My Blog by FUNCHAIN

To: All my visitors

For you to read more ofw empowerment blog entries, kindly click the link below:

OFW EMPOWERMENT

or copy the site address below and paste it in your browser and click Go.

http://www.funchain.com/~ofwempowerment

Thank you and best regards.

Bong Amora

Personal Finance

Congrats TJ and Connie

Yesterday night I watched the replay of TFCs Kuwentong Disyerto and their guest was Mr. Francisco Colayco, author and lecturer on Personal Finance.

You can watched portion of the interview by clicking play (screen) button.

Thanks to my Life View TVR, a PCI TV Card where you can watch and record TV on your PC and of course to "You Tube".

Mr. Colayco’s advise on personal savings formula coincide with Mr. Tony Ranque’s comment found in my previous post “Sayang”.

To T.J. Manotoc and Connie Sison, a warm Congratulations to Kuwentong Disyerto’s 1st Year Anniversary. More power and wishing KD more and more anniversaries to come.

From: OFWs in Saudi Arabia.

SMS-based alert system for OFWs in distress

Yesterday June 7, 2006, in line with Migrant Workers Day, Center for Migrant Advocacy SOS SMS ADS was launch at Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. (For info about SOS SMS, see related link of the news item dtd. 15/02/06 posted at PCIJ by Alecks Pabico.

Last year, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported about 22,000 cases of distressed migrants that the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) attended to. The figure may be minuscule, less than one percent of the total number of overseas Filipinos, but the DFA admits that cases of abuse and violations of human and migrant rights are largely underreported, not reported, or documented but not acted upon.

Presently, the task of protecting our migrant workers and other overseas Filipinos is in the hands of 83 embassies and consulates, 33 Philippine overseas labor offices and 32 welfare officers, including Filipino workers resource centers in 17 countries.

With new technologies though, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have developed an ingenious way to address their work-related concerns, especially when their lives, safety or well-being are in danger. Yesterday the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) launched and activated an SOS SMS information system for distressed OFWs - a cheap, 24/7 text-based mechanism capitalizing on the ubiquity of the mobile phone to enable them to relay and report situations that warrant immediate relief, action, or intervention by the Philippine government and NGOs working for migrant workers welfare.
CMAs Ellene Sana says the SOS SMS project, done in coordination with its various NGO partners worldwide, as well as the DFA-OUMWA and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), is significant as (it) gives government agencies and NGOs the opportunity to respond and/or intervene in a timely, adequate and efficient manner, particularly where either the OFWs life, safety or well-being is a critical consideration.

OFWs in need of help or assistance can simply send the following message:

SOS message, name of sender

to +63 9209 OFW SOS (+63 9209639 767). The message is received by the SOS SMS system where it is logged and stored in a central database housed in a computer maintained in Quezon City. Once sent, the text message gets auto-forwarded to designated recipient cellphones at the CMA, DFA-OUMWA and OWWA where it is verified and eventually given appropriate action.

The SOS SMS reporting system, says Sana, is also a useful research tool as it logs critical message details to serve as initial case-file documentation that will help in developing research leads, classifying and analyzing OFWs various problems and related concerns.

related link http://www.pcij.org/blog/?p=600
for photos and previous postings, click "my blog by funchain" in my link.

Cha Cha-Barangay Based Constitution

Been a reader of Bohol Times for a quite a time now, not because my roots came from Bohol but it seems to me that Bohol in general is getting known not only as a major tourist destination in our country but also in its continuing economic progress as well.

Though I heard many opposing views about political leadership in Bohol but for me what achievement these politicians have done so far, is so good. Anyway, politics in Philippines is like that, whoever in position there is always an opposition. Well its a good sign too, it means that our democracy still intact.

Further, I read Bohol Times not for the reason that I am an avid reader of a column (Thinking Aloud) authored by a former Municipal Judge and once a Town Mayor of Guindulman, Bohol whose family name is Amora too. (The next town of Guindulman is Anda, the town where our ancestors came from).

Yesterday, I happen to read his new column titled Barangay Based Constitution (see related link). The proposal is quite interesting if our leaders are really serious in amending our constitution for the good of the people. Excerpt of the column below:

Organization of the parliament:

Soon after, convene the barangay captains in town as the Sangguniang Bayan and let them elect from among themselves the Mayor and Vice Mayor of the town.

And then convene the Mayors in the provincial capital as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan let them elect from among themselves the Governor and the Vice Governor;

Finally convene all governors as the Parliament and let them elect from among themselves the Prime Minister.

What can you say? For me, Why not? Empowering the barangay as the primary electoral institution could possibly change the dirty face of politics in our country. We should limit however a two party system, in this manner the barangay can choose or select the best that will represent them in the Municipal, Provincial and the Parliament. It would be in the history of Philippine politics that the Prime Minister of the Republic of the Philippines comes from the barangay level who really understand the life of an ordinary Filipinos.

On the other hand, the rich, the trapos and the shameless politicians must go down and qualify as a barangay captain.

Well, I dont know if my good friend Davao Councilor Peter Lavinia, whom I considered one of the good public servant out there would buy this idea.

Lets Think Things Over, Huh!

related link: http://boholtimes.com/thinkingaloud.htm

Deputy Chief of Mission

LOC-1078/2006

28 May 2006

Sir/Madam:

Greetings from the Philippine Embassy.

The Embassy wishes to inform you of the arrival in Riyadh last 25 May 2006 of MR. NESTOR N. PADALHIN, Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General of the Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

For your information and reference.

GERMINIA V. AGUILAR-USUDAN
Consul and Administrative Officer
******

For your information Mr. Nestor N. Padalhin will be our Minister and Charge De Affaires of the Philippine Embassy pending Senate confirmation of the appointment of Ambassador Tony Villamor in the Kingdom.

Consul General Nestor Padalhin previous tour of duty as a career diplomat was in Lebanon.

Bong Amora

OFW Assistance

Been receiving e-mails and a few messages in my Cbox from our fellow OFWs asking what or how we can be of help pertains to their grievances with their employer or sponsor.

Prior to that, please allow me to refresh everyone that we are visitors in this country and we should always respect with the rules, policies, customs, traditions and abide the governing labor laws of the host country.

Kalipunang Kaakabay ng Manggagawang Pilipino was formed to impart and educate our fellow Filipino workers on their rights and corresponding responsibilities as Filipino workers in the Kingdom. The main objective of the group is to work closely as strategic partner with other Non Government Organization and envision a direct link with Philippine government mission for the welfare and protection of working Filipinos in the Kingdom.

In view of this, kindly find hereunder Sample Assistance Form (click "my blog by funchain" in my link) to be filled out by OFW who ask assistance to our group. Also, dont forget that in any court, rules of evidence is the basis of decisions, therefore, supporting documents is a must. Kindly note that if the complaint was already filed, then the history of the case is very necessary if you need our assistance.

Further, be informed that the group is not authorized to represent your case in any legal proceedings. Our participation is limited to the following 1) endorse your complaint to the proper Philippine authorities if there is a probable cause that your right should be protected and; 2) Follow up of cases to the concern agencies whose authority can represent in your behalf, such as: POLO/ OWWA and Philippine Embassy/Assistance to National Section (ANS).

