Sunday, August 2, 2009

August 1, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168826/Mga-nais-maging-OFW-pinayuhang-tiyakin-kung-kakayanin-ang-kalungkutan

Mga nais maging OFW pinayuhang tiyakin kung kakayanin ang kalungkutan
08/01/2009 10:12 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Pinayuhan ng isang opisyal ng embahada ng Pilipinas sa bansa ito ang mga Pinoy na nagpaplanong magtrabaho sa ibang bansa na tiyaking kakayanin nila ang kalungkutan na mawalan sa mga mahal sa buhay.

Ang payo ay ginawa ng opisyal matapos lumitaw na labis na kalungkutan ang nagtulak sa isang Pinay domestic helper kaya ito tumalon sa isang gusali na naging dahilan ng kanyang pagkaka-ospital.Ayon sa welfare officer ng Philippine Consulate General sa Saudi, tumalon umano mula sa unang palapag ng gusaling pinapasukan noong Hulyo 3 si Veronica Lascano, 24-anyos.Nagtamo ng pinsala sa katawan ang biktima at patuloy na nakaratay sa King Fahd Hospital sa Jeddah.

Sa panayam kay Lascano, sinabi nito na mabait naman ang kanyang mga amo at hindi rin niya maisip bakit niya nagawa ang tumalon. Inamin niya na lagi niyang naaalala ang kanyang pamilyang naiwan sa Pilipinas.

"Hindi ko po alam ang gulu-gulo ng isip ko noon. Kahit po ako iniisip ko kung bakit ko nagawa ‘yun," kuwento ni Lascano.“Wala naman akong problema sa amo ko. May mga kasama naman ako pero ‘di ko po alam kung bakit ko nagawa ‘yun, lagi nga po akong umiiyak at laging naiisip ang aking pamilya," idinagdag niya.

Tubong Malolos, Bulacan si Lascano at dumating sa Saudi Arabia noong Marso 2. Naiwan niya sa Pilipinas ang kanyang asawa at dalawang anak.

Dahil sa nangyari kay Lascano, pinayuhan ng mga opisyal sa konsulado ang mga nagbabalak na magtrabaho sa ibang bansa na tiyaking handa ang sarili sa kakaharaping kalungkutan sa abroad.Aminado naman ang Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at Philippine Consulate General sa Jeddah na bagaman hindi na bago ang insidente ng mga tumatalon sa gusali, bagaman kakaiba ang sitwasyon ni Lascano.

Kadalasan umano na sa insidente ng pagtalon ng OFW sa gusali, ang biktima ay nakaranas ng pang-aabuso o pagmamaltrato ng kanilang mga amo.Ipinapahiwatig ni OWWA Welfare Officer Romualdo Exmundo na labis na kalungkutan o depresyon ang nasa likod ng pagtalon ni Lascano dahil na rin sa pag-amin nito na wala siyang problema sa kanyang amo.

Katunayan, sinabi ni Exmundo na nakikipagtulungan ang amo ni Lascano sa gobyerno para mapabalik na ito sa Pilipinas.

Pinayuhan din niya si Lascano na ihanda at itabi ang mga kakailanganing dokumento sa posibleng pagkuha niya ng benepisyo pag-uwi sa Pilipinas.“Payo ko sa kanya na itago nya lahat ang medical records nya at pagdating nya sa Pilipinas ay pumunta sa OWWA at titingnan kung ano ang step by step na dapat gawin para ma-evaluate ang kanyang sitwasyon," ayon kay Exmundo. - Ronald Concha, GMANews.TV

July 31, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168722/Homesick-Pinay-jumps-off-building-in-Saudi-Arabia

Homesick Pinay jumps off building in Saudi Arabia
RONALDO Z. CONCHA, GMANews.TV
07/31/2009 04:03 PM


JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - A Filipina domestic helper in Saudi Arabia has been hospitalized after jumping off a building in what an official said could be a case of depression.

Veronica Lascano, 24, jumped from the first floor of the building in Jeddah where she was working at around 6 a.m. last July 3, a welfare officer at the Philippine Consulate General said.She suffered injuries at the back and other parts of her body from the incident.

She is currently confined at the King Fahd Hospital in Jeddah.In an interview, Lascano said her employer was very kind but that she really couldn’t cope with the though of being separated from her family."Hindi ko po alam ang gulu-gulo ng isip ko noon.

Kahit po ako iniisip ko kung bakit ko nagawa ‘yun (I don’t know what I was thinking, my mind was a mess. Even I don’t know why I did that)," she said.“Wala naman akong problema sa amo ko. May mga kasama naman ako pero ‘di ko po alam kung bakit ko nagawa ‘yun, lagi nga po akong umiiyak at laging naiisip ang aking pamilya," she added.(I have no problem with my employer. I also have some companions there, but I was still lonely.

I always cry and think about my family.)Lascano, who came to Saudi Arabia last March 2, is from Malolos, Bulacan where she has a husband and two children.Learning from the incident, Lascano advised other aspiring OFWs to make sure that they can stand the loneliness of work abroad.

Different caseAccording to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, the number of domestic helpers jumping off buildings was nothing new. But they were quick to add that Lascano’s case was different from the other cases that they have handled. In most cases, the workers were maltreated or exploited by their employers.

OWWA Welfare Officer Romualdo Exmundo said Lascano was apparently suffering from loneliness due to separation from her family and difficulty in adjusting to a foreign environment.Exmundo assured Lascano of help from the OWWA.

Lascano’s employer is arranging for her repatriation.One of the benefits being offered by OWWA is for disability but the case still has to undergo assessment to determine whether the disability is permanent or not.

“Payo ko sa kanya na itago nya lahat ang medical records nya at pagdating nya sa Pilipinas ay pumunta sa OWWA at titingnan kung ano ang step by step na dapat gawin para ma-evaluate ang kanyang sitwasyon," said Exmundo.(I advise her to keep all her medical records. When she returns to the Philippines, she should go to OWWA and look into how she can have her situation evaluated.)

On mandatory psych testsThe Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has proposed that household service workers undergo mandatory psychological tests to prevent incidents like that of Lascano from happening.

The DFA said the proposal was triggered by the recent spate of cases of runaway Filipino workers who are said to have been unable to adjust to life in the Middle East. Then DFA spokesperson Claro Cristobal said the test is only aimed at protecting the welfare of OFWs abroad. [See: Psych tests will protect OFWs - DFA official]"The psychological test is aimed at checking whether or not the coping mechanism of Filipino workers is well," he said.

He added that even DFA and embassy officials undergo such tests before they are deployed to other countries. “It is needed simply because it is very stressful overseas," he added. The test, however, received flak from various migrant workers’ groups. [See: More groups nix proposed psych test for migrant Pinoy domestics]Migrante International said such a policy would only castigate Filipino workers as mentally unfit and unstable for work in other countries.Instead of preparing OFWs, the group asserted that employers should be made to undergo psychological tests to determine if they are fit to employ foreign workers.. - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

July 29, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168572/RP-school-in-KSA-goes-on-offensive-vs-A(H1N1)

RP school in KSA goes on offensive vs A(H1N1)
RONALDO Z. CONCHA, GMANews.TV07/29/2009 08:38 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - A Philippine school in Jeddah has opted not to suspend its classes even after one of its students got infected with the A(H1N1) virus.

Instead, the Al Hekma International School cleaned the premises and advised parents not to let their children go to school if they are sick.“Mahirap naman kasi na tuwing may virus ay suspinde agad ang school. (It’s not practical to suspend classes every time a student is infected) Prevention ang kailangan nating gawin ngayon (is what we need to do right now," Al Hekma principal Belma Regis told GMANews.TV.

She said the school will also assemble all its students and check for flu-like symptoms. Al Hekma has more than 1,000 students, 98 percent of them Filipinos.

“Hindi na natin mapipigilan ang pagkalat nito. Ang kailangan ay maiwasan na lamang na mahawa pa ang iba nating mag aaral (We won’t be able to contain the virus anyway so what we need to do is make sure our students don’t get infected)," she said.

With that in mind, the principal said parents should immediately inform them if their children test positive for the virus. A parent, who refused to be named, said many parents do not report to the school even if their children do get infected.This became evident when a female student of Al Hekma tested positive for the mutant virus.

The mother of the student told GMANews.TV that her daughter started showing signs of A(H1N1) after a male student who earlier tested positive for the virus did not inform the school of his condition.

Early this month, the International Philippine School of Jeddah and the Philippine Sunrise International School were temporarily closed down due to the virus. [See: RP school in Riyadh closed due to A(H1N1)]The principals of these schools said that they will resume classes in August.There are 13 Philippine schools in Riyadh, nine in Jeddah, one in Buraidah in the central region and three in the Eastern Province. - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

July 29, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168569/OAV-mobile-registration-spreads-in-Jeddah-as-deadline-draws-near

OAV mobile registration spreads in Jeddah as deadline draws near
07/29/2009 08:18 PM


JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Inspired by the warm response to their outreach overseas absentee voting (OAV) campaign in the city of Yanbu, Philippine officials in western Saudi Arabia have scheduled a series of voter registration in Filipino schools in Jeddah.

