sulyapinoy january 2008 issue

Volume 1 Issue 3 January 2008

T he Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) and the Philippine Migrant

Workers Association (PMWAK) in South Korea visited and comforted Samuel D. Abellar, a work related accident victim, at Incheon Chamsarang Hospital last Dec. 6, 2007.

Abellar, a 26-year old EPS worker from Sta. Maria Bulacan arrived in Korea on Sep-tember 11, 2007. He was working for 19 days since arrival when the accident happened at 8 p.m. of Oct. 2, at Hanjin Cheonha Industries in Incheon.

“Ginagawa naming yung mga blocks na parte ng barko tapos nilalagyan ng bakal at wine-welding. Napansin ko na nagbibitawan at itinuro ko sa kasama kong Korean pero di niya pinansin at pinabayaan na lang namin, tuluy-tuloy pa rin siya sa pagwe-welding,” Abellar said.

“Nang tatanggalin na namin yung mga brackets after na ma-welding biglang bumigay

yung nasa unahan. Habang pinupulot ko yung mga excess nakita ko na pabagsak na sa ‘kin na may seven feet ang taas kaya tumakbo ako pero

H yehwadong, Dec 16, 2007 - The Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) has concluded its first fundraising campaign to subsidize the organization’s mission, which emphasizes vol-unteerism, and public service. In conjunction, the event also culminated the year as FEWAnians cele-brated a cheerful Christmas Party. The “holiday party” was a great chance to mingle mixed with some genuine fun and camaraderie. Approximately 30 attendees enjoyed the quite feast, exciting parlor games and prizes. Among the highlights of the occasion were the Awarding of Certificate of Recognition to SULYAPI-NOY Board of Publication and its Editorial Staff, exchange gifts, and the much-awaited raffle draw. Winners were the following: Yeye Duarte, Avelino Casion Jr, and Jim Cayetano who received KRW 1,000,000; KRW 600,000; and KRW 300,000 respectively. Ten consolation prizes are also given away during the draw.

“D o not be ashamed of poverty, just work hard. Help others even when you

are in need. These are the teachings of my mother”, said Lee Myung-Bak during his nation-wide campaign trail. Mr. Lee, a conservative, pragmatic and a pro-American is the new president- elect who won a landslide victory last December 19, ending 10 years of South Korea's liberal rule. Given the growing number of foreign resi-dents, Lee is expected to push for measures to help them better adjust to Korean way of life. Part of his plan is to improve South Korea's foreign relations in terms of trade and invest-ment, and human labor resources. Under his rule, Korea plans to open its door wider to for-eigners and more actively embrace them as members of and contributors to society.

From leftmost to right: Precy Villaveza; Ronald Austari; Loreto Agustin (FEWA Pres.); Aldrin Igana (PMWAK Pres.); Samuel Abellar (victim) & wife Lyra; and Sofonias Paragsa (FEWA V-Pres.) at Incheon Chamsarang Hospital.

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I TAEWON, SEOUL — Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) held a focused group discussion on current problems and issues of Fili-pino EPS workers and entertainers at the Philippine Embassy last December 9, 2007. Labor attaché, Atty. Delmer R. Cruz together with his POLO staff, presided the forum and dis-cussed on pointers, recalls, issues and concerns about Employment Permit System and entertainers. Representatives from different sectors of the Filipino community such as religious groups, NGOs, entertainers’ and EPS workers’ representatives have participated the event and came up with differ-ent interventions which focused on every worker’s living and respective working conditions. FEWA officers and members: Loreto H. Agustin, president; Aquilino J. Juanites Jr., board member;

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Focused Group Discussion: LABATT Cruz presides as participants listen - Fr. Glenn Giovanni Jaron, MSP; Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP; Pastor Jones Galang; Pastor Zeppelin Canlas; Pastor Nicolas Cepe Sr.; Rev. Frank Hernando; Sr. Lucia Olalia, SJBP; Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.; and other representatives.

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Rebenson B. Recaña, SULYAPINOY Chief Edi-tor; Elizer M. Penaranda, SULYAPINOY Feature Editor together with the Philippine Migrant Work-ers Association - Incheon Chapter (PMWAK) officers: Aldrin D. Igana, president; Joey Noble-jas, vice-president; and other EPS group repre-sentatives seriously collaborated and discussed the various problems that may intervene and affect the working condition of the EPS sector from the pre-departure up to the re-hiring period of the worker. The group came up with the output as presented on the table. (Refer to page 5)

Fr. Glenn Giovanni B. Jaron, MSP, former chaplain of Hyehwa-dong Filipino Catholic Com-munity didn’t hesitate to give comments on the previous working partnership between the NGOs and the Philippine Embassy since he served the Filipino Community in South Korea for almost 10 years. He said, “No man is an island. Before, the NGOs didn’t trust the Philippine Embassy and vice-versa, until former Ambassador Villacorte showed his concern which prompted him to sup-port the advocacy of the NGOs.” “Also, mutual trust is very necessary for the Philippine government and the NGOs to become a more powerful and effective forces in helping out our fellow kababayans,” the priest concluded. Former Ambassador Susan O. Castrence created a committee within the embassy headed by Labatt Cruz together with Consul General Juan Dayang, OWWA Senior Welfare Officer Elizabeth Marie R. Estrada, and Welfare Officer Esperanza Cobarrubias to come up with the report and rec-ommendations from both operational and policy

levels concerning the EPS and entertainment sec-tors. The Focused Group Discussion is one of the effective ways to gather factual inputs to be in-cluded in the report.

T he Focused Group Discussion which brought out the problems on the workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) and among enter-tainers has given Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Labor Attaché Atty. Delmer R. Cruz the opportunity to report the disappointing result on the number of passers of the last EPS-Korean Language Test (KLT) held in May of 2007. We are asking why it happened for a lot of applicants are waiting to be included in the roster of jobseekers under the EPS program in Korea. The Korean Language Test or KLT has been implemented in the Philippines thru the Philippine Overseas and Employment Agency in September 2005. In the year-end report of the agency, Director Nimfa De Guzman of the Gov't. Placement Branch of the POEA told SULYAPINOY that there were a total of 19,807 workers deployed to Korea since the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Labor and Employment of the Philippines and the Ministry of Labor of the Republic of Korea was ratified in 2004. However, it is unlikely noticeable that the last KLT in the Philippines was held eight months ago. KLT takers and even our officials have queried and pre-sumed that those who were not able to get the passing score will be qualified to work in minor sectors like construction, agriculture, fisheries and livestock. Many Koreans and foreign workers are avoiding such industries for they are quite difficult, have few exemptions from labor rights and even hazardous to health. In effect, the Philippine Embassy has requested an additional of $100 from the Ministry of Labor of Korea as hazard pay for those who would like to take the risk. Unfortunately the request was not granted. Also, the foreign workers’ dean of the Ministry of Korea has noticed the fre-quent transfer of workplace among Filipino workers and too much assertive on our labor rights by which many Korean employers were discouraged. But we’re just using our labor rights as promulgated by the MOL for our protection. The MOL has the record of the increasing number of physically and even sexually abused workers; records show that there are abusive employers. For this year, POLO has been vocal about the remaking of the matrix for the EPS workers. It is good to start the New Year with new resolutions for the Fili-pino migrant workers. We are optimistic as we look forward for these new resolutions to help im-prove the working as well as the living conditions of the EPS workers from pre-employment periods most likely in sending workers for minor sectors up to the re-hiring periods which includes benefits and insurances. These resolutions will serve as prevention to all EPS workers from engaging into any types of work-related hazards and eventually may change our misunderstood vulnerable image into highly commendable and very competitive Filipino workers.

M ore than two years have passed after the Fili-pino migrant workers in Korea expressed strong opposition to the Bilateral Social Security Agreement between the Philippines and South Korea. Different sectors, especially the EPS workers, joined the campaign by gathering signatures to show their rejec-tion of the Bilateral Agreement signed by the Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary, Alberto G. Romulo and the Minister of the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT), Ban Ki-Moon. Until today, the position of the EPS workers remains the same - refusal to com-promise. Under the Bilateral Agreement, the EPS workers are now entitled to social security benefits such as retirement, disability, accident, and death insurance as part of the benefits program of the Social Security System (SSS). As a result, the worker’s monthly NPS contribution which is supposedly to be claimed by them in lump sum after the end of their contract is now impossible since the said contribution shall be forwarded to social security agency’s account. While those workers whose contract are not under Employment Permit System cannot also claim the said benefits as they shall also be covered under the Korean National Pension System (NPS). Moreover, this measure could eventually lead to corruption. The money which is the fruit of the EPS workers’ years of hard labor can become an easy target for some greedy government officials in the Philippines, particularly in the social security agency. There are also speculations claiming that if this money gets into the hands of the agency, it will be allocated to other govern-ment agencies. When all these happen, the time and effort spent by the work-ers in working and waiting for their well-deserved benefits may just end up in frustration and grief. The workers do not only have the right to be informed and consulted but, more importantly, they have the right to make decisions on issues concerning the status of their NPS contribution and other labor-related issues. The workers’ right to decide where to allocate their contribution and bene-fits granted by the NPS of Korea should be upheld. The Philippine govern-ment should realize how miserable is the life of an OFW and how necessary is the NPS in the reestablishment of their economic condition upon returning back. On the other hand, the Korean government should not allow the NPS contributions and benefits to be sent into the hands of some corrupt officials. As Sangsu Lee of the Ministry of Labor of Korea expressed during last year’s celebration of International Migrants’ Day, he wished that the migrant workers can go back home with “a big smile on their faces.” The Korean government should make sure their decisions do not betray their intentions for the migrant workers.

