sulyap vol 2 issue 8

8/14/2019 Sulyap Vol 2 Issue 8

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News: QQQQ3rd uarter Leaders Forum

News: AKRO Celebrates 36th Year Anniversary

Editorial: Start of Something New and Better

Labor Updates: EPS Guide Part 3

Feature: A Beginning

Feature: Migrants Community of ChungnamVolume 2 Issue 8 2009 www.sulyapinoy.org NOT FOR SALE

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OFW-KOREA-2006-001

by Edward Castro

SULYAPINOY is accepting cash donations for its monthly printing expenses. You may deposit them @ Account #: 049702 04 058587 / Account Name: Sofonias N. Paragsa / Bank: KB or Kookmin Bank

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yehwadong, Seoul Vowing to enhance their commitment on com-munity service, the new President and eight (8) Board of Council

Members of the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) were inductedlast August 2 at the coffee shop of the St. Benedict Catholic Church.

Election chairman Michael Balba, after tallying the votes, officiallydeclared Mr. Marcelino Marzy Serdea III who is the vice president prior

to elections, is now FEWAs 4th president.

Over half of the members including the pioneers came to cast their voteswhich took place one week before the elections at Woori Bank in its Hye-

whadong branch in Seoul.

In his inaugural speech, Serdea encouraged FEWAnians to participateon future activities and improve their community services as volunteersfor which FEWA is known for in the community. He also urged membersto rally behind his leadership as he promised not to disappoint them.

'Alam ko ng mataas ang expectations ninyo sa amin, however we will do

everything in our capacity to work as a team and nothing we desire toachieve will be impossible,Serdea said.

He also said they will continue to strengthen the organizations missionwhich is to enhance the integrity of public service through volunteerism, toserve the best interest of its members, and to participate inter-communityoriented projects.

Seoul, South Korea- The Ministry of Labor (MOL) finally set nextyears minimum wage to 4,110 won and officially declared it final

last August 5.

Conferring to the KOILAF's (Korean International Labor Foundation)recent press release, The Minimum Wage Council (MWC) of the labordepartment decided to increase the minimum wage to 4,110 won

$( 3.23) , from this years' 4,000 won per hour on June 30. MWC after-wards revealed it last July 7 for public comment for 10 days.

The 10-day period aims to gather opinions or declinations from corpo-rate management, labor unions, and the government sector. There hasbeen, however, no filing of opposition or resistance and thus, LaborMinister Lee Young Hee of the MOL announced that the minimumwage of next year is irrevocable.

The minimum wage in Korea will be raised by 2.75 percent, the small-est wage increase in 11 years.

According to the Minimum Wages Act, the Labor minister shouldrequest a systematic review and thorough examination for the need ofwage increase from the MWC for each years minimum wage every 31stday of March. Then, the MWC should make a resolution on theproposed wage within 90 days after the receipt of the examinationrequest, and suggest a result to the Labor minister.

The Minimum Wage Council composed of 24 labor and civic societygroups such as the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), theKorean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and Peoples Solidarityfor Participatory Democracy (PSPD), and others.

by Alden Balgos

Photo by Norman Matudan

Photo by Norman Matudan

3333 QQQQ : Labor AttachAtty. Delmer R. Cruz giving laborpolicy updates on issues regarding EPS sojourn period, repatriation, citizenship, transfer of work-place, etc. during this years 3rd Quarter Leaders Forum held at the Chancery Lobby of the

[ ]Philippine Embassy in Itaewon, Seoul. Turn to page 2 for the whole story

New Set of FEWA Officers: Photo taken during the induction ceremonies withAmbassador Luis T. Cruz (center). Top Row (L-R) Alwyin Casino, Ronie de Guia, MarvinBabasa, Ismael Calandria, Rodney Queman, and Teofilo Camo. Front Row (L-R) Reben-son Recana, FEWA Administrative Adviser, Marcelino Serdena III, FEWA President,Fr. Alvin Parantar,MSP, FEWA Spiritual Adviser, Labor Attache Atty. Delmer Cruz, andSofonias Paragsa, former FEWA President.