A Valuable Gift

My friend and President of OFW Congress-Riyadh, Mr.Alex Bello is on vacation for a very important family and business matters to attend. Before he proceeded to Leyte, he was able to meet our friends Ex-OFW Mr. Mike Bolos now an entrepreneur and CMA Exec. Dir. Ms. Ellene Sana at Bay Spa, owned and managed by Mike. I promised to myself that when my turn comes for vacation I should never missed to pass Bay Spa for a refreshing and discounted massage, huh!

I came to know that Ellene have a small token for me to be brought by Alex back in Riyadh, and it is a great pleasure and honor that something is worthy to have, its a White Wristband, the symbol of the international Make Poverty History campaign and I love to wear it.

Make Poverty History campaign aims to cancel Third World debt – the simple white strap is fast becoming the latest accessory of choice among people in the whole world, rich, celebrities and people in any walks of life who believe the campaigns goals and objective.

Make Poverty History raises public awareness of poverty and injustice. It analyze the causes of poverty and mobilizes public to campaign and to bring about global change. Lets join this crusade and help Make Poverty History.

To my friend Ellene, Thank you so much for this valuable gift.

Bloggers - a Writer and Editor

Recent news of unlawful arrests of opposition supporters creates worries among ordinary citizens whose only intention and participation is for their grievances to be heard through freedom of expression and assembly.

I cant help myself thinking that maybe in a day or two, OFW bloggers like me who writes political issues and concerns that we considered detrimental to OFWs might experience the same fate and be suspected as enemy of the state. However, as Ive said, in a democratic nation where everyone has the right to be heard, let us exercise this freedom with decency in language and be compassionate in expressing our respective viewpoint, thoughts and ideas.

According to David Lorito article End of Pinoy Bloggers Age of Innocence, he mentioned that bloggers is kind of media where the writer is also the editor that could pour out venom as much as his or her sense of decency or lack of it.

Yes! I agree with him and as a writer, we should always abide with fair and honest methods in our effort to inform public of our views pertains to a certain issue and refrain from posting that will adversely affect a private reputation unless it justifies public interest.

related link:
http://davidllorito.blogspot.com/2006/05/end-of-pinoy-bloggers-age-of-innocence.html

Overseas Migration & Human Rights

My friend Ms. Ellene Sana, Executive Director of CMA (Center for Migrant Advocacy) inform us that Atty. Henry Rojas, CMAs Legal Counsel will give a presentation on Asian Overseas Migration and Human Rights in Norfolk, Virginia, USA on May 30, 2006. The event is part of the celebration of the Asian Pacific American heritage month and is sponsored by the Norfolk, BAH WLC, Diversity Committee and the Old Dominion University Filipino American Center. For those (FilAm) interested you may contact Erwin Sabile today, May 27 at sabile_erwin@bah.com or phone number (US) 757 515 2531.

We hope that Atty. Rojas will include in his presentation the following; how to develop approaches and or rather; how to enhance or improve the participation of established communities of Filipinos overseas, in order to help poverty alleviation in our country.

Overseas Migration, Beyond Remittances

A study I read from Policy Institute, Beyond Remittances: (The Role of Diaspora in Poverty Reduction in their Countries of Origin, Philippines, July 2004). It says that;

xxx The policies of the Philippine government appear to treat the financial contributions of Diaspora and temporary workers alike primarily as income flows rather than potential investment stock. As income flows, they relieve poverty directly. But the Philippine government does not seem to have a strategy to maximize the developmental potential of established communities of Filipinos overseas, which might have a more lasting impact on poverty reduction. xxx

Above mentioned study collaborated former OFW Mr. Mike Bolos point of view in a letter to Mr. Rey Gamboa (Bizlinks) of Philippine Star, published 01/30/2006 titled Harnessing the OFW Power, excerpt of the published letter below;

xxx To date, the government view as far as the overseas Filipinos are concerned has been confined within a box.

Dependence to and assistance from the government by returning overseas Filipinos have become the centerpiece of the various reintegration programs at the micro-economic level. However, there have been far more failures than successes because not all mortals were meant to become successful businessmen or businesswomen. This situation to a large extent will sadly remain the same in the years to come if the government keeps looking just inside the box. The government should perhaps look outside the box for answers .xxx

In my opinion, economic and political empowerment of migrant Filipinos can only be realized if we take a step outside from the realm of the Government, and look deeper into the potentials of migrant Filipinos in re-building our nation towards progress using its own developmental capabilities.

On Human Rights

In my understanding, the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995 requires the government to ensure that states hosting Filipino migrants protect their rights and conform to the provisions of international conventions and bilateral agreements. However, there are few provisions in this act that should be amended to assert the rights of all migrants as an essential component of good migration management. Though this particular issue remains politically sensitive one for both receiving and sending nations, more particularly between the Philippines and the Middle Eastern countries.

For me, in today’s global scenario, the successful migration management can only be achieved when the human rights of migrants is respected.

I am wishing Atty. Henry Rojas successful presentation, from the U.S., he will proceed to Montreal, Canada in June, to participate in the International Human Rights Training Program of the Canadian Human Rights Foundation (now Equitas).

Good Luck and more power Sir!

Related Links:

http://ofwempowerment.blogspot.com/2006/01/harnessing-ofw-power-bizlinks-by-rey.html

www.migrationinformation.org

www.pinoy-abroad.net

SLL Art. 142

Another member of OFW Saudi E-group emailed me a personal clarification on his employment status. Again, to my comrades in Saudi Arabia, please permit me to share it with you.

He says: I am getting a basic salary of SR2,500 along with housing and transportation allowances. I am entitled to a 30-day vacation every year. My questions are:

1) Is there any specific provision in the law regarding the transportation allowance? If so, what does it say?

Reply: First, you are lucky for having a 30 day vacation every year, because the new Saudi Labor Law stipulates that employees have the right to 21 days annual vacation instead of only 14-15 days under the old law. It seems that you signed a 1 year contract with your employer compared to a standard 2 year contract.

Yes, there is a provision particularly under Article 142 of Saudi Labor Law, that if the place of work is located away from its original place of work, the employer must provide it. Though only agreement between the employer and employee can establish them according to the circumstances.

2)When am I entitled to take my vacation? Is it after completion of 11 months or 12 months?

Reply: You can avail vacation after 12 months of service. When your employer provides you a one-month vacation after 12 months of service, you are considered to have served 13 months.

3)Is a vacation period part of an employees service?

Reply: It is considered part of employees service, It means you are paid a month salary when you are on vacation.

4)Is the employer duty bound to provide for air ticket availing annual vacation leave.

Reply: The laws is silent with respect to the provision of air ticket going on annual vacation. What the law requires is that the employer should bear the cost of air ticket on final leave at the end of his contract. However in your case, it seems that you have a 1 year contract so it means that if you have a re-entry visa the employer oblige to pay the cost of your ticket, vice-versa. For those with a 2 year contract and the employer grants your request for a vacation prior to the completion of your 2 year contract, then the employee or the worker must bear the cost of his ticket.

