Precautionary Measure from The Philippine Embassy

CONGRATULATIONS

BACHELORS NO MORE!!!
It was so rare for Pinoy contract workers to work here in Nigeria to come as bachelors.
When they come, they already have their families they have to cater for. Generally, they are middle-aged, discernible tummies (ably fed by their doting wives), thinning hair if not already bald, and adorable children. They dream of better lives to offer and secure for their loved ones.

But when our young, bachelor engineers come, they ARE already hooked before proceeding to this far-flung place – so away from home. They come prepared for the life ahead – save for the impending marriage – and a dream wedding to remember and to cherish.

Our two bachelors did just that. One done before the year ended and one to start the new decade as a pillar of a new household – Sherwin Cayabyab of Dantata & Sawoe and Efren Lim, Jr. of Julius Berger.

Sherwin Cayabyab vowed to love and to honor Maria Donna Verzon on Dec. 19, 2009 at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Baguio City. The reception was held in the prestigious Supreme Hotel. Both of them are from Pangasinan. Sherwin is a Structural Engineer and joined Dantata & Sawoe in July 2006. His colleagues who also acted as his sponsors came to witness the joyous occasion.

Sherwin & Donna

EFREN LIM JR. and Maria Nestora G. Herrera exchanged their vows on January 08, 2010 at 2:30pm at Sto. Niño Chapel, Cabanatuan City. The reception was held at Restorante Vicente, Greenland Leisure Suites attended by families and close friends and two brothers of the bride Neil and Erwin Herrera, also of JBN.
Efren arrived here in Abuja Nigeria on June 1, 2009 as an IT Specialist at Julius Berger .
Pictures taken during the most memorable event of their lives.

Efren & Maria Nestora

To these happy couples: Pusong Pinoy wishes you the very best in life.

DOLE to set up Internet-based monitoring of OFWs, employers

DOLE to set up Internet-based monitoring of OFWs, employers
02/13/2010 04:30 AM

Amid reports of rising cases of maltreatment of Filipino household service workers (HSW), the government’s top labor agency revealed plans of implementing an Internet-based monitoring system of assisting overseas Filipino workers in distress. In a statement posted on the Department of Labor and Employment website, Secretary Marianito Roque said efforts have been set in place to improve the delivery of services to beleaguered OFWs onsite. A Foreign Labor Operations Information System (FLOIS) is set to be implemented to improve the management and operations of 38 Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) in various posts overseas, particularly in extending assistance to needy OFWs on-site, he said.Roque said the system will be integrated with the DOLE’s Information Systems Plan.He explained that FLOIS will provide Internet-based information on profiles of OFWs and their foreign employers, and a listing of local and foreign recruitment agencies. Roque bared this as he cited a report alleging that some Filipino household service workers (HSWs) have been maltreated by their employers in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.There was no mention of the real names of the HSWs, or of the report being cited. He said, however, that he has instructed Riyadh-based Labor Attache Rustico dela Fuente to determine which particular cases the report was referring to.Roque also called on OFWs and their families to contact the nearest POLO, or the DOLE and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in the Philippines, for assistance in all cases of abuse and exploitation they may encounter in the hands of their employers.

BENJAMIN P NADADO
LUXURY PROPERTIES DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.
No. 3 Tom Close (Off Nile Street)
Maitama, Abuja FCT, Nigeria

DSWD ACKNOWLEDGES PPA's Donation

DSWD Acknowledgement of PPA contribution to Victims of back-to-back Typhoons (Ondoy & Pepeng)

PPA Officers handing-over PPA's contribution to CDA Alex V. Lamadrid

Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria

Nestor Padalhin - New Ambassador to Nigeria

Commission on Appointments approves Duque's appointment at Civil Service (The Philippine Star) Updated February 04, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Former Health secretary Francisco Duque yesterday breezed through the Commission on Appointments (CA), which confirmed his appointment as chief of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

As lawmakers prepare for Congress’ adjournment for the campaign period next week, they also approved the promotions of 174 senior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including that of Maj. Gen. Romeo Prestoza.

Prestoza’s appointment was earlier opposed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who was absent when the CA deliberated the appointments yesterday.
Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano, a member of the contingent from the House of Representatives, moved for the approval of the appointments of the military officials to the plenary.

Albano told the CA that the appointees have “all the qualifications to competently assume” their posts.

After Albano’s sponsorship speech, Sen. Jamby Madrigal took the floor to read the names of the military officials and moved for their confirmation.

The CA also approved the appointments of Evelyn San Buenaventura as commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA) and retired Supreme Court justice Regino Hermosisima as member of the Judicial and Bar Council.

The CA also approved the appointments of nine ambassadors namely, Bahnarim Guinomla for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives as chief of mission, class 1; Linglingay Lacanlale, ambassador to Thailand and permanent representative to the United Nations economic and social commission for Asia and the Pacific, as chief of mission, class 1.

The CA also confirmed the appointment of Bayani Mangibin as ambassador to Iraq, Eva Betita as ambassador to Brazil, Colombia, Guyana and Suriname; Lourdes Yparraguirre, ambassador to Austria, Croatia, Slovenia and the Slovak Republic; Nestor Padalhin, ambassador to Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, the Central African Republic, Cote Equatorial Guinea, Gabonese Republic, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo; Romeo Manalo, ambassador to Italy; Cecilia Rebong, chief of mission, Class I, at post in New York; and Patricia Ann Paez, chief of mission, Class II. — Christina Mendez

A Picnic at the Farm (Mr. & Mrs. Willi Chen) & Hand-over of Bazaar Proceeds

At the Farm: A Picnic and Hand-Over of the Food Fair & Bazaar Proceeds for Typhoon Victims

The farm is just close by. In Keffi, Nasarawa State. You’ll have to pass Dantata & Sawoe AYA Project, Sherwin’s site.