The OAV Mobile Team of the Philippine Consulate General said registration will be held at the Al-Hekma International School from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday (July 30).

On August 7, registration will be held at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ), followed by another one at the Pearl of the Orient International School (POIS) on August 14.Registration will also continue at the consulate every day from 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. until August 31, when the OAV registration ends.All that is needed by an applicant to present when registering is a copy of his or her passport or any other documents proving one’s identity.

As the registration deadline neared, Consul General Ezzedin Tago appealed on Filipinos 18 years old and above in the region to sign up so that they can participate in the selection of the Philippines’ next national leaders next year.Saudi Arabia has the biggest number of OFWs worldwide but very few have registered since the OAV list-up started in February because of the far distances between their place of work and centers where the registration are allowed.

The registration centers are the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the Consulate General in Jeddah, and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Al Khobar.However, the Saudi government allows registration activities to be held in Philippine schools.Elsa Masa, a member of the OAV team, told GMANews.TV that their campaign in Yanbu was held at the Al-Tawhid International School, generating more than 500 registrants in two days. Likewise, 223 new voters were added in Khamis Mushayt.

In a letter sent to the Filipino community, Tago owed the success of this month’s registration to the kind efforts of employers like the International Medical Center (IMC), who not only permitted their migrant workers to come and register but also provided transportation service to them.Tago also noted that civic-minded organizations like the United Filipino Muslims for Peace and Development (UFMPAD) and the “Pinoy sa Jeddah" Internet group have also been instrumental in this regard as they campaigned hard for them to register and vote.

With three more local field registrations scheduled to be held in the Philippine Curriculum schools in Jeddah, the consulate general expects a further increase in the number of registrants in the final stretch of the registration period.The Commission on Elections (Comelec), meanwhile, urged Filipinos in other places in the Middle East to register as overseas voters for the 2010 elections.

More than two million Filipinos live and work in the Middle East but less than 27,000 Filipinos have so far registered in the oil-rich region.The government has set a target of one million OAV registrants out of an estimated eight million Filipinos abroad.

As of July 29, only 154,402 overseas Filipino voters have registered, according to the OAV Secretariat of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).This number has surpassed the combined number of registrants for 2005-2006, which was 142,667. - Ronaldo Concha and Joseph Hollandes Ubalde, GMANews.TV

July 29, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168588/OAV-mobile-registration-ikakalat-sa-Jeddah

OAV mobile registration ikakalat sa Jeddah
07/29/2009 10:25 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Dahil sa magandang resulta ng isinagawang mobile registration para sa overseas absentee voting (OAV) kamakailan sa Yanbu, nagtakda ang mga opisyal konsulado ng Pilipinas sa Saudi Arabia na magsagawa ng serye ng voter registration sa mga Filipino school sa bansang ito.

Inihayag ng OAV Mobile Team ng Philippine Consulate General na isasagawa ang pagpapatala ng mga OFW sa Al-Hekma International School mula 2 p.m. hanggang 8 p.m.

sa Huwebes (July 30).Sa Agosto 7, magkakaroon din ng rehistrasyon sa International Philippine School sa Jeddah (IPSJ), at susundan naman sa Agosto 14 sa Pearl of the Orient International School (POIS).

Patuloy din umano ang pagpaparehistro sa konsulada araw-araw mula 8:30 a.m. hanggang 4:30 p.m. Gagawin hanggang dumating ang deadline sa pagpapatala sa OAV sa katapusan ng Agosto 2009.Pinayuhan ang mga OFW na magpaparehistro na dalhin ang orihinal o kopya ng kanilang pasaporte at dokumento na magpapatunay sa kanyang pagkakakilanlan.

Habang papalapit ang deadline sa pagpaparehistro, nanawagan si Consul General Ezzedin Tago sa mga Filipino na edad 18 pataas na magpatala upang maging bahagi sila ng pagpili ng mga susunod na opisyal ng Pilipinas sa 2010 elections.

Sa ilalim ng OAV, ang mga Pinoy na nasa ibang bansa ay maaaring bumoto sa posisyon ng presidente, bise presidente, senador at partylist representatives.Ang Saudi Arabia ang bansa na may pinakamaraming bilang ng mga OFW sa mundo. Ngunit kakaunti pa lamang ang nagpapatala sa OAV mula nang simulan ito noong Pebrero.

Ang mababang bilang ng mga nagpaparehistro ay isinisisi malayong lugar kung saan isinasagawa ang pagpaparehistro mula sa tinutuluyan at pinapasukang trabaho ng mga OFW.

Nagsisilbing mga registration center ng OAV ang Philippine Embassy sa Riyadh, ang Consulate General sa Jeddah, at Philippine Overseas Labor Office sa Al Khobar.Pinahintulutan naman ng pamahalaan ng Saudi na isagawa ang pagpaparehistro sa mga Philippine school sa nabanggit na bansa.

Noong nakaraang linggo, masayang ibinalita ni Elsa Masa, kasapi ng OAV team, na umabot sa 500 OFWs ang nakapagpatala sa mobile registration Al-Tawhid International School sa Yanbu.Mahigit dalawang milyon ang Filipino ang naninirahan at nagtatrabaho sa Middle East ngunit wala pang 27,000 Pinoy ang nagpapatala sa OAV sa nasabing lugar. - Ronald Concha, GMANews.TV

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

July 28, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168470/PRC-sets-special-licensure-exams-for-OFWs-in-Mideast

PRC sets special licensure exams for OFWs in Mideast
07/28/2009 09:00 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – The Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will be visiting major cities in the Middle East to conduct special licensure examinations for Filipino architects, accountants, civil, electrical, electronic and mechanical engineers.

A letter by the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah to Filipino community groups said the project is in compliance with a directive President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued during her state visit in the Gulf states recently.

The examination will be administered in Al-Khobar and Jeddah on November 26, 27 and 28, 2009 and in Doha, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on December 2, 3 and 4, 2009.

Qualified applicants must submit the following documentary requirements:

General documentary requirements (for first time applicants and repeaters for architects, CPAs, civil, electrical, electronic and mechanical engineers):

1. Original & Photocopy of Transcript of Records (TOR) with scanned picture and remarks “For Board Examination only"
2. Original & Photocopy of Certificate of Live Birth issued by the National Statistic Office (NSO) in security paper.
3. Four (4) pieces of passport-size pictures with complete nametag
4. Photocopy of Philippine passport

Additional documentary requirements for architects:

1. College diploma (for first time applicants)
2. NBI Clearance
3. PTR IAPOA Number of Mentor
4. Two years of diversified experience after graduation
5. Logbook of Diversified Experience (can be secured from U.A.P)
6. Affidavit of Experience signed by a registered architect with updated PRC professional ID

Additional documentary requirements for CPA

1. NBI clearance
2. Certificate of refresher course (for those who failed twice)
3. Must be Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate (for first time applicants)
4. BSC/BSBA graduates who are repeaters can apply for the examination.

BSC/BSBA graduates who are first timers will not be allowed to apply General Documentary requirements for Certified Plant Mechanic (for first time applicants)

1. Vocational or Trade School Transcript of Records.
2. Certification of Employment or Service Record of at least one year of work experience.
3. Certificate of Experience of one year or more in PRC Form No. 104 and to be signed by a registered Mechanical Engineer or professional mechanical engineer and duly notarized / under oath.
4. Certification of Detailed Description of Equipment in PRC Form No. 105.20. 1-A and to be signed by the company general manager or personnel manager and the immediate supervisor.
5. Affidavit of Competency which should be under oath.

General Documentary requirements for Registered Master Electrician (for first time applicants)

1) Transcript of Record of BSEE with scanned picture and remarks for “Board Exam Purpose"
2) Certification of Employment or Service Record of at least one year of work experience.
3) Certificate of Experience of one year or more in PRC Form No. 104 and to be signed by a registered Electrical Engineer or professional electrical engineer and duly notarized / under oath.
4) Transcript of Records of the Electrical Engineering Technology course.
5) Certification of Employment or Service Record of at least three years of work experience.
6) Certificate of Experience of three years or more in PRC Form No. 104 and to be signed by a registered Electrical Engineer or professional electrical engineer and duly notarized / under oath.
7) High School diplomas or transcript of records.
8) Certification of Employment or Service Record of at least five years of work experience.
9) Certificate of Experience of five years or more in PRC Form No. 104 and to be signed by a registered Electrical Engineer or professional electrical engineer and duly notarized / under oath.