Further, a sort of advice to everyone, you must be aware of the condition written about the air ticket in your contract.

Give Back

I am so touched when I read inspiring messages in my Cbox (My Blog by Funchain) especially from my fellow Nasipitnon, like Atty. Loloy Compendio based in our town; and Raquel Toland my silingan/kapitbahay who is now residing in U.S.

As I recall, Nasipit in my younger years was probably the busiest town in the province of Agusan Del Norte but due to economic depression in the late 1980s the famous Nasipit Lumber Company (NALCO) that employed hundreds of its people ceases its operation. It was then that the continuing economic growth of the once called a very progressive town started to weaken. Presently our beloved town primarily depends on the income generated by its port, the International Port of Entry.

My schoolmates and some of my friends in the old golden days are now mostly in different parts of the globe, many of them are OFWs/Migrant workers. Yet a few of us are keeping in touch by way of emails particularly the Nasipit e-group. I am hoping and praying that out of these kumustahan and usual exchanges of e-mails, something will give spark that soon be a light that could help put our town back on track.

Mainit Dot Org, in Surigao Del Norte, a civil society organization who focused on developmental issues of the town and contributed its economic progress first came as an idea by two town mates who happen to know each other in high school, one idea led to another, and this group certainly more than just an idea now.

Thinking aloud, many successful Nasipitnons back home and overseas could perhaps sit down together over a bottle of beers and a cup of coffee, I have just imagine some of the good guys out there like, Bubot Gicum, Gerry Ampo, Nerio Ruiz, Loy Compendio, Eddie Tan, Capt. Bolongaita, Mike Marave, Boboy Dompor, Bondit Rotor, Ian Atupan, Dodong Amora, Pia brothers, Enghog Family, Margie Lombard, Dindo Bugas, and many, many more, that may talk about certain things on what we can do for our town. It is about time to return something back to a town that moulds us into what we are today, a responsible citizen.

Maybe we are not physically be there but the spirit of being a Nasipitnon will lingers on and it cant be denied that we came from a small town that memories never fades and wherever we are it embraces us whenever we come back.

But Hey! Ill join you all, over a bottle of Beers.

The MATRIX & OWWA ID's

The plan of our Government about Barangay IDs or NIS (National ID System) creates mixed reactions from various sectors of our society, if it is really a good moved or could harm the privacy of individual Filipinos. An article I read titled Inside the Matrix give me the impression that the said plan focuses on identifying possible terrorists while law abiding citizens like us can be monitored anytime not knowing that our private lives can be violated. However, to those individuals like me whose life has nothing to hide is in favor of NIS. Yet, our government and lawmakers must look deeper on its implementing mechanisms that should not put ordinary lives at risk for just a mere suspicion of being an enemy to the nation.

In my opinion why not first apply this plan to OFWs. A certain provision in the Migrant Workers Act of 1995, Section 20, Establishment of a Shared Government Information System for Migration, particularly a) Masterlist of Filipino Migrant worker/overseas Filipinos classified according to occupation/job category, civil status, by country/state of destination including visa classification has not yet been fully implemented for almost a decade now.

The OWWA Membership Card can be used as a tool in monitoring OFWs employment records especially to our Domestic Helpers, where it can stored pertinent datas of her employment status such as: name and contact number of employer, addresses, recruitment agencies and other relevant information prior to her employment abroad. Though, there must be a mechanism that upon arrival of the OFW to its destination, he/she must register using the said OWWA ID in a counter or office provided by our government inside the airport facilities of her/his work destination. This could not only help our Philippine Mission abroad to locate the whereabouts of its constituents in times of troubles, these could also prevents undocumented OFWs and monitor illegal recruiters.

If our government is serious in protecting and promoting the rights, interest and well being of OFWs, then this so called Establishment of a Shared Government Information System for Migration must be implemented through the so called OFW MATRIX (Monitoring & AnTi-Illegal Recruiters with Information eXchange).H u h!

Philippine Consular Team to Visit EP

A consular team from the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh is scheduled to visit the Eastern Province on 01-02 June 2006.

Filipino residents and workers in the province are advised to proceed to the Al Bustan Hotel in Al- Khobar for any consular services they may require. The following services are available:

1. Passport renewal
2. Authentication of documents
3. Notarials
4. Report of Birth
5. Report of Marriage
6. Requirements for RA 9048 (correction of clerical error in the birth certificate)
7. Requirements for RA 9225 (re-acquisition/retention of Philippine citizenship)

The team will receive and process/service applications according to the following schedule:

Thursday, 01 June 2006
9:00 a.m. ? 12:00 nn
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday, 02 June 2006
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 nn

The Consular Team will be headed by Charge d? Affaires Germinia Aguilar- Usudan and she will be assisted by Attaches Rosario Malicse, Adelfa Lesslie R. Balili, Walter Villalobos, Roberto Cruz and Acas Bayabao, Jr..

Revised Regulation of Residence of Foreign Nationals in Iran

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has recently informed the Philippine Government through the Embassy of the Philippines in Iran in a Note Verbale No. 721/3170 dated 22 April 2006 that the fine for overstaying foreign nationals, including Filipinos, in Iran has been increased from 170,000 IRR (nearly US$20.00) per day to 3000,000 IRR (about US$33.00). This immigration regulation of residence of foreign nationals in Iran is strictly enforced by Iran Disciplinary Force, which is roughly the equivalent of the former Philippine Constabulary.

The Embassy of the Philippines in Iran has also reported that it is impossible for foreign nationals who plan to work as domestic helpers to secure for themselves work and residence permits in Iran, as the Labor Ministry only allows foreign nationals in some sectors, like construction. However, these workers are hired directly by foreign contractors that have projects in Iran.

For this reason, the Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh would like to advice all Overseas Filipino Workers and their dependents who are currently in the Kingdom, particularly domestic helpers, to refrain from going to Iran as tourists or under visit visas with the intention of seeking employment thereat.

21 May 2006

PAGLAKI KO

A friend of mine texted me yesterday night and suggested that a separate category only for poems must be included in my blog especially those poems that relates OFWs.

He also requested me to post PAGLAKI KO an entry to OFW Music Festival a couple of years ago sung by Michelle Ann Torrefranca, whose lyrics touches every ones heart. The song was composed by an OFW (Saudi Arabia) in person of Mr. Federico Franco. Allow me to share it with you and this is dedicated to ALL FATHERs out there.

PAGLAKI KO

Wala akong AMA na kasa-kasama
Sa aking madalas na pag-iisa
Sabi ni Nanay nasa malayo ka raw
Yama’y iyong dala pag-uwi mo balang-araw.

Kaming mag-ina laging magkasama
Sa tuwa’t ligaya kami ay iisa
Bakit ang iba mahigit sa dalawa?
Higit ang saya nila
Dahil ba sa may TATAY sila?

Sa paglaki ko, AMA sa larawan
Pipilitin kong maintindihan
Paglaki ko, paglaki ko, paglaki ko.

Sa mura kong isipan
Hindi ko maintindihan
AMA sa larawan hinahagkan-hagkan
Hindi mayapos kapag kailangan.