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NEWS

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by Edward Castro

Minimum Wage for 2010

Meanwhile, Labor Attach Delmer Cruz of the Philip-pine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) reaffirmed theannouncement of the MOL during the most recentLeaders Forum held at the Philippine Embassy inItaewon, Seoul. Although minimal, we still have to bethankful that we will be given a wage increase nextyear, Cruz said.

Cruz said that the minimal wage increase may be dueto the ongoing global economic recession that theKorean government is still battling.

In terms of monthly salary, employees working a 40-hour week will earn 858,990 won. Those on a 44-hourweek will make 927,860 won.

The minimum wage will be applied to all workplacesfrom Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 next year.

FEWA Inducts New Set of Officers

Mr. Sofonias Chabok Paragsa, the outgoing presi-dent, reminded the members of the real mission of thegroup and that is to serve the community. These canonly be achieved through a responsive organizationalstructure, committed leadership, effective developmen-tal programs and trainings for counseling abreast withconsistency and accuracy, and advocacy of and partici-pation in relevant labor and migration issues, Paragsasaid during the ceremonial passing of the key of

responsibility.

Sana ipagpatuloy ninyo ang magaganda natingnasimulan, alagaan ninyo at itaguyod ang mga adhi-kain ng FEWA at alagaan ang dalawang anak nito -

ang SULYAPINOY Newsletter at ang SULYAPINOYwebsite. Paragsa added.

Also, from the eight (8) elected Board of CouncilMembers, Mr. Teofilo Camo was unanimously chosenby themselves as the Vice President in compliancewith the FEWA constitution and by-laws.

The members of the Board of Council on the otherhand are: Alwyin Casio, Ronnie De Guia, MarvinBabasa, Ismael Calandria, Rodel Arias, Rodrigo De la

Cruz and Rodney Queman.

While the appointed officers are the following: Ma.Lourdes Espinola as secretary, Ronald Austari astreasurer, Fritzalito Sapon as auditor, Ed Villarta Jr. as

public information officer, Charlie Compra and AlvinAlqueza as peace keeping officers.

Ambassador Luis T. Cruz was the guest of honorduring the occasion and lead the induction ceremoniesenjoining the new set of officers with their oath ofoffice.Kung ang hiling ni Chabok ay alagaan ninyoang mga anak ng FEWA, ang wish ko naman ay sanamagkaroon pa ng maraming asawa ang FEWA, I mean

a much wider partnership and network with otherFilipino communities, Ambassador Cruz said in his

speech.

Aside from Ambassador Cruz, other guests of honorwho witnessed the occasion were Labor Attache Atty.Delmer Cruz and Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP, FEWA

Spiritual Adviser.

FEWA is a non-profit and a nonpolitical association,whose avowed main objective is to forge unity amongoverseas Filipino workers in order to strengthen theircommunal relationships and in the hope of returninghome with the spirit of profound solidarity and Christianbrotherhood.

Itaewon, Seoul The Philippine Embassy in Seoul

led by His Excellency Ambassador Luis T. Cruzheld this year's third quarter Leaders Forum at theChancery Lobby last August 15.

Various heads from different Filipino groups whichcomprises of migrant workers, students, profession-als, NGO's, as well as the religious sector attendedthe said 3-hour long forum.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Cruz thankedthe Filipino Community especially those who wentand participated the One Philippines Festival heldlast July 5 in Banpo Park, Seoul. Hinangaan tayong marami sa ipinamalas nating pag-kakaisa dito saSouth K orea he said.

He proudly shared the positive feedbacks theembassy received from other embassies andconsulates asserting that the Filipinos here in SouthKorea are indeed an effective endorsers of Filipinoculture, arts, and world-class talents. We are all ourcountry's ambassadors; We are the mirror of thePhilippines' best, Ambassador Cruz added.

