sulyap sept 2008 (final for printing)

8/14/2019 Sulyap Sept 2008 (Final for Printing)

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News: Asian Broadcasters Ink Accord on Cultural...

Editorial: Empowered Signature Campaign

News: Fr. Cedric Surprises Changhyun Filcom...

Feature: Mama Ems: Her Strength, Our Inspiration

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

Photo Essay: No to NPS-SSS Campaign

Volume 1 Issue 11 www.sulyapinoy.org September 2008

by Dondave Jabay

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Kasan, Gyeonggi-do- In line with the 7th yearfoundation celebration, Kasan Migrant Work-

ers Community (KMWC) hosted the first song festi-val for Filipino amateur singers last Sept. 6 at KasanElem. School Gym.

Participants from Kasan, Seoul and nearby prov-inces have joined in to belt out and serenaded theaudience with the opening song Si Hesus, Ang Susi

ng Lahat as the Kasan Diva Mary Joy Lor togetherwith Orly Tungala showed off their vocal prowess.

The day has finally come as her rendition of I WillAlways Love You gave Florie May Sabio to win theGrand Prize in the first Kasan

by Rebenson B. Recaa

Hyehwadong, Seoul Songs, praises and

smiles have greeted His Excellency

Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, DD as Filipino

Catholics led by the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic

Community welcomed the first Filipino Apostolic

Nuncio and the envoy of the Vatican to South Korea

last Aug. 31 at St. Benedict Church.

Filipino-Korean children offered flowers to show

their joy and pride in welcoming the Papal Nuncio

while Philippine Embassy officials headed by

Ambassador Luis Cruz together with Labor Attach

Delmer Cruz, Consul Jed Dayang, Labor Admin.

Staff Violeta Buenaventura joined hundreds of

churchgoers to witness his first visit and homily with

his kababayan in South Korea.

As the representative of Pope Benedict XVI in

safeguarding the interests of the Holy See, the

Papal Nuncio shared his awareness of the different

issues and hardships of workers in the process ofmigration for he has been part of it since 1963, for

being a missionary of God.

Also, he shared the pains and struggles of the Holy

Family as migrants for they asked God for the

needed strength and he encouraged everyone to do

the same in asking Gods guidance and as

Catholics, he invited everyone to oneself for the

transformation in the goodness of Christ.

More so, HFCC Chaplain Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP

has reveled a few of the Papal Nuncios favorites

like bola-bola and shared personal experience likefor being so fatherly when one

(turn to page 2)

OFW-KOREA-2006-001

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(turn to page 2)

His Excellency Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, DD (center) holds Filipino-Korean kids with HFCC Chaplain Fr. Alvin Parantar,MSP (back, right) and Fr. Theophilus Choi of the Seoul Archdiocese (far right) at St. Benedict Church, Seoul.

Photo by Elizer Pearanda

Photo by Amie Sison

Itaewon, Seoul The office of the PhilippineEmbassy in Seoul led by His Excellency

Ambassador Luis T. Cruz held the 2008 firstleaders forum attended by different FilipinoCommunity (FILCOM) leaders in South Korea lastSept. 6 at the Philippine Embassy.

Embassy staff from different consular offices anddepartments also attended the said forum. Ministerand Consul General Abraham R. Estavillo, ConsulSylvia M. Marasigan, and Vice-Consul Arnel G.Talisayon of Philippine Embassy office; AttachCol. Martin N. Pinto, PN (M) (GSC) from the Officeof the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces; Com-mercial Counselor Edgardo (turn to page 4)

by Elizer Pearanda

Amb. Cruz (standing) shares his opinion about the NPS-SSScontroversial agreement to FILCOM leaders in response totheir sentiments expressed during the open forum part.

Photo by Dondave Jabay

Hyehwadong, Seoul - Hundreds of Filipino workers participate in

the "No to NPS-SSS Lump-sum Transfer" signature campaignrecently launched by Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA).

Sr. Luz Olalia, SJBP presents the token of appreciation and plaque of recognition to KMWC President Carl AnthonyDacones during the anniversary celebration.

Photo by Felix Ferrer


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Filipinos Hail Archbishop

may feel comfortable and for being the nuncio forboth South Korea and Mongolia.

However, Ambassador Luis Cruz has startedsharing the ambassadorial rank with the Papal Nun-

cio since they have common roots and function in

promoting the well-being of all Filipinos in South

Korea.

As apostolic nuncio, he is considered the represen-

tative or ambassador of the Holy See to the bishops

of the Episcopal Conference and particular

churches.

Also, his primary duty is to make firm and effective

the bonds of unity between the Pope, the head of

States and the bishops.

The 66-year-old Papal Nuncio was hailed in Cebu

and was ordained priest in 1966. He was named as

the fourth Apostolic Nuncio to South Korea last April

12 and replaced Archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig.

Mass and emphasized a number of issues which

confronted all Filipino migrants, hard labor and

human trafficking especially among women.

Also, KMCC Sister Luz Olalia, SJBP shared the

struggles and crucial stages of the community andhow it succeeded like the 7-year old child who has

reached The Age of Reason. This is the most

celebrated birthday in a childs life for he/she

knows already the right from wrong, Sister Luz

said.

We thank Fr. Glenn, Fr. Paul, Juliet, Columban

Missionaries, Tina, Chris, Jojo, Sr. Julie, Sr. Cecile

and all who have been part of this wonderful jour-

ney and to the Almighty for given us the opportu-

nity to celebrate our culture and bountiful bless-

ings, lets all celebrate, Sister Luz continued.