Qualified applicants are advised to contact their respective professional organizations (UAP/MBAP/IOFA- Architects, PICPA, PICE, IIEE, IECEP, PSME) in Al-Khobar, Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Applications must be submitted to the professional organizations on or before September 30, 2009 for transmittal to PRC- Manila on or before October 9, 2009.

Applicants whose documents are in the Philippines may present them to the Application & Qualification Evaluation Division for evaluation on or before September 15, 2009. Application forms can be downloaded at www.prc.gov.ph.Jeddah applications can also be submitted to the Philippine Consulate General.

The venue will be announced later by the responsible community group that will be authorized by the commission to handle formalities and preparations needed, in coordination with the Consulate General. - Ronaldo Z. Concha, GMANews.TV

Friday, July 24, 2009

July 24, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168163/OFWs-sa-Saudi-nangangambang-hindi-makaboto-sa-2010-polls

OFWs sa Saudi nangangambang hindi makaboto sa 2010 polls
07/24/2009 06:49 PM

YANBU, Saudi Arabia – Patuloy na nakararamdan ng alinlangan ang ilang overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sa bansang ito kung magagamit nila ang kanilang karapatan na bumoto sa 2010 elections sa pamamagitan ng Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV).

Nakatakdang magtapos sa Agosto 30 ang pagpaparehistro sa OAV ng mga kuwalipikadong Pinoy na nasa labas ng Pilipinas upang makaboto sa posisyon ng presidente, bise presidente, senador at party-list representatives.Gayunman, pinaigting ng mga kinatawan ng embahada at konsulada ng Pilipinas sa Saudi ang kampanya para maparehistro ang mga bagong botante.

Sa Saudi Arabia, lingo-lingo nang dumarayo ang ilan sa mga tauhan ng embahada sa kanilang mga nasasakupan upang magproseso ng mga bagong botante. Naging matagumpay naman ang pagsisikap ng embahada dahil maraming bagong botante ang nagpatala sa Altawhid International School sa Yanbu.

Sinabi ni Elsa Masa, miyembro ng OAV Mobile team, mahigit 500 OFWs ang dumating at nagpatala sa loob lamang ng dalawang araw.Katuwang ng mga opisyal ng embahada ang mga Filipino Community group sa Saudi sa pangunguna ni Rey Vicencio at Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association ng Western Region Yanbu.

Kasama rin sa mga nag-oorganisa ng pagpaparehistro sina Larry Cabagon at Nelly Manayao na nag-aasikaso sa mga OFW tulad ng paghahatid at pagsundo sa mga walang sasakyan, nagbibigay ng inumin at pagtulong sa pagpapapirma ng mga registration form.

Ang Yanbu ay isang industriyalisadong lungsod sa kanlurang bahagi ng Saudi Arabia at may layong 340 kilometro mula sa Jeddah kung saan matatagpuan konsulado ng Pilipinas na pagdarausan ng botohan.

Dahil sa layo ng lugar, hindi maiwasan ng ilang OFW na nagparehistro na magtanong kung makakaboto sila sa takdang panahon dahil na rin sa layo ng lugar na pagbobotohan nila.

Si Rico Fuerte, tubong Iloilo, nangangamba na baka masayang lang ang kanyang paghihirap sa malayong pagbiyahe upang magparehistro kung hindi naman sila makakaboto.“Gusto naming bumoto kaya kami nagpaparehistro (kala lang) baka masayang lang itong pagpila (sa pagpaparehistro)," pahayag ni Fuerte dahil sa distansiya ng pagdarausan ng botohan.Pakiusap ng OFW, gumawa ng paraan ang embahada upang matiyak na lahat ng nagpatala sa OAV ay makakaboto saan man lugar sila nandoon.

Iminungkahi naman ni Emily Orsales na magpadala ng kinatawan ang Commission ong Election sa Yanbu para marami ang makaboto sa halip na papuntahin sila sa Jeddah.Ang mungakhi Orsales ay sinuportahan ni Marietta Llarena na nagpahayag na nagawa ng embahada na magtungo sa kanilang lugar para sila makapagparehistro, kaya puwede rin silang bumalik sa Yanbu para matiyak na makaboboto sila. - Ronaldo Z. Concha, GMANews.TV

July 24, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168131/Intensified-OAV-registration-bears-fruit-in-Saudi-Arabia



Intensified OAV registration bears fruit in Saudi Arabia
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV07/24/2009 11:35 AM


YANBU, Saudi Arabia - Efforts to woo more Filipinos to participate in the 2010 elections seem to be working in Saudi Arabia as an intensified overseas absentee voting (OAV) registration attracted more than 500 new voters.

Elsa Masa, a member of the OAV team, told GMANews.TV that their campaign in Yanbu over the weekend was a success. Filipinos from different companies and hospitals flocked to Al Tawhid International School to register.

Members of the Alumni of the Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association in Yanbu assisted the applicants and also provided water and soft drinks.

Saudi Arabia had earlier barred Philippine officials from conducting OAV registrations on Filipino workers’ work sites that are often too far from the nearest Philippine post.Currently, OAV registration in the oil-rich kingdom is limited only to the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, consular office in Jeddah and Labor office in Al Khobar, as well as all Philippine schools in the country.

Consul Leo Tito Ausan Jr., head of the OAV in the Western Region, said he expects the number of overseas voters for the 2010 national elections to climb as the August 31 registration deadline looms near."Even in the consulate we were able to process almost 100 new voters last Friday," Ausan said.

But based on statistical records, Filipinos in the Middle East have not shown much enthusiasm for the 2010 polls since the six-month registration opened last February. More than two million Filipinos live and work in the Middle East but less than 26,000 Filipinos have so far registered in the oil-rich region.The government has set a target of one million OAV registrants out of an estimated eight million Filipinos abroad.

As of July 22, only 145,300 overseas Filipino voters have registered, according to the OAV Secretariat of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).Nevertheless, Ausan encouraged all qualified Filipinos to register for OAV before the 31 August deadline.

He said OAV Registration is open every day from 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Only a copy of one's passport is needed upon registration. [See: Hurry up, Pinoy OAV registrants in Mideast told]Another registration would be set in Khamis Mushayt in the Assir Region on July 23-24. - Ronaldo Bong Concha, GMANews.TV

July 23, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168080/Pinoy-Accountants-in-Jeddah-celebrate-by-donating-to-distressed-OFWs

Pinoy Accountants in Jeddah celebrate by donating to distressed OFWs
RONALDO Z. CONCHA, GMANews.TV07/23/2009 08:37 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Filipino accountants here celebrated Accountancy Week by donating goodies to compatriots currently housed at the shelter for distressed OFWs at the Philippine Consulate General.

At least 40 workers received food, groceries and other gift items from the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountant (PICPA) Western Region chapter and their friends in simple ceremonies Sunday night.

Joey Villanueva, the newly elected president of PICPA chapter, said they opted to celebrate Accountancy Week by sharing their blessings with the unfortunate workers, mostly abused or exploited domestic helpers who sought shelter at the consulate.“We marked the opening of the celebration by visiting the distressed workers.

Our program known as 'Hatid Saya Sa Bahay Kalinga,' intends to bring joy to our kababayan," said Villanueva, a financial manager at a company in Jeddah.Chapter officers and members took the occasion to mingle and talk with the distressed workers, giving them inspirational messages.

They also had a simple dinner with the distressed workers along with welfare officers, and organized parlor games in which winners won cash prizes.Past chapter president Danny Abenes, a financial manager of the leading Filipino-owned cargo firm Sky Freight Forwarders, donated a one-way ticket and coupons equivalent to 500 kilograms of sea freight cargo.

Another past president, Raffy Abesamis of the Archway International, donated two-way tickets. Dan Factoran, a graphics artist and friend of PICPA leaders, donated a wheelchair for the shelter.

Labor Attaché Wesley Gacutan thanked the officers and members for their unselfish effort in helping the distressed.

The PICPA chapters in western Saudi Arabia, as well as in Riyadh and Eastern Province, are among the most active Filipino organizations in the kingdom. Apart from periodically providing basic accounting lessons for Filipinos who are non-accountancy graduates, they also provide scholarships for deserving students from low-income families in the Philippines.

One of their upcoming activities is a seminar on July 30 at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) with 4th year high school students participating, and another on August 6 at the Pearl of the Orient International School (POIS) for 4th and 3rd year students.

It is also holding an Accounting for Non-Accountant (AFNA) seminar for Filipinos and other nationalities from July 31, 2009 to August 28, 2009.Accountancy Week, celebrated by Filipino accountants every 3rd week of July, was set forth under Presidential Decree No. 607 signed by then President Corazon Aquino in 1990.