Likewise, embassy staff from different consularoffices and departments also attended the forum.Ms. Evangelina Filamor, the new Welfare Officerof the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)discussed matters regarding the plan to intensify

their efforts in the promotion of the ReintegrationPreparedness Program of POLO. Filamor reportedthat they are planning to focus this time to commu-nities that are far from the Seoul metropolitan area.

She said that this awareness program however, will

going to be a one-shot-deal because of time andresource constraint reasons. We are planning toconduct the courses in Fundamentals of Financialand Business Management program - all in oneday, thus this will give us a chance to visit othercommunities as well, Filamor added.

Meanwhile, Labor Attache Atty. Delmer Cruzdiscussed on current labor and immigration policyupdates such as sojourn period of EPS workers, re-employment concerns, change of work place, andothers.

He also warned Filipinos here, revealing that therewere several cases where the authenticity of travel

documents are being questioned by immigrationofficials. Dapat maging maingat tayo at aware kungsaan nanggaling ang mga dokumentong hawaknatin, Cruz said.

He cited a recent event where he tried but failed tosave some 28 Filipino entertainers from beingdeported due to alleged falsified travel documents.

Likewise, Vice Consul Arnel Talisayon reminded theparticipants and their constituents to catch up withthe nearing end of the Overseas Absentee Voting in

August. Talisayon add that the Commission onElections is not planning to give extensions about

the registration.

The forum culminated with a Question and Answerwhere embassy officials answered queries from theparticipants.

Gunpo City Long Live! said in unison the mem-bers of the Alpha Kappa Rho (AKRHO) Alumni

Association Korea chapter during their internationalcelebration of 36th Year Founding Anniversary last

August 8.

Established in August 8, 1973, the alumni members,most are migrant workers, enjoined their brethrenscattered all over the world to celebrate 36 years ofhumanitarian service, promotion of social welfare, andlasting friendship among the members.

Meanwhile, the AKRHO Alumni Association of Korea,founded May 4, 2008, boast to have achieved numer-ous social and civic projects and was able to expand itsmembership to almost 50 in just over a year of institu-tion.

Chapter Founder Irish Torres, a native of Pampangga,said that members have recently generated sufficient

fund to support their several social and civic projectslike Feeding Programs, Medical and Dental Missions,Lapis at Papel, Tree Planting, and among otherswhich are based in the Philippines. He also said theirgroup recently donated rice and food supplies forOFW's in distress temporary sheltered in the Hyewha-dong Filipino Catholic Community Center.

by Amie Sison

Layunin naming ang makatulong sa abot ng amingmga makakaya. Kung saan may AKRHO ay asahanninyo ang aming pagtulong, Torres added.

Themed Moral Transformation through Fraternal

Brotherhood, the celebration was a great chance forthe members and invited guests to mingle mixedwith genuine fun and camaraderie. Approximately 50attendees enjoyed quite a feast prepared by themembers themselves.

Moreover, SULYAPINOY Chief Editor EdwardCastro, was invited to grace the occasion.I knowexactly how it feels like to be of service to the com-munity and I congratulate everyone for a job well-done. However, there is much more work to bedone. SULYAPINOY hopes to become one of yourpartners in helping the community, Castro said.

Other groups who attended the event are: Gunpo

Filipino Community, Migrants Trade Union (MTU) ofKorea, IMMAUS, and some MTU delegates fromTaiwan.

AKRHO is a fraternity and sorority which believes inliberty, equality, truth, and the rights of their fellowSkeptrons.


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EDITORIAL

SULYAPINOY Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk 1 dong, Songbuk Villa, Seoul, Korea 136-020FEWA Office Address & SULYAPINOY Distribution Center: Inside WOORI BANK, Hyehwa-dong Branch, Jongno-gu, Seoul

EDITORIAL STAFFEditor-in-Chief:Edward A. Castro Managing Editor:Alden C. BalgosOpinion Editor: Rebenson B. Recaa News Editor: Edward A. CastroLiterary Editor:Amie Sison Cartoonist: Alden C. BalgosPhotojournalist: Felix S. Ferrer, Norman Matudan Layout Artist: L