KMWC President Anthony Carl Dacones and

Officer Maricar Cardano with the special participa-

tion of Ma. Jhonna Joey Fiedacan, Administra-

tive Assistant II of Philippine Overseas Labor

Office (POLO) emceed the musical event.

National BroadcastingNetwork Manager

Agerico Arias of thePhilippines joined otherdelegates as they inked

the joint productionaccord among the 10participating countries.

Our country and SouthKorea have startedsharing a few documen-taries since last year,which paved the way topromoting culture, tour-ism and eventuallyinvestments, Arias said.

Weve showcased our

way of living, stories ofsome Filipinas marriedto Koreans, and the fun and satisfaction that awaita number Koreans who retire in the Philippines,

Arias added.

On the other hand, Philippine-Korean CulturalHouse in Seoul (PKCH), headed by its PR man-ager Eunha Park, brought the Sulyapinoy Perform-ing Team, which showcased Philippine folkdanceslike Subli and Cariosa in support of the event.

South Korea is now welcoming the world as it getsmulticultural, and we need to share the vast cultureand the world-class talent of the Filipino migrants inan international meet such as this one, Parkcommented.

Also, Vu Thi Viet Hong of Vietnam serenaded theaudience with her musical instrument called dantranh, while the Mongolian performers showcasedtheir national heritage musical drama.

NEWS

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Seoul, South Korea - The Korean BroadcastingInstitute (KBI), under the sponsorship of the

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of SouthKorea, organized a three-day workshop on The Fu-ture of co-Production Beyond the Prosperity at theGrand Intercontinental Hotel.

This workshop will surely lead to an increase in theawareness of diverse cultures within our regionsthrough advanced technology in information andmedia, for it is our youth who will get the greater valueof this endeavor, said Philippine Ambassador LuisCruz in the workshop held last September 3-5.

Delegates from South Korea, China, Cambodia, Indo-nesia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Myanmar,Brazil and the Philippines participated and discussedthe joint production of programs on the said event asa way of cultural exchange and building a system forstrong community relations in the region.

by Elizer Pearanda

Meanwhile, Dioribon Bong Perocho, the Filipinointerpreter of the Korean language for the Philip-pine delegates and a volunteer of the HyehwadongFilipino Catholic Community in Seoul shared thegood impressions of the media participants from

other countries about the Philippine broadcastingprograms which are highly appreciated in promot-ing culture and the arts.

However, government support as the financingagency, aside from the broadcasting network,should focus on media and its important role incommunity development. Co-production shouldalso provide opportunity in promoting diverse cul-ture of the participating countries instead. Theneeded plans, study and research in order toachieve a better job in joint production were a fewof the suggestions raised prior to the signing of thesaid accord.

The Korean Wave or Hallyu has been a phe-nomenon among Asian countries including thePhilippines and the initiative of the South Koreangovernment and KBI in the agreement of co-production mutually benefit the 51,000 Filipinos inSouth Korea and the reported 100.000 Koreans inthe Philippines.

Inspirational QuoteWhere there is unity

there is always victory.

- Publilius Syrus -

Amb. Luis Cruz joins the NBN Manager Agerico Arias and PR Officer Maria Besa(far right) with other participants at Grand Intercontinental Hotel, Seoul.

KMWC 7th Anniversary

Song Festival with Judith Mas and Jannel Gonzales

won first and second runners-up respectively.

Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador Luis Cruz con-gratulated the KMWC for getting stronger after 7

years of providing services and spiritual guidance to

all migrants. Were here to celebrate with you as

you promote our culture and share our Filipino musi-

cality to all Koreans and to the rest of foreign com-

munity in South Korea, Ambassador Cruz shared.

Also, the event paved the way to recognize the

KMWC officers and volunteers headed by its Presi-

dent Anthony Carl Dacones and Vice-President

Francis Katigbak while Labor Attach Atty. Delmer

Cruz awarded the certificate of recognition to the

newly registered Filipino communities.

However, SULYAPINOY editorial staff in the pres-

ence of Dondave Jabay, Maria Regina Arquiza and

Elizer Penaranda joined the board of judges together

with Fr. Jun Perez, SVD who celebrated the Holy

Photo by Bong Perocho


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The absence of theproper consultationto the concernedOFWs here in

South Korea, lossof workers smallbusiness opportuni-ties upon goingback home afterour sojourn period,unfair compulsorycoverage to theNPS-SSS socialsecurity agreement,and the NPS lump-sum refund will beprone to becomean object of corrup-tion and some other

personal analyseshave triggered theEPS workers led bythe Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) toinitiate the massive campaign for social awarenessand participation.

More so, the SULYAPINOY website which currentlyconducting the online signature campaign has shownthe participation of some other workers and concernedFilipino nationals around the world thru online whocannot come and personally sign the petition letterwhich remarkably received the unprecedentedstatistics (1,070 at this writing-ED) of signaturesonline.

With support from Philippine radio program likeDZME, the issue has reached the Philippine House ofSenate thru the offices of Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago, Chairperson on Committee of Foreign

EDITORIAL

For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & Advertisements

Please submit them to our website and the following emails below:

Website: www.sulyapinoy.org

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

All Staff: [email protected] [email protected]

Editor-in-Chief: [email protected] Managing / Sports: [email protected]

We reserve the right to refuse any submission we deem does not meet our policies and guidelines.

SULYAPINOYis still in need of writers. Aspirants may email the Editorial Staff for more details.

For literary entries, please limit your essay composition to a max. of 600 words only due to space limitation.

Thank you for your time and interest!

D I S C L A I M E R

Different opinions are encourage to stimulatemember i npu t and i nvo l vement .SULYAPINOYs role is to provide informationthat permits FEWA members to developinformed opinions on subjects that will affecttheir status as migrant workers and, in some

instances, their personal lives. FEWA doesnot hold itself responsible for statementsmade by any contributor. Statements oropinions expressed in SULYAPINOY re-flect the views of the author(s) and not theofficial policy of FEWA unless so stated.