Villanueva took the occasion to call on other members of the Filipino community to continue helping other OFWs who are not as fortunate as they are. “We are very happy that the Filipino community is always looking after the welfare of our less fortunate kababayan, but we must continue doing this to alleviate their burden as they await repatriation," he said. - GMANews.TV

July 5, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/166677/Umbrella-group-in-Jeddah-pays-tribute-to-Manese


Umbrella group in Jeddah pays tribute to Manese
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV07/05/2009 07:47 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – An umbrella organization of Filipino community groups in Jeddah has said it is giving a posthumous award to Gil Manese, one of its founders and a sports enthusiast who died of heart attack on June 25 in his hometown in Pampanga.

The Kasapi Congress said the award is in honor of Manese’s contribution to the Filipino community in Jeddah.Edgar Mendoza, Manese's confidante and long-time friend, said Manese went home last month to undergo medical treatment but complications and failure of other organs triggered a heart attack. He was 65.

E-mails expressing grief and sympathy to Manese’s family as well as paying tribute to him circulated at once among Filipino community leaders in the western Region of Saudi Arabia following reports of his death.

Rudy Dianalan, former Kasapi chairman, said Manese’s demise was a tragic loss to the Filipino community as he was one of the pillars of OFW advocacy.Dianalan noted that Manese was a partner of Kasapi, the Order of the Knights of Rizal and other community associations and was one of the active campaigners of OFWS rights and issues such as overseas absentee voting, migrant workers’ interests and other labor struggles.

Riyadh based Rashid Fabricante, one of Manese’s co-founder of the Kasapi Congress, recalled that when they started the OFW movement in the western region way back 1983 in coordination with Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Mission for Migrant Filipinos (APPM), it was the apartment unit of Manese where they held meetings and strategic planning sessions for “a no thanks job" of organizing the Filipinos in the region.

“If there is one person I would like to thank in Jeddah, it is Manong Gil Manese whose kindness, generosity and hospitality towards a cause paved the way for the early formation of cause-oriented groups dedicated to promoting the rights and welfare of the OFWs in the region, especially the distressed," he said.Manese, a native of Arayat in Pampanga, was also one of the founders of other Filipino community groups such as the Kapampangan group.

It was in sports where he dedicated most of his work, being president of the Filipino Basketball Association of Jeddah for years.Aside from sports and other cause-oriented activities, Manese earned a living dealing various products, including GMA Pinoy TV and housing projects. John Asperilla, another Kasapi officials and leader of the Pangasinan group, said he had the privilege to work with Manese, who he said was a community service-oriented person.

Current Kasapi chairman Vic Aguila remembered Manese’s life as one that was full of ups and down — as an individual he has his own shortcomings, as a civic-minded fellow his good deeds overwhelmed and refuted what his detractors said about him.

Kasapi officials will give the award at the end of the month to Manese son and namesake, who is also working in the kingdom.

The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah also expressed its condolences to the family of late community leader and shared with the community in Jeddah the good memories of his achievements.Manese was buried June 28 in Pampanga. - GMANews.TV

Saturday, July 4, 2009

June 23, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/165609/OFW-who-woke-up-from-8-month-long-coma-returns-home

OFW who woke up from 8-month long coma returns home
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV06/23/2009 01:55 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - After waking up from an eight-month long coma, overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Ruben de Leon finally returned to the Philippines on Monday afternoon.

De Leon, 25, was working as a helper in Jeddah for two years when a car driven by a 16-year-old Saudi boy knocked him unconscious in September last year.

He left for the country past midnight on Sunday on board Saudi Airlines flight SV 860 and arrived in Manila at 5:45 p.m. on Monday.

He was escorted by Dr. Ashraf Abdelaziz Abdulrauf Ibrahim and Filipino nurse Edwin Homillano of the Dr. Sulayman Fakkeh Hospital until they reached the OFW’s home in Taytay, Rizal.

Tess Fogata, charge nurse of de Leon, said that the vehicular accident caused great damage to the patient’s mental condition.But Dr. Hazem Abdelkarim Mohamed, assistant director of the hospital, said that de Leon is already in a stable condition and just needs to continue his medication.

He recommended that the OFW undergo physiotherapy in the Philippines.Welfare Officer Romualdo Exmundo said that de Leon will be able to avail himself of benefits from the Saudi General Organization of Social Insurance (GOSI) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

According to the evaluation of the GOSI, the Filipino worker is 74 percent disabled and may receive 41,000 Saudi riyals or more than P500,000 in benefits. He will also receive disability benefits from OWWA, with the amount depending on its assessment.His employer, on the other hand, has also promised to also give him his benefits and unpaid salaries.

De Leon is one of the recently reported OFWs who were hit by minors driving illegally in Saudi Arabia. Last April, Ryan D. Fajardo was hit by a car while he was jogging along a street in Taif, a highland city in Saudi Arabia’s western region. Reports said a Saudi teenager on a “joyride" killed the OFW. [See: Teenage 'joyride driver' kills OFW in Jeddah] - With Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

June 9, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/164536/Pinay-kaya-Bangkay-ng-babae-sa-bag-nakita-sa-Jeddah

Pinay kaya?: Bangkay ng babae sa bag nakita sa Jeddah
06/09/2009 11:40 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Hiningi ng pulisya ng Jeddah ang tulong ng konsulada ng Pilipinas upang kilalanin ang labi ng isang babae na nakasilid sa bag na nakita sa Ruwais district.

Walang pagkakakilanlan sa biktima na nakita noong Mayo 17, maliban sa indikasyon na isa itong Asyano, nasa edad 20, may taas na 5'2 at katamtaman ang kulay ng balat.

Nagtungo sa tanggapan ni Consul General Ezzedin Tago sa Philippine Consulate General ang mga tauhan ng Jeddah police nitong Martes para magsagawa ng beripikasyon na finger print ng biktima.

Sinabi ni Khalid Alshaharani, may hawak ng kaso, walang nakitang pagkakakilanlan sa biktima dahil wasak na umano ang mukha nito.

Hinihinala na sinadyang sirain ang mukha ng biktima upang iligaw ang mga awtoridad.Ilang Filipino umano na nakatira malapit sa lugar na pinagkakitaan sa bangkay ang inimbitahan ng pulisya tungkol sa kaso pero pinalaya rin sila.

Nanawagan si Alshaharani sa mga Filipino na may kapamilya na nagtatrabaho sa Jeddah na biglang hindi nakipag-ugnayan sa kanila sa Pilipinas sa nakalipas na tatlong linggo na makipag-ugnayan sa konsulada ng bansa o sa mismong himpilan ng pulisya.

Nagpasalamat naman si Tago sa pulisya ng Jeddah sa ipinakitang pagmamalasakit ng mga awtoridad upang makilala ang biktima.Maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa konsulado sa Jeddah sa +966555219613 o +96626600348 at hanapin si Vice Consul Lorenzo Jungco o Consul Leo Tito L. Ausan Jr. - Ronaldo Z. Concha, GMANews.TV

June 9, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/164516/Body-found-in-Jeddah-could-be-of-Pinay-OFW

Body found in Jeddah could be of Pinay OFW
06/09/2009 07:41 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi police has asked the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah to help identify a female corpse that they said had the features of a Filipina.

In a letter to the consulate, police said the corpse was stuffed inside a bag and dumped in a company compound in the Ruwais district of Jeddah at about 5 p.m. on May 17.

Investigator in charge Khalid Alshaharani said the victim was in her early 20s, with fair complexion, about 5 feet 2 inches tall, and weighed about 40 to 45 kilograms.

Alshaharani said the woman did not carry any identification document. He did not mention the possible cause of the victim’s death, but said she may have been murdered because her face was intentionally disfigured beyond recognition.

The investigator said, however, that the woman’s fingerprints can still be used for the investigation.Some Filipinos who were living near the crime scene have reportedly been rounded up and questioned.

They were released after a few days.In Saudi Arabia, it is standard operating procedure for the police to detain for questioning anyone who may be linked to a crime. Suspects are sometimes held for days or weeks until they can prove their innocence.

Consul General Ezzedin Tago expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for asking the consulate for help. He said they will cooperate with the police so that the woman may immediately be identified.

Alshaharani encouraged Filipinos with relatives in Jeddah who may have suddenly gone missing in the past three weeks to get in touch with the Philippine Consulate.

The consulate may be reached at +966555219613 o +96626600348. Look for Vice Consul Lorenzo Jungco or Consul Leo Tito L. Ausan Jr. - Ronaldo Concha, with Kim Tan, GMANews.TV

June 5, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/164203/Help-sought-to-identify-Pinay-in-Saudi-morgue

Help sought to identify Pinay in Saudi morgue
06/05/2009 04:57 PM

HELP! The Philippine government is seeking the help of anyone who could identify this OFW whose remains are stuck in a morgue in Jeddah.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - The Philippine Consulate General is asking the public to help identify the remains of a Filipina stuck in a morgue in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Vice Consul Lorenzo Jungco, head of the consulate’s Assistance to Nationals Section, said the only information available was that the unidentified Filipina – whose cause of death was also unknown – was brought to the morgue of the King Fahd Hospital on May 19.

