Arroyo’s gardener, manicurist land gov’t posts
abs-cbnNEWS.com
as of 04/21/2010 4:51 PM
MANILA, Philippines - A Malacañang spokesman confirmed Wednesday that President Arroyo's personal manicurist and gardener have been given jobs in the Pag-IBIG Housing Fund and Luneta Park administration.
Responding to a report by Philippine Star columnist Jarius Bondoc, Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar said it is the President's prerogative to appoint whomever she chooses for appointive government posts.
"Both people mentioned in Jarius [Bondoc]’s column are regular members of Malacañang’s staff. They do have regular government appointments and items. I’ve been advised that what prompted the President to give or to consider giving them this kind of appointment is her interest in having ordinary people represented in government offices and agencies whose activities impinge on the lives of ordinary people," Olivar told ANC's "Dateline Philippines.
He added: "Mabuti na may kumakatawan sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan sa mga ahensiya katulad ng Pag-IBIG na ang ginagawa po nila ay nakabalot sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin."
He also rejected the report that the two are unqualified for their new posts. "Hindi sapat na ma-disqualify sila dahil mababa ang katungkulan nila," he said.
According to Bondoc's column, Arroyo's manicurist, Anita Capron, will receive P130,000 a month in per diem, plus perks, for a fixed two-year term as Pag-IBIG trustee.
On the other hand, gardener Armando Macapagal was appointed deputy of the Luneta Park Administration.
Bondoc cited an insider among Malacañang's housekeeping staff who expressed doubts about the two appointees' credentials.
"Macapagal supposedly landscapes Malacañang lawns but does not manage people. Carpon is not known for financial expertise to oversee multibillion-peso housing mutual fund of all employees. Nicknamed Nitz, she is often scolded by Arroyo for mismatching presidential handbags and shoes," the column read.
Olivar, meanwhile, denied that the Malacañang gardener was appointed to an administrative post because he could be related to the President. He said Mrs. Arroyo's own daughter, Luli, disqualified herself from entering foreign service despite topping government exams.
"The President is the last person we can accuse of nepotism," he said.
He said the same argument could be made for the Maguindanao massacre case involving the Ampatuan family, who are known allies of President Arroyo. He said that after the November 23 massacre, Mrs. Arroyo declared a state of martial law in Maguindanao to effect the arrest of prime suspects involved in the massacre.
Arroyo urged to reconsider manicurist's appointment to Pag-IBIG
By Larize Lee, abs-cbnNEWS.com Intern
as of 04/23/2010 12:31 PM
MANILA, Philippines - A state workers' group is set to ask President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to reconsider the appointment of her personal manicurist as member of the Pag-Ibig Fund's board of trustees.
Ferdinand Gaite, leader of state workers' group, Courage, told abs-cbnNEWS.com they have already drafted a position paper requesting President Arroyo to withdraw the appointment of Anita "Nitz" Carpon as member of the Pag-Ibig Fund's board.
Gaite said the position paper will be circulated to all government agencies before they submit it to the Office of the President.
He said that hopefully, the position paper would get enough signatures before Carpon officially assumes her post. He added that they will include in the paper the appointment of Mrs. Arroyo's gardner, Armando Macapagal, as deputy of the Luneta Park Administration.
Jaime Fabiaña, Pag-IBIG Fund president, told ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda, that Carpon has yet to submit a signed oath of office.
"In government, the assumption of office technically starts once you have submitted a signed oath of office. She (Carpon) has not yet [taken her oath of office]," Fabiaña said.
He added that Carpon was appointed by President Arroyo to represent government employees in the housing fund's board of trustees last March 6, which is 4 days earlier than the March 10 election ban on midnight appointments.
Fabiaña said they are hoping that Carpon would be able to assume office this month for her to be able to attend the monthly board meeting in mid-May.
Pag-IBIG defends appointment
The Pag-IBIG Fund president, meanwhile, said they have confirmed that Carpon is a government employee. He said that since the board is not covered by civil service rules, the President's manicurist can sit as member of the board of trustees.
He admitted that Carpon may not have direct experience or knowledge in housing, but assured that she would be carefully briefed before she actually attends a board meeting.
Fabiaña, meanwhile, denied that a board trustee receives a total of P130,000 a month. He said the actual take-home money of a board trustee is P10,000 a month.
"After each board meeting, they receive P1,000 each. There are also committee meetings and everytime they meet, they receive P5,000, but there is a limitation of only 2 meetings a month. That is why at most, [a board member] receives P10,000 a month," he said.
He added that the Pag-IBIG Fund has drafted a request to raise the per diem allowance of its board members because the rate has remained unchanged since the 1980s. -- with Michelle Cristobal, abs-cbnNEWS.com Intern
...at ano naman kaya ang maiiwan natin sa susunod na henerasyon?