A group of friends decided to visit this farm. Meeting point is the Philippine Embassy. The proprietors of the farm – Mr. & Mrs. Willi Chen kindly invited us although the truth is ‘we invited ourselves’ after a first group visited this particular farm and brought to every friend’s ear of such a wonderful place. With the 4-day holiday (Eid-il-Kabir) we decided to go on a Friday at exactly 8:00 am. Of course, we left by 9.

So, we proceeded and promptly missed the short cut road.

Near and yet good enough for a picnic. Away from the hectic work schedule – a big relief, just say ‘getting away from it all.’ Nov. 27 Friday - It was Eid-il-Kabir celebration. The traffic was heavy. The Muslims were in a very festive mood. Women chattering in their colorful gelee, children prancing, gleefully crossing the street in batches. ‘Pyyyuuu watah, pyuuu watah’ reverberating in our ears.

As early as 9:00 am, the aroma of roasted beef ‘suya’ mixed with Harmattan wind crisscrossed my nostrils. The bus lent to me by the company, yeah you guessed right, does not have an a/c. Anyway, James, Sherwin, Efren and Angie braved this condition. I know. Doughnuts, cheese bread and packs of fruit juice and water were there. Courtesy of Rosa. After all, it’s still early morning.

Closely following the bus – the follow the leader bus – knowing that I have been there before, was CDA Alex Lamadrid. Rose Akah and kids, Fely Ramos joined him. Wayo pipol. CDA car A/C ey de. Benjie with Nonits, Otie, Nino in tow. Noel was joined by Lito sporting a brand new ‘tungkod’ as new as the tree he picked it from. Noel giggles when he looks at Lito struggling with his ‘signature cane’ ‘cuz he knows the ‘back story.’

Actually Geography subject missed me by just a fraction of a point to repeat the whole term. Na wa o for me.

Our entourage was closely following behind. Rose must have realized that no other car is behind us which should have been the case. No way. Actually ‘no way’ – there was a detour – construction going on. I assured her that we’re definitely at the right track. And ‘boasted’ that the rest will soon follow us –
Reasons: the food in our bus AND I KNOW THE WAY!

We cruised slowly – the road was filling up with Friday worshippers. Loudspeakers booming attracting more faithfuls; Fathers with children (boys) scampering along; Group of teenagers probably classmates converging in one corner; Budding girls chicly dressed; Vendors with all types of wares competing for customers’ attention. Doesn’t look any different from any village in any country during festivities.

And there we were! Ha ha ha – Lito & Benjie by the roadside flagging us and the rest of the revelers already waiting for us at Keffi Hotel! But I was correct – they’re waiting for the food. And so doughnuts disappeared fast. Mabelle sent somebody to lead us to the house.

We used every will power to steel ourselves from the lure of food and cooler environment. Off we went to THE FARM.

Mr. Willi Chen patiently explained to us the rudimentary of farming in such a hostile farm environment. Harmattan dries easily, so he has to be vigilant in watering them. His farm hands are from the area – a very logical move as the whole family can work together. It’s a vast farmland. He showed us the concentration of his vegetables – our target actually. There’s still the creek he is developing. And many other things he would like to install here.

Mr. Chen’s family treated the workers with a nice meal as Ed-il-kabir celebration.

And getting the background, PPA officers grabbed this chance to hand-over to CDA Alex V. Lamadrid the fund raised during the Food Bazaar for the Ondoy-Pepeng typhoons.

When the group went back to the house, a sumptuous meal was already waiting. Justice was meted immediately to the food. To cap this late lunch, Mr. Chen brought out a special concoction – for the boys: Johnnie Walker with herbs and spices told to make a man ‘alive’ and who do you think will want to try this first? NONITS! He ask Mabelle if THIS IS REALLY GOOD. Mabelle promptly smiled and said NO COMMENT! By then, they all grabbed a glass and gulped the concoction!

Mr. & Mrs. Chen allowed us to get some souvenirs: semi –precious stones from their quarry. Each pile has a story.

And there we were – with heavy tummies and heavy load (stones and vegetables) we bade the family goodbye to go back there anytime soon!

~vangie

THE MIGRANTS

In May 2010, the Philippines is installing leaders to lead and govern its inhabitants. To ordinary mortals like you and me, the electioneering campaigns seem farcical in their blatant commercialism. Naturally, each candidate will enter into marriage with anybody who will have a strong followings.

Politicians no longer live in only glass houses – they live in ‘heavily fortified pyrex glasses’ where ‘stones nor rocks’ can shake the foundation. Moral pygmies will always try to look like historical giants.

Why has it become a do or die affair in our native Philippines? Fringe benefits, of course. ‘Serving the people’ battle cry is only during the battle. After the election, this ‘battle cry’ is relegated to a dusty, musty grave to be exhumed after six years. Very much like the Christmas ornaments – dusted, cleaned, polished and put on display during the season.

We have witnessed the worst and the best for our native land.

For OFWs here in Nigeria, the travel/deployment ban caused us untold anxiety, frustrations and anger toward the government.

And yet, the saving factor in the person of CMA Director Ellene Sana came along.

Philippines' Cory Aquino died;
the outpouring is unprecedented.

The back-to-back typhoons devastated many areas; And yet, donations flooded and tales of inherent heroism and generosity surfaced, too.

Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao, the undisputed pound-for-pound fighter won 7 titles in 7 divisions which no other boxer had achieved. CNN Hero of the year is Efren Penaflorida.

Let’s just say, the equation somehow balances the pros and cons.

Disasters come and go; but the worst ‘human disaster’ is the Arroyo administration.

It is often circulated in emails: ‘People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.’
The chance is ours come election time. Or will we allow these people to come/stay into our life for a lifetime?

Transition dominates this issue of The Migrants. From the posting of our revered friend and spiritual father, Msgr. Fratini (to Spain) and spiritual friends and sisters, Sr. Resurreccion and Sr. Ortencia (to MCST homebase) to the final curtain for our beloved Philippines’ Queen of Hearts, Cory Aquino and very dear friend, Ana Dador.

But the best ‘transition’ we got is this: OFWs in Nigeria got their freedom to travel home and back to their working places.