Jungco said the deceased OFW was labelled “Miss X" by the hospital due to the absence of documents that could identify her.“Nanawagan ang konsulado sa kung sino man ang nakakakilala sa namatay na kung maaari ay makipag-ugnayan sa Department of Foreign Affairs para ipagbigay alam ang identity nang namatay," he said.

[The consulate is asking anyone who may know the Filipina to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and inform us of her identity.]Unless the deceased OFW is identified, the body can’t be repatriated for proper burial, he said. - Ronaldo Concha, GMANews.TV

May 29, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/163467/Pinoys-mobilize-to-tidy-up-expats-favorite-gathering-place-in-Riyadh

Pinoys mobilize to tidy up expats’ favorite gathering place in Riyadh
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV05/29/2009 09:50 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Filipinos in Riyadh are mobilizing to clean up Al-Batha, a center in the Saudi capital that is a favorite gathering and shopping area for expatriates.Lowell Plameras, managing director of the project, said the cleanup drive is scheduled for June 5.

He said the idea of the drive came from his friends Alex Ignacio and Nomer Cuartero, who wanted to partake in the cleanup efforts of the Saudi government.“Masayang-masaya ang mga taga Islamic Center nang amin itong ipaalam dahil sa napakaganda ng layunin nito at sinabi din nila na ito ay kauna unahan na isinagawa ng ibang nasyonal," said Plameras drive.

[The Islamic Center was delighted after learning of our intentions. They said that no other nationalities ever attempted to do this.]Plamares invited all the Filipinos in the area to lend a hand.

“I am inviting our fellow Filipinos in Riyadh to partake in this momentous occasion. Let us help Saudi Arabia maintain its clean surroundings. As visitors in this country, it is our job to help them because we would be the ones to benefit from it in the end," he said.

The cleanup drive will be done in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy, Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Filipino organizations in Riyadh, Pinoy Supermarket Bakeshop and Restaurant, the Al-Batha Islamic Center, and Western Union.

“Nakakataba ng puso dahil agad na nagbigay ng suporta ang Western Union kaya mas lalong napadali at napabilis ang aming pagsisikap na maisakatuparan ito," said Plameras.

[We are grateful to Western Union for helping us push through with the event]Officials of the Philippine Embassy led by Ambassador Antonio Villamor and Labor Attache Resty Dela Fuente, of the Islamic Center, and of the Al-Malaza Municipality in Al-Batha are also expected to attend the drive. - With Kimberly Jane Tan, GMANews.TV

April 15, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/157162/Teenage-joyride-driver-kills-OFW-in-Jeddah

Teenage 'joyride driver' kills OFW in Jeddah
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV
04/15/2009 08:25 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - A 27-year-old Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia died after he was reportedly hit by a teenager on a “joyride."Consul Leo Tito Ausan Jr. said Ryan D. Fajardo was hit by a car while he was jogging along a street in Taif, a highland city in Saudi Arabia’s western region, at about 10 a.m. last Thursday.

Ausan said Fajardo and his companions were already on their way home when they encountered the joyrider.“Pagkasabi ng tatlo ay parang nag jo-joyriding itong suspek [The three said the suspect seemed to be on a ‘joyride’]," said Jun Arsenio, consulate coordinator at the Armed Forces Hospital in Taif.

He added that the three told him that they couldn’t avoid the vehicle when it started zigzagging toward them, even sending Fajardo flying when it hit him.After the accident, the vehicle reportedly immediately sped off. But the suspect was caught after a concerned citizen reportedly chased after him.

When he finally appeared in front of the authorities, he was accompanied by his father, revealing that he was actually still a minor.The victim was then brought to the hospital to be treated but was pronounced dead after two hours because of internal hemorrhage.

Arsenio said that according to the medical report, the victim’s hip got crushed by the impact while the connecting part of his bone at the waist and pelvic bone also got broken.But what saddened them most, said Philippine officials, was that the victim was still young and that he was supposed to go home to get married to his girlfriend.“Nahirapan nga akong ipaalam sa kanila ang nangyari sa kanya [It was very difficult to tell her]," said Arsenio.

Ausan said, however, that they are still waiting for a special power of attorney from Fajardo’s family that would allow them to represent them.“Nakikiramay po ang buong konsulado sa pamilya ni Fajardo, sa kanyang mga kaibigan at kasamahan sa trabaho. Sisikapin po natin na maibigay ang hustisya sa kanya," he said. [The consulate is sympathizing with the family, friends, and workmates of Fajardo. We will do anything in our power to bring justice to his death]He said he has already tasked Egay Pascua, consulate coordinator in Taif, to search all precincts and check if the suspect is still in jail or has already been released.

This incident, in turn, prompted the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah to issue a warning to all Filipinos to be careful while walking on the streets.“Nananawagan din po ako sa ating mga kababayan na maging alerto at maingat pag kayo ay nasa labas para maiwasan ang sakuna [I am calling on all Filipinos to be alert and careful to avoid any untoward incident]," said Ausan. - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

April 14, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/156950/RP-post-in-Jeddah-ready-for-OAV-registration


RP post in Jeddah ready for OAV registration
RONALDO Z. CONCHA, GMANews.TV
04/14/2009 05:22 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah is set to conduct its first mobile registration for overseas absentee voting (OAV) in Saudi Arabia.

Consul Leo Tito Ausan, OAV head in the Western Region, said that his team will first conduct the mobile registration in the mountain city of Taif, an hour-and-a-half ride away from Jeddah.

He said the consulate has opted to hold mobile registrations because many Filipinos in far-flung places do not have the time and means to go to the consulate and register.

Ausan said he has coordinated with Filipino community leaders in Taif to help Filipinos register and become eligible voters in the 2010 Philippine elections.“Masaya ako at tuloy-tuloy na ito [I’m happy that this is finally happening]," he said.The OAV registration in Taif will be conducted on April 30 and May 1, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Al Shorouq International School. Ausan said almost 300 Filipinos have registered at the consulate since February.

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, which has jurisdiction over the central and eastern regions of the kingdom, is said to be also working on proposals for out-of-town registrations, especially in the cities of Alkhobar, Dammam, Jubail and in Qassim province. - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

April 9, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/156311/Pinoy-group-in-Jeddah-donate-school-supplies-to-poor-kids

Pinoy group in Jeddah donate school supplies to poor kids
RONALDO Z. CONCHA, GMANews.TV04/09/2009 03:09 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - A Filipino group donated a variety of school supplies to underprivileged kids in Jeddah last Friday.The Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (GBI) Desert Mover Chapter in Jeddah made the donation during the opening of their first GBI - SAPTCO basketball league at the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) Accommodation in Riyadh.

Tournament commissioner Eric Delos Reyes said that aside from “promoting camaraderie and friendship," their group organized the basketball tournament to help the less fortunate children.

The beneficiaries have not been identified yet.“It's time to lend our hand to the needy and our group is ready. This will just be the start," said Elmer Flores, president and founder of GBI Desert Mover.Delos Reyes said the group will give another donation at the end of the tournament. He, in turn, appealed to the participants to support their project and give their donations through any GBI official.

Fifteen teams from different companies and community groups participated in the tournament, specifically the Saudi Signs, Fesco, Saptco, Al Shatei, Dream Team, Jeddah Nights, Mahmoud Gharib, Advance, Islamic (Al-Hamra), GBI Desert Mover Chapter, GII, GRII, Jeddah Crusher, Peacemaker, and Jawharet. Adel delos Reyes, Joven Batuhan, Bro. France, and Mr. Solaiman from Telemoney provided gifts for the event. - with Kim Tan, GMANews.TV <

April 7, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/156021/OAV-registration-in-Saudi-Arabia-now-held-daily


OAV registration in Saudi Arabia now held daily
04/07/2009 06:13 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - The registration for Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) in Saudi Arabia is now being held daily.Under the mandate of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), OAV registration is supposed to be conducted for only five days every week.

However, Filipinos in Saudi Arabia have found it difficult to work with this schedule because most of them work six days a week.This, Philippine Consul General Tago said, prompted them to hold the registration daily starting April 3.“We extended the timing of the OAV registration to increase the number of OAV registrants in Saudi Arabia," he said.

The official said overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Saudi Arabia may now register at the consulate everyday anytime between 8:30 in the morning and 4:30 in the afternoon.“[I hope] extending the OAV registration til Friday, when majority of Filexpats are having their days-off from work, will eventually result into a dramatic increase in the number of registrants," he said.

However, Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Antonio Villamor said that up to now, they are still using one data capturing machine which makes it difficult for them to register large numbers of applicants at once.He also said that they have been encountering some restrictions being imposed by the Comelec, just like when they were conducting operations in Yemen.

“They approved our request to conduct the field registration in Yemen but in a condition that we have to get at least 200 assured registrants [which] I think is impossible," he said, preventing them to go through with the registration.

Consul General Tago said they have already placed a manned OAV data capturing machine right next to machine-readable passport biometrics capturing equipment at its Consular Section for passport applicants who also want to register.

As of April 3, the turnout for OAV registrants has reached 39,985 – with Asia and the Pacific topping the list with 10,381, followed by America with 10, 208, and Europe with 6,101.On the other hand, the Middle East and Africa placed fourth with 4,242 registered registrants, while the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration in Manila reported 3,299 and 5,754, respectively. - Ronaldo Concha, GMANews.TV

March 26, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154389/Pinoys-in-KSA-asked-to-register-for-OAV-set-example-for-other-OFWs

Pinoys in KSA asked to register for OAV, set example for other OFWs
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV03/26/2009 07:15 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – With just around 700 signing up for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) exercise since registration opened on Feb. 1 in Saudi Arabia, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah has appealed anew to members of the Filipino community who have yet to register to avoid the last-minute rush.

"We are now open the whole day every Thursday to give chance to our kababayan to register," said Consul General Ezzedin Tago in Jeddah, referring to the extension of registration hours to accommodate workers during their off-days.

Most Filipinos in Saudi Arabia work the whole day from Saturdays to Wednesdays and half day on Thursdays.As of March 23, only 192 Filipinos have registered in Jeddah and 494 in the capital city of Riyadh.

Despite the low turnout, Tago said he was optimistic that the figures would improve in the coming months, just like in the past. Community groups in the kingdom say one of the main reasons for the low turnout is the lack of information on the OAV registration.

United OFW founding chairman Frank Naval said the embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah must make an outreach campaign because not all of OFWs have access to the Internet and newspapers.

Naval also said another problem of those in places away from Riyadh and Jeddah is the transport system. Even those in Riyadh find it difficult to go to the Philippine Embassy, which is located at the Diplomatic Quarters.Naval suggested that OAV registrations be held in commercial places such as remittance centers.

In Riyadh, Vice Consul Roussel Reyes said local authorities have granted permission for the embassy to conduct mobile registrations starting on Friday, March 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the International Philippine School-Riyadh (IPSR).

Other Filipino community groups in Jeddah such as the Filipino Volleyball League - Jeddah also expressed support to the consulate in disseminating the ongoing OAV registrationThe registration will run until the last day of August 2009. - GMANews.TV

March 19, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153417/OFW-in-Jeddah-opens-news-business-amid-crisis

OFW in Jeddah opens news business amid crisis
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV03/19/2009 05:54 PM

JEDDAH, Philippines - Despite a recession-hit market, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Jeddah has dared to open up new businesses in the kingdom that cater to the Filipino taste.

Ronald Mangua, a Filipino accountant and businessman, opened the Lapaz Bakery and Grocery last week to serve Filipinos who missed the taste of Philippine fruits and other Filipino products.

He said one of the main reasons why he opened a new business was because he wanted to inspire Filipinos to venture into businesses and to always use their skills and talents. “In the midst of the global economic crisis, we must grab any business opportunity and we have to be optimistic because there is always bright future for us. Let’s get inspired and inspire others," he said.

Philippine Consul General Ezeddin Tago, who inaugurated the new grocery, said the new business venture “brings honor and pride to Filipinos."“It’s a piece of home here in Jeddah. It shows how Philippine entrepreneurship is able to reach not only our region but also Saudi Arabia. I hope for the all success in all their endeavors, congratulations," he said.

The customers, mostly OFWs, were reportedly surprised to see that the products being sold at the grocery were the ones that used to be available only in the Philippines.Fruits like durian, mangoes, babana, lanzones, and calamansi were available on the stand.

Willie, chief baker of the newly opened bakeshop, said one of their come-ons are Filipino foods like pandesal and bibingka.“At least we can give our best to satisfy our customers, not only fellow Filipinos but the other nationalities.

We showcase Filipino bread that we can be proud of," he said.“We feel at home when we have products here in Saudi Arabia. Aside from that, we help our economy by regularly patronizing it. We should be proud of it," added Mangua.

Aside from the bakeshop and grocery, Mangua also owns a restaurant called “Lapaz Batchoy" which serves exotic Filipino dishes.Just recently, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and his party enjoyed a meal at the restaurant during their visit to Jeddah. Mangua, a native of Romblon, is an active community leader who helps less fortunate OFWs. - With Kimberly Jane Tan, GMANews.TV

March 18, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153227/Bodies-of-2-more-Pinoy-nurses-expected-to-arrive-from-Jeddah

Bodies of 2 more Pinoy nurses expected to arrive from Jeddah
03/18/2009 05:06 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - The bodies of the two remaining Filipino nurses who died in a car crash in Saudi Arabia last January are expected arrive in the Philippines late Wednesday.

More than two months after their death, the bodies of Filipino nurses Nancy Cadis Brion and Gemma Macaraeg Teodora will finally be sent home on Wednesday on board Saudi Airlines Flight SV 868.

The bodies of their two other companions, Rosely Laceda and Cecille Detorio, were repatriated on Tuesday afternoon via Qatar Airways flight QR 646.On Jan. 16, the four nurses died after the driver of their service van lost control of the vehicle when one of its tires exploded and collided with another speeding vehicle in Taif, a mountain city in western Saudi Arabia.

The four were working in a private dental clinic in Al Baha, another mountain city four hours ride away from the holy city of Mecca.The Philippine Consulate General said that one of the reasons why it took so long to repatriate the bodies of the nurses was that the investigations were still ongoing about the accident – where one Saudi national also died.

The four Filipino nurses are just a few of the overseas Filipino workers who died in road accidents in Saudi Arabia last January. One died in Jubail. Another was killed between Medina and Qassim. - Ronaldo Concha and Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

March 13, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152635/58-distressed-OFWs-repatriated-from-Jeddah-in-first-2-months-of-2009

58 distressed OFWs repatriated from Jeddah in first 2 months of 2009
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV03/13/2009 06:05 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Officials of the Philippine mission in Jeddah said that it has been a good start for 2009 as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the consulate’s Assistance to National Section (ANS) sent home 58 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFW) just for the first two months of the year.

Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo said most of the workers whom they sent home were domestic helpers who ran away from their employers because of unpaid wages.He said that they succeeded in obtaining exit visas for the workers concerned and even got their compensation for them, adding that it was all due to the support from all the departments in the consulate led by Consul General Ezzedin Tago.

Two of the workers that the Philippine mission sent home were Judy and Munera – both of whom were brought to the consulate because they were perceived to be mentally ill. Judy went home last January and Munera in February.

Several other domestic helpers were reportedly sick with cancer and were bedridden, but, despite their situation, still had the strength to run away from their employers and ask help from Philippine officials.

Aside from them, some Filipino family drivers who left their employers and preferred to seek employment in the Philippines once more were also sent home.There are currently 40 Filipino workers at the care of OWWA while their individual cases are being resolved – one of whom is an old diabetic sewer who recently got his foot cut off.

The number of runaway OFWs are seeking help from the consulate in Jeddah appears to be endless.“Importante lang dito ay ang tulungan sa pagitan ng mga distressed at ng ating mga opisyal para sa mabilisang pagresolba ng kanilang mga kaso at walang sawang pagbibigay ng serbisyo na sya naming sinisikap na maisakatuparan dito sa konsulado," said Pablo.

[What’s important is the cooperation between the distressed and the Philippine officials so that cases may be resolved right away and the kind of service that the consulate is trying to offer]He said that Filipino workers abroad must not forget that they can always ask the Philippine posts for help.“Dapat maisa-isip palagi ng ating mga kababayan dito na agad silang dumiretso ng konsulado sakaling tumakas sila sa kanilang mga amo para maiwasan ang mas malaking problema," said Pablo.[They should always ask the consulate first for help every time they run away from their employers so that bigger problems can be avoided] - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

March 10, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152102/Group-donates-goods-to-distressed-OFWs-in-Jeddah

Group donates goods to distressed OFWs in Jeddah
03/10/2009 04:26 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - An association of Filipino Muslims on Thursday donated canned goods, noodles, and personal items to more than 40 distressed Filipino workers in Jeddah.

The United Maguindanaoan Expatriates Association (UMEA) made the donation after visiting the stranded workers at the shelter run by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) inside the Philippine Consulate General compound in Jeddah on Thursday.

Most of the workers – who are domestic helpers who reportedly ran away from abusive employers – were thankful to the group for the donations that they received.“’Wag sana kayong magsawang magbigay sa amin [I hope you will not get tired of helping us]," said Jennebel Cuaresma who spoke for the distressed workers.