Varied sentiments, views and analyses have beenburst out as various Filipino organizations signed

the No to National Pension Scheme-Social SecuritySystem (NPS-SSS) Campaign to show opposition to

the said bilateral agreement on social security.

The ongoing signature campaign is highly recognizedand supported by the majority of the 51,051 members ofdifferent Filipino communities which paved the way forall Overseas Filipino Workers including the religioussector band together as one with a common goal. Theyhave given their usual support by disseminating informa-tion and encouragement to churchgoers who are alsothe concerned individuals on the said current issue.

Filipino Employment Permit System Workers Associa-tion (FEWA) and SULYAPINOY spearheaded the signa-ture campaign in full support of the Hyehwadong FilipinoCatholic Community (HFCC) led by its chaplain, Fr. Alvin

Parantar, MSP, Kasan Migrant Workers Community(KMWC), Changhyun Filipino Catholic Community,Human Rights Welfare Organization Filipino Community(HRWOFC), Ansan Filipino Catholic Community(AFCC), Philippine Migrant Workers Association inSouth Korea (PMWAK), Osan Migrant Workers Center,communities from Pusan such as the Filipino MigrantWorkers Association in Pusan (FIMIWAP), Filipino Asso-ciation In Gimhae Korea (FASIGKO) Filipino Workers

Association in Korea (FILWORK), and some other Fili-pino communities in South Korea..

Regardless of gender, religion, visa status, all OFWs arecurrently calling for immediate solution and revision onthe said agreement for the general welfare of the work-

ers and protection from vested interest of some allegedgreedy public officials who would surely take our moneyfor some anomalies, unscrupulous plans and personalinterests. Why are we so much worried of the plannedtransfer of the NPS lump-sum refund to SSS?

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

Affairs and Sen. Manny Villar, Senate President.

Our campaign program against the NPS-SSS socialsecurity agreement continues to empower all concernedworkers with the needed information for we stronglybelieve that justice will be served for the general welfareof all OFWs, to foster solidarity among Filipino communi-ties and awareness on issues concerned with amongFilipino migrant workers all over the peninsula.

Also, our struggles go on for our families in the Philip-pines who have sacrificed greatly in the process of mi-

gration and keep on praying while waiting for the imme-diate return of the loved ones working overseas with therefund resources enough to rebuild the broken pieces inour lives brought by social injustices, poverty and unem-ployment to our own country.

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

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor-in-Chief:Elizer M. Pearanda Managing Editor: Dondave JabayOpinion Editor: Rebenson B. Recaa News Editor: Edward A. CastroFeature Editor: Elizer M. Pearanda Literary Editor:Amie SisonCartoonist: Alden C. Balgos Photojournalist: Felix S. Ferrer

Layout Artist: Dondave Jabay

Circulation Managers: Teofilo C. Camo; Alwyin A. Casio; Marcelino M. Serdea IIIContributors: Bro. Joel Tavarro, Richard C. Corpuz, and Sofonias Chabok Paragsa

Adviser: Ma. Regina P. ArquizaConsultant: Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP; Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Chairman: Rebenson B. Recaa Vice Chairman: Dondave Jabay

Board of Publication in:Outreach, Recreation and Religious Program:Alden C. BalgosBudget and Finance: Marcelino M. Serdea IIISULYAPINOY Website Development and Maintenance: Dondave Jabay

Newsletter Sponsorship Program: Edward A. CastroTraining & Workshop: Richard C. Corpuz


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NEWS

Words of Wisdom

"Never consider thepossibility of failure; aslong as you persist, you

will be successful."

~ Brian Tracy ~

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RP Embassy Holds...

Garcia of Philippine Trade and Investment Center(PTIC); Labor Attach Delmer R. Cruz, Welfare Offi-cer Esperanza Cobarrubias and Administrative StaffVioleta Buenaventura of Philippine Overseas LaborOffice (POLO) were among the speakers of the saidforum as they discussed their respective agendaconcerning their office plans and projects involving allFilipinos in South Korea.

On the other hand, FILCOM representatives fromFilipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) and SU-LYAPINOY, Philippine Migrant Association in Korea(PMWAK), Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO), Samahanng mga Ilokano, INC Association, LEDAGs Produc-

tion, PHILWAK & BOJC, Ansan Filipino Community,Cordillera Brotherhood Organization (CBO), DamayanClub, Geumchon Foreign Workers Mission Church,Word for the World-Korea, ICIC & PASOK, S.F.A.,and FKSA were among the participants of the forum.

Also, Judith Hernandez, a Filipina and the first for-eign-born political candidate in South Korea andMaria Regina Panol Arquiza or DJ Regina, currentradio broadcaster of the first multicultural radio pro-gram in South Korea and at the same time currenteditorial adviser of SULYAPINOY newsletter attendedthe said event.

Amb. Cruz explained the importance of the event as

he shared his previous experience of having the sameactivity while he was assigned in Malaysia. Being thefather of Filipino migrant workers in South Korea, Ican say that you are also my children or grandchil-dren. It is my responsibility to give you updates aboutour Philippine government plans and projects for thewelfare of our Kababayans here in South Korea.

Another important purpose of this event is for meand the entire Philippine Embassy office to person-

ally thank and acknowledge our someKababayans who did some exemplary services tothe public, Amb. Cruz said.