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief: Rebenson B. Recaña Managing Editor: Dondave Jabay News Editor: Edward A. Castro Feature Editor: Elizer M. Peñaranda Literary Editor: Amie Sison Graphics: Wayne D. Manabat Circulation Managers: Alwyin A. Casiño, Aquilino J. Juanites Jr. Contributors: POLO Office; Hong Hee-Chang; Angela; Rogelio P. Domingo Jr.; Joe Y. Tavarro; Marvin M. Babasa Layout: blythe Cartoonist: Alden C. Balgos Consultant: Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk-dong, Seoul Korea Editorial Address: OK AIRTEL VISION ASIA, Vision Bldg. # 85-3, Hyehwa- dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (in front of the Hyehwa-dong Catholic Church, Line 4 (Blue) Exit # 1 Tel. No. 02-744-0066

EDITORIAL STAFF

2 SULYAPINOY JANUARY 2008

MAAWA naman kayo sa AMIN! Hwag nyo naman kami gawing GATASAN! MGA BAYANI! Your

FUTURE & SECURITY is my PRIORITY!

SULYAPINOY JANUARY 2008 3

NEWS / FEATURES

Engr. Wayne D. Manabat is one of the pillars of FEWA and a member of the Board of SULYAPINOY. He is from Davao City and a graduate of B.S. Electrical Engineering at the Univer-sity of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines. He started working in Korea

in 2005 at YUK IL SANUP in Pusan, MIRAE TECHWIN in 2006 at Incheon, UPI-TECH in 2007 at Ilsan and ALPHONSUS TECH at Soengnam. With all his skills and talents, he generously shared them thru the FEWA logo, SULYAPINOY nameplate, FEWA ID’s, and others and become the brilliant graphic artist of SULYAPINOY.

From your FEWA Family and SULYAPINOY Board of Publication and Staff...

THANK YOU AND GOODLUCK!

FEWA, PMWAK VISIT...

nadali pa rin ako ng dulo,” he added. At GIL Medical Center where he was first con-fined, the doctors declared 0% possibility of walking. His body is half-paralyzed due to the severe fracture on his spinal column but he never loses hope for he believes that God will help him recover soon. At Incheon Chamsarang Hospital, his wife Lyra Concepcion Abellar is currently assisting him par-ticularly on some maneuvering activities. They’ve been married for five years with a four-year old boy. During their visit, Loreto H. Agustin, FEWA presi-dent together with his some officers, accompanied by Aldrin D. Igana, president of the PMWAK - Incheon Chapter who informed FEWA about the incident, gave some financial assistance for the victim’s medication. The said financial assistance was partly came from the recent FEWA fund raising program - the raffle draw held on December last year. Agustin also asked the victim about the financial assistance coming from his employer. “My employer is continuously giving my salary since the accident happened. Actually he just informed me to check my ATM for my bonus,” the victim said. Despite of his current situation, Abellar still man-aged to give an important advice to those who are receiving their contract as EPS to verify first their company, check their nature of work and even the name of the company in the Philippines thru the internet before coming here. He considered his fate as a challenge still for it happened outside the Philippines where he could get benefits as a contract worker. He could not imagine his situation without the help of his suppor-tive employer, family, good friends, NGOs and above all the Almighty whom he owes his second life to, he said.

Many foreign workers, especially illegal ones, work in areas beyond the reach of the law en-forcement and cannot receive due protection of their basic rights. The new law has given the Korea Immigration Service a mandate to ensure that these and other inequality issues are ade-quately managed as Korea slowly but surely opens up to free human movement.

``Apart from the government's efforts, I think it is also necessary for ordinary Koreans to stop thinking that we live in a racially homogeneous nation. We should think about ways of living to-

gether in harmony.'' Choo added.

(references: www.koreatimes.co.kr; http://english.mbplaza.net; Biz News)

LEE MYUNG-BAK to Protect... “My dream is to build a strong nation of warm society and a harmonious co-existence with our foreign friends. This is a promise I made to my mother and all the mothers of this land. It is an unwavering promise to you.” said Mr. Lee in his speech posted in mbplaza website. Likewise, latest statistics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korea#Demographics) shows that the total number of immigrants residing here exceeded one million.' We should open our doors to foreigners with principles. Otherwise, the massive influx will harm the country. We also need to think about so-cially integrating them,'' said Choo Kyu-Ho, Senior Immigration Officer in his statement to Korea Times.

A bill on the Treatment of Foreigners Act and Anti Discrimination Act was passed concerning issues such as the welfare of immigrant workers, education for children from interracial marriages, illegal immigrant workers and Korean descendants with foreign nationality, during the National Assem-bly last May of 2007. Under the bill, employers discriminating against immigrant workers will be subject to legal punishment.

As the number is expected to rise, the agency pub-lished the “Easy Guide for Foreigners’ Year-end Tax Settlement” to expedite filings for income tax returns by foreigners. The guidebook contains frequently asked questions on non-residents’ year-end tax settlement benefits and procedures. Anyone interested in the tax return benefits can visit the agency’s website www.nts.go.kr/eng and click on the “Easy Guide for Foreigners’ Year-end Tax Set-tlement” menu to download the electronic version of the updated (2007) taxation guidebook or download tax forms. You can also self-check on how much tax return you could gain by using the Automatic Calculation Ser-vice for Year-end Tax Settlement menu on the web site. You can also confirm if your Monthly Withhold-ing Tax deducted by your employer from your monthly wage and salary income is correct by using the Automatic Monthly Withholding Check Service or you can also download and check thoroughly the Simplified Tax Withholding Table. For those who lack internet access, the tax agency is also providing telephone consultations. For more information, call (02) 397-1440 to contact the agency’s foreigner exclusive taxation help line. Direct Links for NTS Income Tax Guidelines and Automatic Calculation Services (just type each addresses into your respective web browser) ♦ NTS English Web-site —

http://www.nts.go.kr/eng/ ♦ Easy Guide for Foreigners’ Year-end Tax Set-tlement — http://www.korea.net/news/attach/ Easy_Guide_en_.pdf ♦ Automatic Calculation Service Year-end Tax Settlement — http://www.nts.go.kr/eng/front/ jungsan2007refer_2007jungsan_eng.asp ♦ Tax Forms: —

http://www.nts.go.kr/eng/menu/Resources/ Forms.htm

♦ Monthly Withholding Tax Check Service — http://www.nts.go.kr/front/service/refer_cal/ gani/refer_gani_eng.asp

♦ Helpline for Foreigners (All foreigners can call these numbers directly) —

02-397-1440 or 02-2076-5711 Note: You can also email your questions. Just go to http://www.nts.go.kr/eng/ website and click “Help Desk” page then click “Q & A” or “Foreign Taxpayer Advo-cate Service” links.

Year-end Tax Settlement

Guidelines for Foreigners by Dondave Jabay

(Source: National Tax Service Website)

A re you from over-seas and have been residing in Korea for more than one year? Is your monthly salary deducted with monthly tax with-holding? If yes, then you should check with the National Tax Service to apply for year-end tax refunds. Since the imple-mentation of the work permit system for foreign

workers to help ease Korea’s labor shortage three years ago, the number of migrant workers in Korea has increased recently. Reflecting the trend, the number of foreigners benefiting from year-end tax returns surpassed 240,000 in 2006 and is expected to reach 300,000 this year. The total tax paid by foreigners ac-counted for 3.7 percent, or 229.5 billion won, of all taxes paid by Korea’s 6.6 million workers last year.

FEWANIAN of the Month

For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & Advertisements

Please submit them to the ff. emails below: News: [email protected] Feature: [email protected] Sports: [email protected] Literary: [email protected] Chief Editor: [email protected]

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

• SULYAPINOY is still in need of writers. Aspirants may email the Chief Editor for more details. Thank you for your time and interest!

FEATURES


HOME RUN

by Elizer Penaranda

“Please release me, let me go…”

T his has been the undying theme song of us migrant workers under the Employment Permit System. We‘re bounded by labor policies provided by the Ministry of Labor. And one of these is the privilege of being employed four times in different companies under the same category. Consequently, these chances have significantly affect the living and working conditions of us either positively or the other way around. This is very evident in our two feature workers who experienced the two faces of a worker’s life. Boyet, a 30-year old who worked as a waiter in Davao City and had no factory experience yet be-

fore working to Korea. He was employed in Seoul and worked in a plastic injection manufac-turing company. Accord-ing to him, he’s been exposed to the Korean “pali” system and that made him a bit careless. Eventually, he came up with a number of rejected products. Also, he com-

plained the “No Work, No Pay” policy of the com-pany, verbal abuse from his Korean co-workers, and less conducive accommodation especially during winter in the container van which served as his shelter. As a result, he had filed a complaint against his employer regarding salary and the said problems. Unfortunately his employer out of anger “released” him out. Until in August last year, after losing the work permit due to three “releases” he decided to run back home and reapply for EPS in Korea this year. And Edwin, a BS Engineering graduate from Bula-can has no work experience also in manufacturing company. Like Boyet, he was not exposed to manu-facturing type of work. He used to design buildings and bridges in metro Manila. But in Busan, he was exposed to grinding metal parts in a shipyard for he worked for a metal fabrication company. He was used to the “pali” system and worked for long hours. Also, he patiently treated his co-workers well de-spite of the vulgar words like “sikya” and “shibal”.