Administrative officer Camillo Mendiola also thanked the group for their “unselfish effort" in providing assistance to the distressed.Likewise, UMEA thanked the OWWA officials for taking care of the stranded workers and once again appealed to the Filipino community not to stop giving assistance to them.

“We are thankful that our fellow Filipino community groups are always here to assist the distressed but continuing assistance within our capacity is still needed. This is the only way we can help our less fortunate kababayans here in the consulate especially that we are all experiencing financial difficulties," a UMEA officials was quoted as saying.

UMEA was organized in 1998 to promote camaraderie among Christian and Muslim Filipinos in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia by holding sports competitions to raise funds for distressed Filipino workers and promote awareness of Islam.

It has also organized three cooperatives actively engaged in businesses such as the Soccsargen overseas Filipino worker Maguindanaoan Cooperative, Buluan Sultan Kudarat Multipurpose Cooperative, and the Talayan OFW Multi-purpose Cooperative.

Among the proposed programs of UMEA this year are a computer literacy seminar, the construction of UMEA Mosque in Cotabato City, donation for Ramadan Iftar 2009, and the food distribution for the coming 2009 Hajis.

UMEA’s leaders include Omar “Joemar" Baganian, president; Ismael “Mike" Aliudin, vice president for Internal Affairs; Engr. Guiamalon “Jams" Umal, vice president for external affairs; Engr. Suharto Utto, secretary-general; Rami Adim, treasurer/finance officer; Omar Nassef Bakong, Auditor;Jaime Sukkor, business manager; Abedin Gunao, press relations officer (PRO); Salem Mangatong, sgt. at arms; Sammy Abdullah, Macabenta “Bert" Marmaya, Ustadz Nasser Kulod, Ustadz Ibrahim Ginomla, Engr. Taoufik Biweang and Mangompia “Manny" Ulak, religious affair and Camansa “Rams" Gunao, adviser. - Ronaldo Concha and Kimberly Jane Tan, GMANews.TV

March 10, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152079/Cancer-stricken-Pinay-repatriated-from-Jeddah

Cancer-stricken Pinay repatriated from Jeddah
RONALDO Z. CONCHA, GMANews.TV03/10/2009 02:40 PM

MANILA, Philippines - A 32-year-old former domestic helper who had been bedridden for the past seven months at a hospital in Jeddah will finally be reunited with her two children in the Philippines.Aida Salud Manapad boarded a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight on Monday on a stretcher and arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila on Tuesday morning, accompanied by officials of the Philippine Consulate General.

She was then fetched by representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), who then brought her to an undisclosed hospital in Manila. Before leaving Saudi Arabia, the Filipino worker told the story of her experience in Jeddah before being bedridden with cancer.

Manapad said that she had previously been operated on in the chest even before she left for abroad.“Pinilit kong umalis sa kabila ng karamdaman ko pero wala akong magagawa sa hirap ng buhay. Kailangan kong maitaguyod ang aking pamilya [I tried to leave despite my condition but I had no choice, I had to work for my family]," she said.

She said she arrived in Jeddah on August 21, 2005 and worked for almost a year and half as a domestic helper before running away from her employer, who she said was cruel to her.“Kami ang bumibili ng aming mga pagkain at ibang gastusin, tama po ba yun? [We are the ones who buy our food and pay for other expenses, is that right?]" she said.

After a few months since she ran away, she felt particular pain on her feet and could not even walk, prompting her to finally ask help from the consulate.She was then taken to a hospital for treatment by the Assistance to National Section of the consulate led by Vice Consul Lorenzo Jungco.

For almost seven months, Manapad stayed at the government-run King Fahd Hospital for treatment, while the Philippine Consulate tried to contact her former employer who cooperated upon learning of Manapad’s condition by giving her an exit visa.Based on the medical report, Manapad had terminal breast cancer.“Tanggap ko na ang aking kalagayan Alhamdulilah [I accept my condition, praise God]," said the Filipina, a native of the town of Dimatalin in Zamboanga del Sur province in the southern Philippines.

Manapad said that she wanted to spend her remaining time with her mother and two children — an 11-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl. She said she has been separated from her husband.Through GMANews.TV, she thanked the people who took care of her while she was confined in hospital..

“Hindi ko po malilimutan ang walang-sawang pagtulong sa akin ng lahat lalo na ng mga taga ANS nang konsulada at si Miss Elsa Masa. Salamat po nang marami sa buong konsulado [I will never forget your help, especially those from the Assistance to National section and Miss Elsa Masa. Thank you very much to the whole consulate]," she said. - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

Friday, March 13, 2009

March 4, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151313/Group-seeks-wider-participation-in-the-OAV-among-OFWs

Group seeks wider participation in the OAV among OFWs
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV03/04/2009 02:30 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – A migrant group on Wednesday urged Filipinos in Saudi Arabia who have yet to register for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) exercise to sign up now and help select the country’s next leaders in the 2010 elections.

Migrante-KSA batted for wider participation by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as it cited the efforts of the Philippine missions in the kingdom to accommodate more registrants.In response to the request of the community to use the weekend for OAV registration, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah extended the registration period until Thursdays from 8:30 am to 12 noon starting March 1 The weekend registration is meant to allow OFWs living in far places to come and register.

A.M. Ociones, chairperson of Migrante KSA, said it is incumbent upon OFWs who have yet to register to reciprocate the positive response of the Philippine missions.Despite the new schedule, Migrante-KSA asked that the extension be further widened to Thursday afternoons and possibly on Fridays because the new weekend schedule would still jibe with existing working hours and it is only limited in Jeddah or in Riyadh and Alkhobar.

Vice Consul Roussel Reyes, the chairperson of the OAV Committee in Riyadh, said in a telephone interview that the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh is now finalizing the security arrangements with the Diplomatic Police to allow for weekend registrations for Filipinos. Reyes said they will start to extend the registration of OAV of up to Thursday from 8:30 to 12 noon once they get the clearance.

Awareness campaignOciones said Migrante-KSA will conduct aninformation drive among community members by holding discussions on the subject, using a Primer on the Absentee Voting Law they prepared. He said efforts should be made to “widen the awareness of OFWs and encourage the widest possible participation."

The group will also request that more data-capturing machines from the Commission on Election head office in Manila be made available for Saudi Arabia so that mobile registration campaigns would be conducted in different cities. Under the present setup, registration could be done only at the embassy in Riyadh or the consulate general in Jeddah.

Tens of thousands of Filipino workers are dispersed in Saudi Arabia’s vast territory, making it impossible for many of them to visit Jeddah or Riyadh just to register.Migrante also suggested that for companies with high concentration of Filipinos especially in industrial zones, and cities near the registration centers, OFWs should request their employers to set a certain time or day for them to be able to register and to allow them the use of service vehicles.

“It would only take one OFW to take the initiative of preparing the letter and lead the others," Ociones explained. “The OAV Secretariat should also take action by sending request letters to the Personnel Department of companies known as concentration of Filipino workers."

He said many OFWs have done this in the past registration and election exercises.Mobile registrationFor those staying far from the registration centers, Migrante also urged Filipino organizations in various cities to send letters addressed to the Comelec Head Office in the Manila to request for mobile registration.

Vice Consul Reyes admitted that the major obstacle in mobile registration at this point is the lack of data-capturing machines. According to him, at present they only have one machine available."We already requested additional data-capturing machines to the Comelec and they are already in the process of procurement," he said.

Reyes said the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs already approved the holding of mobile registration in Philippine Schools. According to him they already submitted the list of all the Philippine schools in Riyadh and they are just waiting for the MFAs reply if they will allow use of all the Philippine schools or they will just give the selected schools to be used for mobile registrations.Ociones said each OFW should consider participating in Philippine elections a matter of priority so that overseas Filipinos could make a difference.

“Overseas Filipinos have been very vocal about corruption and the political goings-on in the home front, and absentee voting must therefore be seen by our kababayans as the proper venue to vent it all out," noted Ociones.

In line with this, Migrante also called on the various organizations in the kingdom to assist by conducting workshops and education drive among the Filipino community, to "rekindle the interest of OFWs on the constitutionally mandated absentee voting rights the Filipino community worked hard for." - GMANews.TV


Saturday, February 28, 2009

February 28, 2009

http://www9.gmanews.tv/story/150817/Dialogue-gives-distressed-OFWs-in-Jeddah-a-glimpse-of-what-caused-their-ordeal

Dialogue gives distressed OFWs in Jeddah a glimpse of what caused their ordeal
RONALDO CONCHA & KIMBERLY JANE T. TAN, GMANews.TV02/28/2009 06:24 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the recruitment sector on Friday warned aspiring overseas Filipino workers against the illegal practice of sending workers under a job order that is different from the post they would actually get.