~ vangienovio

FREE AT LAST: 'Thank You'

FREE at Last: Thank You
Time to celebrate! Time to share the blessings! Time to thank everybody whose collective efforts made us realize our goal.
Now, we can all look back and remember how we all supported each other, when we all felt that everything was lost and nothing goes right anymore; when we all felt the frustation and hopelessness and we were all comforted by the encouragement we gave to one another. And funny enough, we all vented our complaints and brainstorming over a cup of coffee and 'chichiria' and 'buhat-palayok....'
...Filipinos down to the core ...indeed!

SALAMAT po sa Diyos at sa ating lahat. Mabuhay!
Pusong Pinoys Benjie Nadado, Lito Nucum, Vangie Novio, Bernie & Maris Mercado & Maebs & Doods, John Hernandez, Nonits & Dorothy Barraquias & Nino, Sherwin Cayabyab, Alan Minoza, Angie Alcaria, JT Torres, Estan Fernandez, Mercy Subibe, Tess Azarcon, Annie Okoye although a Niger wife symphatized with us, Neil, Erwin and Nino Herrera, Ric Punsalan, Rex Lautrizo, Gel Llames, Renz Mercado, Efren Lim, Khaye Dador, Mabelle Chen, Adora, Dulce & Weng (VAMED), Ernel Santos, Janette Alican, Anne Cruz, the sisters at the Nunciature - Sr. Eflaida, Sr. Resurreccion, Sr. Ortencia, Sr. Mary Grace, who provided us with the much needed prayers and moral support and Msgr. Renzo Fratini, Msgr. Jean and Fr. Raymond, Fred Borbon, Conrad Digma, Alex Vega, Maynard Flores, Emer Ingat, Esper Derpo, Oca & Doris Sambile, Mr. & Mrs. Apollo Castillo, Mr. & Mrs. Gimotea and all the good people from the different parts of Nigeria, and to Chona Bollos.

But like the wick in a candle that actually lighted the way to reach our goal - our gratitude to Eunice Barbara Novio, the 'conduit' - an advocate herself, to CMA Ellene Sana and in turn to CHR Karen Dumpit and others along the way especially to National Human Rights Institution chair, Leila M. de Lima and finally to Administrator Manalili.

--- On Thu, 21/1/10, Karen Gomez Dumpit wrote:
From: Karen Gomez Dumpit kgdumpit@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Fw: [Buhay Pinoy ...] Free at Last: On the way to Nigeria

To: "ellene sana" ellenesana@yahoo.com
Cc: "Pablo Nucum" plnewcom@yahoo.com

Received: Thursday, 21 January, 2010, 12:57 PM

To my Pusong Pinoy Friends,

Thank you for saying thank you! In the 19 years of serving government, 16 years spent with the Commission on Human Rights, I can fairly say that I can count with the fingers of one hand how many have said their “Thank Yous” for work that simply should be performed by any civil servant because it is a matter of responsibility and a human rights obligation.

I say thank you, too because it fills my heart with affirmation and makes me eager to be the best civil servant and human rights worker I can be. And sometimes, we need to hear thank you!

The human rights of migrants is close to my heart because my father also worked abroad as I was growing up and my sister has lived abroad for most of her adult life. I can empathize.

I am happy that the convergence of efforts have resulted in ensuring that policies of government are applied along human rights standards and principles. We have gained good ground in eliminating 'Naijas' as targets of corruption, (or should I say, in neutralizing the operators and benefactors of corruption?) and enabled them to freely visit their homeland without fear of being held back by ill – conceived rules on the right to travel and work abroad.

Personally, I thank Lito Nucum who was the real hero in all of this – baiting himself to test the rules and making himself accountable for the consequences. He did not pass the blame, he shared it and never lost hope. When I found out that Lito was stopped at the immigration, I felt I was hit in the gut and thought, were we doing the right thing? Was shaking the establishment helping in our fight to right the rules on the ban to Nigeria? Turns out, with the passage of time, we were doing the right thing and Lito, with Pusong Pinoy, was doing things right.

As I reflect on the events that has led us to this happy occasion, I realize that the formula in this endeavor had the right combination of NGO perseverance, timely National Human Rights Institution intervention, active Claim or Rights holder participation (with Lito and Pusong Pinoy) and openness of officers from the executive and legislative branches of government who gave us venue to raise views and hear arguments.

As a worker of a National Human Rights Institution, I thank my chair, Leila M. de Lima, who championed the cause as she went to Congress to deliver the human rights perspective and the impact of imposing such a ban. She resolutely made it known to principals of the executive branch that the policy should be re-examined and applied objectively. She continues to inspire us because she makes us work with her – not for her.

Of course, I thank Ms. Ellene Sana. I hope time will come that I can measure up with her expertise and example by which I continue to be taught what a genuine human rights advocate should be. Thank you for bringing the cause to the Commission and helping us become more relevant to migrant workers. Not many know that the Commission has a direct mandate to serve Filipinos Abroad. With this happy experience, I do hope that all of us can spread the good news that the Commission is also here to serve our migrant workers and their families.

My thank yous are endless, we should now thank ourselves by looking ahead because the partial lifting can always be undermined by circumstances beyond our control. We must remain vigilant and advance our cause to ensure that the ban on new deployments for land-based contract workers in Nigeria be re-examined by government.

Sincerely,

Karen S. Gomez Dumpit
Director, Government Linkages Office
Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines

Happy Thoughts!

karen gomez dumpitmobile +639087333164
office (+632)9274033kgdumpit@yahoo.com

Free at Last - more photos

More pictures from POEA meeting taken last January 7, 2010

Free at Last: On the way to Nigeria

Free at Last: On the way to Nigeria
By: Eunice Barbara C. Novio

In December 2006, a few days before she left for Nigeria, Evangeline Novio read on the news that migrant workers in Nigeria would be banned due to the series of kidnappings in the oil rich country. Fortunately, she was able to go back just in time before the ban took its total effect by early January of 2007. Her other companions, mostly engineers were not so fortunate.