Circulation Managers: Rodel Arias, Rudrigo dela Cruz

Community Correspondents: Billy Vela (Ansan); Anthony Carl Dacones (Kasan)

Noel Joseph Alvarez (Cheonan)

Adviser: Ma. Regina P. ArquizaEditorial Consultant: Elizer M. Pearanda

BOARD OF PUBLICATIONChairman: Rebenson B. RecaaV-Chairman: Marcelino M. Serdea IIISecretary: Rodney Queman

Board of Publication in:

Outreach, Recreation and Religious Program:Alden C. BalgosWebsite Development and Maintenance: Christian RoblesSponsorship & Promotions Program:Annabelle Lopez

Trainings & Workshop: Noel Joseph AlvarezBudget and Finance: Teofilo Camo

Board Consultants: Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP; Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.

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There is undeniably a mix of emotions that

permeate inside our organization thesedays. The majority of us it would seem, basedon the results of our victorious battle from ourmost recent controversy, hold a degree of opti-mism as we have chosen a new leader while atthe same time continually believing our unspo-ken assumption that our organization will notgrow wrinkled or feeble or weary or distracted infulfilling the mandate of God to us - to selflesslyserve our fellowmen. We must bend our atten-tions completely to the accomplishment of ourmission and vision. Nothing must stand in theway.

But as we move onward with whatever ferventwe are feeling, it is also important that we lookback at the sacrifices our previous leaders andmembers have made to give us the successand public esteem we enjoy today. Its also anopportunity for us to remember the promises weneed to keep and fulfill. For over three remark-able years, our members have generously com-mitted themselves in serving the community forthe glory of God.

Men and women behind FEWA did not stop atgiving direct assistance to our friends in dis-

tress. We took a step further through informa-tion dissemination via our SULYAPINOY news-

letter and forum website,

now even dubbed as mga anak ng FEWA

'(offspring s of FEWA). Like what our pastpresident Sofonias Chabok Paragsa used tosay, We are indeed relevant. Our ever grow-ing patronage and partnerhip with the FilComsimply means that we must have been doing

something right and good.

FEWA is committed to the education andtraining of the next generation of volunteersand continues to be the driving force in pre-paring individuals to serve the Filipino Com-munity here in South Korea. FEWA's newleadership, headed by Marcelino Marzy

Serdena, continues to explore ways andmeans to better serve the communitywhereby people will form and maintain posi-tive opinions about our unfaltering existence

as a service-oriented organization.

Our mission today must be redirected to anurgent recovery of ground lost. Let us setaside our selfish, partisan, and self-indulgentdesires. Before we can advance, we mustfirst return and see in retrospect our high-water mark, and that is now far above us. Ourorganization calls us today for self re-

evaluation and re-affirmation of our dedicationto serve others, and not our egocentric

selves.

For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & AdvertisementsPlease submit them to our website or to the following emails below:

All Staff: [email protected]@gmail.com

* SULYAPINOYobserves the Philippine Press Code of Ethics . *We reserve the right to refuse any submission we deem does not meet our policies and guidelines.* SULYAPINOYis still in need of writers and community correspondents. Aspirants may email the

Editorial Staff for more details.

Thank you for your time and interest!

D I S C L A I M E RD I S C L A I M E RD I S C L A I M E RD I S C L A I M E R

Different opinions are encourage to stimulatemember input and involvement. SULYAPINOYsrole is to provide information that permits FEWAmembers to develop informed opinions on

subjects that will affect their status as migrantworkers and, in some instances, their personallives. FEWA does not hold itself responsible forstatements made by any contributor. Statementsor opinions expressed in SULYAPINOY reflect theviews of the author(s) and not the official policy ofFEWA unless so stated.

Let us not disguise our selfishness in the cloakof volunteerism nor masquerade our arroganceunder the pretense of pride. If now is the start of

something new, of something better, then let usput it immediately to use. Our work must bedone with firmness, intensity, and faithfulness ifit will stand the fiery testing that awaits everyindividual in the closing crescendo of our prov-

ing.