For three years, he just did what he was supposed to do as a migrant worker: strong faith in God and determination to uplift the living condition of his family. These were all his inspirations to survive. Today, he just arrived from one month vacation for he has given another three years of work contract by his employer with a monetary compensation of around 5 million won. They are just two out of 19,807 Filipino EPS work-ers who had tasted both the bitterness and sweet-ness of being away from home, obviously, for work reason. We have sacrificed everything just to im-prove our families living condition. Boyet who had easily given up in just a short period of time in his work and Edwin who patiently worked with his co-workers are reflections of our struggles and dreams. Like them, we are working in the so called dirty, difficult and dangerous type of jobs. But it depends on how we motivate ourselves too. Let us be in-formed of the current labor policies and issues so that we will be guided properly in our work. These will surely lessen the burdens due to the problems we daily encountered. In all our “releases”, strug-gles, failures and success, there is only one desti-nation that awaits us all at the end—home.

2008 - YEAR OF THE RAT -- A positive challenge for us. by Dondave Jabay

A ccording to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2008 is a Year of the Rat (Earth), which begins on February 7, 2008 and ends on January 25, 2009. First in the cycle of 12 Animal signs, Rat Year begins the sequence and recurs every twelfth year. It is a time of renewal in so many ways. From New Year to Valentine's Day, to the arrival of spring, may all the blessings and delights of the New Year be yours. A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. This is a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start. Ventures begun now may not yield fast returns, but opportunities will come for people who are well prepared and resourceful. The best way

for you to succeed is to be patient, let things develop slowly, and make the most of every opening you can find. People born in an Earth Rat are said to be logical real-ists, intelligent, charming, ambitious, artful and creative. Of course, the entire horoscope must be considered when making any personality assessment. In Chinese, the Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person. People born in the Year of Rat are clever and bright, sociable and family-oriented. They have broad interests and strong ability in adapting to the environment and able to react adequately to any changes. They are gifted in many ways and have an easy going manner. They are active and pleasant, tactful and fantastic, and are able to grasp opportunities. They seem to have interests in every-thing and hope to participate in doing it and usually do it very well. It is nice and hopeful to know all these positive traits and opportunities that the Year of the Rat can give us, but the fulfillment of all these stuff definitely lies on our own attitude and will. The Year of the Rat doesn’t have the magic or power to make them happen for us. We are the one who can decide and nurture these positive challenges to make our life different as we go along throughout the year.

Goals, Resolutions, and Goals, Resolutions, and Goals, Resolutions, and Goals, Resolutions, and

the New Yearthe New Yearthe New Yearthe New Year by Dondave Jabay

T he New Year is a great time to set some goals and resolutions. A time to renew, refresh, re-commit, “re-” everything we can as the New Year unfolds its promises. The end of the year is also a great time to reflect on 2007. It is the best time to review the holistic aspect of our life. Being the somewhat pessimistic person that I am, I usually tend to focus on what went wrong in the previous year. But I realized it was also good to think about what went right as well -- how God showed His faithfulness to me. Now, as I start setting up my goals and resolutions, I am inviting all of you to do the same too. I suggest writing down a list on how God have been good to you in 2007. In the family, health, work, business, friendship, community, love affair, and others -- let’s think of ways on how God showed

His love to us last year. Then take some time to ask God to show our faithfulness in this brand new year. What are some of our hopes and what can we do to accomplish them -- or to at least get on the path to accomplishing them? Next, let’s write down some personal goals for this year. I suggest to use the following tool acronym S.M.A.R.T. authored by management expert Peter Drucker in making our personal goals. I usually do this both in my previous and current job, every time we set our quarterly objectives, but I believe it will work for our personal goals too. Specific - You should describe specifically the result that you desired. Don't just say "Lose weight." Decide to "Lose 12 pounds."

Measurable - Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. To determine if your goal is measurable, ask ques-tions such as... How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished? Achievable - When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. You begin reviewing previously overlooked opportuni-ties to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals. To be a perfect employee / husband / wife / son / daughter / lover or friend is an admirable goal, but nobody is perfect, no matter how resolved you are. You should make your resolution something that is possible like -- "Improve your next year's perform-ance review by at least one grade or one level." Realistic - We've only got so many hours in the day, so let us make our goals realistic based on what re-sources and tools we've got on hand. To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective towards which we are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; we are the only one who can decide of how high our goal should be. Timely - A goal should be grounded within a time frame. Without time frame tied to it there's no sense of urgency. Since these are New Year's resolutions, set goals that you can reach utmost within the next 12 months. Giving ourselves “deadlines" of sorts will help us figure out where and when we should be while tracking our progress.

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1. Protection under Labor Standards Act

a) Standard working hours are 44 hours a week

(for workplaces with less than 50 workers) and

8 hours a day. Upon agreement between a Foreign

worker and the employer, extended working hours

are allowed (applicabe to workplaces with five or

more full time employees). With the revision of the

Labor Standards Act on September 2003, the 40-hours

workweek system was introduced and will gradually

apply according to the number of workers per work-

places. From July 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008, 40-hours

workweek is currently applied to any workplaces

with 50 workers and above. By July 1, 2008, it will

be applied to any workplaces with 20 workers and

above. And by the year 2011, the 44-hours workweek

will be totally abolished.

b) Wages are to be paid directly to workers in cash at

least once a month on a fixed day.

*Employers may not ,without

consent of workers, deduct

or save any part of all workers wages.

c) Foreign workers are entitled to receive additional wages

for extended working hours, working at night

(10:00PM to 6:00AM), or during holidays (applicable

to companies with five or more employees).

*In case of hours worked over 8 hours per

day and 44 or 40 hours a week, 150% of the

normal wage is paid to the workers.

NOTE: Under 40-hours workweek system, only 125%

of normal wage is paid to the workers for the first 4-hours

of overtime each week within 3-yrs from its implementation.

*Overnight (10:00PM to 6:00PM): 50% of the


*Holidays(Sunday OT): 150% of the normal


2) Protection under Minimum Wage Act

3) Protection under the Industrial Accident

Insurance Act

4) Protection under the Wage Claim

Guarantee Act

Protection of the Rights and Interest of

Foreign Workers

YOU NEED TO KNOW!!!

FEATURES


After we have identified our goals, it is best to sort them into categories:

• Spiritual Life • Health • Work • Relationships • Fun Last but not the least, I believe this is the most

important thing we must do; ask for God's grace to guide us on our way. Many people make lists of so many things for their New Year's, but most don’t follow through with their resolutions. As we know ourselves, only through prayers and faith, surely, we'll accomplish everything we set for. I wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Problem / Issues / Concerns

INTERVENTIONS

Education

A) What is being done? B) What ought to be done?

Pre-Deployment (EPS Workers): 1. Lack of orientation about the overall environment at jobsite, Korean work ethics, attitude and expectation of Korean employer/supervisor, etc. 2. KLT (and the training therefore) is too broad and general, when the urgent need is knowledge of lan-guage relevant to the workplace. 3. Lack of information about the particular nature of work. 4. Mismatch between qualification of selected worker and his actual job (e.g., college graduate doing man-ual labor) 5. Expensive Korean language training fee 6. No orientation/familiarization about Filipino culture (particularly workers) is given to Korean employers. Pre-Deployment (Entertainers): 1. Lack of information about working environment 2. ‘Escort’ system 3. Illegitimate workers given E-6 visas (GROs) 4. Insufficient information provided in the PDOS/inexperienced PDOS speakers 5. Medical problems- worker not screened/lack of screening prior to deployment

Post Arrival (EPS Workers): 1. Inadequate information about Korean labor and immigration policies during 3-day training.