Also, he reiterates the important role of all Filipinosin South Korea. Although I was appointed as acurrent Philippine Ambassador of South Korea butfor me all Filipinos are ambassadors of goodwill. Iacknowledge your role as a mirror of our country forhelping our Philippine government in promoting ourown culture and traditions through your good deedsand for making the Philippines well-known to theKorean people, Amb. Cruz added.

Among the major announcements made by the

embassy thru Consul Sylvia M. Marasigan is theupcoming 60th Anniversary of Friendship betweenPhilippines and Korea to be held on June 11-14next year. The big event entitled One PhilippinesExpo shall compose a 3-day expo which includes agrand parade of festivals to be participated by dif-ferent Filipino communities in South Korea.

On the part of cultural promotion program, ViceConsul Arnel G. Talisayon announced the upcom-ing Trainers Training Seminar that aims to developcultural partners that will conduct similar workshopto Filipino-Korean children in the future and encour-aged everyone to participate especially those whohave the hearts to become a volunteer-trainer thatwill enhance and share their talents in promotingFilipino culture to the Koreans.

He also announced the upcoming 5th Asia SongFestival 2008 to be held on October 4 at WorldStadium in Seoul Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park. Theprogram will be participated by performers from

different top Asian Artists such as Rivermaya of Phil-ippines, Rain of Korea, and other superstars from 9

Asian Countries. Details of the said event are cur-rently posted at the Philippine Embassy website http://www.philembassy-seoul.com.

More so, labor attach Delmer R. Cruz discussedabout Korean labor law and immigration policy up-dates affecting OFWs in South Korea. He sharedabout the success of the EPS Memorandum of Un-derstanding (MOU) consultation made with FEWAmembers. He also shared about the current status ofthe Social Security Agreement signed between Philip-pine government and Republic of Korea.

During the open forum, FEWA administrative adviserRebenson Recaa didnt hesitate to express his senti-

ments in behalf of all Filipino migrant workers againstthe controversial NPS-SSS agreement. Being theowner of the NPS Lump-sum Refund benefits, theSSS, or the proponents, should have properly con-sulted all the concerned OFWs in South Korea beforethe signing of the said Bilateral Agreement. The ab-sence of consultations clearly violated our constitu-tional rights. We, the entire OFWs in South Korea arestrongly against the mandatory transfer of our NPSlump-sum refund to the SSS. We cannot wait for 65years of age before we can get the fruit of our hardworks and sacrifices from the 3D (Dirty, Difficult,Dangerous) jobs we have and the discriminationsfrom our Korean employers, Recaa commented.

Updates on Machine Readable Passport (MRP),contingency plans, overseas absentee voting, finan-cial literacy program and business opportunities in thePhilippines, and OWWA membership were also dis-cussed for the leaders inform their respective commu-nities.

share the love of Godwith one another.

The accident has givenme the realization and

much appreciation onthe struggles and sacri-fices of all migrant work-ers, he shared.

All the hardships thatsometimes end in acci-dents could be com-pared to the passionand sacrifices of JesusChrist as he died on thecross for the greatestpurpose-salvation, thepriest continued.

On the other hand, hisenthusiasm over sports has positively influencedchurchgoers to indulge in sports like in the recentlyconcluded First conference of the CFCC BowlingTournament initiated by their officials namely Ar-man Aguilar and Karen Crisostomo.

As the heat of the summer ends, bowlers likeRonnie, George, Rey, Hydee and Fr. Cedric struckdown their opponents as they bagged the firstchampionship award for the said sports event.

Maseok, Gyeonggi-doAfter two weeks ofmedical treatment due to a basketball acci-

dent, Fr. Cedric Alimbuyong, MSP surprised theChanghyun Filipino Catholic Community (CFCC)with his homily and the awarding ceremony of theFirst CFCC Bowling Tournament last Sept. 14.

In his homily, the accident brought him into an in-depth understanding in serving the Filipino Catholiccommunity as they uphold the Catholic Faith and

Also, Freddie Hernandez (Dhokie Red Team), Nym-pha (Guri Silver Team) topped their games with thehighest scores respectively while other surprisedawards were given to Cid Castillo, most improvedplayer; Cindy of Blue Team, best in uniform; and

Arman Aguilar, performance level award.

Jay R Tenorion, a participant bowler, shared the funand excitement of bowling among Filipinos asidefrom the all-time favorite basketball.

Fr. Cedric and CFCC volunteers have invited allmigrants to participate actively in sports fest likebowling for it provides and sustains fun and camara-derie for whatever seasons there might be.

We are expecting you all to visit our community andbecome a participant to our Second Bowling Tourna-ment set last Sept. 21, Fr. Cedric invited.

Fr. Cedric Alimbuyong, MSP, with injured left thumb, shares the awards with

teammates.

Photo by Elizer Pearanda

by Elizer Pearanda


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FEATURE


It takes one wounded healer to healanother wounded person.She has been a survivor, a missionary, a

leader, an educator, a consultant, a friend,a loving mother and a believer, thats how

we used to know the current Chair of the

Education Committee of Hyehwadong Fili-

pino Catholic Community and the Chief

Editor of the Sambayanan Newsletter, our

Mama Ems, Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat,

Ph.D.

Overcoming Struggles and HardshipsMama Ems was raised in Batac, Ilocos

Norte and belonged to a big family of seven

children. Being the fifth she has fond

memories of her happy childhood and didnt

give any burden to her father with regard to

studies. At early age, she fully understood

how difficult life was for she harvested to-

bacco leaves and planted garlic for 5 pesos

a day.

I have been working since elementary to

support my studies until I became the vale-

dictorian in our class and salutatorian in

high school and proudly received the pres-

tigious Gerry Roxas Leadership Award,

she shared.