Now, as we begin again, let us all begin in Godwho is our light. Let the light of God Almightyillumine the dark corners of our minds. We areone family. Let us start all over again by lookingbeyond ourselves and begin to serve the needs

of others. After all, we are a PEOPLE andGOD-CENTERED organization.


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EPS WORKERS GUIDE - PART 3

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TheEmployment Permit System forforeign workers enables workers

from countries with which the Korean govern-ment has concluded an MOU on sending work-ers to be legally employed by companies inKorea which have obtained a permit to employforeign workers.

Protection of the rights and Interests of For-eign Workers

1. Protection under the Labor Standards Act

Standard working hours are 40(44) hours aweek (8 hours a day). Upon agreementbetween a foreign worker and employer,extended working hours are allowed.

40-hour work: to be phased according the num-ber of workers in a workplace.

No. of workers in the workplace:50-100 workers (applied from July 1, 2007)

20-50 workers (applied from July 1, 2008)Less than 20 workers (to be applied before year2011)

Wages are to be paid to the workers ac-count or in cash at least once a month onthe day stated on the labor contract.

* Employers may not, without consent fromworkers, deduct or save any part of the workerswages.

Foreign workers are entitled to receiveadditional wages for extended workinghours, working at night (22:00-06:00) or onholidays (except workplaces with less than

5 workers). Foreign workers who have worked at a

workplace for over one (1) year are eligibleto receive severance pay (toe-ji-kom) ex-cept workplaces with less than 5 workers).

* a workplace covered by the Departure Guar-antee Insurance can pay the insurance benefitsin lieu of the severance payment.

* Should the amount of the benefits less thanseverance pay, employer must pay the differ-ence to his/her employees.

* provisions on working hours, rest periods,holidays and leaves, and overtime payment inthe Labor Standards Act shall not apply to for-eign workers employed in business involved inhousework, agriculture, livestock and fisheries.

2. Protection under the Minimum Wage Act

Foreign workers are eligible to receive atleast the minimum wage stipulated by law.

* 2009 Minimum wage: 4,000 won per hour or904,000 won a month.

3. Protection under the Industrial AccidentCompensation Insurance Act

A foreign worker who suffers an occupa-tional accident or disease is eligible toreceive medical care benefits, wage re-placement benefits, disability benefits,survivors benefits.

InboxInboxInboxInbox

DearSULYAPINOY,hIsa po ako sa mga First Batc ng EPS

004workers. Agosto 2 nang dumatingKkami dito sa bansang orea.

Maganda naman po ang napasukan,kong company sa katunayan ay na re-

h 5ire ako at naka taon na po sa kasa-lukuyan.

Subalit kamakailan po ay nagpuntakami ng employer ko sa Ministry of La-

( )bor Employment Security Center at saImmigration Office upang mag renewulit para sa aking ika- 6 na taon

h hngunit laking gulat namin da il indina daw ako pwede mag- renew. Sabi

pa sa amin ay 2 years lang daw angjsou ourn ko bilang isang re-hire. Na-

h h hgugula an po ako inggil sa indimaliwanag na prosesong ito ng EPS.Kung totoo man ito ay nagpla-planona akong mag TNT na lamang . Ilang

jtaon po ba talaga ang so ourn periodna isang re-h ?ire Sana ay matulungan

hnyo ako inggil dito. MaramingSalamat po.

,Lubos na gumagalangRRRRogelioogelioogelioogelio

Kabayan Rogelio ,

According to our Labor Attach Atty. Delmer R. Cruz inhis columnentitled &Q A with the Labor Attach', page #7, dated May-July 2009 issue of the Philippine -EMBASSY NEWSLETTER.It states,

QQQQ ????. : What is the period of sojourn of an EPS worker(((( ))))A: Three 3 years. If the worker is re-hired by his last

(((( ))))employer, he is given for another three 3 years. How-ever, he must first leave Korea and stay in his home

(((( ))))country for at least one 1 month before coming back.