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Philippine president names manicurist to key post
Philippine president names manicurist to key post
Thu Apr 22, 2:07 am ET
AFP.com
MANILA (AFP) – Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has named her manicurist to the board of a major government agency, her spokesman said Thursday.
The appointment of Anita Carpon to the board of a body responsible for lending tens of millions of dollars for the housing needs of government employees has drawn sharp criticism.
Arroyo's spokesman Gary Olivar defended Carpon's new posting and confirmed her other job as the president's stylist.
"Having a relationship of trust with the president should not count against someone," Olivar told AFP.
Carpon is a government employee and was named to the agency's board to represent low-paid workers the fund is serving, he added.
"The president wants the poorer government employees represented in the board because they are the ones with the housing needs," Olivar said.
Local media reports say Carpon will receive a monthly salary of about 130,000 pesos (about 2,900 dollars), double that of the president herself. Olivar would not confirm the figure.
The appointment was slammed by the camp of presidential candidate Benigno Aquino, who is leading in polls ahead of the May 10 election.
Butch Abad, Aquino's campaign manager, accused Arroyo of acting without regard for the public good.
"She further deepened the culture of political patronage in this country by putting people who are loyal to her in positions which are delicate without any regard to the qualifications of these people," Abad said.
He said this followed a recent rash of controversial Arroyo appointments in the judiciary and the top military ranks less than three months before the end of her term.
"These appointments are meant to put people in positions of influence in the hopes that if she is out of power, she will still be able to exercise some degree of influence," Abad said.
Thu Apr 22, 2:07 am ET
AFP.com
MANILA (AFP) – Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has named her manicurist to the board of a major government agency, her spokesman said Thursday.
The appointment of Anita Carpon to the board of a body responsible for lending tens of millions of dollars for the housing needs of government employees has drawn sharp criticism.
Arroyo's spokesman Gary Olivar defended Carpon's new posting and confirmed her other job as the president's stylist.
"Having a relationship of trust with the president should not count against someone," Olivar told AFP.
Carpon is a government employee and was named to the agency's board to represent low-paid workers the fund is serving, he added.
"The president wants the poorer government employees represented in the board because they are the ones with the housing needs," Olivar said.
Local media reports say Carpon will receive a monthly salary of about 130,000 pesos (about 2,900 dollars), double that of the president herself. Olivar would not confirm the figure.
The appointment was slammed by the camp of presidential candidate Benigno Aquino, who is leading in polls ahead of the May 10 election.
Butch Abad, Aquino's campaign manager, accused Arroyo of acting without regard for the public good.
"She further deepened the culture of political patronage in this country by putting people who are loyal to her in positions which are delicate without any regard to the qualifications of these people," Abad said.
He said this followed a recent rash of controversial Arroyo appointments in the judiciary and the top military ranks less than three months before the end of her term.
"These appointments are meant to put people in positions of influence in the hopes that if she is out of power, she will still be able to exercise some degree of influence," Abad said.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Exemption for OFW money transfers
OFW money transfers now exempt from stamp tax
OFWs get P1.3 billion remittance savings -- Ople INQUIRER.net First Posted 12:19:00 04/18/2010
MANILA, Philippines—
As the amended Migrant Workers Act come into force, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can now count on some P1.3 billion in extra savings with the abolition of the documentary stamp tax (DST) on all their remittances under the new law.
This was revealed by former Labor Undersecretary and now Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate Susan "Toots" Ople in a news release over the weekend.
"The scrapping of the DST on remittances is timely, and should help the beneficiaries here of migrant Filipino workers recover some of the buying power lost due to the peso's recent surge against the dollar," Ople said.
The local currency closed Thursday at $1:P44.36, eight percent or P3.85 higher compared to $1:P48.21 a year ago.
The removal of the DST on all funds wired home by OFWs would help drive down money transfer charges, and put more cash in the pockets of those receiving remittances, Ople said.
She urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the Department of Finance (DoF) to promptly issue the new law's implementing rules and regulations so that OFWs would immediately benefit from reduced remittance charges.
Local banks and non-bank money transfer agents such as The Western Union Co. and Moneygram International Inc. collect the DST before the funds sent home by OFWs are actually paid out to their beneficiaries here.
Based on the projected $19 billion worth of remittances from OFWs this year, the DoF said government would be giving up around P1.3 billion in revenues annually with the removal of the DST.
The new Migrant Workers Act, or Republic Act 10022, recently lapsed into law without President Macapagal-Arroyo's signature.
Section 22 of the new law provides that all funds sent home by OFWs shall be exempt from the DST. The OFWs’ beneficiary simply has to present a proof of entitlement from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.
Prior to the passage of RA 10022, all money transfers from abroad and payable in the Philippines, including those wired home by OFWs, were subject to the DST at a rate of P0.30 for every P200.
This means OFWs pay a DST of P33.27 for every $500 or P22,180 (at $1:P44.36) they send home. This is on top of foreign and local bank fees, plus the P0.50 to a dollar margin domestic banks are allowed when paying out remittances in pesos.