Her father inspired her to value education

for it was the sole treasure he could humbly

provide with his children. Though I earned

a scholarship in college, I needed to pay for

my dormitory. Everyone was bit worried of

my whereabouts for I couldnt stay with

them longer until they discovered my part-

time job of washing almost a hundred of

plates and pans which I hid from them until

our graduation and they admired me in-

stead, she added.

Upholding Faith and ValuesHer values from home and faith in God

have motivated her to pursue her studies in

the College of the Holy Spirit in Batac

where she helped the nuns in selling

snacks in the canteen during her break

time. These learned lessons and values in

life gave her brighter and bigger opportuni-

ties and the rest were beyond her expecta-

tions like earning degrees from College of

the Holy Spirit-Manila, University of Sto.

Tomas and Ateneo De Manila University

respectively.

In 2004, she was one of the fortunate 52

scholars from different Asian countries and

became the second Filipino researcher

under Korea Foundation for Advanced

Mama Ems: Her Strength, Our Inspirationby Elizer Pearanda

But I couldnt explain there was a calling

and a feeling of compassion to serve our

community here in South Korea until the

biggest challenge in my life has come and

found myself all alone but I have to standand be stronger for my children and for the

community where I love to share my time,

talent, knowledge and life with-

Sambayanan, she said.

Coping with ComplexitiesJust like other migrants, Mama Ems has

experienced culture shock for she was once

a victim of unpaid salary and misfortune but

she finds time to console by comparing her

condition and believed that Koreans just

have different ways of expressing their con-

cerns.

However, she has been thankful to her

heaven-sent loving children-Renz, Racquel,

Reinier and Rocev who make her even

courageous. One of my religious friends

advised me of Never deprive your children

of what you have when you were still young

because you gained strength from the ex-

periences you had and Im so proud of my

children for they understand everything

including me as their mom, Mama Ems

shared.

Serving God and CommunityCurrently, Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat isserving the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centerfor Filipino Migrants in Seoul, South Koreaand who has been actively providing semi-nars, workshops and recollections amongvarious Filipino communities and spear-heading the outreach educational programsof the community like the Mount CarmelHigh School Scholarship in General Nakar,Quezon and her valuable involvement inEducation Programs funded by AmericanWomens Club, Seoul, South Korea.

More so, she mentioned her working rela-tion with colleagues and the HFCC chap-lain. I have to be flexible because I amworking with people of different manage-ment styles so I see to it that the quality ofoutput which Ive given to Fr. Glenn beforeis the same as with Fr. Alvins and Im veryblessed for they are so understanding, shesaid.

For being strong is a grace from God and Ifirmly believed in What you are is Godsgift to you, what you become is your gift

to God. South Korea is the gift I receivedfrom Him and I want to share this wonderfulgift with others for it has given me thestrength to understand more about life andmy purpose of living with the community,Mama Ems continued.

Sharing Dreams and AspirationsHer life in the academe for more than 20

years and the privilege of being the Dean

of the Graduate School of Arts and Sci-

ences in Colegio de San Juan de Letran

in Calamba, Faculty in some universities

like in the College of the Holy spirit-

Mendiola, De La Salle University-Manila,

First Asian Institute of Technology and

Humanities-Tanauan which tempted her

to go back to the academe.

Studies in South Korea.

It was Prof. Joson who informed me

about the former chaplain of Hyehwadong

Filipino Catholic Community Fr. GlennGiovanni Jaron, MSP until I became part

of the community as an escape from

homesickness and boredom at first,

Mama Ems shared.

Mama Ems with her heaven-sent angels.

Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.


6/12

6SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 wwwwwwwwwwww....ssssuuuullllyyyyaaaappppiiiinnnnooooyyyy....oooorrrrgggg

OPINION & LETTER

Dear Senators:

Warm Greetings from Filipino Overseas Workers in South Korea!

We the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) and all Filipinoorganizations in South Korea, are spearheading this SignatureCampaign to register our very opposition to the Social Security Sys-tem (SSS) and the National Pension Scheme (NPS) Social Securityagreement which terminates the immediate grant of the Lump-sumRefund benefits after the period of sojourn of approximately 33,714OFWs in South Korea based from their monthly contribution underthe National Pension Scheme.

This issue started two-years ago when the Philippines and SouthKorea signed a bilateral agreement providing for social security pro-tection and benefits to their respective citizens. A ceremony washeld on December 16, 2005 at the Ceremonial Hall of MalacaangPalace, with Secretary Alberto G. Romulo of the Philippine Foreign

Affairs, and Minister Ban Ki-Moon of the Korean Ministry of ForeignAffairs and Trade (MOFAT) signing the agreement.

The said agreement actually did not directly specify the transfer ofthe NPS Lump-sum Refund to the SSS but the NPS Head Office inSeoul had confirmed to FEWA that once the Bilateral Social Secu-rity Agreement is ratified by the Philippine Senate, all OFWs cov-ered by the NPS can no longer avail the immediate Lump-sum Re-fund benefits currently granted to all OFWs in South Korea throughthe Principle of Reciprocity after their sojourn period. Instead, theycan only avail the Lump-sum Refund at the age of 65 years.

Attached herewith are the copies of the signed and brief explanationof the Bilateral Social Security Agreement and the detailed explana-tion about the National Pension Scheme (NPS) of South Korea.

NPS website can also be found at http://www.nps.or.kr/ for furtherreference.

We, the undersigned, make our ardent appeal to the HonorableSenators to uphold the rights of the EPS workers who strongly op-pose the afore-mentioned SSS plan on the following grounds:

1) Absence of proper consultation to the concerned OFWs.Being the owner of the NPS Lump-sum Refund benefits, the SSS,or the proponents, should have properly consulted all the concernedOFWs in South Korea before the signing of the said BilateralAgreement.Article lll - Bill of Rights, Section 7 of the PhilippineConstitution states The right of the people to information onmatters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to offi-cial records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official

acts, transactions, or decisions. Therefore, the procedureundertaken in the formulation of the said agreement clearly violatedour constitutional rights.