In 2008, Ka Lito Nucum was in trouble. The immigration official at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport did not allow him to board his plane bound for Nigeria. Architect Benjie Nadado also had ugly experience with the immigration. To be able to go back to work, in spite of heavy hearts, dismay and great disillusion, each one of the returning OFWs to Nigeria coughed out as much as $300-600. Some OFWs like Evangeline Novio and Teresita Azarcon, did their best to travel the legal way, but they also had to go to other countries before they could go back to Nigeria. Appeal letters and internet advocacies flooded the Philippine Government. They spent million of pesos to make public their complaints via newspapers, interviews, forums. The then envoy for the Middle East Affairs Roy Cimatu was sent to Nigeria. The Banaag awardee Ester Derpo from the British High Commission talked personally to President Arroyo. All, to no avail.

Thus, the cycle of corruption began until late last year when the travel ban to Nigeria was partially lifted. The partial lifting of the travel ban officially ends the saga of those Filipinos already working in Nigeria, but not to the highly-skilled workers hoping to land for better jobs and salaries. It should be noted that the travel ban is caused by the series of kidnappings of Filipino seafarers and other nationalities in oil rich Niger Delta. However, only the Philippine Government imposed the unnecessary ban.

Through the unrelenting efforts of Pusong Pinoy and the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA), the issue was brought to the attention of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), then to the United Nations (UN) on the recently concluded 10th Session in Geneva. Finally, the POEA thru the administration of Atty. Jennifer Manalili, the government realized that the imposed ban be lifted, though selective. Hence, on September 13, 2009 MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR No. 15 - SELECTIVE DEPLOYMENT TO NIGERIA FOR WORKERS-ON-LEAVE (WOL)/ BALIK-MANGGAGAWA (BM) was signed and implemented. Even so, it is a great relief to thousands of Filipino workers in Nigeria, much more to the families who depend on the dollars and euros remitted to them. Remittances abroad are one of the primary sources of our country’s income. As such, it is of utmost importance that the government should weigh the consequences of a ban imposition.

On January 7, 2010, the Pusong Pinoy officers, represented by their President Benjie Nadado, Treasurer Lito Nucum, and Board Secretary Evangeline Novio went to POEA, not only to settle their obligations as “Balik-Manggagawa” but also to express their thanks and gratitude to Administrator Manalili.

“Last year, I did not come here because the agency would surely deny me,” says Ms. Novio, “It is again my first time, after two years.”

“It is a relief,” says Nucum, “knowing that we are finally free.”

The OFWs from Nigeria that day did not stand in the long queue. They were assisted by the POEA staff in settling their Balik-Manggagawa dues.

Meeting with POEA Admin. Manalili

POEA Administrator Jennifer Manalili admitted that the ban not only to Nigeria but also to other countries (where Filipinos are banned) triggered the ‘entrepreneurial spirit ” of some people. Because of poverty, Filipinos will grab every chance and take the risk just to give their families better lives.

Ms. Novio and Messrs Nadado and Nucum after light discussions opened to Administrator Manalili the difficulties they encountered during the ban.

Like a fugitive was how Nucum described himself. Employers of other companies also gave their “balikbayan” workers a “bribery allowance” so they could come back. Nucum did not even try asking for reimbursement from his company because he doesn’t want to expose further ‘the corruption’ in the government.

Ms. Ellen Sana, director of CMA, expressed her desire to continue the advocacy for the total lifting of deployment ban. She also suggests that employers in Nigeria should communicate to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and POEA to present a demand for new employment.

Administrator Manalili welcomed warmly Pusong Pinoy in their efforts in helping their fellow Filipinos abroad who are in need.

Present during the meeting was Atty Karen Dumpit of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) who was also with the group throughout this saga.

Pusong Pinoy: Not only for Filipinos

Filipinos are known for their hospitality and excellent work ethics. In the African continent, there are only a handful of Filipinos compared to Middle East and America. In Nigeria, there are about 2,000 documented Filipinos working as highly skilled professionals. They are well-respected and well compensated.

Pusong Pinoy, a Filipino organization based in Abuja, whose members hailed from the different parts of the Philippines live true to the values instilled in them as Filipinos. Extending help to Filipinos in distress is one of their objectives in forming the organization. But their help extends also to the poorest of the poor in their host country. The organization donates money, food and clothing to the rural communities in Nigeria in cooperation with other organizations like the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (MCST).

For the Filipino seamen, victims of maritime malpractices stranded in Nigeria for days, Philippine Embassy was the closest place they could call home and Pusong Pinoy their kin. The organization provided them with financial help and clothes and most importantly time and shoulders to lean on in times of need.

The effort of Pusong Pinoy in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy with the able leadership of Charge d Affaires Alex V. Lamadrid to help other Filipinos is not only in Nigeria but also in other African countries, like Ivory Coast where Filipinas are trafficked for prostitution.

Philippine Embassy in Nigeria serves as eyes and ears in the whole of West Africa. The country is host to 4,000 highly skilled workers in various fields. The diplomatic tie between the two countries is mended because of the few persons who care. And they belong to the Pusong Pinoy and the CMA.


Pictures during the meeting:

CMA Dir. Ellene Sana & CHR Atty. Karen Dumpit: a cause to smile

About the author: Eunice Barbara C. Novio is currently a graduate student at the University of the Philippines-Diliman taking Women and Development. She is a recipient of the US based Women Leadership Scholarship (WLS) and a member of the Asian Women Resource Center for Culture and Theology.