Employment Period (EPS Workers): 1. Inadequate training/orientation on the particular task assigned by employers to workers, i.e. workers are immediately required to perform the work without the benefit of basic training/familiarization with the same. 2. No/Lack of safety device/paraphernalia for workers 3. Common problems: 3.1. Difficult/hazardous work (long working hours, heavy work load, forced OT on Sundays, no/inadequate safety device /paraphernalia, exposure to hazardous chemicals) 3.2. Maltreatment/mistreatment 3.3. Contract violation/substitution (underpayment of salary, OT pay or company, job description and salary rate is different from that stated in the contract signed in RP by the worker) 3.4. Worker does not like the work 3.5. Delayed/Non-payment of salaries 3.6. Poor working/living condition 3.7. Personal problem (conflict with co-worker)

Employment Period (Entertainers): 1. Poor accommodations 2. Underpayment of salaries 3. delayed payment of salaries 4. entertainers as GROs at night clubs 5. Bar Fines

Pre-Deployment (EPS Workers): 1. PDOS should focus more on the situation at workplace and should tap resource person with actual and relevant experience. 2. Language training should put emphasis on words /phrases com-monly used at jobsite. 3. There should be prior knowledge of/familiarization about the specific task to be performed by the worker Pre-Deployment (Entertainers): 1. For POEA to educate the talents on the type of music, environment, etc. to be encountered in Korea; 2. To conduct PDOS with speaker who has first-hand experience 3. For entertainers to learn Korean songs prior to deployment 4. For POEA, POLO provide contact information of foreign assistance centers, embassy Pre-Deployment (NGO Sector): 1. For the govt to provided basic orientation on foreign workers’ rights Pre-Deployment (GO Sector): A) 1. Conduct of PDOS B) 1. To review relevance & effectivity of PDOS Post Arrival (EPS Workers): 1. Basic knowledge of labor & immigration laws should be included in the 3-day training. Post Arrival (GO Sector): A) 1.Post Arrival Briefing 2.Distribution of information materials B) 1. Require promoter to present entertainers to POLO for verification before starting work Employment Period (EPS Workers): 1. Proposed orientation for Korean employers should include on the job briefing/training for newly hired workers. Employment Period (NGO Sector): 1. Conduct of Value formation Seminar to empower/teach workers to be more responsible of themselves 2. Continuing education about foreign workers’ rights Employment Period (GO Sector): A) 1. Community visitation & consultation 2. Info dissemination on updates on labor & immigration laws 3. Development of Website 4. Reintegration Preparedness Seminar 5. Skills Training B) 1. Development of Interactive Website 2. Paralegal seminar 3. Contribute in NGO’s publication /newsletter 4. Savings Consciousness 5. Entrepreneurship/Skills Training Post/Re-integration (GO Sector): A) 1. Establishment of the National Reintegration Center 2. Conduct of Reintegration Seminar for OFWs & families 3. Conduct of skills/entrepreneurship Training 4. supports community-based Reintegration Preparedness Program of OFWs 5. Refer to relevant government agency B) 1. Monitor status of OFWs who availed of Reintegration assistance

(continue to next page)

Source: MOL (Ministry of Labor) Website Link @ http://english.molab.go.kr

FEATURES / LABOR UPDATES


외국인근로자 고용 업체를 위한외국인근로자 고용 업체를 위한외국인근로자 고용 업체를 위한외국인근로자 고용 업체를 위한 2008 최저임금 안내

INFORMATION ON THE 2008 MINIMUM

WAGE RATE FOR FOREIGN WORKERS

Source: POLO Office 최저임금액최저임금액최저임금액최저임금액

(Minimum Wage Rate) 시간급: 3,770원 (8시간 기준 일급 30,160원)

Hourly Rate: KW 3,770 Won per hour (8-hour standard daily rate: KW 30,160 Won) 적용대상적용대상적용대상적용대상 (Applicable Subjects)

• 1인 이상 근로자를 사용하는 모든 사업 또는 사업장 All enterprises or workplaces employing more than 1 worker. 적용기간적용기간적용기간적용기간 (Applicable Period)

• 1 January 2008 ~ 31 December 2008. 사용자 유의사항사용자 유의사항사용자 유의사항사용자 유의사항 Important Matters for the employer)

• 최저임금액을 이유로 종전의 임금수준을 낮추어서는 아니됨

(You cannot reduce the current salary of the worker by using this minimum wage regulation).

• 근로기준법에 따라 근로시간을 단축(주 44시간 40시간)하는 사업장의 경우 단축 전 근로시간에 따른 최저임금액을 받을 수 있도록 하여야 합.

The minimum wage must be given to workers based on the former working hours even if the company re-duced their working hours from 44 hours to 40 hours by the law of the labor standard.

• 예시 1) 이미 근로시간을 단축 (주 44시간 40 시간)하고 있는 경우(월 최저임금)

Ex. 1: If the company already reduced the working hours (from 44 hrs. to 40 hrs.), the minimum wage should be:

- 3,770원 x 209시간 = 787,930원

- 3,770Won x 209 hrs = 787,930 Won

• 예시 2) ’08.7.1 이후 근로시간이 단축되는 경우 (월 최저임금)

Ex. 2: If the company will reduce the working hours after July 1, 2008 (monthly minimum wage)

- 단축전 : 3,770원 x 226시간 = 852,020원

- Before reduction: 3,770Won x 226 hrs = 852,020 Won

- 단축후 : 3,770원 x 209시간 + @ = 852,020원

- After reduction: 3,770 x 209 hrs + @ = 852,020 Won 근로시간 단축으로 인한 임금저하 방지를 위해 “@”만큼의 임금보전 필요 It is required to pay some “@” to prevent the decrease of the salary due to the reduction of the working hours.

• 근로시간 단축 후 연장근로를 시키는 경우 1주 16시간을 기준으로 최초 4시간에 대해서는 25% 가산, 나머지 연장시간에 대해서는 50% 가산 지급 In case you let your workers work overtime after reducing the working hours, 25% must be added for the first 4 hours and 50% for overtime after 4 hours. (16 hrs standard weekly) 해당 정부부처해당 정부부처해당 정부부처해당 정부부처 (Government Office in Charge) 노동부 임금근로시간정책팀 (02 – 503 – 9732) 및 각 지방 노동청 Salary & Working Hours Policy Team of the MOL (02) 503-9732) and all District Labor Offices.

INTERVENTIONS

Policy Advocacy Direct Assistance / Operation




Pre-Deployment (EPS Workers): 1. The substance of KLT should put more emphasis on language (words & phrases commonly used) at the work-place. 2. Qualification and selection process should be designed in such a way that lesser overqualified workers are hired. 3. To put in place a less expensive fee for Korean language training (either the government conducts the training or regulates the fee rates) 4. Korean employers should be given orientation about Filipino culture Pre-Deployment (Entertainers): 1. Establishment of the Phil Showband & Musicians Unit (PSMU) in coordination with POEA Pre-Deployment (GO Sector): A) 1. Continuing review of terms & conditions of employ-ment & negotiation with relevant agency of host country 2. Continuing representation w/MOL, HRD for the speci-fication of job in the standard labor contract B) 1. Renegotiate MOU for more favorable terms & condi-tions of employment & better protection of workers(EPS) 2. Submit policy recommendations & implement immedi-ate reforms to protect entertainers Employment Period (NGO Sector): 1. To establish a more permanent network of NGOs

Pre-Deployment (EPS Workers): 1. Make representation with appropriate government agencies Pre-Deployment (GO Sector): 1. Request KIS & KMRB to require add’l documents (verified con-tracts for KIS & verified job order for KMRB) to weed out promoters/venues not accredited by POLO 2. Close coordination with the Phil immigration to weed put ‘escort’ system 3. Active participation in international for a & conferences like ILO,IOM, etc. Employment Period (NGO Sector): 1. For Phil & Korea Govt to review and labor policies towards better terms and conditions of employment Employment Period (GO Sector): A) 1. Continuing representation w/ local agencies (MOL, HRD, KIS, assistance centers B.) 1. Liaison work with Parliament & other Korean agencies for better protection/security of workers 2. Link/collaborate with other EPS labor sending countries Re-hire/Re-employment (GO Sector): A) 1. Recommended to HRD for re-hires & returning workers to be covered by return cost & casualty insurances. Recommended w/ the Korean govt for the shortening of waiting period for 6 mos to 3 mos. B) 1. To reiterate request for the waiver of age requirement

Employment Period (EPS Workers): 1. Closer monitoring by MOL including on the spot inspec-tion of worksite. Employment Period (NGO Sector): A): 1. Counseling 2. Mediation 3. Hospital Visits 4. Conduct of cultural activities to learn about Korea 5. Conduct of Korean language course 6. Spiritual, moral & emotional support 7. Financial support 8. Networking w/ different centers B): 1. Assisting office/NGO should ask worker if he had sought assistance of another office/NGO 2. Coordinate w/ said office /NGO Employment Period (GO Sector): A): 1. Counselling assistance 2. Conciliation services 3. Hospital visitations 4. Interpretation services 5. Networking/linkages w/ concerned agencies like HRD, KIS, MOL, assistance Centers B): 1. Assistance Office/NGO should ask worker if he had sought assistance of another office/NGO 2. Coordinate with said office/NGO

Night Differetial (심야수당 시간당)1st 4hrs

OT/week

After 4hrs

OT/week

8hrs x

rate/hr226hrs/month 209hrs/month

rate/hr x

150%rate/hr x 125% rate/hr x 150% rate/hr x 50%

2005 2,840 22,720 641,840 593,560 4,260 3,550 4,260 1,420

2006 3,100 24,800 700,600 647,900 4,650 3,875 4,650 1,550

2007 3,480 27,840 786,480 727,320 5,220 4,350 5,220 1,740

2008 3,770 30,160 852,020 787,930 5,655 4,713 5,655 1,885

44hrs/week 10:00PM to 6:00AM

OPTION B

OPTION A40hrs/week

Rate/Day(일급)Rate/Hour(시간급)YearUnit: \ (KRW)

Min. Wage/Month(월 최저 임금) Overtime Rate/Hour(초과근무 시간급)

LABOR STANDARDS ACT (Amended by: Act No. 6974 on September 15, 2003):

(1) Standard working hours per week shall not exceed fourty four (44 hrs.) excluding recess time.(For workplaces with less than 50 workers)

(2) Standard working hours per week shall not exceed fourty (40 hrs.) excluding recess time. (For workplaces with 50 workers and above)

(3) Working hours per day shall not exceed eigth hours (8hours) excluding recess time.