2) Loss of workers small business opportunities upon goingback home after their sojourn period. The workers claim in lump-sum of their monthly NPS contribution, after the end of their sojourn,is now impossible since according to NPS-SSS agreement, thelump-sum refund shall be only claimed when an OFW reaches atthe age of 65.

The Philippine government should realize how tough is the life of theFilipino migrant worker in South Korea, working in 3D Jobs (Difficult,Dangerous, and Dirty) category, and how important is the NPScontribution Lump-sum Refund for the reestablishment of their eco-

nomic condition upon returning back home.

That money plays a very important role in rebuilding OFWsrespective families together as it will be used to establish any smallbusiness opportunities which may prevent them from going backabroad that keeps them away from their love ones with no choicedue to lack of jobs in the Philippines.

Furthermore, that money is the only saving that most workerscan bring after their contract as they regularly send theirmonthly income to their respective families in the Philippines.The concerned OFWs cannot wait for 65-years of age in order

to get their own money.

3) Compulsory coverage to the NPS-SSS Social SecurityAgreement is unfair. Each Filipino migrant worker should begiven the option whether he wants to be covered by the saidSocial Security agreement or not. It is very unfair that the saidimmediate grant of NPS contribution Lump-sum Refund bene-fits after the OFWs sojourn period will be mandatorily termi-nated for the purposes of observing the principle of Social Se-curity.

Just like the Social Security between Canada and Korea andother countries such as US, Germany, Hungary, and Francewhich have also signed the same agreement between Korea,any citizens of the said countries who have worked in SouthKorea has an option to claim their NPS Lump-sum Refundbenefits when they permanently leave Korea after their so-

journ period.

In addition, for Filipinos, majority of them may only have amaximum of 3-5 years of sojourn period in South Korea. Un-der the Social Security rules, insured members should have atleast 10-years of NPS contribution period before they couldavail the old-pension benefits at the age of 65.

Even applying the totalization rule between the SSS contribu-tion and NPS contribution of OFWs, still the total contributionamount cannot reach the required 10-years NPS contributionamount. Thus, instead of claiming the old-pension benefits at

the age of 65, still the Lump-sum Refund shall be claimedsimilar to the Lump-sum Refund benefits immediately grantedafter their period of sojourn. In this case, it is very clear thatthe said agreement will not provide any better benefits to allconcerned OFWs.

4) The NPS Lump-sum Refund will be prone to become anobject of corruption. The money which is the fruit of workersyears of hard labor can become an easy target for somegreedy government officials either in Philippines or in SouthKorea, particularly in the social security agency. When thishappens, the time and effort spent by the OFWs in workingand waiting for their well-deserved benefits may just end upinto frustration and grief.

In view of the above, we the Filipino Overseas Workers inSouth Korea, with the support of our fellow migrant workersaround the world, our fellow Filipinos in our motherland, ourrespective families and friends, humbly request our belovedSenators to support our call:

1) To reject the NPS-SSS Social Security agreement andensure us of the continuing availability of our NPSLump-sum Refund through the Principle of Reciprocityafter our sojourn period.

2) If scrapping of the signed Social Security agreement isimpossible, there must be a revision to make thecoverage of the agreement optional for us. If any of usdo not like to avail the said Social Security instead we

would only like to avail our NPS Lump-sum Refundbenefits, then we should be immediately granted rightafter sojourn period.

3) To review the signed Bilateral Social Security Agree-ment and ensure that our rights as Overseas FilipinoWorkers in South Korea will be protected fairly underthe rule of law.


7/12

OPINION & LETTER


For the welfare of all Filipino Overseas Workers!


8/12

S U L Y A P I Nn i R i c h a r d C o r p u z

( S U L Y A P I N O Y B o a r d o f P u b l i c a t i o n )

Tinaguriang mga bagong bayani sa bayan ng mga bayaniTinaguriang mga bagong bayani sa bayan ng mga bayaniTinaguriang mga bagong bayani sa bayan ng mga bayaniTinaguriang mga bagong bayani sa bayan ng mga bayani

Mangagawang bayani, makabagong bayaniMangagawang bayani, makabagong bayaniMangagawang bayani, makabagong bayaniMangagawang bayani, makabagong bayani

Sa labas ng inang bayang bayaniSa labas ng inang bayang bayaniSa labas ng inang bayang bayaniSa labas ng inang bayang bayaniSulyapin mga bagong bayaniSulyapin mga bagong bayaniSulyapin mga bagong bayaniSulyapin mga bagong bayani

Sa lugar ng mga kimchi ay nahahapiSa lugar ng mga kimchi ay nahahapiSa lugar ng mga kimchi ay nahahapiSa lugar ng mga kimchi ay nahahapi

Ngayon ay lumalaban sa banta ng Inang bayang bayani.Ngayon ay lumalaban sa banta ng Inang bayang bayani.Ngayon ay lumalaban sa banta ng Inang bayang bayani.Ngayon ay lumalaban sa banta ng Inang bayang bayani.