According to a previous study by the World Bank, OFWs spend up to $22 to send home $500, or as much as $14 to remit $200.
OFWs get P1.3 billion remittance savings -- Ople INQUIRER.net First Posted 12:19:00 04/18/2010
MANILA, Philippines—
As the amended Migrant Workers Act come into force, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can now count on some P1.3 billion in extra savings with the abolition of the documentary stamp tax (DST) on all their remittances under the new law.
This was revealed by former Labor Undersecretary and now Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate Susan "Toots" Ople in a news release over the weekend.
"The scrapping of the DST on remittances is timely, and should help the beneficiaries here of migrant Filipino workers recover some of the buying power lost due to the peso's recent surge against the dollar," Ople said.
The local currency closed Thursday at $1:P44.36, eight percent or P3.85 higher compared to $1:P48.21 a year ago.
The removal of the DST on all funds wired home by OFWs would help drive down money transfer charges, and put more cash in the pockets of those receiving remittances, Ople said.
She urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the Department of Finance (DoF) to promptly issue the new law's implementing rules and regulations so that OFWs would immediately benefit from reduced remittance charges.
Local banks and non-bank money transfer agents such as The Western Union Co. and Moneygram International Inc. collect the DST before the funds sent home by OFWs are actually paid out to their beneficiaries here.
Based on the projected $19 billion worth of remittances from OFWs this year, the DoF said government would be giving up around P1.3 billion in revenues annually with the removal of the DST.
The new Migrant Workers Act, or Republic Act 10022, recently lapsed into law without President Macapagal-Arroyo's signature.
Section 22 of the new law provides that all funds sent home by OFWs shall be exempt from the DST. The OFWs’ beneficiary simply has to present a proof of entitlement from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.
Prior to the passage of RA 10022, all money transfers from abroad and payable in the Philippines, including those wired home by OFWs, were subject to the DST at a rate of P0.30 for every P200.
This means OFWs pay a DST of P33.27 for every $500 or P22,180 (at $1:P44.36) they send home. This is on top of foreign and local bank fees, plus the P0.50 to a dollar margin domestic banks are allowed when paying out remittances in pesos.
According to a previous study by the World Bank, OFWs spend up to $22 to send home $500, or as much as $14 to remit $200.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
OFWs Dollars
Peso seen staying within 44:$1 territory this year
By Michelle RemoPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 21:04:00 04/13/2010
BARCLAYS IS BULLISH ON THE Philippine peso, saying the currency is likely to stay within the 44:$1 territory over the next 12 months on the back of rising remittances and export revenues.
“[Foreign currency] inflows will continue to support the balance of payments and create a supportive backdrop for the peso,” Barclays said in its latest commentary on the Philippine economy.
The National Statistics Office on Tuesday reported that Philippine exports surged 42.3 percent to $3.57 billion in February.
Remittances, on the other hand, reached $1.4 billion in January, up 8.5 percent year-on-year.
Analysts said the surge in inflows of foreign currencies was causing the appreciation of the peso. Earlier this month, the local currency moved past the 44-to-a-dollar territory and hit a 20-month high. Traders said the peso was moving consistently with other Asian currencies with the improved appetite among investors on Asia, which is predicted to drive this year’s global growth.
The appreciation of the peso is one of the reasons why the inflation outlook for the Philippines has remained positive. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects consumer prices to grow 4.7 percent this year, well within the target of 3.5 to 5.5 percent.
Barclays, however, said that while a strong peso had positive effects, some sectors—exporters in particular—were expected to complain about the currency’s appreciation.
“Some segments of relatively labor-intensive manufacturing exports, including toy makers, are demanding currency market intervention and State aid as they are facing stiff competition in the international markets, and the strength of the peso is not helping,” the investment bank said.
Exporters have complained about the peso’s appreciation because it made their goods more expensive in dollar terms and, therefore, less competitive.
But the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has reiterated its stand against having a bias in favor of a weak currency and showing such by intervening in the foreign exchange market.
According to central bank officials, the BSP maintains a policy of allowing a market-determined exchange rate but intervenes from time to time only to avoid sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate.
Barclays said: “We believe the central bank will continue to finely balance the need for a stronger currency to keep a lid on imported inflation and dampening impact of a stronger currency on remittances in local currency terms [and by extension, on consumption spending].”
Some economists said the appreciation of the peso had a dampening effect on consumption because it reduces the peso value of the same dollar amount of remittances.
By Michelle RemoPhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 21:04:00 04/13/2010
BARCLAYS IS BULLISH ON THE Philippine peso, saying the currency is likely to stay within the 44:$1 territory over the next 12 months on the back of rising remittances and export revenues.
“[Foreign currency] inflows will continue to support the balance of payments and create a supportive backdrop for the peso,” Barclays said in its latest commentary on the Philippine economy.
