, lampoons, interviews, etc. were all applied. To no avail.
The then PBSN Pres. Esper Derpo a Banaag awardee had an audience with GMA and Kabayan Noli de Castro. And even when Ret. Gen. Amb. Cimatu actually saw the conditions here, again to no avail.
In Oct. 2008, Pusong Pinoy had the chance to meet Ellene Sana through a feminist activist and a scholar in UP, Eunice Barbara C. Novio. Vangie Novio, armed with documents duly compiled by John Hernandez narrated the series of events that hardened the stand of the government regarding this issue. Director Sana, a very unassuming lady, took at heart our plea.
Then the rest is history. Janette Alican met her and was also interviewed in one of the national dailies. Mr. & Mrs. Mercado, Mr. Lito Nucum, Mr. Benjie Nadado and Mr. Ruben Legazpi, Mr. Danny Rivamonte and Mr. Jun (Lagos -based OFWs). They met with all the officials concerned.
They fought tooth and nail as the saying goes - and the sacrifice continued. Lito Nucum was not allowed through the immigration. Most of the returning OFWs found padrinos while a few lucky ones did not part with hard-earned dollar.
Through all these months, Ellene was always in contact with Pusong Pinoy. John Hernandez and the rest of the PPA officers were always giving her feed backs on what was happening here. Every incident of kidnappings, hostage-takings were always analyzed, how will it affect OFWs AGAIN! Ellene always urged us to 'pray pray pray and pray some more!'
Here in Nigeria, OFWs nerves were frayed. Tension abound. Some Filipinos who were not even remotely concerned/affected by the ban, were just vent on criticizing and putting down the genuine OFWs. Filipinos in other parts of Nigeria even promised that once this ban is lifted, they will join Pusong Pinoy.
However, inspite of all the criticisms, the individuals and Filipino organizations' collective efforts in Nigeria made OFWs solid in their stand against the government.
BUT it was the dedication and commitment of CMA and its director, Ellene Sana, who lifted this sword of Damocles. She presented this advocacy to UN and in all agencies and had always lobbied and talked to personages concerned.
And now, we have the long-awaited 'black and white' - to hold and to 'cherish' and to plaster in every immigration official who would dare ask for 'lagay' again.
We give first our thanks and gratitude to GOD and to DIRECTOR ELLENE SANA - we are deeply indebted to you.
_______________________________________________
November 18, 2009
Ms. Ellene Sana
Executive Director CENTER FOR MIGRANT AFFAIRS
Quezon City
Dear Ellene,
RE: MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR No. 15 - SELECTIVE DEPLOYMENT TO NIGERIA FOR WORKERS-ON-LEAVE (WOL)/ BALIK-MANGGAGAWA (BM)
Once again, Pusong Pinoy Association wishes to convey its gratitude and appreciation to your untiring efforts hence the above Memorandum dated 13 September 2009 from POAE, was issued. You are indeed an advocate for migrant workers.
With the above, our fears, anguish and sufferings are indeed alleviated. We truly salute you for your determination and belief that imposing a total deployment ban was unfair and a violation to our freedom to be employed and earn a decent living for our loved ones, in any place of our choice.
But then again, we still aspire and dream that one day, the total deployment ban will be lifted and that is our final goal. And in doing so, other aspiring OFWs can enjoy the better remunerations and work conditions in Nigeria.
Maraming salamat uli at tunay kang Kapusong Pinoy.
MABUHAY!!
Yours sincerely, PUSONG PINOY ASSOCIATION
Abuja FCT, Nigeria
Benjamin P. Nadado
President (2009-2010)
Officers (2009-2010):
B. Nadado – President, N. Barraquias – Vice President, G. Abrasado – Secretary, P. Nucum – Treasurer, J. Hernandez – Auditor, S. Cayabyab - P.R.O., J. Torres – P.R.O., Assistant Treasurere and Property Custodian – Mercy Subibe
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