Mga bagong bayani sa bansang KoreaMga bagong bayani sa bansang KoreaMga bagong bayani sa bansang KoreaMga bagong bayani sa bansang Korea

Tayo'y magkaisa labanan natin ang maduming pulitikaTayo'y magkaisa labanan natin ang maduming pulitikaTayo'y magkaisa labanan natin ang maduming pulitikaTayo'y magkaisa labanan natin ang maduming pulitika

Pensyon natin kanilang pinupuntirya baka saan mapuntaPensyon natin kanilang pinupuntirya baka saan mapuntaPensyon natin kanilang pinupuntirya baka saan mapuntaPensyon natin kanilang pinupuntirya baka saan mapunta

Sulyapin, sa pakikipaglaban ay makisama.Sulyapin, sa pakikipaglaban ay makisama.Sulyapin, sa pakikipaglaban ay makisama.Sulyapin, sa pakikipaglaban ay makisama.

Hirap, pagod, pawis, dugo ay hinaharap para sa pangarapHirap, pagod, pawis, dugo ay hinaharap para sa pangarapHirap, pagod, pawis, dugo ay hinaharap para sa pangarapHirap, pagod, pawis, dugo ay hinaharap para sa pangarap

Mga minimithing pangarapMga minimithing pangarapMga minimithing pangarapMga minimithing pangarap

Mga namumuno, at bayani ng ating bayanMga namumuno, at bayani ng ating bayanMga namumuno, at bayani ng ating bayanMga namumuno, at bayani ng ating bayan

Ito pa ba ang inyong isusukli pensyong pinaghirapanIto pa ba ang inyong isusukli pensyong pinaghirapanIto pa ba ang inyong isusukli pensyong pinaghirapanIto pa ba ang inyong isusukli pensyong pinaghirapanNg mga bagong bayani inyo pang pagsamantalahan.Ng mga bagong bayani inyo pang pagsamantalahan.Ng mga bagong bayani inyo pang pagsamantalahan.Ng mga bagong bayani inyo pang pagsamantalahan.

Sulyapin, tingnan at pagmasdanSulyapin, tingnan at pagmasdanSulyapin, tingnan at pagmasdanSulyapin, tingnan at pagmasdan

Pagkahapi ng bawat isaPagkahapi ng bawat isaPagkahapi ng bawat isaPagkahapi ng bawat isa

Dahil sa layo ng minamahal na pamilyaDahil sa layo ng minamahal na pamilyaDahil sa layo ng minamahal na pamilyaDahil sa layo ng minamahal na pamilya

Ito ay di namin muling madaramaIto ay di namin muling madaramaIto ay di namin muling madaramaIto ay di namin muling madarama

Kung aming pensyon di mo mithiing pang makuhaKung aming pensyon di mo mithiing pang makuhaKung aming pensyon di mo mithiing pang makuhaKung aming pensyon di mo mithiing pang makuha

Sulyapin, Tingnan, PagmasdanSulyapin, Tingnan, PagmasdanSulyapin, Tingnan, PagmasdanSulyapin, Tingnan, Pagmasdan

Bayani mo Inang bayan.Bayani mo Inang bayan.Bayani mo Inang bayan.Bayani mo Inang bayan.

FEWANIANni Joel Tavarro

(FEWA Board Member)

Isang samahan na sinikap punpunin ng mga huwaran

Pinagbigkis, pinagkaisa, binansagang Fewanian

Noon ay hindi napapansin, hindi inaasahan

Subalit dumating ang panahon na naging tanggulan.

Mga pinuno na madaling kausap at madali rin lapitan

Binubuo ng mga kagawad na magalang at kinagigiliwan

Sa Woori Bank, Hyehwa ang opisina ay matatagpuan

Dito ay dumulog kung sa kontrata ikaw ay nagulangan.

Inaabot dinadamayan ang problema ng mga kababayan

Lalo sa pangmamaltrato sa mga manggagawang dayuhan

Ito ay tumatag at lumakas upang inyong masandalan

Usaping legal payong moral ikaw ay handang pag-ukulan.

Noon ay pintas ng iba sa una lamang at walang patutunguhan

Subalit ang hangarin ay makatulong kung kayat pinatnubayan

Ng Amang nasa langit na tanging takbuhan at sumbunganNgayon nga ay nakilala na di lamang sa bayan ng hangguk saram.

Tila isang balaraw na may talim sa pakipagtalakayan

Isang tinig na wari mo ay panudla dala ay katotohanan

Katotohanang pinalakas sa bisa ng karunungan at kaalaman

Kaalamang naging puwersa upang makamit ang katarungan.

Na nagsilbing baluti upang marami ang maproteksiyunan

Matibay na kalasag muog at tanggulan ng sambayanan

Kaya mga mamamayang Pilipino tayo ay magkapit-bisig

Magbigkis, magtulungan, tumindig na may malakas na tinig.

KILOS KA KABAYANn i A m i e S i s o n

( S U L Y A P I N O Y L i t e r a r y E d i t o r )

Nandito tayo at pangungulila ay hinaharap

Sapagkat ang bayan natin ay naghihirap

Maayos na hanapbuhay kay hirap mahanap

Kahit anumang diploma ang ating iharap.

Kaya't tayo nga ay nangibang bayan

Upang umangat ang ating kabuhayan

Kahit kapalit ay kalungkutan

Pagiging OFW ay wala ng atrasan.

Bilang OFW ay hindi biro

Lalo na kung tayo ay nabibigo

Kasama ang mga problemang sakop dito

Basta kabayan, huwag kang susuko.

Ngunit kung ang lahat ng hirap ay makayanan

Anu pang hadlang ang nandyan

Na gumugulo sa ating isipan

Hirap ng mga OFW na pagsasamantalahan.

Kaya ako ay may isang panawagan

Tayong lahat ay magtulungan

Pirma mo lang ang tanging kailangan

Upang mabago ang iyong kinabukasan.