Pagmamahal mula sa malayong bayan
Laging pinaabot sa mga liham
Sabi ni TATAY,
“Anak, sana sa paglaki mo
Maintindihan mo ang paglayo ko.”.

Sa Paglaki ko, AMA sa larawan
Pipilitin kong maintindihan
Sagot sa tanong ko kailan makakamtan
Paglaki ko, paglaki ko, paglaki ko.

Make It Right

OFWs Longing for Home. We want to go home to be with our loved ones, to avoid broken families and many reasons why, but when we go home, it could mean fighting over the few jobs to be had in our country. We, OFWs is jobless again, having no income, we will be forced to seek employment overseas again and again, and this is our life, in visayan dialect maniguwang sa abroad.

My friend and OFW returnee Tony Ranque who is presently connected with OFW Resource Center enlighten me on the above realities, I remember when I asked him some pointers for our Position Paper on OFW Reintegration where i was one of the Resource Speaker during the First OFW Reintegration Conference in Riyadh in which he said that;

OFWs should be encouraged to do forced savings (min. 5-10% of their income). Low-level salaried OFWs may be enjoined to form cooperatives to harness group power. High-level salaried OFWs should be given orientation on various investment opportunities to be identified based on existing requirements like bonds, etc.

This magic advise is what our group is currently doing through our constant dialogues.

However, there are many ways to make reintegration program responsive to the respective needs of the migrant workers and to improve the life of their families. A lot of Non-Government Organization could help us, like UNLAD KABAYAN, who have just recently launced an income generating project for ex-OFWs families in Davao particularly Kalagan Muslim farming community in barangay Lizada, Toril. UNLAD Kabayan is visible in some part of the country like Metro Manila, Bohol, Iligan and Davao.

This re-integration scheme was seen as a means to prepare us for our eventual return to our country. But we should think first of savings like many of us who havent yet started. It cant be denied that the money we sent back home usually ends up for our needs of shelter, education for our kids and other basic necessities but if we have set aside a little savings, NGOs could provide us a means to have this reintegration plan a reality.

There are many of them namely: ATIKHA, BALIK BAYANI, UNLAD KABAYAN, OFWNet/Holdings.

OFW Community Volunteers

Watch Out!! for a new OFW organization to emerge in the 3 Zones of Industrial Area-Riyadh, proposed name:

OFW Sentinels Motorcycle Club International Inc.(OFW-SMCII).

Purpose, Goals, and Objectives are as follows:

PURPOSE: To establish and maintain a spirit of camaraderie and spirit de corps among OFWs in Industrial Areas-Riyadh that will enhance the prestige and riding experience of all motorcycle riders, encourage on-going rider education and skills development, increase public awareness and reduce motorcycle mishaps. To operate and conduct itself in a manner that provides equal opportunity and treatment for all motorcyclists, regardless of motorcycle make, model or engine size.

The purpose of this organization shall be to bring together OFWs in Industrial Areas-Riyadh or OFWs in any neighboring areas in Riyadh whose common interest is motorcycle riding, promoting good fellowship, encouraging membership in the Fraternity, following the precepts of the morale of a good OFW Riders and aiding and assisting its members. The members of this organization are OFW Community Volunteers in the Industrial Areas-Riyadh. This organization is a not for profit club.

GOALS:

1.The Club will seek to improve rider morale and skills, promote general road safety, rider awareness and skills improvement education.

2.The Club will seek to enhance the base and local community relationship with riders through involvement in Filipino community sponsored efforts and events as well as educational awareness for non-riders.
***
After completion of its draft Charter and By-Laws, it will seek an accreditation with Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

The mentioned club will be the mobile group of KAKAMPI-KSA in any OFW Volunteerism endeavor in the near future.

Patawad Bayan at Kitay Nilisan

Ipagpatawad mo Bayan at kitay nilisan,
Upang baloy dukalin sa Gitnang Silangan
Ang mabangong Riyal. Libong katanungay
Bakit pa umalis kung talagang minahal
Ang sariling bansang may ginto ring lantay?

Huwag maghinanakit kung saang lupalop
Ako ay lumayo. Hayaang hanapin ang bilog
Na pag-asang hindi nakita at sanay nasaklot,
Upang ipamugong sa kalam ng tiyang makirot;
Ay! Banyagang bansay gustong ipagbantog.

Hindi mo ba alam na ang inihuntay lumang
Aparador na ang nasa loob ay tudyong salita?
Manangis ka Bayan! Dahil ang nagpapasasa
Ay ang malalapit sa nililok na gintong banga!
Na hugong-balitang isang birhen ang gumawa.

Bayan ko! Akoy patawarin sa aking pag-alis,
Hayaan magsanga ang landas ng binging daigdig
Bago ko balikan ang lantay mong gintong kinupit,
Inumit, isiniksik sa kaban ng tipan sa sariling silid
Nitong mga gunggong na sa pamahalaan ay ganid.

Sakaling mapugto ang hininga ng yutang gahaman
Doon sa palasyo, uuwi rin ako o mahal kong Bayan.

NI RAUL FUNILAS
Inilathala ng Bulatlat

10 May 2006

Posted by Nicanor "Tatang" Salvador at OFW-Saudi egroup

SLL Art. 87 & 88


A member of OFW-Saudi E-group that I belong wrote me a personal e-mail asking my one centavo opinion. Allow me to share it with other concern OFW in KSA who happens to visit this blog.

He wrote:
I finished two years of my two-year contract, which did not have an automatic renewal clause, but I continued to work. I understand this makes my old contract, which was a specified period contract (SPC), turn into an unspecified period contract (USPC). I understand that under this rule my end-of-service benefits (ESB) have been reduced to one-sixth of a month of my last monthly wage (LMW), which is my basic salary plus all other allowances for each of the next three years completing the first five years. I also understand that my ESB for each of my first two years of my first contract will not change and will remain half my LMW for each of my two first years. But my employer says this is not the case. He thinks that although my contract has become a USPC, I am still bound to work for two years and cannot terminate before that, and that if I did terminate this would constitute a breach of contract for which I stand to lose all rights and have to pay my own ticket back to my country. At the same time, he says that my ESB has now dropped to one-sixth of my LMW for the entire period since I started work. Is my employer right?

My reply:
It seems that you are well aware of the Saudi Labor Law (SLL) and on the other hand, I think your employer contradicts Art. 87 and 88 of SLL that states:

SLL Art. 87 -If the contract of specified period shall come to an end, or if cancelled by the employer in the unspecified contract, the employer shall pay to the worker a service award calculated as follows: a) Half month pay for each year for the service of the first five consecutive years; b) Full month pay for each of the following years. The last monthly pay shall be the basis of calculations …..

SLL Art. 88 - In the contract of unspecified periods, the worker shall be entitled to receive one third of the service award provided in the previous article when he resigns after a period of service not less than two consecutive years and not more than five years, two thirds if the period is more than five consecutive years and less than ten years, and to a full award if he resigns after ten years in service provided that he shall in all cases notify and in writing his employer about his intention to resign thirty days before he leaves the work prior.

Therefore, you have the right to resign at any time by serving a one-month notice.