The National Statistics Office on Tuesday reported that Philippine exports surged 42.3 percent to $3.57 billion in February.
Remittances, on the other hand, reached $1.4 billion in January, up 8.5 percent year-on-year.
Analysts said the surge in inflows of foreign currencies was causing the appreciation of the peso. Earlier this month, the local currency moved past the 44-to-a-dollar territory and hit a 20-month high. Traders said the peso was moving consistently with other Asian currencies with the improved appetite among investors on Asia, which is predicted to drive this year’s global growth.
The appreciation of the peso is one of the reasons why the inflation outlook for the Philippines has remained positive. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects consumer prices to grow 4.7 percent this year, well within the target of 3.5 to 5.5 percent.
Barclays, however, said that while a strong peso had positive effects, some sectors—exporters in particular—were expected to complain about the currency’s appreciation.
“Some segments of relatively labor-intensive manufacturing exports, including toy makers, are demanding currency market intervention and State aid as they are facing stiff competition in the international markets, and the strength of the peso is not helping,” the investment bank said.
Exporters have complained about the peso’s appreciation because it made their goods more expensive in dollar terms and, therefore, less competitive.
But the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has reiterated its stand against having a bias in favor of a weak currency and showing such by intervening in the foreign exchange market.
According to central bank officials, the BSP maintains a policy of allowing a market-determined exchange rate but intervenes from time to time only to avoid sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate.
Barclays said: “We believe the central bank will continue to finely balance the need for a stronger currency to keep a lid on imported inflation and dampening impact of a stronger currency on remittances in local currency terms [and by extension, on consumption spending].”
Some economists said the appreciation of the peso had a dampening effect on consumption because it reduces the peso value of the same dollar amount of remittances.
Friday, April 9, 2010
OFWs Infusion of Hard-Earned Dollars to the Philippines
Para sa lahat ng OFWs sa lahat ng panig ng mundo:
Ang sumusunod na analysis ay ginawa ng Cost Comptroller ng Dantata & Sawoe.
As OFWs we all know how hard it is to earn money for the family we loved whose welfare is the reason why we are working far away from home. If ever we spend or save our money here is our own individual concern.
But the remittances we send home need to be scrutinized because of the way our government is handling our hard-earned money.
Once more, this letter was sent to CMA Director Ellene Sana and Atty. Karen Dumpit -people who are guaranteed to look into the welfare of every OFW
Ang sumusunod na analysis ay ginawa ng Cost Comptroller ng Dantata & Sawoe.
As OFWs we all know how hard it is to earn money for the family we loved whose welfare is the reason why we are working far away from home. If ever we spend or save our money here is our own individual concern.
But the remittances we send home need to be scrutinized because of the way our government is handling our hard-earned money.
Once more, this letter was sent to CMA Director Ellene Sana and Atty. Karen Dumpit -people who are guaranteed to look into the welfare of every OFW
Dear Ellene,
BSP is trumpeting that our U.S. dollars reserved rose to USD47 billion. This probably explained the strength of the peso, kung kaya yung dating palitan na P48 six months ago, ngayon tumuntong na sa P44.
Based on BSP figures, the OFWs infusion of dollars to our country reached US$16 billion last year, and the remittance growing steadily as many Pinoys opted to leave the country to have a better chance of meeting the economic challenges of life at the expense of the social fabric of our family and the Filipino society as a whole.
The strength of our Peso against the major currencies of the world is quite amazing and unbelievable. Filipino exporters of goods and produce probably have the right to put the blame to the OFWs. The truth of the matter is that both the sectors are actually on the losing side. Notice on the table (attached file) I prepared. If we pegged the Peso rate at P50/$ and compare it to the present rate at P44, that at the end of the current year the value of our hard-earned dollars diminishes to a staggering 14%, or the equivalent of P100 billion loss on exchange rate, or USD2.3 billion worth.
Is CMA, by any chance, or are there other NGOs, studying & analyzing this type of issue? If the peso would continue to gather momentum and further play havocs to the value of our earnings, then OFWs will probably start holding some of our remittance to our country. We could hold some, or divert them / save them in other countries like Singapore or Hongkong, but I believe this is a cruel thing to do. On the other side of the coin, if our government is manipulating the peso rate against the dollar, then the government is rather pushing the big nail deeper in our hearts. Push them further to the brink of extinction the OFW sector is capable of playing hard balls “kung may pagkakaisa”.
In unity the OFWs can be very politically powerful. Walang sinabi ang grupo ni Mke Velarde at ni Villanueva, at ngayon kasama na rin pala si Borloloy, ay Quiboloy yata. May mga Party List pa sila, pero saan nila ginamit ang pork barrel nila at P70 million per representative., Ang Buhay ni MV ay 3 pa yata ang representatives sa congress. Oh well, this is another issue.
Kind regards,
Lito
P.S.
Tomorrow entitled na kaming bumoto, ang tanong sino kaya sa kanila ang pipiliin.