LITERARY


HUWAG KANG MATAKOTHUWAG KANG MATAKOTHUWAG KANG MATAKOTHUWAG KANG MATAKOT

ni Marcelino Serdea III

(FEWA Vice-President)

May takot ka bang nararamdaman?

At sarili ba ay sadyang naguguluhan

May mga bagay bang nais na subukan

Ngunit natatakot at nag-aalinlangan.

Pangamba ang iyong nararamdaman

Pagkat alam mong sadyang di maiiwasan

Kasama talaga sa ating kabuhayanMakaranas na mabigo at tayo'y masaktan.

Huwag kang matakot aking kaibigan

Isipin mo na kayang kaya mo yan

Ang mga pangamba at pag-aalinlangan

Iwaglit mo sa iyong sa puso at isipan.

Minsan kung ating iisipin

Na tayo ay napag iiwanan na rin

Sa panahon na kay bilis sa pag tulin

Kaya't minsan tuhod ay nanginginig rin.

Tiwala sa sarili ay wag mawalan

Manalig ka sa Poon nating tanggulan

Huwag kang matakot pagkat makakamtan

Ibibigay niya ang tagumpay na inaasam.

PARA SA SULYAPINOYPARA SA SULYAPINOYPARA SA SULYAPINOYPARA SA SULYAPINOYni Alwyin Casio

(SULYAPINOY Circulation Manager)

Salamat po sa ating pahayagan

Na nagbibigay ng mga kaalaman

Tungkol sa mga karapatan

Sa bawat ating mga kababayan.

Pahayagan na pinaghirapan namin

Sana inyong tangkilin

Mga nilikom na balita tungkol sa atinSana parati ninyong basahin.

Sa mga balita na tayo ang bida

Mga nangyayari dito sa Korea

Kredibilidad sa inyong mababasa

Taas-noo kami iharap sa masa.

Sa paglabas nya sa bawat buwan

Nagkakaroon kami ng kaligayahan

Sa mga Pilipinong nag aabang

Napagmasdan ko ito'y pinag aagawan.

Kayo ang aming inspirasyon

At talento naman mula sa Poon

Makaasa kayo at kami'y tutulong

Sa pagbibigay ng aming panahon.


9/12

CONGRATULATIONS TO

(All winners who got the perfect answer)1st - Dominic Nuesca, Gojandong Namdong Go,Incheon City, South Korea.2nd - Rogelio A. Paguigan Jr., Gyeonggido, Hwa-seong-si, Yanggam-myeon, Yodangri, South Korea3rd - Peter Divinagracia, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-go,Seoul, South Korea

By: Dondave Jabay

The most exciting part!!!The first person to answer the puzzle correctly will begiven a public recognition through SULYAPINOYnewsletter and website. How to report your answer?

Please call 010-9294-4365 or email @

[email protected]

Instructions:

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

Two important rules:

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

Answer to August Issue

FUN & LEARN / ANNOUNCEMENTS

Answer Here


By: Sofonias Chabok Paragsa

ACROSS

1) problem, question2) originally, primarily4) children's book7) safety first9) see, meet11) food12) beer

DOWN

1) current FEWA president location3) walk, stroll5) Tuesday6) dictionary7) antenna8) regulation dress, uniform9) cheers 10) next week

1

11

1

2

22

2

3

33

3

4

44

4

5

55

5

6

66

6

7

77

7 8

88

8

9

99

9 1 0

1 01 0

1 0

1 1

1 11 1

1 1

1 2

1 21 2

1 2

Answer to August Issue

by Alden C. Balgos

01 - Charlie CompraVicente Tanag Jr

02 - Freede V. SasiAgustin S. Factor Jr.

03 - Edwin C. Padilla04 - Francisco S. Tupas

Francisco Q. SantiagoJimmy S. Agoncillo

06 - Jose Ramon L. Porras07 - Lory P. Mones08 - Placido E. Abanto III11 - Jubinel T. Sucuaje

17 - Oliver T. AlingodLouie B. Bueno

20 - Mary Jane E. Perez22 - Liwayway B. Toreno23 - Lovely A. Bucao

Belmar H. Mangumay

26 - Noel T. VillamorCharita G. Rubio28 - Carmelito V. Canlas29 - Julius Caesar B. Ocampo31 - Cheryl C. Balungag

1

11

1

2

22

2

3

33

3

4

44

4

5

55

5

6

66

6

7

77

7 8

88

8

9

99

9 1 0

1 01 0

1 0

1 1

1 11 1

1 1

1 2

1 21 2

1 2


10/12

PHOTO ESSAY


Overseas Filipino Workers Across South Korea

Kasan Community: A Call for Unity

Changhyun Community: One Voice, One Goal

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


11/12

FACES, PLACES, & PACES / OUR SPONSOR


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Fax #: 723-5781 or 724-0636

Seil Tour System offers very reasonable prices which are amazingly cheaper than other agencies you can find for these routes:

INCHEON - MANILA - INCHEON ROUTE / INCHEON - CEBU - INCHEON ROUTE / PUSAN - MANILA - PUSAN ROUTE

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#032#032#032#032----01010101----163167 Nonghyup Bank163167 Nonghyup Bank163167 Nonghyup Bank163167 Nonghyup Bank ---- Seil TourSeil TourSeil TourSeil Tour

Were always ready to assist you for your good trip. For more details please contactMILA MONTERDE at 02-724-0677 or SHIN HWA-YOUNG at 02-724-0664

Other Services Offered: We can book you worldwide

www.seiltour.co.kr / www.itms.co.kr

(((())))

YouEal Leisure Park- Paju City

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

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

Bon Appetit! Savor friendship with a good fight.

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


12/12

OUR SPONSOR

sulyap sept 2008 (final for printing)

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