NOTE:

Effective July 1, 2008, the 40-hour workweek system shall also apply to any workplaces with 20 workers and above. In other words, the

standard working hours per week shall not exceed 40-hours. And by the year 2011, 44-hours workweek shall be completely abolished.

SCOPE Of APPLICATION:

This wage system shall apply to all Korean and foreign workers working under businesses or workplaces in South Korea in which

more than 5 workers are ordinarily employed.

For 2007:

226 hours of work/month (Less than 50 workers)

3,480 won/hour x 226 hrs/month = 786,480 won/month

3,480 won/hour x 8 hours/day = 27,840 won/day

27,840 won/day x 28.25 days/month = 786,480 Won/month

For 2007:

209 hours of work/month (50 workers and above)

3,480 won/hour x 209 hours/month = 727,320 won/month

3,480 won/hour x 8 hours/day = 27,840 won/day

27,840 won/day x 26.125 days/month = 727,320 won/month

For 2008:

226 hours of work/month (Less than 50 workers)

3,770 won/hour x 226 hours/month = 852,020 won/month

3,770 won/hour x 8 hrours/day = 30,160 won/day

30,160 won/day x 28.25 days/month = 852,020 won/ month

For 2008:

209 hours of work/month (50 workers and above)

3,770 won/hour x 209 hours/ month = 787,930 won/ month

3,770 won/hour x 8hours/day = 30,160 won/day

30,160 won/day x 26.125 days/month = 787,930 won/ month


LABOR UPDATES

SUMMARY OF MINIMUM WAGE SYSTEM SINCE EPS IMPLEMENTATION

RE-EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURE 안국 내 재고용 과정 안국 내 재고용 과정 안국 내 재고용 과정 안국 내 재고용 과정 (Re(Re(Re(Re----Entry)Entry)Entry)Entry) (예전 고용주와 재 계약하는 경우) 1. 고용지원센터 고용지원센터 고용지원센터 고용지원센터 (Job Center)(Job Center)(Job Center)(Job Center)에 외국인근로에 외국인근로에 외국인근로에 외국인근로자 고용신청서 제출자 고용신청서 제출자 고용신청서 제출자 고용신청서 제출.... 2. 진행자 진행자 진행자 진행자 : : : : 고용주고용주고용주고용주 • 근로자의 비자 만료 기간 30일 이전에, 고용주가 고용지원겐터 (Job Center) 에서 신청서 Re-employment Application Form를 작성하고 제출 해야 합니다. (관련 서류 : 고용주의 사업자둥록증 사본, 외국인 고용허 가서 사본, 근로자의 여권, 구용계약서 사본 둥) • 외국인, 근로자의 재고용 확인서 발급과 법무부 및 한국산업인력공단에 신고. 3. 3. 3. 3. 진행자 진행자 진행자 진행자 : Job Center: Job Center: Job Center: Job Center • 고용지원겐터 (Job Center) 에서 신청서 ‘Re-employment Application Form’를 받으면, 앞서 말한 신청서 사본을 고용주와 근로자에게 각각 1부씩 발급해 줍니다. (신청서를 받은 날로부터 7일 이내) • 그 이후고용지원겐터 (Job Center) 에서 법무부와 한국산업인력공단에 신고하게 됩니다. • Job Seeker Roster에 자료를 입력하고 CCVI를 발급. 4. 4. 4. 4. 진행자 진행자 진행자 진행자 : : : : 한국산업인력공단 법무부한국산업인력공단 법무부한국산업인력공단 법무부한국산업인력공단 법무부

1. -한국산업인력공단 에서 Job Seeker Roster에 Re-employment 둥록을 합니다. - 법무부에서 CCVI를 발급합니다. - 외국인 근로자의 귀국/재고용. 5. 5. 5. 5. 진행자 진행자 진행자 진행자 : : : : 근로자근로자근로자근로자 - 고용주가 재고용에 동의한외국인 근로자는 다음 서류를 구비하여 본국으로 돌아갑니다. 1. Re-employment Application Form 2. CCVI -근로자는 한국에서 출국한 날을 기준으로 1개월 후에 한국에 재입국할 수 있으며, 한국에 재입국하기 전에 E9 비자를 발급 받기 위하여 분국 한국 대사관에 위 서류 1, 2번을 제출합니다. -근로자는 언어시험과 재교육 대상에서 면제됩니다. 3. 고용지원센터 (Job Center)에 보고. 6. 6. 6. 6. 진행자 진행자 진행자 진행자 : : : : 고용주고용주고용주고용주 -고용주는 근로자가 도착한 날로부터 10일 이내에 고용지원센터 (Job Center)에 고용신고를 해야 합니다. - 근로자에 게는 업무변경이 허용되지 않으며, 반드시 이전 고용주와 일을 해야만 합니다. (고용주의 폐업이나 고용주의 임금 미지불 둥 불가피한 경우는 제외) 참고: 2007년 6월 1일 부터 실효

• 기타 자새한 내용은 노동부 홈페이지 (www.molab.go.kr) • 원클릭가이드 외국인을 참조하시 거나 노동부 종합상담센터 (국번없이 1350)로 문의하시기 바랍니다. • 더욱 자세한 내용은 고용지원센터 1588-1919로 문의하시기 바랍니다.

Three Years Re-Employment

System Procedure 1. An employer has to renew labor contract within 30-90 days prior to expiration of worker’s VISA. 2.The employer applies for worker’s Visa, within two (2) weeks upon application and if approved, a Cer-tificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) is issued by the Immigration Office. In some cases, only a Secret Control Number is given to the em-ployer. Only the CCVI or he Secret Number is required by the Korean Embassy in the Philippines,

when the worker applies for Visa. 3. At the POEA, proceed to BALIK MANGAGAWA section.

SULYAPINOY called up both HRD-Korea and POLO and confirmed that the rumor about the cancel-lation of the Re-Hire Program for EPS is NOT TRUE. Fr. Alvin Parantar, Chaplain of the HFCC, warned the community that there may be some groups that initiated a misinformation campaign to pursue their agenda. Beware!

Computation: (How to get 226 average working hours per month)?

Data: 1year = 12 months

1year = 365 days

1year = 52 weeks

* In 1 year 52 weeks also 52 Saturdays

52 Saturdays x 4 hours/Saturday = 208 hours (Half of 8 hours, for Sat. working days)

208 hours/ 8 hours x 1 day = 26 days

365 days - 26 days = 339 days

339 days/year ÷ 12 months/year = 28.25 days/month

28.25 days/month x 8 hours/day = 226 hours/month

Ways of computing Minimum Wage

1)Minimum Wage/month = 226hours/month.x rate/hour

2)Minimun Wage/day = 8 hours/day x rate/hour

3)Minimum Wage/month= 28.25 days/month (average working days/month) x rate/day

SIMPLIFIED KOREAN MINIMUM WAGE SYSTEM FOR FOREIGN WORKERS외국인근로자 쉽게 한 한국 최저 임금 제외국인근로자 쉽게 한 한국 최저 임금 제외국인근로자 쉽게 한 한국 최저 임금 제외국인근로자 쉽게 한 한국 최저 임금 제 Woe-Guk-In Geun-Ro-Ja Swip-Ge Han Han-Guk Choe-Jeo Im-Geum Je

Compiled by: Aquilino J. Juanites Jr., Dondave Jabay, and Loreto Agustin

2) For companies already implementing the 40 hours work-week system - must use OPTION B Overtime Rate/Hour Computation for

a period of 3-years from its implementation. After its 3-years of implementation, the computation must be reverted back to OPTION A.

1) For companies still implementing the 44 hours work-week system - must use OPTION A Overtime Rate/Hour Computation.

NOTE:

LEARNING KOREAN


Dear Readers: SULYAPINOY is launching its donation program dubbed as HELP US TO HELP YOU due to the following reasons and objectives: 1. Inadequate financial sponsors to support its monthly printing expenses. 2. To increase its monthly distribution copies by 50% to ensure majority of its readers (Filipino OFW) will receive a copy regularly. 3. To increase its regular issue frequency from monthly to a bi-monthly issue. In this connection, SULYAPINOY is asking your generous support to this program. You can give your donation of any amount at SULYAPINOY distribution area or at its office at OK AIRTEL VISION ASIA (in front of Hyehwa Catholic Church) and Woori Bank during Sundays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you have questions please contact (010-9294-4365 / 010-5143-1628)or email at [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].

Thank you to your constant support. SULYAPINOY is wishing you the best throughout the year!

Let’s Learn Basic Korean By: 홍희창 (Hong Hee-Chang), Korean Teacher of Miriam Center School - Hyewadong

안녕하세요안녕하세요안녕하세요안녕하세요!!!! Hello everyone!

I am 홍희창 (Hong Hee-Chang). It’s my pleasure and honor to share basic Korean les-sons to you. Currently, I am teaching Korean language at Miriam center and it’s my honor to extend my teaching service to other foreign workers in Korea especially to those people who will receive and read the SULYAPINOY newsletter.

From this month, I will start basic Korean topics. But before we start, let’s talk first about 한국어 (Korean Language). I think you tried to study Korean since you came here but many

times you gave up. Maybe because 한국어 is not easy to study along. Also, maybe you

don’t have enough time to study because every day or night you are working. And actually, you don’t have enough time to talk with Korean people.