For more, please find Patnubay sa mga Manggagawang Pilipino sa Saudi Arabia (December archive)or the SLL at my link KAKAMPI-KSA.

Thank You Mr. Chips

Yesterday, I was cleaning up the mess of my template, exploring and looking for the best place where I could fix its codes - aiming for a nice look that makes this blog presentable to all my visitors. And it was a success! The side bar format is now clean and looking good.

I am so very grateful to those who made this tool wonderful; like Bill Gates, gifted programmers and of course to Jason Banico who made Funchain easy to explore. But there is one you need to know, a man who shared a significant contribution to the era of information technology.

Ever heard of Jack Kilby? Clue: His invention changed your/our life. Based on the story written by T.R. Reid (Washington Post). Jack Kilby is from Kansas U.S.A. who has turned down by MIT because his math scores were too low and who never had much formal physics training yet received the Nobel Prize in Physics. This is slightly anomalous, because Jack St. Clair Kilby is not a physicist.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences was willing to overlook that minor detail though, because Kilby did, after all, come up with the most valuable invention: the microchip. Jack Kilbys idea sparked the information age.

The tiny silicon chip at the heart of all digital devices has arguably become the most important industrial commodity since crude oil. Without it, there could be no personal computer or cell phone, no Internet or PlayStations. The semiconductor integrated circuit has changed the world as fundamentally as did the light bulb, the telephone. But somehow the man who made the microchip has never achieved the recognition that Edison, Bell and Ford enjoyed.

Sitting in the semiconductor lab, Kilby came up with the answer: eliminate the wires. It was such a daring break with the history of electronic circuits that he first thought it couldnt work. But he realized all the basic elements of a circuit could be made of the same material-silicon. And if all of the elements could be carved into a single slice of that material, then the interconnections could be laid down, or even printed, on a little silicon chip.

No wires, no soldering. And that meant a huge number of components could be compressed into a tiny space. You could put a whole computer circuit on a chip the size of a babys fingernail.

On July 24, 1958, Kilby scrawled this idea in his lab notebook: The following circuit elements could be made on a single slice: resistors, capacitor, distributed capacitor, transistor. Thats the sentence that brought its author the Nobel Prize.

Please click in my link "My Blog by Funchain"

EFF: Legal Guide for Bloggers

Whether you're a newly minted blogger or a relative old-timer, you've been seeing more and more stories pop up every day about bloggers getting in trouble for what they post.

Like all journalists and publishers, bloggers sometimes publish information that other people don't want published. You might, for example, publish something that someone considers defamatory, republish an AP news story that's under copyright, or write a lengthy piece detailing the alleged crimes of a candidate for public office.

The difference between you and the reporter at your local newspaper is that in many cases, you may not have the benefit of training or resources to help you determine whether what you're doing is legal. And on top of that, sometimes knowing the law doesn't help - in many cases it was written for traditional journalists, and the courts haven't yet decided how it applies to bloggers.

But here's the important part: None of this should stop you from blogging. Freedom of speech is the foundation of a functioning democracy, and Internet bullies shouldn't use the law to stifle legitimate free expression. That's why EFF created this guide, compiling a number of FAQs designed to help you understand your rights and, if necessary, defend your freedom.

To be clear, this guide isn't a substitute for, nor does it constitute, legal advice. Only an attorney who knows the details of your particular situation can provide the kind of advice you need if you're being threatened with a lawsuit. The goal here is to give you a basic roadmap to the legal issues you may confront as a blogger, to let you know you have rights, and to encourage you to blog freely with the knowledge that your legitimate speech is protected.

Please note that this guide applies to people living in the US. We don't have the expertise or resources to speak to other countries' legal traditions, but we'd like to work with those who do.

For more please see related link below.
http://www.eff.org/bloggers/lg/

Missed Opportunity: GMA's visit to Saudi Arabia

Monday's headline of ArabNews reads "Red Carpet Welcome for Arroyo". Huhuummmm, I guess that's good news.

Tuesday's headline read "Arroyo Seeks Saudi Investment". Ok, maybe a better news. I read the full article and it mentioned that GMA is inviting Saudi businessmen in Riyadh to invest in the Philippines.

Today's edition of the same newspaper carries a report with the title "138 Jailed Filipinos Pardoned". This is even better news. Again it mentioned that GMA spoked with members of Chamber of Commerce in Jeddah and encouraged them to invest in the Philippines and highlighted the investment opportunities in tourism, food processing and banking.

Then suddenly, thoughts came rushing to my mind. Yesterday's (9 May) edition of ArabNews carried an article saying that the King has allocated 3billion Riyals for e-Government Program

GMAs visit..OFW..e-Government..Itoutsourcing..pinoyIT..I figured I can put these words together.

Again, I read the news articles about GMA's visit... trying to find familiar words. To my disappoint, there was no mention of Filipino IT professionals.

Pambihira! This e-Government project of Saudi Arabia is just too big to miss! Let me enumerate my points.

1) We have a pool of skilled manpower which are competent enough to handle multi-million projects like e-Government, portals, etc;

2) The Saudis looks highly on the skills of Filipinos and somehow, the Filipino culture have, to some degree, penetrated the local culture (I've seen Saudis buying pandesal in the grocery and I have heard some of them speaking Tagalog).

3) The first barrier in any cross-country outsourcing project is "breaking the ice" between the company and the contractor. In this aspect, a Filipino IT company would have a definite advantage over companies from US, UK, India or Singapore.

4)There are many IT companies in the Philippines who are aggressively looking for overseas project but lacks the support of our government.

This is one particular handicap of GMA - she seems not up to date with the trends in global economy. Ironically, she was a graduate of economics but failed to realize the real value and potential of digital economy. Six years na siya sa puwesto and yet there's no remarkable accomplishments in Philippines' ICT. She could have taken this (the visit) opportunity to have an MOU/MOA with the Saudi government for Filipino IT companies. We could have been looking forward to getting bigger share of that 3B Riyals budget.

All I can say is.. "tsk, tsk, tsk.. sayang!"

Taken From an email to: Fil-IT@yahoogroups.com By: Ramir Ortega, 10 May 2006

Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata
Kung Kailan di ko Alam

Last Monday I was among of the 650+ OFWs who attended the so-called Filipino Community Night at the Philippine Embassy, Riyadh. Though the said event was in line of PGMAs state visit in the Kingdom.

I and my friend Bernard Abad of OFWins (OFW Investors Society) arrived in Diplomatic Area at 7:00 pm., we passed the Diplomatic Quarter gate smoothly while security manning the entrance gate at our Philippine Embassy was very strict in body search and even those wearing Diplomatic IDs like me that was issued by POLO & OFWC were still searched by our kababayan belong to PGBI and Black Python under the supervision of OFWC execon member. But one thing was not familiar; Presidential Security Group (PSG) wearing their signature suit with earpiece as usual manned every corner of the Embassy. I thought for a while and say to myself, wow this is it! Malacanang is in Riyadh.