In addition to this, SULYAPINOY called the Ministry ofLabor about this 3 years sojourn and they said, It is three(3) years and not two (2 )years.

Likewise, SULYAPINOY consulted the National LaborConsultation Center (NLCC) and they said. under thecurrent EPS, a foreign worker who completes the first 3year sojourn period, after re-employment, he/she may beallowed to stay in Korea for another 3 years.If ever your employers, Employment Security Center (JobCenters) and the Immigration Officials will insist of two (2)years, the NLCC is advising everyone to call 1350 or 031-345-5116 for verifications.

You can also post your questions to the MOL website,

http://www.molab.go.kr/english/main.jsp or [email protected] (Phone No. 031-345-5000)

Sa mga nagnanais pong magtanong o humingi ngopinion sa mga usapin tungkol sa EPS, ipadala

lamang ang mga ito sa: @@@@editorialstaff sulyapinoy.org

*the Industrial Accident Compensation Insur-ance protects foreign workers from all occupa-tional accidents that occur inside a workplace,regardless of whether accidents was due to theworkers fault.

4. Protection under the Wage Claim Guaran-

tee Act In the event a foreign worker who is out of

work due to such cases like employersbankruptcy, has not received wages andseverance pay, the worker is eligible toreceive wages for the last three (3) monthsworked, severance pay for the last three (3)years of employment, and unemploymentbenefits for the past three (3) months fromthe Korean government.

Grievance Counseling and Handling

When a foreign worker has a work-related prob-lem or has been treated unfairly or unreasona-bly, he/she may receive grievance counselingand help from the relevant counseling agencies.

1. Matters related to the Labor Standards Act

In the event a foreign worker has not re-

ceived wages or severance pay on time;

Has been assaulted by an employer, super-

visor, or co-worker;

Has been forced to work overtime, at nights

or on holidays,

*he/she may file petition to the Labor InspectionDivision of the Regional Labor Office.2. Matters related to the Industrial Safety andHealth Act

In the event the workplace safety and

health standards are not met ,*a foreign worker can file a petition to the indus-trial Safety Division of the Regional Labor Office.

3. Matters related to Employment

As regards to matters related to change of

workplaces or job placement;

Grievance counseling on any other difficul-ties foreign workers confront,*the Job Center will provide foreign workers withcounseling.

4. Language Assistance

In the event counseling or guidance in the

native languages of the foreign worker isneeded; or

Counseling for civil appeals or guide to a

counseling agency is needed and otherevent,

*the General Counseling Center (Tel. 1350)

(to be continued).Sources: Guide to Employment to Korea for Foreign Workers

(Ministry of Labor, Korea); Easy Korean Labor Law (KLEI), Ministry ofLabor (MOLAB) website http://www.molab.go.kr/english/main.jsp


5/8

LITERARY


God-Centered PeopleAn Essay by Bro. Joel Tavarro

Its a pleasant thing to talk about good things especially Unity. Lookat the ants. Like the ants, we can compare them to us humans. They

are tiny, small creatures which most of the time are taken forgranted, but when we look at them carefully, we could see theirsense of unity and love from one another. They can't talk but theycan express their concern by helping each other to gather food andprotect their homes against their enemies. How delightful is it to seethese good traits to us and to our own countrymen as well? Every-one will have a smile in their faces and gladness in their hearts whenreaching to others especially in times of trials and difficulties.

Can we possibly achieve progress if theres no unity? It is indeeddifficult for a community, or group, or a country to pursue its goals ifthere are many hindrances: negative vibes like envy, jealousy, andgrudges which stop the flow of love. Crab mentality, for instance,

hinders the growth of progress in our country.

Being a Filipino, we can promote Christianity by showing to otherpeople how Christ manages our lives. We continue to set a goodChristian example to others so we could attain the respect we desire.In this way, we can prove that we have God in our hearts. Its delight-ful to see when everyone is treating each other like real brothers andsisters in Christ bonded by love. How good and pleasant it is whenbrothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1).

Thus we can truly achieve personal progress and success if we cen-ter our lives in His way, and put it into practice not just by complying

on it but doing it whole-heartedly.