The Yellow submarine na nangangakong hindi magnanakaw, or
Yung daw naligo sa dagat ng basura pero sa Sikwat at Taga kaya yumaman lalo, or
Yung bumabalik na si Asiong Salongga na mas mabuti pa sa lungga na lang, or
Yung may galing at talino, pero saan naman kaya gagamitin kung sakaling manalo, or
Yung 3 kulelat sa survey na naghahangad ng milagro.
Ay naku, pinoy, isand delubyo pa patay kang bata ka.
Select the best answer – multiple choice at talo ang mangilan-ngilan na pinoy na nag-iisip sa pagboto
Kumpara sa boto ng mga sangkatutak na pinoy na nakikiboto lang at walang ng isip-isip pa.
OFWs INFUSION OF HARD-EARNED DOLLARS TO THE PHILIPPINES
BSP is trumpeting that our U.S. dollars reserved rose to USD47 billion. This probably explained the strength of the peso, kung kaya yung dating palitan na P48 six months ago, ngayon tumuntong na sa P44.
Based on BSP figures, the OFWs infusion of dollars to our country reached US$16 billion last year, and the remittance growing steadily as many Pinoys opted to leave the country to have a better chance of meeting the economic challenges of life at the expense of the social fabric of our family and the Filipino society as a whole.
The strength of our Peso against the major currencies of the world is quite amazing and unbelievable. Filipino exporters of goods and produce probably have the right to put the blame to the OFWs. The truth of the matter is that both the sectors are actually on the losing side. Notice on the table (attached file) I prepared. If we pegged the Peso rate at P50/$ and compare it to the present rate at P44, that at the end of the current year the value of our hard-earned dollars diminishes to a staggering 14%, or the equivalent of P100 billion loss on exchange rate, or USD2.3 billion worth.
Is CMA, by any chance, or are there other NGOs, studying & analyzing this type of issue? If the peso would continue to gather momentum and further play havocs to the value of our earnings, then OFWs will probably start holding some of our remittance to our country. We could hold some, or divert them / save them in other countries like Singapore or Hongkong, but I believe this is a cruel thing to do. On the other side of the coin, if our government is manipulating the peso rate against the dollar, then the government is rather pushing the big nail deeper in our hearts. Push them further to the brink of extinction the OFW sector is capable of playing hard balls “kung may pagkakaisa”.
In unity the OFWs can be very politically powerful. Walang sinabi ang grupo ni Mke Velarde at ni Villanueva, at ngayon kasama na rin pala si Borloloy, ay Quiboloy yata. May mga Party List pa sila, pero saan nila ginamit ang pork barrel nila at P70 million per representative., Ang Buhay ni MV ay 3 pa yata ang representatives sa congress. Oh well, this is another issue.
Kind regards,
Lito
P.S.
Tomorrow entitled na kaming bumoto, ang tanong sino kaya sa kanila ang pipiliin.
The Yellow submarine na nangangakong hindi magnanakaw, or
Yung daw naligo sa dagat ng basura pero sa Sikwat at Taga kaya yumaman lalo, or
Yung bumabalik na si Asiong Salongga na mas mabuti pa sa lungga na lang, or
Yung may galing at talino, pero saan naman kaya gagamitin kung sakaling manalo, or
Yung 3 kulelat sa survey na naghahangad ng milagro.
Ay naku, pinoy, isand delubyo pa patay kang bata ka.
Select the best answer – multiple choice at talo ang mangilan-ngilan na pinoy na nag-iisip sa pagboto
Kumpara sa boto ng mga sangkatutak na pinoy na nakikiboto lang at walang ng isip-isip pa.
OFWs INFUSION OF HARD-EARNED DOLLARS TO THE PHILIPPINES
Total Yearly Earnings of 3 million OFWs
= 16,678,800,000
Pegged at :
USD1 = 50 = 833,940,000,000
USD1 = 48 = 800,582,400,000
USD1= 46 = 767,224,800,000
USD1= 44 = 733,867,200,000
LOSS ON EXCHANGE RATE every 3 months:
= 33,357,600,000
Sunday, April 4, 2010
HAPPY EASTER
PEACE!
MAY THE RISEN LORD FILL OUR HEARTS WITH JOY AS WE JOURNEY WITH HOPE TOWARDS OUR FUTURE RESURRECTION!
A FRUITFUL AND BLESSED EASTER TO ONE AND ALL!
HEARTFELT GREETINGS
FROM
EXCO PUSONG PINOY
MAY THE RISEN LORD FILL OUR HEARTS WITH JOY AS WE JOURNEY WITH HOPE TOWARDS OUR FUTURE RESURRECTION!
A FRUITFUL AND BLESSED EASTER TO ONE AND ALL!