Community leaders were given a front seat row facing the stage, the Filipina nurses wearing their white uniforms were in the right side row, on the left row were professional group like Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE-CRSA), Davaoenos Group with flying streamer, Pampaguenos of course were there too, and everyone cant just overlooked the big streamer posted on the right side wall of the stage with big letter printed on it "Welcome PGMA" courtesy of UNITED OFW, kulang nalang lagyan ng IBOTO for OFW Party List Group, HUH!

Early Government Official Ive seen before the entourage arrived was Special Envoy to Middle East Roy Cimatu who settled a seat along with Filcom leaders. S.E. Production led by their CEO Ranie Basanta was there as always to entertain the audience, and food was served while dancers and singers of the TFC Pop Star Search gave their best to kill the time waiting for the arrival of the President.

I vacated my chair in front of the stage to accompany my friends and our members from Industrial Area during dinnertime, and stayed there till the end of the program. Actually, the main reason was; I am so upset when Welfare Officer Bellido forgot to acknowledged some names of our colleagues, one of them was Engr. Faizal Sharque who heads the community security team who was there from 10:00 in the morning up to the program proper. One of my friend whispered to me that the names of those not mentioned was intentionally deleted from the lists, for reason I didnt know with a thought that politics is everywhere even Filipinos are away from home.

Government Entourage like Sen. Miriam Santiago, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, SecLab Pat Sto. Tomas, Usec Seguis were among the first to occupy the seats provided at the stage. Special Envoy to KSA Tony Villamor introduced GMA after the President unveils the launching of National Broadcasting Network PTV 4. At first, am so grateful that one of our recommendation was given an instant reply, only to my dismay knowing that PTV 4 is part of the Channel 7 Kapuso package that is open for subscription to Filipinos in Middle East.

GMA in her speech made an announcement of a possible investment opportunities that Saudi government is going to undertake in our country more particularly in Mindanao; and other areas of investment like tourism, food processing and banking. She also informed the crowd that from 50 OFWs jailed for minor crimes, King Abdullah raised the numbers to 83 that are going to be freed, and probably to join in her flight back to Philippines. Now in newspapers the numbers increases to 138, good news indeed to their respective families back home.

However, the meeting with community leaders was not materialized due to the strict guidelines with her Chief Protocol and members of PSG. There were 14 leaders in the original list but around 30 or more were already waiting for her at the Ambassadors Living Room. The Ten Point Recommendation was instead submitted to Senator Miriam Santiago who gave her time with us at the lobby of the Ambassadors Residence. Usec Rafael Seguis assured us that the President will give time to study our recommendation and official reply will be sent in due time.

Sana Nga at hindi sa basurahan. Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.

Not Welcome!

One of my co-office workers who is also a member of our group asked me this morning if I will be going to Philippine Embassy tonight to meet the President. I said Yes! He followed a question asking me if really the President will read our Ten Point Recommendation and make action on it. I replied him with a convincing tone, Yes or maybe not but we should be positive and try to act than do nothing.

My co-worker, an architect who hails from Pampanga himself is not a supporter nor he voted GMA in the last election. He doesnt believed that Arroyo leadership could save the nation from poverty, he is not a rightist nor a leftist but his belief is more on knowing of who is PGMA is. He talks about Bong Pineda and other politician in his province as if he knows everything about the history of politics in Pampanga. I admire his position, though I explain to him that I am just representing the group, especially in behalf of those ordinary OFWs with grievances that are not given this chance to meet the so called highest official of our land.

He nods with a smile and said, "Good Luck, and please say our (Pampanguenos) Hello to her". I smile back to him and said "Yes, Ill do", thinking that Jesus, Himself our Savior is not welcome in His city Israel during His time.

Joint Resolution

The Ten Point Recommendation of Filipino Community Leaders in Riyadh (click link OFW Congress for the full text) initiated by OFW Congress to be presented in the forthcoming visit of PGMA to the Kingdom was submitted in advance to Special Envoy to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Tony Villamor yesterday, 5 of May 2006 at Al Mutlaq Hotel, Riyadh.

Various community organizations presided by Alex Veloso Bello of the OFW Congress-Riyadh attended the forum. The said Ten Point Recommendations was read by MAA and was then approved by the attendees by affixing their respective signatures manifesting their support to the Joint Resolution of the 21 Executive Council Members of OFWC and 16 participating groups.

During the meeting, a resolution was also adopted and approved by the majority of the original 21 EXECON members of OFWC, accepting 10 new member organizations. The OFWC will now have 31 Executive Council that would decide in any advocacies the group will undertake concerning vital issues affecting the rights, welfare and economic well being of the OFW’s, more particularly in the Kingdom.

The Joint Resolution that was officially agreed is more on the issues pertains to the plight of our distressed OFW’s. It urge the President to give more attention for the speedy resolution of pending labor cases as well as early repatriation of those resolve cases of our female and male stranded workers. Other concerns such as Reintegration Program for returning OFW’s as well an appeal to the President to reconsider her order for the transfer of 1 Billion Pesos OWWA Fund to Phil. Postal Bank and lieu thereof, the creation of an OFW Bank that OFW’s can call their own where implementing mechanisms is for the best interest of the Filipino migrant workers sustained by a legislative measure.

Prior to the meeting proper, Filcom leaders had their breakfast exchanging conversation with the good Ambassador who comes earlier than expected. A nice indication that the would be Ambassador is worthy to his call as the new Father of the OFW’s in the Kingdom.

In the meeting proper each Filcom leaders were given a few minutes to introduce themselves as well as what organization are they represented. Each leaders give a warm Welcome to His Excellency in which in return gave his remarks after MAA made a short introduction of who is Ambassador Tony Villamor.

In his message, he made an assurance that problems of the OFW’s will be taken care of with utmost attention if ever he will be given the privilege to serve the OFW’s in the Kingdom. – MAA

Photos in my link “My Blog by Funchain”

An open Letter to Saudi Authorities and Fellow Filipinos

As representative of good standing in the Filipino Community in Riyadh, WE speak on behalf of the vast majority of Filipinos in the Kingdom who has come here for the singular purpose of working decently and quietly to secure a better future of our respective families back home.

As employees in different fields of expertise, we express the collective gratefulness of OFWs in the Kingdom for continued trust and confidence of our esteemed employers as well as the privilege of being welcomed, along with our families, to share in the progress and lawful protection of the Kingdom.

As members of the expatriate community who have spent a good number of years in the Kingdom, WE convey the firm resolve of our fellow OFWs to remain fully cognizant and deep respect to the laws, customs and traditions of our friendly host and promote better understanding and closer relations between the Filipino community and the Islamic world particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As a leaders of various community; clubs, guilds and organizations, WE are committed to ensure that our competence and excellence are recognize not only in our field of work, but also in the community of service, sports, arts, music and other worthwhile activities to which we devote our free time.

Thus, in the wake of disparaging news reports concerning some OFWs in Saudi Arabia, WE strongly take exception to the allegations that Filipinos are engaged with illegal operations in the Kingdom.

WE denounced such activities of a few individual OFWs, if actually proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt, as contrary to the much larger and lasting relations of the Filipino Community with the Saudi society in which they play an active role towards continuing development.

WE avow that we will exert our best efforts to always maintain the highest respect for all the values the Saudi society holds dear and cooperation with the authorities in preserving these values as well as the existing cordial relations between the both country and its people.