Like our faith in God, mere words are not enough but we should actupon it as we entrust our lives to Him. Faith is like thirsting for water.We dont just stare at the water to satisfy our thirst, instead, we needto drink it to fill the thirst. Its really hard to re-organize our lives ifwere not even interested at all. It's a decision that will take a lot ofcourage, patience, perseverance and love. Changing our lives islikened to the golden sand from the river which needs to be filteredto separate the gold from the dust. Then the gold is patiently meltedand molded into a fine jewel. It will eventually show its real beauty

after all it went through.

Discipline is the key, however most of us thinks that discipline is likean ear sore that we dont want to hear. Though it might be difficult,discipline should start in ourselves first. And as we begin practicing itevery day, it will become a daily routine that we could no longer sayNo to later on. Road to personal progress for unity will is possible,

only if we are willing to work it out with others.

Simpleng maybahay ng unang makilalaIsang ginang na hahangaan ng madlaSino nga ba noon ang mag-aakalaKanyang pangalay magiging dakila.

Butihing asawang di maikukubli

Walang pagod sa kabiyak kumandiliAno mang hirap ay walang panaghiliTuwang kay Mister sa lahat ng sandali.

Inang nagpakatatag sa bagong yugtoNang ang buhay ni Ninoy ay biglang napugtoTinuloy ang laban upang maiwastoD iktaduryang sa bayan ay gumugupo.

'Ika y tiyahin ng bayang nabansaganTangan ang prinsipyo at paninindiganTunay kang lingkod ng katotohananSimbolo ng hangad nating kalayaan.

Isang Katolikong pinagmamalakiSa tindi ng pagsubok di nagpagapiPananampalatayang naging kakampi

'Sa daluyong ng buhay siya y nagwagi.

( T u l a n g p a r a n g a l k a y G n g . C o r a z o n A q u i n o )

: Zby ack

Pangulong naglingkod, tapat at totooHindi matatawarang serbisyo publikoIdolo kang hinahangaan ng mundo

Dapat gayahin ng bawat Pilipino.

Bayani kang titingalain ng lahat

Demokrasyang ikaw muli ang nagmulatBansang dati sa kalayaan ay salat

'Pamanang kasarinla y tiyak isusulat.

Sa yong pamamaalam bansay nagluksaSambayanay dama ang yong pagkawalaSandigan ng kalayaay pumanaw naIyong adhikain aming ibabandila.

Mga panalangin namey iyong dalhinSa tulong ni Ama, kami ay akayinUpang kapayapaan amin ng kamtinIdeyal na bansang hinahangad natin.


6/8

Magkakapit-bisig libo-libong tao.Kay sarap palang maging Pilipino.Sama-sama iisa ang adhikain.K 'elan man di na paalipin.

The death of the former President Corazon Aquino reminded me that I've always been proud of" "being a Filipino. Famous Filipino artists who sang Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo on the day of

her interment awakened memories of the past. It was indeed a day of mourning but an inspira-tional moment for lots of Filipinos. It was a beginning.

Having been in Korea for almost four years, I've seen South Koreans wear red colored shirts asthey cheer for the South Korean Soccer team in the World Cup Tournament. This may be a totallydifferent scenario, but seeing Filipinos wear yellow colored shirts showed me another picture ofone race in one voice.

Yellow is a warm color like red. In a more positive perspective, it symbolizes wisdom, joy and

happiness. And also, it has always been the color symbolizing democracy in the eyes of Filipinos.Its the shade that marked a new beginning for Filipinos as they fought for freedom and democ-racy.

To begin means to hope for a better future. This may sound like a clich but isnt it the right atti-tude?

For every country, there must be a starting point to attain genuine change. For a community, afoundation has to be laid for the betterment of its people. For an organization, solving conflictswithin the group is of paramount importance in realizing its goals and missions. And for a person,there shouldnt be fear in taking the first step because that is the key for real maturity and longterm development.