HEARTFELT GREETINGS
FROM
EXCO PUSONG PINOY
Monday, March 15, 2010
RP dependence on OFW earnings leads to jobless growth -- recruiter
The government's reliance on the OFWs remittances should be seriously addressed - but HOW?
Maybe, this coming election, voters will become more mature and intelligent.
It is a prayer everybody should have.
...'The recruiter said that one of the “most obvious” symptoms of the Dutch disease has been the continued strengthening of the local peso even when the economy has been “barely” growing...'
RP dependence on OFW earnings leads to jobless growth -- recruiter
By Jerome AningPhilippine Daily Inquirer 22:27:00 03/14/2010
MANILA, Philippines --Awash with dollars from US$18 billion (more than P821 billion) a year in remittances from overseas Filipino workers a year, the Philippine economy could be now afflicted with the “Dutch disease,” an economic malady that sees the decline of local industries, fuels an overvalued peso, makes exports costly and imports cheap, and results in jobless growth, according to recruiters.
Lito Soriano, executive director of the Federated Association of Manpower Exporters, issued the warning in a recent forum on the strong peso and what must be done on the peso-dollar exchange rate concerns of overseas Filipino workers.
“Ironically for the OFWs who are the ones sending the dollar windfall to their families each month, they and their families are the first victims of the economic malady that was first experienced by the Netherlands,” Soriano said in a statement.
Soriano was referring to the term coined by The Economist in 1977 to describe the decline of the manufacturing sector in the Netherlands following the discovery of a large natural gas field in 1959. This culminated in the world's biggest public-private oil industry partnership in 1963.
The Dutch disease is a concept that purportedly explains the apparent relationship between the increase in exploitation of natural resources and a decline in the manufacturing sector. The theory is that an increase in revenues from natural resources will “de-industrialize” a nation’s economy by raising the exchange rate, which makes the manufacturing sector less competitive and public services entangled with business interests.
The concept has since been applied to other types of economic models. In the case of the Philippines, the increase in revenues comes from the OFWs’ remittances.
Soriano, chair of the LBS Recruitment Solutions, said the bloated dollar supply, not earned with private and government investments, would ten to lure decision makers to squander public funds and go into foreign borrowing sprees, confident the country has enough reserves to pay for the foreign loans.
The recruiter said that one of the “most obvious” symptoms of the Dutch disease has been the continued strengthening of the local peso even when the economy has been “barely” growing.
“When an OFW sends $1, 000 to his family today, it’s equivalent to only P45, 000 at P45 to the dollar exchange rate or P5, 000 less than what they got when the dollar was worth P50 in 1997,” he said.
As a “rule of thumb,” the recruiter added, an OFW would not get a raise while on contract for two to three years
The strong peso fueled by OFW money have further punished both the local industries selling to the domestic market and abroad because their costs were much higher than those from countries not suffering from the Dutch disease, Soriano added.
“The decimation of both the domestic industries and export industries has depleted the manpower pool for highly skilled and professional workers that are in the high-end of the deployment industry,” he explained.Soriano added that the OFW deployment industry has suffered from a “shallow pool” of highly trained people that resulted in fewer takers and the increasing deployment of factory workers, maids and entertainers.Citing data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Soriano said that of the 7.8 million sent to different parts of the world from the year 2001 to 2008, average yearly deployment was 893, 475 people, but close to half of them (47 percent) were rehired land-based workers plus 24 percent returning seafarers.
Newly hired averaged only 29 percent or less than a third, he said.
In 2007, Soriano said POEA figures revealed that among the first-time OFWs, 121, 715 were factory workers, 107,135 were classified as service workers mostly domestics while only 43,225 were professional and technical workers. Another 20, 000 were sent out as sales workers and clerks.
“In 2007, 74 percent of deployed workers were domestics, service and factory workers. Of all the deployed, only 14 percent were new hires,” he pointed out.
Among nurses, Soriano said, only an average of 10, 000 have been getting nursing jobs abroad each year, a “far cry” from the alleged tens of thousands some public officials claim. Most nurses end up without jobs here.He said the “most alarming trend” has been the increasing rate of female workers getting jobs overseas. In the past seven years, he said, 64 percent were female against 36 male and most of them were sent as domestic helpers, entertainers and factory hands.
Soriano said the cure for the Dutch disease would be multi-faceted.
“Taipans should invest in permanent jobs like manufacturing and light industries. There should be a more competitive exchange rate as the peso is overvalued by 20 percent resulting in a lower exchange rate for OFWs,” he said.
Soriano said that government should also admit the existence of the economic phenomenon, adding, “The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is projecting more remittances from OFWs, but how about earnings from other sectors such as the export industry?”
And the future of the Manufacturing Industry in the Philippines is best summed up (and echoed by most thinkers) by a comment below (culled from The Inquirer)
benleano Today at 8:33 am
Manufacturing industry in the Philippines is dead and it is only the service sector which keeps the Philippines alive. Our biggest export are Filipinos and that's where we are good in manufacturing babies for eventual exportation.