Mga Bayaning Hero

Its been almost half a year since I got back from my stint in Nigeria, a well deserved break or should I say, another chapter of my chequered career in the jansan (janitorial & sanitation) business. But then again, nothing beats the feeling of having to write again expressing my thoughts in a manner where most of my reader finds some sort of comic relief in my subjects. Well, the reality of it is that it’s kinda easier for me to write things that really don’t matter yun bang alang ka-kwenta kwentang pag usapan...tulad na lang ng problema sa parking sa amin sa Pasay. Nariyan ang dikitan ang oto mo ng sign na “ Bawal mag park dito…sa bubong nyo pwede” at yung standard na tanong na magtatagal ka ba? Aba naman, por Dios por Santo tanungin ba ko eh taga rito ko. Ang siste naka reserve pala ang lugar kaya ayun I opted to park my small vehicle which is a van sa tulay sa kanto papasok samin..God forbid, magka ondoyan na naman at maglaho na parang bula ang van.

Moral Lesson: No Garage, No Parking
No Car, No Garage
No Parking, No Car, No Garage, No Problem.

Speaking of the dreaded thypoon Ondoy, the super typhoon left us with multitude of devastation and I’m sure aside from the news via CNN most of our OFW’s were really worried-shit about their family. I myself was just waiting for the last nail of our roof to be pulled off by hurricane-like winds. Talaga naman pong nakakahilakbot, nakakabinging lakas at sipol ng hangin at walang puknat na pag ulan sabayan pa ng pagpapakawala ng tubig sa dam ng mga ungas na opisyal ng gobyerno at ang resulta, pagkasira ng halos lahat na ari-arian at pagkawala ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan. As usual, para maibsan ang trahedya nagpalabas ang gobyerno ng samut-saring loans nariyan ang calamity loan, salary loan, housing repair loan, personal loan etc. kaya tuloy nabansagan ang kapitbahay naming taga London dahil loan dito, loan duon.

Pagkatapos ng trahedyang ondoy, dumating naman si peping at dinale naman ang parte ng pangasinan Thank God, wala dun si Christine Reyes kundi andun din si Richard maunahan pa ko sa pagsagip hehehe. Seriously, inspite of these most of us thought really hard about life thinking that in a blink of an eye, it can be snuffed away from us no matter what our social status is. Aside from Richard, marami din sa atin ang dumamay sa mga nasalanta at naging hero sa kanilang mga nasagip kasabihan na nga nating mga pinoy, sa oras ng kagipitan, iba na ang may pinagsamahan tanong mo sa taga Malacanang.

This year, was also heartbreaking year to another actress Katrina..pinagpyestahan po mga kapatid! I’m sure may kopya na jan si Eddie boy ang aking magiting na kapit-kwarto at tropang trumpo (Chris, Clinton, Alex & Jhong) sa Victoria Island. Kamusta pala mga bro, madalas ka pa rin ba kayo dun? Hehehe.

Hero nga din pala si Efren kariton, I personally admire his efforts helping the children whose economic position denied them of attending a formal school set up. What really amazes me is that he was able to sustain doing the said activity for the longest time, la ba sya pamilya o syota man lang? pero balita ko ang target eh anghel sana madale nya go,go,go..Angel-frend.


Syempre pag may hero , meron din kontrabida as if were not done yet, another tragedy ensued by the cutting-off human life now known as the “Maguindanao Massacre” which left at least fifty people dead. Accused for the carnage are now being tried in our courts. May they rot in hell!

Then the happiest season of all, the birth of our Lord Jesus sya po talaga ang aking hero dahil di nya ko kailanman ipinahiya kahit minsan. Ano man pong problema ang dumating sakin at sa aking pamilya inilalapit ko po ito sa kanya at nagpapasalamat sa lakas upang harapin ang mga bagay-bagay. Minsan naiisip ko nagtatampo na sya dahil nakakalimot ako pero hindi po sya ganun that’s why whenever I have a chance I talk to Him directly parang personal na usapan kahit saan po sa sasakyan, sa kwarto, sa sala basta gusto ko sya kausapin ng mataimtim ay ginagawa ko po ito di ko na nga lang magawang umakyat ng bubong dahil yun ang gawain ko nuong bata pa at wala pang iniinom na flanax. Wala na nga talagang ibang makakaintindi sa atin kundi sya. Kaya maraming salamat Sacred Heart of Jesus, Happy Birthday din po.

At para dun sa mga di nakarating ganun pa rin naman, maya’tmayang carolling ng mga bata sala-salabat na inuman sa lahat ng daraanan mapa eskinita, kalye, kalsada, fly over, tulay, riles ng tren in short lahat ng DPWH. At least nabawas, bawasan na ang kumakanta ng walang kamatayang ‘my way” kaya di gano mataas ang krimen. I was also able to elude my inanak but not so fast I was still caught by some of them on my way to palengke.

My family and I celebrated Christmas with the traditional Noche Buena, thanking the Lord for all the blessing and keeping us safe. I’m looking forward for the coming year with greater positivity and a whole lot of “Love”

And to all OFW’s san man kayo naroon Mabuhay Kayo! Kayo ang tunay na Hero! Naway kasihan kayo ng ating Mahal na Diyos! Wag kayo mag alala, Iigi rin tayo.

GREETINGS

TO: OFWs


Isang Mapagpalayang Pasko
at
Mapayapang Bagong Dekada ng Taon
ang hiling
at
panalangin
namin para sa ating lahat!!!


(a Liberating Christmas
and a
Peaceful New Decade of the Year
to one and all)

2010

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON

Ika-8 ng Disyembre , taong 2009, Abuja FCT

Ref: ppa/bpn/081209a

Re: MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON!!!

Mga minamahal naming mga Kapanalig,

Dumating na naman ang Pasko-ang kapanganakan ng ating Poong Manunubos, kasunod ang pagdating ng Bagong Taong 2010.

Buong pusong bumabati ang Pusong Pinoy Association (PPA) ng MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAONG 2010 sa inyong lahat kasabay ng buong katapatang pasasalamat sa lahat-lahat ng suporta, pagtulong at pagtangkilik sa mga adhikain at programa nito. Dalangin namin ang inyong kaligtasan, kalusugan, kaligayahan, tagumpay at katahimikan ng pagiisip sa lahat ng panahon, kasama dito ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay.

Uli, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taong 2010. MABUHAY!!!!