Talking about beginning, the oath taking ceremony of the new officials of the Filipino EPS Work-ers Association in Korea (FEWA) recently marks a start of a new segment in the short history ofthe organization. For more than three years, the group had moments of its own victories and fail-ures. With its central principle of genuine service, it survived and is still surviving to fight for rightsof Filipino workers in South Korea.

Marcelino Serdena III, FEWAs new president and his fellow officers are up for the challenge. Thismay be a totally different situation from what had happened in the clamor of Filipinos to fight fordemocracy in the 80s, but the principle of unity to attain a goal would be an inspiration. Despiteproblems and difficulties faced by FEWA for several years, its new officers serve as hope for abetter future. This might be continuation or a beginning of its battle against violations and anyform of abuse on workers rights.

Magsimula ng sama-sama! Manindigan at patuloy na ipaglaban ang karapatan ng mga mangga-gawang Pilipino dito sa Korea.

FEATURE/ STORIES

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R qby egina P. Ar uiza

Is it really possible that there is a Golden Pig?

In several countries, the pig symbolizes differentmeanings and defines local or territorial customs. InKorea, the pig symbolizes the end of the day, a timeof completing the remaining task. Koreans considerhaving dreams about pigs before moving into a newhome for good fortune, wealth and strong familyties.

A certain pig, called the Golden Pig can be foundin this country. Cheonan, one of the metropolitancities in Chungnam province, is where you can findone distinct Golden Pig.

The IMCC (International Migrants Community inChungCheong) and Cheonan Moyse, a PastoralService Center for Migrants can be both found inCheonan. Mostly Filipino migrant workers, Nepal-

ese, Indians, French, Koreans Uzbeks and Ameri-cans are part of this community.

The heart of the Golden Pig which also known as" "the 10 won Piggy Bank , is one of the major project

of IMCC for the whole year. It aims to collect dona-tions of 10 won from kind and warm-hearted peopleof Cheonan City. The proceeds will help the needyparticularly the migrants who are in difficult situa-tions; creation of community projects that aims tostrengthen solidarity and camaraderie of the mem-bers; and education which focuses on strong senseof personal responsibility towards others.

My experience with the Golden Pig started twoyears ago when I attended an English mass inOryung-dong Catholic Church. The place, I wastold, is frequented by many Filipinos. The IMCC withMoyse-Cheonan started the project of 10 won PiggyBank in this church. In the middle of the mass oneSunday during the offering, I saw a child holding asmall piggy bank walking towards the altar andhanded it to the priest. I wondered what was thatfor. I was amazed by the little child's kindness togive away the piggy bank after several months offilling it with money. It was announced later that thechild's piggy bank will proceed to the migrants cen-ter where the money will be used to help financemigrant workers who have problems or in need of

medical assistance.

A Vietnamese worker was one of the first benefac-tor of the 10 won Piggy Bank project. He was diag-nosed to have unknown kind of cancer in his faceand needs urgent medical assistance. The Vietnam-ese was sent in a hospital and undergone examina-tion and operation. Through the kindness andprayers of Cheonan Migrants Community members,the Vietnamese, I heard, is now recuperating and isback in Vietnam with his family.

With a desire to help others without expecting any-thing in return is a great manifestation of love, time

and treasure to others. This is the heart of thegolden pig, the PIG which symbolizes the people,the model of sincerity, purity, tolerance and honor.The heart which symbolizes caring, born to yield,give and to serve. Let your community epitomizedthe heart of Golden PIG and start touching lives aswell.

JBy Noel oseph Alvarez

hhhh :Flocked by other foreignnationalities and Koreansalike, the One PhilippinesFestival was indeed asuccess as Filipino work-ers, students, entertainers,and Korean spousespromenaded and dressedin colorful costumes show-casing different fiestas ofthe Philippines like Ati-

At ihan, Panagbenga,Flores de Mayo, Kaday-awan, and Masskara Festi-val in Banpo Park in Seoullast July 5. To watch thevideo footages of the event,visit youtube.com or log onto sulyapinoy.org


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