Maybe, this coming election, voters will become more mature and intelligent.
It is a prayer everybody should have.
...'The recruiter said that one of the “most obvious” symptoms of the Dutch disease has been the continued strengthening of the local peso even when the economy has been “barely” growing...'
RP dependence on OFW earnings leads to jobless growth -- recruiter
By Jerome AningPhilippine Daily Inquirer 22:27:00 03/14/2010
MANILA, Philippines --Awash with dollars from US$18 billion (more than P821 billion) a year in remittances from overseas Filipino workers a year, the Philippine economy could be now afflicted with the “Dutch disease,” an economic malady that sees the decline of local industries, fuels an overvalued peso, makes exports costly and imports cheap, and results in jobless growth, according to recruiters.
Lito Soriano, executive director of the Federated Association of Manpower Exporters, issued the warning in a recent forum on the strong peso and what must be done on the peso-dollar exchange rate concerns of overseas Filipino workers.
“Ironically for the OFWs who are the ones sending the dollar windfall to their families each month, they and their families are the first victims of the economic malady that was first experienced by the Netherlands,” Soriano said in a statement.
Soriano was referring to the term coined by The Economist in 1977 to describe the decline of the manufacturing sector in the Netherlands following the discovery of a large natural gas field in 1959. This culminated in the world's biggest public-private oil industry partnership in 1963.
The Dutch disease is a concept that purportedly explains the apparent relationship between the increase in exploitation of natural resources and a decline in the manufacturing sector. The theory is that an increase in revenues from natural resources will “de-industrialize” a nation’s economy by raising the exchange rate, which makes the manufacturing sector less competitive and public services entangled with business interests.
The concept has since been applied to other types of economic models. In the case of the Philippines, the increase in revenues comes from the OFWs’ remittances.
Soriano, chair of the LBS Recruitment Solutions, said the bloated dollar supply, not earned with private and government investments, would ten to lure decision makers to squander public funds and go into foreign borrowing sprees, confident the country has enough reserves to pay for the foreign loans.
The recruiter said that one of the “most obvious” symptoms of the Dutch disease has been the continued strengthening of the local peso even when the economy has been “barely” growing.
“When an OFW sends $1, 000 to his family today, it’s equivalent to only P45, 000 at P45 to the dollar exchange rate or P5, 000 less than what they got when the dollar was worth P50 in 1997,” he said.
As a “rule of thumb,” the recruiter added, an OFW would not get a raise while on contract for two to three years
The strong peso fueled by OFW money have further punished both the local industries selling to the domestic market and abroad because their costs were much higher than those from countries not suffering from the Dutch disease, Soriano added.
“The decimation of both the domestic industries and export industries has depleted the manpower pool for highly skilled and professional workers that are in the high-end of the deployment industry,” he explained.Soriano added that the OFW deployment industry has suffered from a “shallow pool” of highly trained people that resulted in fewer takers and the increasing deployment of factory workers, maids and entertainers.Citing data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Soriano said that of the 7.8 million sent to different parts of the world from the year 2001 to 2008, average yearly deployment was 893, 475 people, but close to half of them (47 percent) were rehired land-based workers plus 24 percent returning seafarers.
Newly hired averaged only 29 percent or less than a third, he said.
In 2007, Soriano said POEA figures revealed that among the first-time OFWs, 121, 715 were factory workers, 107,135 were classified as service workers mostly domestics while only 43,225 were professional and technical workers. Another 20, 000 were sent out as sales workers and clerks.
“In 2007, 74 percent of deployed workers were domestics, service and factory workers. Of all the deployed, only 14 percent were new hires,” he pointed out.
Among nurses, Soriano said, only an average of 10, 000 have been getting nursing jobs abroad each year, a “far cry” from the alleged tens of thousands some public officials claim. Most nurses end up without jobs here.He said the “most alarming trend” has been the increasing rate of female workers getting jobs overseas. In the past seven years, he said, 64 percent were female against 36 male and most of them were sent as domestic helpers, entertainers and factory hands.
Soriano said the cure for the Dutch disease would be multi-faceted.
“Taipans should invest in permanent jobs like manufacturing and light industries. There should be a more competitive exchange rate as the peso is overvalued by 20 percent resulting in a lower exchange rate for OFWs,” he said.
Soriano said that government should also admit the existence of the economic phenomenon, adding, “The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is projecting more remittances from OFWs, but how about earnings from other sectors such as the export industry?”