From:The Filipino Community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

http://www.funchain.com/post/0000002516

Davao Oks OFW Center

One of our group recommendation in the Joint Resolution to be submitted to Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo this coming 8 of May 2006 in line with OFW Reintegration is:

"LGU participation in OFW Reintegration program should be made mandatory"

Today i read this important news, I am so gratefull to those local leaders in our country that initiate laudable moves for the good of their OFW constituents.

My heartfelt gratitude to Davao City Councilors Jimmy Dureza and Peter Lavina. Your heart belongs to OFW's. Maraming Salamat Muli!
***
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Davao oks OFW Center

The likes of Manuel Amora would be happy with this news. The Davao City Council finally approved yesterday the Ordinance establishing the Davao City OFW Center.

It was first proposed by Councilor Jimmy Dureza when we opened the 14th City Council in July 2004. I started committee work on this proposal when I chaired the Committee on Labor & Employment. It was presented to the floor yesterday by our new committee head Councilor Angela Librado-Trinidad.

The Center is envisioned to become a one-stop-shop for the processing, deployment, assistance and re-integration of overseas Filipino workers from Davao City. It would work closely with national government agencies and non-government organizations like Unlad Kabayan to provide a number of services to OFWs.

A key component for the success of this Center is my proposal to devolve to local governments some of the powers, functions and resources of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

http://www.funchain.com/post/0000002509

Ten Point Recommendation

The OFW Congress-Riyadh initiated a meeting last Thursday evening, 27 April 2006 at Peking Restaurant to discuss some important agenda particularly the coming State visit of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the Kingdom.

The meeting presided by Alex Veloso Bello, President of OFWC and was attended by 20 Filipino Community leaders in Riyadh composed of the current OFWC executive council members and other invited Filipino community organizations.

MAA was given a floor by the presiding officer to recount some important matters outlining general issues that must be included in the agenda proper.

Further, MAA emphasized that OFW Congress is not an umbrella organization but it is a group of OFW leaders represented by their respective organization whose primary objective is to act as partners of the State in the protection of Filipino migrant workers and in the promotion of their welfare. The organization shall plan, initiate, advocate, and spearhead the drafting, lobbying, passage of motions, measures, resolutions and position papers on vital issues affecting the rights, welfare and economic well being of the OFWs as stated in Article II, Section 1 of OFW Congress Constitution and By-Laws.

In the meeting proper each organization presented to the body various issues affecting the welfare of the OFWs more particularly in the Kingdom. It was then approved by the majority of the attendees that a consolidated recommendation on important OFW issues and concerns will be submitted in a form of a Joint Resolution between the OFWC Execon members and the Participating Member Organization.

It was also agreed that hot political issues should not be included in the ten point agenda in the list of recommendations. The attendees decided further that OFW issues must be given utmost attention by the community leaders rather than political concerns.

Before the meeting was adjourned Outgoing Labor Attache Manuel Roldan arrived as one of the invited Government Official in the said forum.

The meeting was finally adjourned at 11:00PM and set to another date for the Final Drafting of the approved Ten Point Recommendations.

http://www.funchain.com/~ofwempowerment

FWRC-Bahay Kalinga

During summer in KSA is a season where everyone and even the Saudis themselves usually stayed at home while expats like me are in our villas to escape the intense heat of the sun. That is why ACs (air condition) is the number one basic necessities in the Kingdom.

Yet, the heat of the sun was not a hindrance for us to proceed with our visit last Friday 4/28/06 to Bahay Kalinga (BK). Bahay Kalinga is a house for our stranded distressed Female OFWs. The place is also officially known as Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC) provided by the Philippine Government under RA 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Act of 1995) as a temporary shelter for our run-away Filipina workers. These female stranded workers will stay at the said house pending resolution of their cases for repatriation. Most of their complaints are non payment of wages, long hours of work or without rest, poor accommodations, maltreatment and sexually abused.

As of today the stranded female OFWs in the center is about 170. In that count the Female OFWs housed at the Saudi Welfare Center (SWA) are not included. The SWA is a center provided by the Saudi Government to those Filipina workers and other female workers in different nationalities with criminal cases such as theft, murder, immoral acts and drug related offenses. Only the POLO/Embassy personnel particularly from our Assistance to National Section (ANS) are allowed to visit this place.

From 2nd Industrial Area we traveled 35 kilometers to reach Bahay Kalinga brought along with us 14 cartons of assorted used clothing and other things for their personal needs. Since the shelter is very strict with visitors, men in particular, the said visit was properly coordinated with the office of our good OWWA Welfare Officer Arman Roa.

Our group KAKAMPI-KSA unloaded the goods with the help of our friends from the Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan (KGS-Migrante). The collected various assorted items came from our kindhearted fellow OFWs in the Industrial Area particularly workers in Al Sharq Plastic Factory, Al Ajial Co. Ltd., Obeikan, Saudi Lighting and the logistical support from Black Python Martial Arts Association.

We noticed that the FWRC is well taken care of, compared to my last visit in the center a couple of months when we brought foods to the shelter. Today, the office is properly organized along with the visiting area, as well as a clean rest rooms. Though we can not enter the main premises where the rooms of our distressed female OFWs are located yet we knew that everything/everyone are in good shape and under control. Thanks to the newly assigned center personnel from Manila headed by Dr. Adel Usman and DSWD Social Welfare Officer Mrs. Nene Usman. We are hoping that the healthy environment in the center will be for long and not just for now in preparation for PGMAs visit.

The mission was accomplished with a sigh of relief and a happy heart that we again fulfilled our task in helping others in needs.

Special thanks to fellow comrades Abdullah Andrade, Mario Ben, Jomel Soriao, Binang Jilhano, Norman Gatdula, Alex Aurelio, Rey Ruiz and Faizal Mercurio. M.A.A.

see link: http://www.funchain.com/post/0000002492
or http://www.funchain.com/~ofwempowerment

Senate Bill 639

The issue of the transfer of 1 Billion OWWA Fund to Phil. Postal Savings Bank was opposed by many OFWs. The Overseas Filipino Workers Congress-Riyadh is one of the many groups who believe that the transfer is not in the best interest of the OFWs in general.

One of the several solutions that we proposed is that - if there is really a transfer of fund as what PGMA recently announced, it must be in a form of a legislative measure where we can see the implementing guidelines, rules and its mechanisms.

Last April 16, 2006, the OFWC wrote a letter to Senator Manuel Villar, Jr. on the proposed Senate Bill 639 he authored re: creation of Phil. Overseas Workers Bank for us to evaluate the said bill and in order to determine whether it is for the best interest of the Migrant Filipinos.

Below is his reply through the office of his Legislative Officer Reesa Novella. Kindly see link "OFW Congress" for the full text of SB 639.

28 April 2006

Mr. Manuel Amora
Secretary General
Overseas Filipino Workers Congress
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Dear Sec. Gen. Amora:

We would like to extend our warm greetings to the Overseas Filipino Workers Congress in Riyadh and the entire Saudi Arabia.