Let’s try again! Now, we have a great chance to study 한국 in SULYAPINOY newsletter. You can study with me. Maybe a few months later, you can read and understand Korean. I am sure you can do it because every student in my class at Miriam center had showed me a positive trend that they can do it and actually they did it. So I believe in you too.

Now it’s time to start. Our first lesson is about “안녕하세요” and “감사합니다”. “안녕하세요” is like ‘hello’. And it includes “How are you?” When you meet somebody like your Boss, friends, say “안녕하세요”. You meet a co-workers in the company, say “안녕하세요”.

Another necessary expression is “감사합니다”. It means “thank you”. When somebody gave you a kindness or helpful acts or words, please say 감사합니다. It is the best way to say or show your gratitude in Korean. A greeting is very important in Korea. If you don’t say hello or thank you, Korean may think that you don’t have a good

manner. Don’t be shy to say “안녕하세요” and “감사합니다”. Our second lesson is how to look for a subject, object, and verb in a Korean sentence. It is very easy. So don’t be afraid. It is so simple. Let`s try. Korean sentence consists of group of words. And each group consists of two parts. The first part is the meaning part and the second part is the grammar part. So if you know some Korean letters, you can find them easily. Ex1) 나는 학생입니다. Group 1 : 나 is the meaning part and 는 is the grammar part. Group1 Group2 Group 2 : 학생 is the meaning part and 입니다 is the grammar part.

Let’s start with a verb. Finding verb is very simple. At the end of a sentence, you can find ‘-다’, ‘까’, or ‘요’. The word group which includes that letter is the verb of a sentence. And usually the last group of words is the verb. In the example

above, 학생입니다 is a verb. Is it easy? Next is finding the subject. It is also very easy. The subject is usually first or second group in a sentence. In this group,

maybe you can find 은, 는, 이, and 가. If one of them is in the group of word, definitely that is the subject of a sentence. But sometimes you can’t find them in a sentence because Korean doesn’t like to say subject especially in speaking. In the

example above, 나는 is the subject.

Last one is finding the object of a sentence. You can find

the group of words with 을 or 를 in the middle of the

sentence. That group is the object. In the example above, we can’t find the object because that is a simple sentence. I made another sentence as below. Ex2) 나는 사과를 먹습니다. G1 G2 G3 This sentence consists of three groups of words. G1 is the

subject. It has 는. G3 is the verb. We can find 다 in that

group. And G2 is the object. Because, it has 를. Now, you can find the S, O, and V. If you have a diction-ary, you can also look for its meaning. Let’s practice… 당신은 필리핀사람입니다. 나는 회사원입니다. 우리는 당신을 사랑합니다. 나는 바나나를 좋아합니다. 저것을 주십시오. 이것은 무엇입니까?

Can you find the subject, object, and verb? How is

the 한국어 (Korean Language)? It is so simple.

You can do it. I believe in you! Now, I will give you another assignment. Choose a short article or short story with your own choice at newspapers, books, or internet, and then find the S, O, and V. I think you can do it.

See you next time! 다음시간에 만나요다음시간에 만나요다음시간에 만나요다음시간에 만나요! ! ! ! JANUARY

3 - Eduardo Teodoro III Bernardo Bautista 4 - Cristina Pugay 5 - Noel Galang 6 - Dierde Empeso Johnny Quidilig 8 - Edwin Pepito Geraldine Dizon 12 - Helen Ordonez 16 - Melvin Fonseca 17 - Jemma Caiteno 31 - Rowena Manaig

FEBRUARY 2 - Precy Villaveza 4 - Rebenson Recana 6 - Glicerio Libunao Jovencio Araquel 7 - Daizy Paez 8 - Perry Como Juanito Abellera 10 - Wowie Barrion 11 - Revie Joy Recana 12 - Reynaldo Selin Bernabe Rivera 13 - Renato Villegas 19 - Annabelle Salcedo 20 - Nilo Firme

D I S C L A I M E R

Different opinions are encourage to stimulate mem-ber input and involvement. SULYAPINOYs role is to provide information that permits FEWA members to develop informed opinions on subjects that will affect their status as migrant workers and, in some instances, their personal lives. FEWA does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in SULYAPINOY reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of FEWA unless so stated.


ENTERTAINMENT

회사명 Hwoe-Sa Myeong Company Name 성명 Seong Myeong Name 부서명 Bu-Seo Myeong Department Name 사번 Sa-Beon Employee Number ; 직위 Jik-Wi Job Position 급여 형태 Geup-Yeo Hyeong-Tae Salary Form 지급액 Ji-Geup- Aek Payment [Salary] Breakdown 지급 내역 Ji-Geub Nae-Yeok Payment [Salary] Breakdown 수당내역 Su-Dang Nae-Yeok Allowance Breakdown 기본급 Gi-Bon-Geup Basic Salary 기본급여 Gi-Bon Geup-Yeo Basic Salary 업무수당 Eop-Mu Su-Dang Duty Allowance 정상근무 Jeong-Sang Geun-Mu Normal Work Salary 식대 – 야근 Shik-Dae Ya-Geun Night-duty Food Allowance 식대 Shik-Dae Food Allowance 상여금 Sang-Yeo-Geum Bonus (Received during추석 & 설날) 특별상여금 Teuk-Byeol Sang-Yeo-Geum Special Bonus 수당총계 Su-Dang Chong-Gye Total Allowance 지급합계액 Ji-Geup Hap-Gye-Aek Total Payment (Gross Salary) 지급총액 Ji-Geup Chong-Aek Total Payment (Gross Salary) 총지급액 Chong Ji- Geup-Aek Total (Gross Salary) Payment 공제내역 Gong-Je Nae-Yeok Deduction [Salary] Breakdown 국민연금 Guk-Min Yeon-Geum National Pension 건강보험 Geon-Gang Bu-Heom Health Insurance 의료보험 Ui-Ryo Bo-Heom Medical Insurance 고용보험 Go-Yong Bo-Heom Employment Insurance 식대공제 Shik-Dae Gong-Je Food Expenses Deduction 가불금 Ga-Bul-Geum Advance Salary Payment 결근 Gyeol-Geun Absences ; 지각 Ji-Gak Tardiness 조퇴 Jo-Toe Undertime ; 기타공제 Gi-Ta Gong-Je Other Deductions 공제총액 Gong-je Chong-Aek Total (Salary) Deductions 공제합계액 Gong-Je Hap-Gye-Aek Total (Salary) Deductions 소득세 Su-Deuk-Se Income Tax 주민세 Ju-Min-Se Resident Tax 특별성과급 Teuk-Byeol Seong-Gwa-Geup Incentives (Performance Based) 연장근무 Yeon-Jang Geun-Mu Overtime Pay (normal day overtime including Saturday) 기본연장 Gi-Bon Yeon-Jang Basic Pay (Special Process) 잔업수당 Jan-Eop Su-Dang Overtime Pay (normal weekdays overtime) 잔업시간Jan-Eop Shi-Gan Overtime Hours (normal weekdays overtime) 시간외 수당Shi-Gan-Woe Su-Dang Overtime Pay (normal weekdays overtime) 특근수당Teuk-Geun Su-Dang Special Overtime Pay (Saturdays, Sundays and Official Holidays) 특근시간Teuk-Geun Shi-Gan Special Overtime Hours (Saturdays, Sundays and Official Holidays) 특근잔업수당Teuk-Geun Jan-Eop Su-Dang Special Overtime Pay (Saturdays, Sundays and Official Holidays) 특근잔업시간Teuk-Geun Jan- Shi-Gan Special Overtime Hours (Saturdays, Sundays and Official Holidays) 심야수당Shim-Ya Su-Dang Night-work Differential (fall-in from 10:00PM - 6:00AM night-work) 심야시간Shim-Ya Shi-Gan Night-work Hours (fall-in from 10:00PM - 6:00AM night-work) 야근수당 Ya-Geun Su-Dang Night-work Overtime Pay (Work until 10:00 PM only) 여성수당 Yeo-Seong Su-Dang Woman Work Allowance (Applicable for women only)

Topic: 급여 명세서 Geup-Yeo Myeong-Se-Seo Salary Slip

By: Dave & Alwyin Reviewed by: Angela, Korean Teacher of Miriam Center School

By: Sofonias ‘Chabok’ Paragsa

Instructions:

1) Fill the white squares with numbers 1 to 9

so that they add up to the sums shown in

highlighted squares (gray color).

2) A gray color square will show one or two

numbers separated by a diagonal

line.

3) A number that is above the diago-

nal line is the sum of the row of white

squares to its right.

4) A number that is below the diago-

nal line is the sum of the column of

white squares beneath it.

Two important rules:

1) There are no zeroes.

2) Do not put the same number in

each sum of the row of white

squares to its right or column be-

neath it.