Ang inyong tanging lingkod,

Executive Council (2009-2010)

Executive Council (2009-2010):
President – B. Nadado, Vice President - N. Barraquias, Secretary - G. Abrasado, Treasurer - P. Nucum Auditor - J. Hernandez, P.R.O. - S. Cayabyab, P.R.O. - J. Torres, Assistant Treasurer and Property Custodian – M. Subibe

Want more of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo? Here she goes...

WANT MORE OF GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO?

“As you know, the people of my home district in Pampanga want me to remain in public life,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English. “So after much soul-searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call.”

GMA wants House seat

By Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated December 01, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Ending speculation about her political plans, President Arroyo declared yesterday that she is running for Congress representing the second district of Pampanga next year.
Speaking over government-run Radyo ng Bayan, Mrs. Arroyo said she realized after “much contemplation” that “I am not ready to step down completely from public service.”
“As you know, the people of my home district in Pampanga want me to remain in public life,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English. “So after much soul-searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call.”
Mrs. Arroyo said she hopes to be a champion for the poor in Congress and work to uplift the economy.
“To that end, I will file my candidacy for Congress in order to serve the hardworking people of my home province,” she said.
She vowed to remain focused on her work as President until her final day in office.
Romulo Macalintal, Mrs. Arroyo’s lawyer, and Press Secretary Cerge Remonde were present during the interview.
Macalintal told reporters “some local mayors” authorized by Mrs. Arroyo will file her certificate of candidacy (COC) today.
Mrs. Arroyo is ready for any lawsuit after she files her COC, he added.
Macalintal said it was about a month ago that Mrs. Arroyo started contemplating about running for Congress.
“About a month ago, that was talked about, she consulted her family, some supporters in Pampanga,” he said.
“She thought she was still very young and can still serve. That’s the judgment call of the President.”
He was not aware of any dissent from Mrs. Arroyo’s family on her decision, Macalintal said.
Mrs. Arroyo said she studied several options before deciding on continuing to be in politics.
“While I’m very much looking forward to stepping down at the end of my term, I have been mulling different ways to stay involved,” she said.
“I looked at going back to teaching. I have also examined working with non-profit organizations on issues ranging from the environment to women’s issues.
“I thought of many opportunities. One day I hope to pursue them… work for causes near and dear to me, like the fight against climate change, improvement of education and the cause of women.”
Mrs. Arroyo dismissed allegations that she wants to be a member of the House of Representatives to obtain immunity from the torrent of lawsuits to be filed by her political enemies after she steps down from the presidency.
“The only congressional immunity is from libel suits, from utterances made in a congressional session—that’s not what I’m after,” she said.
“This move reflects my ongoing commitment to public service. I have given careful consideration to a number of options that I could pursue upon leaving office.
“But I have come to the conclusion that I can best serve the nation from a seat in Congress should I be elected.”
Mrs. Arroyo said she is determined to champion the poor, fight for a stronger economy, and ensure that health, education and jobs are within reach of all Kapampangans.
Once elected to Congress, she would get a chance to continue her advocacies “closer to the people,” she added.
Mrs. Arroyo said she will remain “firmly in control of our national government until the last day I am in office,” while campaigning for a seat in the House of Representatives.
“As President, my first commitment is to the nation we all love,” she said.
“My bid for Congress will be only spirited but secondary to my duty as President. I will devote very little time for my campaign for Congress.
“We have come too far and too much is at stake for me to waver in these last few months on my commitment to the people of the nation. I will keep a steady hand on the tiller of the ship of state.”
Mrs. Arroyo said she would continue to pour resources to the Comelec to ensure free, fair and open elections next year.
“And then I will work cooperatively with the incoming administration so they can hit the ground running,” she said.
Comelec: GMA qualified to run
Mrs. Arroyo is qualified to seek any elective position except the presidency, the Comelec said yesterday.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said Mrs. Arroyo does not even have to resign the presidency after she files her COC.
“There’s no legal impediment to the President seeking elective office other than the presidency once again.
“The law is very clear – elective officials are allowed to return to the posts they occupied after the conclusion of the electoral process if they lost.
“So they are not deemed to have lost their positions simply by virtue of filing their COC.”
However, Jimenez said the Comelec will accept petitions questioning the legality of Mrs. Arroyo’s running for Congress.
“It’s a matter of law,” he said.
“I mean if anyone can provide a different interpretation of the law, then I guess that’s what filing a suit is for.”
Erap: GMA must step down
Former President Joseph Estrada said yesterday Mrs. Arroyo must step down after she files her COC for Congress today.
Speaking over radio, Estrada, United Opposition standard-bearer, said Mrs. Arroyo could use government resources in her campaign to seek a seat in the House of Representatives.
“She should step down because she will use government resources like she did in 2004,” he said.
Mrs. Arroyo is likely to repeat the alleged massive cheating in the 2004 presidential elections in which action star Fernando Poe Jr. lost, he added.
Estrada said Mrs. Arroyo will be demeaning the presidency if she runs for a lower post.
“In my opinion, it is not right for any president who had just finished her term to run for any position, especially one lower than the presidency,” he said.
However, it is the right of any president who had completed a six-year term to run for any position, Estrada said.
As to Mrs. Arroyo’s motive in seeking a congressional seat, he refused to comment.
Estrada said if he becomes president again, he will leave it to the courts to decide whether to charge Mrs. Arroyo after her term ends next year.
“In my opinion, the President must not intervene in that,” he said. “We have the courts. We must leave it to the people.”
Margaux Salcedo, Estrada’s spokesperson, said Mrs. Arroyo’s congressional bid is a brazen attempt to stay in power.
“If this congressional candidacy was out of a desire to serve the people, it would be admirable,” she said.
“But it is a brazen attempt to stay in power forever. This should be considered as a warning that the scheming by this regime will not end with this president’s term in 2010.”
‘Why not the Senate?’
Former ambassador Ernesto Maceda, UNO spokesman, said yesterday Mrs. Arroyo should seek a Senate seat if she is sincere in continuously serving the Filipino people.
“To me, it is a simple lead for political power,” he said.
“Gloria is a very unusual politician. She will be the first president who had finished her term to run for Congress, a position lower than the presidency.”
Maceda said Mrs. Arroyo is wrong in thinking that she could become speaker after she wins as representative of Pampanga in Congress.
“If President Estrada wins, there is Congressmen (Arnulfo) Fuentebella and Rufus Rodirguez who can logically get the speakership,” he said.
“So, how can she be Speaker. She will never become Speaker.”
Maceda said Mrs. Arroyo can instead do other things like former President Fidel Ramos, such as writing and helping the people.
“The least attractive position is to become a congressman,” he said.
Binay said Mrs. Arroyo’s real agenda is to amend the Constitution and shift to a parliamentary form of government.
“The real agenda is to amend the Constitution, shift to a parliamentary form of government and snatch power from whoever is elected president in 2010 by becoming the prime minister and head of government,” he said.
“Mrs. Arroyo intends to nullify the result of the 2010 presidential election, and once again, she will subvert the will of the people in her self-serving pursuit of power.”
Binay said the choice of the few will replace the voice of over 45 million Filipinos after Mrs. Arroyo wins a seat in Congress.
“The next president will always be under threat of being unseated by a Congress led by Mrs. Arroyo,” he said.
‘So obsessed with power’
Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said yesterday he has never seen a leader so obsessed with power as Mrs. Arroyo.
“After nine years of occupying the highest office of the land, she would still aspire for a lower position with her two sons and two in-laws,” he said.
“She is drunk with power and can’t get enough. I think she needs professional help.”
Mrs. Arroyo’s two sons, Mikey and Dato, are representatives of Pampanga and Camarines Sur in Congress.
So are her two in-laws – Iggy and Ma. Lourdes Arroyo, who are representing Negros Occidental and party-list Kasangga. —With Sheila Crisostomo, Jose Rodel Clapano, Delon Porcalla, Ding Cervantes