We are in receipt of your letter dated 16 April 2006 requesting for a copy of Senate Bill No. 639 or the Philippine Overseas Workers Bank. Attached is a soft copy of the bill which seeks to address the Filipino overseas workers various financial needs and concerns and further enhance their investment potential.

Thank you very much for your interest in the bill. We will appreciate if you could send us your comments about it.

Our office is always more than willing to help our OFWs.

Sincerely:

Manny Villar

By:

Reesa Novella
Legislative Officer

PGMA Visit

Our organization Kalipunang Kaakabay ng Manggagawang Pilipino sa Saudi Arabia (KAKAMPI-KSA) received an official invitation letter yesterday 25 April 2006 from the office of (POLO-Riyadh) Labor Attache Manuel Roldan informing us the arrival of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the Kingdom on May 7, 2006. Also in the letter it said that PGMA will have an audience with the Filipino Community on the evening of May 8, 2006, 8:30 PM at the Philippine Embassy grounds.

We all knew that GMA made many plans in the past to visit Saudia Arabia; the last one was of September last year that did not materialize. Now, at last! She will be here for an official visit primarily to discuss with Saudi Government on oil issues particularly in the light of rising crude prices in the world market. Hoping she could achieve positive outcome on her number one mission - to secure affordable oil price.

I believed that the issue about Filipino Expatriates in the Kingdom is in the list of her priorities, considering the fact that for the past few days 7 of our compatriots were implicated in the recent horrible incident in Jeddah where they are deeply involved.

Certainly, she can?t just ignore this problem, after all - she represents the image of the Filipino community in the Kingdom. Perhaps, what she can surely do at this moment is to request the Saudi Government to treat those alleged suspects in a manner where their rights are properly protected under the Saudi Law. Also, I understand that she is expected to appeal for clemency for other six Filipinos facing the death penalty on various murder charges.

******

The mentioned letter of invitation is requesting Filipino Community to give inputs and recommendations in relation to OFW issues and concerns. It is going to be submitted today in advance prior to the said scheduled meeting for her consideration.

Well, there are many OFW issues and concerns; in fact a lot of recommendations were already submitted to the proper agencies that oversees the plight of Filipinos overseas.

Some of our concern NGO?s at home made an appeal to the Lower and Upper House of Congress for the possible amendment of certain provisions in the Republic Act 8042 known as Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995. There are also many attempts from our pro OFWs legislators by filing Senate and House Bills intended for the general welfare of migrant Filipinos. Sadly, a number of them were left unattended in the closet of their respective committees pending deliberations and appropriate action.

Last year we even raised the question of the legality of OWWA USD 25.00 contribution to the highest court of our land but unfortunately as of now it is still in the good hands of our esteemed members of Judiciary pending its decision.

All of these were not given exceptional attention from the three (3)branches of our government namely; the executive, legislative and the judiciary.

Where else do we go? Directly to the President? Are there any assurances that the President will give attention to our recommendations? We hope so. Nevertheless, there is no harm in trying.

WE therefore, respectfully submit the following for the Presidents utmost consideration:

A) TRANSFER OF OWWA FUND TO PPSB

Remarks:

We strongly opposed the plan to transfer 1 Billion Peso OWWA Fund to Philippine Postal Bank. If there should be a transfer of fund, then it must be governed by a legislative measure where we can see and understand its implementing mechanisms.

Recommendations:

An appeal to the President to act in behalf of the OFW?s to expedite the early discussions and deliberations of the following legislative proposal:

Senate Bill No. 639 authored by Sen. Manuel Villar, Jr. Re: Seeking the creation of the Philippine Overseas Workers Bank to serve the financial and investment needs of the growing number of OFWs worldwide

And

HB No. 1565 authored by Rep. Jaime Lopez Re: An Act Establishing the Overseas Filipino Bank. This bill concentrates and would specifically authorized to address the banking, economic, financial, and related needs of the more than eight million Filipinos working abroad.

Any of the two above Bills that would be in the best interests of the Migrant Filipinos Overseas, then we hereby request for its passage into law.

B) RECOGNIZE OFW AS A SPECIAL SECTOR

Remarks:

The OFWs are not properly represented in the policy formulating boards of the government agencies that oversees OFW?s issues and concerns.

Recommendation:

1) The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas Welfare Administration (OWWA) governing board should be well represented by an OFW who comes from the OFW rank himself/herself and not just a mere political appointees whose credentials are not well define as representative to OFW?s.

2) That any such appointees should be consulted or must be recommended by the OFW Community themselves.

3) Dubbed as Modern Day Heroes and economic savior, OFWs should be recognized as Special Sector? and therefore be provided with empowering mechanisms in the affairs of governance locally.

4) OFWs contributed a lot to the progress of local economies and it is therefore recommended that upon their return for good to their respective localities they should be given a place in the affairs of local governance.

5) Former OFW and their families be given a right sustained by executive or legislative measure to participate in the local election of the City or Municipal Council. In this manner the government reintegration plan for the OFWs into the mainstream of our society particularly in the grassroots level will be truly established and rightly implemented. - M.A.A.

Blog powered by FUNCHAIN

Browsing Internet is part of my daily job, not to mention that the company where I am employed have unlimited access with our ISP. It means that I can always visit and post important events, commentaries, etc. to my blog whenever I have the spare time to do it.

Actually, I heard this blog mania a couple of years ago and was fascinated by some bloggers conveying personal opinions through the freedom of expression using the power of blogging.

My impulse told me so creating my own blog. Then, I discover myself doing my homework in my PC at my flat. It does not only eases homesickness away from home, it likewise enhances my know-how in the usefulness of Information Technology (IT).

Thus- the creation of www.ofwempowerment.blogspot.com whose postings relates Overseas Filipino Workers issues and concern.

I found blogspot.com powered by I POWER BLOGGER popularly known as IBlog easy to use and recreational, not only venturing creativity in developing my personal site but it also helps improve my love of writing.

Few days ago I visited one of my favorite blog created/authored by Davao City Councilor Peter Lavina, I noticed that he shifted to a new blogger powered by FUNCHAIN. Out of curiosity I started my new blog with the same blog name (ofwempowerment) using FUNCHAIN and later conclude it remarkable, very easy to use and more convenient.

In this new era of information technology, let your views be heard, let us exercise our freedom of expression through the use of a proper venue; and that is - the power of blogging. However, we should be always compassionate in expressing our respective viewpoint, thoughts and ideas.

Try making your own blog using Funchain.

Who brought this idea to reality? Like us - He is Filipino, in the name of Mr. Jason Banico. Find out a little bit of who this person is - below:

Jason Banico is a technopreneur with 9 years of IT experience. He hails from Davao City, only coming to Metro Manila for his college studies at Ateneo de Manila and working there for approximately 10 years.

In 2005, he became a Reuters Digital Vision Fellow at Stanford University, where he realized his dream of finally going to Silicon Valley. Staying in a converted garage (yes, the proverbial Silicon Valley garage), he brought Funchain from idea to reality. – MAA

My new Blog: http://www.funchain.com/~ofwempowerment
Mr. Jason Banico : http://www.funchain.com/~jasonbanico
or simply browse : http://www.funchain.com/