ACROSS 1) Summer 2) to sleep 4) place of origin 7) beautiful 9) Monday 11) cooking 12) fruit

DOWN 1) together 3) factory 5) grateful, thankful 6) name 7) no (with respect) 8) coffee shop 9) monthly salary 10) Sunday

Answer to December Issue

By: Dondave Jabay

Congratulations!!! Nestor Arenas (first person who got the correct

answer) & Amie Sison (2nd person person who

got the correct answer)

Answer to December Issue

LITERARY


YEAR OF THE RAT

Bro. Joel Y. Tavarro

Marami sa atin ang naniniwala sa mga maling kasabihan Subalit sa mga salita ng Diyos ay halos hindi

mapakinggan Mga pangaral,mabuting balita at tamang katuruan

Tungo sa kabutihan para sa ating kaligtasan.

Year of the rat, panahon ba ng taghirap Isang paniniwala na kapos sa kaalaman

Kung katawan ay tamad at hindi makapag banat Malamang maghirap, mamatay na ang mata ay dilat.

Maling paniniwala hindi dapat pagtuunan

Huwag panaligan ang pamahiing walang batayan Sapagkat isa itong likha o gawa-gawa lamang

Maaring kathang-isip mula sa dakilang batugan.

Paanong hindi mauubusan ang iyong pitaka Kung ang laman ng isip ay puro pag aaksaya

Beer house, sugalan at babae ay madalas na iyong punta Tiyak ang bulsa ay butas, wala pang napala.

Walang habas na pag gasta at bukas ay nakatanga

Gawain na hangal masabi lang na may kaya Asal talangka na minana pa noong una

Habang sa kasalukuyan nangyayari at ginagawa.

Kalimutan na ang ganitong panukala Walang hatid na tulong isa pa ay nakakasama

Kung paniniwalaan hindi makakamtam ang biyaya Kung hindi magsisikap walang maabot na pagpapala.

Panghawakan ang mga salita sa banal na kasulatan

Sapagkat si Yahweh ang ating sandigan Manalig ka sa kanya at ibibigay ang pangangailangan

Siya ay magpakailanmang Diyos ang hari ng sanlibutan.

BATA KA PABATA KA PABATA KA PABATA KA PA Amie Sison

Bata ka pa lang nang ika'y aming sinuportahan

Pagkat ang iyong Ina ay mura pa ang isipan

Sinalo namin ang lahat nang iyong pangangailangan

Magandang kinabukasan sayo ilalaan.

Hanggang sa ako ay napunta dito sa Korea

Mga pinansyal na pangangailangan sinalo ko mag-isa

Pag aaral at luho mo ay masuportahan ka

Kahit good grades na kapalit ito'y sapat na.

Naging masama ang loob ko nang ika'y nagloko

Mas pinili mo pa ang barkada mo

At pag aaral ay itinigil mo

Nasayang ang lahat ng naitulong ko.

Lumalayo ka sa ating pamilya

Akala mo kaya mo mag isa

Nakikitira sa iyong barkada

Lulong sa akala mong buhay na maganda.

Pagdating nang araw magsisi ka rin

Sa tigas ng ulo mo di namin kayang pigilin

Sa murang edad mo ikaw na ay nagmamagaling

Sa hamon ng buhay kaya mo nang harapin. Di pa huli para sa isang pagbabago

Kung babalik ka ika'y muling tatanggapin ko

Pagkat isa ka sa mga responsibildad ko

Ipagdasal ko na lang ang takbo ng buhay ko.

PAKIKIPAG-RELASYON

ni Rogelio P. Domingo Jr. Kadalasan,ang pagkakaibigan ay nasusubukan sa pamamagitan ng pagkakalayo at pagiging tahimik ng isa't isa; maaaring malayo kayo sa isa't isa o di nakakapag-usap. Sa iyong pakikipagkaibigan sa Panginoon, hindi mo palaging mararamdamang malapit Siya sa iyo. "Lahat ng pakikipagrelasyon ay may panahon ng pagiging malapit at may panahon ng pagiging malayo," at sa ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa Panginoon, kahit na gaano pa ito kalalim, ay may panahon na magiging ganoon. Dito nagiging mahirap ang ating pananampalataya. Madaling sumampalataya sa Diyos kapag maganda ang takbo ng buhay mo---kapag pinagkakalooban ka Niya ng pagkain, mga kaibigan, pamilya, kalusugan, at masasayang sitwasyon. Pero hindi palaging kaaya-aya ang mga nangyayari sa atin. Kapag nagkagayon, paano ka sasampalataya sa Diyos? Ano ang gagawin mo kung ang Diyos ay parang isang milyong milya ang layo sa iyo? Kapag ang Diyos ay tila malayo, puwede mong isiping nagagalit Siya sa iyo o kaya'y dinidisiplina ka dahil sa isang kasalanan. Talagang pinuputol ng kasalanan ang pagka-malapit mo sa Diyos. Pinalulungkot natin ang Banal na Espiritu at pinapatay natin ang apoy ng ating pakikipag- ugnayan sa Kanya dahil sa ating pagsuway, pakikipag alitan sa iba, sobrang kaabalahan, pakikipagkaibigan sa mundo, at iba pang mga kasalanan. Ngunit kadalasan, ang pakiramdam na iniwan ka ng Diyos o nakahiwalay ka sa Kanya ay walang kinalaman sa kasalanan. Ito'y isang pagsubok sa ating pananampalataya -isang pagsubok na kailangang harapin nat ng lahat. Patuloy ka bang iibig, magtitiwala, susunod, at sasampalataya sa Diyos , kahit na hindi mo nararamda-man ang Kanyang presensiya o kaya'y wala kang makitang ebidensiya na may ginagawa Siyang mabuti sa buhay mo? Halimbawang wala ngang nagawa ang Diyos para sa iyo, karapat-dapat pa rin siyang makatanggap ng papuri mula sa iyo habang buhay. Ito'y dahil sa ginawa ni Jesus sa krus para mailigtas ka. Ang Anak ng Diyos ay namatay para sa iyo! Ito ang pinakadakilang dahilan ng pananampalataya natin sa Kanya. Ang karaniwan pagkakamali ng mga Katoliko ngayon sa pananampalataya ay maghanap ng isang karanasan kaysa maghanap sa Diyos. Naghahanap sila ng isang klase ng damdamin, at kapag ito'y naganap, sa tingin nila'y sumasammpalataya na sila. Mali! Ang totoo, madalas alisin ng Diyos ang mga emosyon natin para hindi tayo umasa rito. Ang paghahanap ng isang damdamin, kahit pa ang pakiramdam ng pagiging malapit kay Cristo ay hindi pananampalataya. Madalas para kang bata kung manalangin at ang mga dasal mo'y puro makasarili--pero sinasagot din Niya ang mga ito para malaman mong Siya'y totoo. Habang lumalago ka sa pananampalataya, unti -unti ka Niyang tuturuang huwag umasa sa ganitong sistema. Oo nga't nais Niyang madama mo ang Kanyang presensiya, pero mas gusto Niya ang magtiwala ka sa Kanya kaysa sa maramdaman mo Siya. Pananalig, hindi damdamin ang nakalulugod sa Diyos. Paano ka magpupuri sa Diyos kung hindi mo naiintindihan ang nangyayari sa buhay mo at ang Diyos ay tahimik? Paano mo pananatilihin ang ugnayan mo sa Kanya kapag dumadaan ka sa isang krisis at wala kayong komunikasyon? Paano ka mananatiling nakatitig kay Jesus kung ang mga mata mo ay puno ng luha? Ang pinakamalalim na antas ng pananampalataya ay ang pagpupuri sa Diyos Kahit na tayo'y nasasaktan, pagpapasalamat sa Kanya sa gitna ng isang pagsubok, pagtitiwala sa Kanya kapag tayo'y natutukso, pag-suko sa Kanya sa gitna ng pagdurusa, at pagmamahal sa Kanya kahit na Siya'y tila malayo. Kung nadarama mong iniwan ka na ng Diyos ngunit patuloy ka pa ring nagtitiwala sa Kanya, ikaw ay sumasampalataya sa Kanya sa pinaka malalim na paraan.

Kamusta na kayo mga kasamahan at kaibigan Dalawang taon na rin ng ang bayan ay ating nilisan Sa ibang bansa’y nagtungo upang hanapin ang kapalaran Hangarin ng bawat isa'y mapabuti ang kalagayan. Sa TESDA noon ay nagkita-kita, naalaala n'yo pa ba? Iba't-ibang istorya ng buhay, ibinahagi sa isa't-isa Walang ibang minimithi kundi ang pamilya'y maiahon sa hirap Kaya itong pagpupunyagi ay ginawa ng lubusan. Ngayon nga ay nandito na sa dayuhang bansa Pakikisama at pakikipagkaibigan ang ating sandata Kalasag ay taimtim na dasal ay huwag kalimutan, Sapagkat ito ay susi tungo sa katagumpayan.

Ang bawat isa'y may kani-kanyang layunin at ambisyon Huwag lamang kaligtaan mga mahal sa buhay na ating inspirasyon Ituon ang isip sa trabaho para sa mga obligasyon Higit sa lahat huwag makalimot sa ating mahal na Panginoon. Kahit na abala, di dpat pabayaan Katawan ay ingatan na tangi nating puhunan Gatas, bitamina, at prutas para sa mabuting kalusugan Upang malayo sa sakit at hindi dapuan. Katuparan sa mga pangarap ngayon ay abot kamay Dalangin ko sa lahat kamitin yaring tagumpay Huwag din sanang kalimutan saan man magpunta Anuman ang iyong marating sa pakikibaka. TESDA Batch '96 ,di dapat mawaglit sa inyong gunita Masayang samahan at kulitan sana'y ating balikan Dahil minsan ay nadama ang nakatutuwang barkadahan Pangungumusta ko sa inyo, sa tula na lamang idinaan.