MANDATORY INSURANCE FOR OFWS

MANDATORY INSURANCE FOR OFWs

To ALL OFWs
Please read and digest what BICAM has finally adopted.
_______________________________________
From: ellene sana ellenesana@yahoo.com
To: pinoy-abroad forum ; cma philippines cmaphils@pldtdsl.net

Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 9:18:23 AM
Subject: bicam adopted final amendments to ra8042 including mandatory insurance ...

hi all.
sorry if this comes a bit late. as expected the bicam on ra8042 met in the evening of november 18 and approved the proposed amendments to ra8042. included was the approval of the proposal for mandatory insurance for land-based ofws who are hired by recruiters. some 150 of us, mostly from the APL (alliance of progressive labor), APL women, marino, port workers and other affiliate groups, trooped to the bicam venue to register our presence to the bicam members. we had a streamer to convey our main concern --no to ofw compulsory insurance scam!
earlier that day, we also provided the bicam members with copies of statement, which was an updated version of the last one we submitted during their previous bicam in october.
before the bicam started, several of us went inside to say hello to the legislators. we were met by cong. way kurat, chair of the house committee on overseas workers affairs. We told him we are there to lend support to the efforts of bicam to approve the much needed amendments to ra8042 which we have been working on together with them, but we take exception to the proposal on the mandatory insurance.
cong way kurat said our concern was noted then he asked us to join them for dinner. We declined the offer, went out and joined our colleagues outside and decided to revisit the issue.
we formed a circle and started our discussions. Thanks to the management of the restaurant the legend who offered us their monoblock chairs for us.
a little later, a staff of sen jinggoy came and told me to go to the meeting room because the senator has some questions. The senator asked me why we were there in good number (during the last bicam, i was solo) he reminded me that they were not immune to our concerns, that in fact they were doing this for the ofws hence they even allowed me to make an intervention during the october bicam (which was not usual). i told him it was appreciated. I went on to say that we were there to actually lend support to the bicam in approving the needed amendments to ra8042 except the proposal on the insurance.
[pls click on this link for the updated version of our statement:
http://www.pinoy-abroad.net/lungga/index.shtml]
...and we went through the same arguments that we had during the last bicam -- they see the proposal as positive, they see it as something to benefit the ofws, that it is protection to ofws...and that they provided more than enough safety nets/ mechanism in the law to make sure it is not passed on to the workers and that it does not become simply an additional layer or party obstacle to the ofw...that it really becomes beneficial to the ofws...they asked to give it a chance....and we see it as otherwise.... that it is the recruiters who stand to benefit so why legislate it, that the state should not relinquish its duty to protect, that at best it can only be voluntary because there are already provisions for the same except that it is not working out efficiently hence must be addressed such as the owwa and the insurance is no solution to it, that while we can understand that technically since the proposal is contained in both versions of the house and the senate then it would be acted upon to which i argued that we believe these things are not written on stones and that we are still hoping and praying for the wisdom of the bicam members ...etc,. etc etc...unfortunately, I think they were mindset to approve all the proposals including the insurance and no amount of argumentation can make them change their minds. finally, cong edcel reiterated his statement during the last bicam -- he said .... the ofws are against it, the government agencies are against it and now, even the recruiters are withdrawing their support to it
[on that day, pasei, the biggest network of recruitment agencies, issued a press statement to this effect with a commitment to continue the practice of securing insurance for ofws on voluntary basis; click on link fro their statement: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20091117-236810/Recruiters_take_back_insurance_proposal_for_OFWs
post-bicam, I spoke with an advocacy colleague from the industry who expressed strong reservation in the final version approved saying it was far different from what they proposed originally and he laments that the version passed will invite more animosities between migrants and the industry. That got me worried some more....] ---
ok, back to cong edcel -- so he asked himself and colleagues again--what do we do in this situation? to which i quickly answered, you can delete the proposal.... and we went through the same arguments....until finally, cong edcel asked again, to break the impasse he said, since our conversation was going nowhere and no one was yielding --he asked --are we amenable to having it for a trial period of 3 years subject to mandatory review, even earlier than 3 years if there is motu propio of violation i.e. that it is passed on to the worker --upon sms consultations with colleagues outside and those who were not there as well -- i told the bicam members that we are not amenable to the proposal for the reasons we have cited. we want it scrapped. so that was how we ended. i left the room. They started the meeting. i reported to the group waiting outside. after sometime, the bulk of the group decided to go home. ka roger from marino and learn stayed with me until the bicam was finished at almost 12 midnight. one by one the bicam members came out of the venue -- first was cong edcel --he confirmed that the meeting was over. He went on to assure us again that they would be strictly monitoring the implementation of the insruance provision under the joint congressional committee. Next to come out was cong rex gatchalian who said the same. Then sen jinggoy who said the same stressing the safety mechanisms they put in place to allay our fears that the premium will ultimately be passed on to the workers ... ka roger and I decided to go home. it was a long day for all of us. we were exhausted.what is next? the bicam version will be finalised and send back to the respective chambers for final approval --first in the house, then transmitted to the senate and finally to malacanang for signing into law. gma can sign it, or veto it. if she does not act on it, it still automatically becomes a law in how many days (?) --30 or 60 days?? will she veto? may be, may be not...