And the future of the Manufacturing Industry in the Philippines is best summed up (and echoed by most thinkers) by a comment below (culled from The Inquirer)
benleano Today at 8:33 am
Manufacturing industry in the Philippines is dead and it is only the service sector which keeps the Philippines alive. Our biggest export are Filipinos and that's where we are good in manufacturing babies for eventual exportation.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Arroyo asked to veto bill amending law on OFWs
Arroyo asked to veto bill amending law on OFWs
03/11/2010 07:39 AM
A number of overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) groups urged President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last week to veto amendments to the migrant workers’ law, which they said are anti-OFW particularly the provision on mandatory insurance. In a letter dated March 4, the groups said while the intent of some of the amendments are laudable, the bill amending the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 or Republic Act 8042 should be vetoed as a whole for several reasons.The groups include members of the Consultative Council on OFWs (CCOFW), or representatives of migrant workers organizations, labor groups, trade unions, seafarers’ organizations, policy and research institutes and individual advocates.The bill’s provision on compulsory insurance, the groups said, applies only to OFWs deployed through recruitment agencies and excludes the majority of Filipino workers whose services were not contracted through agencies.The group said data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) covering 1990- 2008 show that only an average of 26.6 percent of the total number of OFWs are deployed through recruitment agencies, while the bulk of workers renew their contracts on their own or are hired through government placement or are direct hires. Mandatory insurance should also not be legislated, they argued, saying recruitment or manning agencies must voluntarily insure their workers.“In the case of the seafarers, prior to sailing, they are already enrolled by their employers in a comprehensive insurance policy, together with the vessels they work in. In the final version of the amendatory law, the proposed insurance is extended to seafarers. However, the benefits are far inferior to those enjoyed by seafarers under the current insurance scheme," the groups stated in the letter.The group also questioned the ability of pertinent government agencies to implement the amendments to the law, as they scored the POEA for allegedly failing to curb illegal recruitment as it is tasked to do so under the law. Instead, the groups urge the government to work on forging rights-based labor agreements with receiving countries, which they said will do more in protecting the rights of OFWs. The groups also expressed opposition to the retention of RA 8042’s section 10, which limits money claims of OFWs terminated without due cause to just the equivalent of three months’ salary for every year of the unexpired contract. “[O]n the strength of our conviction that the amendatory law on RA8042, particularly the provision on the compulsory insurance provision and the non-repeal of the particular provision on Section 10 on money claims, will harm, not benefit, our migrant workers, we believe that you (Arroyo) should veto this bill," the groups maintained.The letter has over 40 signatories, including Center for Migrant Advocacy, Akbayan Citizen’s Action Party, Philippine Migrants Rights Watch, Alliance of Progressive Labor, and Focus on the Global South.—Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV
03/11/2010 07:39 AM
A number of overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) groups urged President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last week to veto amendments to the migrant workers’ law, which they said are anti-OFW particularly the provision on mandatory insurance. In a letter dated March 4, the groups said while the intent of some of the amendments are laudable, the bill amending the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 or Republic Act 8042 should be vetoed as a whole for several reasons.The groups include members of the Consultative Council on OFWs (CCOFW), or representatives of migrant workers organizations, labor groups, trade unions, seafarers’ organizations, policy and research institutes and individual advocates.The bill’s provision on compulsory insurance, the groups said, applies only to OFWs deployed through recruitment agencies and excludes the majority of Filipino workers whose services were not contracted through agencies.The group said data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) covering 1990- 2008 show that only an average of 26.6 percent of the total number of OFWs are deployed through recruitment agencies, while the bulk of workers renew their contracts on their own or are hired through government placement or are direct hires. Mandatory insurance should also not be legislated, they argued, saying recruitment or manning agencies must voluntarily insure their workers.“In the case of the seafarers, prior to sailing, they are already enrolled by their employers in a comprehensive insurance policy, together with the vessels they work in. In the final version of the amendatory law, the proposed insurance is extended to seafarers. However, the benefits are far inferior to those enjoyed by seafarers under the current insurance scheme," the groups stated in the letter.The group also questioned the ability of pertinent government agencies to implement the amendments to the law, as they scored the POEA for allegedly failing to curb illegal recruitment as it is tasked to do so under the law. Instead, the groups urge the government to work on forging rights-based labor agreements with receiving countries, which they said will do more in protecting the rights of OFWs. The groups also expressed opposition to the retention of RA 8042’s section 10, which limits money claims of OFWs terminated without due cause to just the equivalent of three months’ salary for every year of the unexpired contract. “[O]n the strength of our conviction that the amendatory law on RA8042, particularly the provision on the compulsory insurance provision and the non-repeal of the particular provision on Section 10 on money claims, will harm, not benefit, our migrant workers, we believe that you (Arroyo) should veto this bill," the groups maintained.The letter has over 40 signatories, including Center for Migrant Advocacy, Akbayan Citizen’s Action Party, Philippine Migrants Rights Watch, Alliance of Progressive Labor, and Focus on the Global South.—Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
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.
To these happy couples: Pusong Pinoy wishes you the very best in life.
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
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
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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
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
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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!
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
Thursday, January 21, 2010
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 Dumpitwrote:
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
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
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
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Free at Last: On the way to Nigeria
Free at Last: On the way to NigeriaBy: 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 smileAbout 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.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
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
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
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