TESDA BATCH '96 Marvin M. Babasa


OUR SPONSORS

Dear Ramil, Bilang Overseas Filipino, one of the most important things to learn is financial discipline. Mayroong dala-wang important elements ng financial discipline. First ay ang self-discipline o disiplina sa sarili kung ano ang gagawin sa perang kinikita. Parati mong isipin na kaya ka pumunta sa Korea ay para bigyan ng magandang buhay ang iyong pamilya. Ang perang inuubos mo sa iyong bisyo ay perang mailalaan mo sana sa kinabukasan nila. Masaya tayo kapag nakakapagpadala tayo ng malaki sa Pilipinas. Kaya lang kailangan ng plano at sistema sa pagpapadala. Planning is an important part of self discipline. Decide how much and how often you’ll send money to your family. This way sigurado tayong sapat at tama at darating sa tamang oras ang ating padala! The lack of a systematic plan in sending remittances is the main reason kung bakit karamihan sa atin ay hindi nakakaipon. Second ay ang family discipline. Ito ay ang pamumuhay ayon sa nakapagkasunduang budget at pagiingat sa gastos ng padalang pera. Magkano nga ba ang tamang family budget? Ganito po ang suggestion ko. Magan-dang pagusapan bilang isang pamilya ang current na gastusin. Kailangan pagkasunduan ang monthly expenses. Kung noong bago ka umalis ay nagkakasya ang monthly budget na P15,000 ay maaari lamang tumbasan ito ngaung nandito ka na uli sa Korea. Responsibility ng pamilya mo na mamuhay ng tama at pagkasyahin ang agreed upon monthly budget. Itabi ang extra para sa savings na magagamit para sa emergency needs o special occasions. Bukod sa regular na padala ay darating din ang oras na hihingi sila ng additional money for unplanned expenses or emergencies. That is why it is very important to stay connected or to keep in close touch with your family. Kailangan updated ka sa mga latest tungkol sa iyong pamilya. Lalo kung may important developments requiring financial decisions o additional na gastusin. Be involved! Ikaw ang kumikita ng pera. Kahit na malayo ka sa pamilya, you have a right and a responsibility to help your family spend that money wisely. Para di mapunta ang ating pinagpaguran sa wala let me share with you the secret kung paano tayo makakaipon ng sigurado. Ang secret ay sa pagbabago ng relationship between income, savings and expense. Sa ngayon, chances are ganito ang formula na ginagamit natin. Income minus expense is equal to savings. Itinatabi lang naten ang perang natira pagtapos tayo gumastos. Minsan ay wala pang natitira dahil ang ating expenses ay kasing laki lang ng ating kita. Worse ay ang ating expenses ay higit pa kaysa sa ating kita kaya tayo nagkakautang. Paano kaya kung baguhin kaya natin? Income minus savings is equal to expense. Yan po ang suggested formula that is GUARANTEED to help save money for your future. Kung mayroon po kayong tanong on how to manage your finances ay maaaring mag-email sa [email protected]. Sa inyo namang remittance, maaari po kayong magpadala sa BPI through Woori Bank at very low remittance fees and competitive exchange rates. Ang Woori Bank Hyehwadong Branch ay bukas kada lingo. Maaari kayong magpadala credit to your BPI, BPI Family Bank and BPInoy Savings Account. Pwede ring pick up at any BPI branch, door-to-door and credit to other banks. Ate Rose

Ni-renew po ng employer ko ang aking contract sa Korea. Hindi po ako nakapag-ipon nung una kong punta dito dahil akala ko ang maginhawang buhay ay walang katapusan. Naubos ko po ang pera sa kakainom at kaka-noraebang. Ang asawa ko naman po ay naubos ang aking padala sa kakapunta ng mall para magshopping. Bigyan nyo naman po ako ng financial management tips para this time ay makap-ipon naman ako para mabi-gyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang aking pamilya.

Magandang araw po sa lahat! Salamat po sa pagtangkilik sa pahayagang ito. Simula po sa isyung ito ay matutunghayan ninyo ang aking column. Naisip ko pong maglabas ng ganitong column sapagkat maraming mga Pilipino na hindi makauwi sa Pilipinas o makahinto sa pagtatra-baho sa ibang bansa dahil sa kanilang palagay ay di pa sapat ang kanilang naipon o perang naitabi upang magpatuloy ng bagong buhay sa Pilipinas. Naisip kong masmagandang maka-pagbahagi ako ng financial management advice para sabay sabay naten maiuwi ang pangarap ng ating mga pamilya. Let me share with you a letter sent by an OFW in Banwol.

Dear Ate Rose,

Sincerely, Ramil Dimaguiba

===================================

FEWA HISTORICAL BACKGROUND


T he initial idea to establish an organization of Filipino EPS workers in Korea emerged sometime in the later half of year 2005 while Fr. Glenn Giovanni B. Jaron, MSP, and Rebenson B. Recaña and his fellow EPS workers were at Ilsan Labor Center facilitating the early cases of requests for release. They discussed about the increasing problems faced by the EPS workers and the wisdom of having an organization that will help address the problems. Fr. Glenn, the tireless, venerable prime mover of Hyehwa-dong Filipino Catholic Community (HFCC), has been dealing with a myriad of prob-lems and issues involving the Filipino migrant workers in Korea even prior to the implementation of the EPS Program that suddenly brought in hundreds of OFWs. In the Pastoral Center for Filipino Migrants or more commonly known as the Center, Fr. Glenn acted both as the pastoral chaplain and at the same time a voluntary liaison to the Filipino migrant workers. With the advent of the EPS Program, all of a sudden the Cen-ter, had to accommodate the onslaught of EPS workers asking for help with their various problems that ranges from unpaid compensation to outright physical abuse. Thus, the idea of establishing an organization out of this new face of OFW’s came naturally and inevitably; both out of necessity and proactive response to the inherent imperfections of the program. The idea finally took ground when Fr. Glenn brought it up with the mem-bers of the Justice and Peace Committee of the HFCC, the same Com-mittee responsible for tackling the issues of migrant workers in general and has been assisting him in dealing the sudden surge of EPS cases at the Center. The visionary concept was to establish an organization of EPS workers that will empower them to be able to help themselves in addressing the many and different difficulties, problems and issues they encounter while staying as a migrant worker in Korea. The members of the EPS Adhoc Committee at that time were Nicolasito Marquez, Boni-facio Famis, Ariel Epino, Marciano Gonzales, Jr. and Rebenson Re-caña. Sometime in November 2005, the adhoc committee finally formed a core group that made the ball rolling. New members came in, namely Glenn Rey Agad , Reynaldo Centeno, Jr., Nelson Valenzuela and a bit later, Romeo Faltado. For a start, it was then agreed that each member shall do his own research on how to draft the Constitution and By-Laws. In December of 2005, it was decided by the HFCC Pastoral Council that the present group working on EPS matters shall be an independent Committee apart from the Justice and Peace Committee – its early

affiliation. Thus, the group became both an independent working group for the establishment of an EPS organization and at the same time a Committee within the HFCC. It was also around this period that the re-cruitment process for membership up to the to-be-established organiza-tion stage had started. Early in January 2006, working group member Glen Rey Agad submitted a logo design and a sample copy of a Constitution and By-Laws together with his own initial inputs thereof. Both has thereafter evolved to become an integral part of the organization’s personality. On January 22, 2006, the EPS Adhoc committee passed a motion offi-cially naming the organization as Filipino EPS Workers Association or simply FEWA. On the same occasion, with the explicit consensus of the body, the following were the FEWA ADHOC committee members: Nico-lasito Marquez, Glenn Rey Agad, Bonifacio Famis, Nelson Valenzuela, Marciano Gonzales Jr., Reynaldo Centeno Jr., Ariel Epino, Romeo Faltado and Rebenson Recaña . It was also on this meeting that the first formal deliberation on the pre-liminary draft of the Constitution and By-Laws was conducted. The pro-ceedings thereof were documented on the first official minutes of the organization. On the same meeting, the date for Elections and Referen-dum of the Constitution was tentatively set. By February, a working copy of the Constitution and By-Laws was al-ready circulated and initiated among the members of the EPS Adhoc committee and a comprehensive list of over a hundred pre-organization members, who themselves later became the founding voters and officers of the organization. The first big step in the ultimate realization of FEWA as an organization happened in March 5, 2006 with the holding of the very first FEWA Gen-eral Assembly. It was attended by Fr. Glenn Giovanni Jaron, MSP and a representative of the Philippine Embassy in South Korea in the person of Vice Consul General Juan Dayang. The assembly became the forum for the first formal introduction of EPS Adhoc committee to its founding con-stituents as well as the vehicle for the introduction of the official working copy of the FEWA Constitution and By-Laws. To be continued.

JOIN JOIN JOIN JOIN NOWNOWNOWNOW!!!!

Membership Forms are available

at the FEWA Office (during Sundays)

115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk-dong, Seoul, Korea or at OK Vision Airtel and

Woori Bank Hyehwa-dong Branch

sulyapinoy january 2008 issue

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