we will request for the copy of the final version so we know exactly how things are. we will also request congress that we take part in the crafting of the IRR to which sen jinggoy said it may be possible. we must remind them all that it better work for the benefit of the ofws ...or else.... kawawa na naman ang ofws.... as for the ofws –please be more vigilant. Be confident in standing up for your rights.when the law says you are not supposed to pay, then don't pay!
Finally, the other sections amended, for the better I believe, are the following:
section 2 on statement of principles
section 3 on definition of terms
section 4 on deployment criteria
section 5 on termination of ban on deployment
section 6 on illegal recruitment –isinama na yung repro scam and other unlawful acts including loan scams and decking system for medical tests, monopoly on tests and other skills trainings, passing on fees to workers including that for the insurance...
it included also stiffer sanctions against recruiters and juridical bodies including other agencies like dole and poea
section 7 on penalties –imposing stiffer and higher penalties
section 10 on monay claims – amendment was silent on the refund for the unexpired portion claims-- upon clarification, I was told that the supreme court decision on money claims applies; the part proposed for amendment also says ..... I should mention this because I am not sure if this good or not --
Sec. 10. Money Claims. –Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, AT THE OPTION OF THE WORKER, the Labor Arbiters of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) AND THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ADJUDICATORS OF THE POEA shall have the original and CONCURRENT jurisdiction to hear and decide, within THIRTY (30) calendar days after the SUBMISSION OF THE CASE FOR DECISION, the claims arising out of an employer-employee relationship or by virtue of any law or contract involving Filipino workers for overseas deployment including claims for actual, moral, exemplary and other forms of damages; PROVIDED THAT THE BASIS OF AWARD OF DAMAGES SHALL BE PROVEN BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE AND THE AMOUNTS THEREFORE SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE.
THE FIRST OFFICE WHICH TAKES COGNIZANCE OF A CASE FOR MONEY CLAIMS SHALL EXCLUDE THE OTHER OFFICE FROM EXRCISING JURISDICTION OVER THE CASE. A CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING SHALL BE ATTACHED TO THE COMPLAINT
IN ALL CASES FILED UNDER THIS SECTION, APPEAL SHALL BE WITH THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE RULES THEREOF. .
Section 13 – on free legal assistance
section 16 –on mandatory repatriation of underage migrants imposing stiff penalties for recruiters concerned
section 19 --
section 20 on sgism to realize this provision
Section 23 –on agencies of government –POEA, OWWA; adding on DOH and regulation re medical testings, LGUs
section 24 -
section 25 – on legal assistance fund- regular appropriations in the GAA subject to finance and performance audit; on uses of LAF
section 32 –on governance structures of owwa, poea and seats for ofws –in terms of process and selection
section 33 on report to congress
section 35 on exemption on fees
new section on mandatory insurance –mahaba ito
new section on creation of a joint congressional oversight committee
new section – IRR crafting 60 days after effectivity
new section –funding of P25M for budget of oversight committee
all for now. salamat sa mga sumama sa kampanyang ito.. magpahinga muna tayo.
ellene

ellene a. sana
Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines72-C Matahimik Street, Teachers’ Village Quezon City, Philippines
Email: cmaphils@pldtdsl.net;
URL: www.pinoy-abroad.net
Telefax: +632 4330684;
Telephone: +632 920 5003;
Cellphone: +63 928 795 2222

US Envoy to RP

US envoy to RP was posted once to Nigeria – Harry K. Thomas, Jr.

WASHINGTON – (UPDATE) US President Barack Obama on Thursday named two ambassadors to Southeast Asia, tapping a close political ally as envoy to Singapore and nominating a career diplomat to the Philippines:
For the Philippines, Obama named Harry K. Thomas, Jr., a career foreign service officer who served as ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005. He has also been posted in India, Nigeria, Peru and Zimbabwe.

David Adelman, a state senator in Georgia and a force behind the president's record-breaking fund-raising in last year's election, to be ambassador to Singapore.
_______________________________________________________________________________

PESO-DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT RATE
P47.100 = USD1.00
as of 20.11.09

To: CMA Director Ellene Sana - MABUHAY

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

A Birthday Celebration

A Birthday Celebration

It was a very subdued celebration. There was the 9th-day prayer for the repose of the dearly departed friend Ana Dador and the block rosary for the Blessed Virgin Mary - to be transferred to Vamed ladies. To collect were Adora, Dulce and Weng.

And most of all, it's the birthday celebration of Ampy with family and friends.

BINGO BONANZA AND BAZAAR -part 2

BINGO BONANZA AND BAZAAR - PART 2

Con-Gen Alex with from left: Lito, Vangie, John, Efren, Fely and Tickboy. At the back is James

Con-gen Alex Lamadrid while acknowledging the donors and guests...

...and here's Lito calling for bingo players...

Malou and Isabella