OWWA officials and Philippine Association of Exporters Inc. (Pasei) president Victor E. Fernandez Jr. recently engaged distressed OFWs and representatives of community groups in Jeddah in a dialogue and discussed the problems that stranded domestic helpers are currently facing, specifically the phenomenon of the “repro" or the “reprocess."Fernandez explained that reprocessing means using a particular job order to recruit a worker but giving the worker a different job when in the work place. For instance, while many Filipino women are recruited as dressmakers or dishwashers, they will actually be made to work as domestic helpers.

After Fernandez explained the practice during the dialogue, many of the distressed OFWs said it seemed that they were “repro" victims.“Most of the stranded workers under our care right now are victims of reprocessing," Welfare Officer Nini Lanto said.

She said that the practice has to stop so that problems in deployment and the number of runaway workers will decrease.Lanto also reminded OWWA to fix this problem because the ones who suffer from this kind of practice are the workers.

On the other hand, the distressed OFWs also complained of the exorbitant fees charged by their agencies like the terminal fee, visa payment, and extra cash to speed up their applications.

In addition, they said their agency threatened them that they will have to pay P100,000 or else will be sent to jail if they do not finish their contracts.An insurance for OFWsMeanwhile, Fernandez told the workers that a welfare insurance for them has already been proposed to the House of Representatives and the Senate.Under it, workers will receive life and accident insurance, repatriation insurance, repatriation, burial claims, dismemberment insurance, at insurance for terrorist attacks, plus subsistence allowance of $100 or about P5,000 for those who file cases against their employer.

He said that workers do not need to pay anything because their agency will do it for them, making this proposed insurance a “win-win" situation.

“No cost for the government at no cost for the workers kami ang magbabayad nito para sa kapakanan ng manggagawa at pag naisabatas ito ay mapapakinabangan talaga ito ng ating mga OFWs," he said.[No cost for the government and no cost for the workers, we will pay for the welfare of the worker, OFWs will definitely benefit when this is passed into law]

OWWA membershipHe did, however, remind the workers not to forget to pay for their OWWA membership so that they will be able to avail of the agency’s services if ever they encounter any problem abroad. Fernandez added that it is the obligation of every worker to pay his or her contribution because this is also for their own good.

“Hindi natin dapat isipin na hindi natin kailangan yan dahil wala naman mangyayari sa atin, mali po yan dahil anumang oras ay pwedeng mangyari sa isang tao ang magkroon ng problema kaya dapat lang na maging handa tayo anumang oras," he said.[We shouldn’t dismiss these things right away, it’s wrong to think that nothing bad will happen, anytime anything can happen to a person so one should always be prepared]

Pre-employment seminarFernandez also took if only the government considers conducting pre-employment seminars (PEOS) rather than the least useful pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS), there could be fewer Filipino workers falling victim to illegal recruiters.He said a PEOS is also more useful because it could give jobseekers a better basis to make an intelligent decision on whether or not to work abroad.

“During the PDOS, a worker’s mind is already focused on leaving the country because by that time he or she has already spent a lot of time, effort and money applying for a job. In PEOS, a worker may intelligently back off from applying for a particular work place if he/she is informed of the risks involved," Fernandez explained.

Lanto also said that workers are usually “disempowered" after attending PDOS, because workers are only told what will happen to them if they do something wrong and not what their rights are.“Ang PDOS talaga is meant to inform the workers of their right [The PDOS is meant to inform the workers of their right]," she said.

She added that workers feel that they are alone and have no one to turn to when they arrive at their jobsites abroad.On the question of recruitment agencies policing their own ranks, Fernandez said Pasei can only plead with, convince or persuade its member agencies to abide by the law and to help protect the workers they recruit, but the organization cannot do anything about illegal recruitment practitioners who are not their members. - GMANews.TV

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

February 25, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/150383/Medical-mission-to-serve-distressed-Pinoys-in-Jeddah

Medical mission to serve distressed Pinoys in Jeddah
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV02/25/2009 07:58 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Distressed and stranded Filipino workers and their dependents are expected to benefit from a medical mission to be held on Friday (Feb. 27) at the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah.Organized by Forever Friends, a Filipino community group, in cooperation with Western Union, the mission will include the usual medical and dental services plus a free eye checkup and therapy.

The mission will be held from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Melvin Madrid, Forever Friends vice president, said at least 200 Filipino health professionals, including general practitioners, dentists, ophthalmologists, physical therapists, nurses, medical technologists and other allied health workers have volunteered their services for the mission.

The volunteers will come from Saudi Medical, El Maghraby Hospital, Abuzinada Hospital, King Faizal Specialist Hospital, Abdulatif Jameel Rehabilitation center and Bupa Middle East.Madrid said that volunteers will perform laboratory tests and sugar blood test, citing past missions showing that most patients sought consultation for diseases such as asthma, hypertension and diabetes. The recipients will also be given free medicines such as cough and cold medicaments as well as vitamins.

“The stranded OFWs are the primary consideration of this project. We want to show them that we care and share our blessings in whatever little way we can," Madrid said. This will be the second medical mission to be organized by Forever Friends, with the aim of help the less fortunate Filipinos in the Western Region, especially those who are not covered by medical insurance.

The first one was on July 25, 2008 during the groups' 13th year anniversary.Friday’s medical mission will be the final activity of the officers of Forever Friends for the year 2008-2009 headed by their Jojie Ramos Mahakijkampol, president; Melvin Madrid, vice president;Toting Chua, treasurer; Don Mata, auditor; and Dean Caňete, secretary.

Gold card members of Western Union will receive surprise gifts from their representatives. Western Union members were advised to bring their gold card to avail themselves of the surprise gifts. - GMANews.TV

February 24, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/150170/OFW-na-may-sakit-sa-pag-iisip-darating-sa-RP-mula-Jeddah

OFW na may sakit sa pag-iisip darating sa RP mula Jeddah
02/24/2009 04:45 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Pagkaraan ng mahigit isang taon na paghihintay, inaasahang darating na sa Pilipinas ngayong Martes ng hapon ang isang overseas Filipino worker (OFW) na nagkaroon ng sakit sa pag-iisip habang nagtatrabaho sa bansang ito.

Ang OFW na may inisyal na MBM, tubong Maguindanao ay sumakay ng Gulf Air nitong Lunes ng gabi, kasama si welfare officer Romualdo Exmundo. Si MBM ay isa lamang sa maraming distressed OFWs na nanunuluyan sa Filipino Workers Resource Center sa Saudi Arabia matapos tumakas sa kanilang mga amo.

Dahil sa kanyang kondisyon, hindi na umano maalala ni MBM ang pangalan ng kanyang anak at kung saang mga bansa siya nakapagtrabaho noon.Sa talaan ng Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), dinala si MBM sa Philippine Consulate sa Jeddah noong February 18, 2008.Ayon kay OWWA volunteer Jennebel Cuaresma, hindi na maayos ang pag-iisip ni MBM nang dalhin sa konsulado.

Ipinaliwanag naman ni Exmundo na natagalan ang pagproseso sa dokumento ni MBM para maiuwi siya dahil nahirapan silang tukuyin ang kanyang amo at ahensyang nagpadala sa kanya sa Jeddah.Sa pagtitiyaga, nagawang matukoy ng OWWA ang ahensya ni MBM ngunit isinara na ito. Sa kabila nito, nakuha naman ang rekord ng OFW sa Philippine Overseas Employment Administration kung saan napatunayan na legal itong nakapasok sa Saudi Arabia.

“Sa kabila ng nangyari ay pasalamat pa rin ako at nakipag cooperate din sa bandang huli ang employer (ni MBM). Ibinigay nya sa amin ang mga importanteng dokumento na hinihingi sa amin ng immigration kaya nakahinga ako doon," ayon sa opisyal.Sinabi naman ni Anang Ismael, isa sa mga OFW na kinakanlong center, na lubhang nakalulungkot ang sitwasyon ni MBM na dumating sa Saudi na normal ang kondisyon ngunit uuwi ngayon sa Pilipinas na may karamdaman.

“Si MBM ay biktima ng isang sirkumstansya kaya sya ay dinapuan ng ganyang karamdaman. Hindi naging maganda ang kanyang sinapit dito sa Gitnang Silangan dahil lamang sa hangaring matulungan at mabigyan ng kinabukasan ang kanyang pamilya," ayon kay Exmundo.

Idinadag ni Exmundo na mananatili muna sa kalinga ng OWWA sa Maynila si MBM hanggat hindi pa nakokontak ang kanyang pamilya sa Maguindanao. Si MBM ang ikaapat na OFWs na may sakit sa pag-iisip na naiuwi sa Pilipinas sa tulong ng OWWA mula noong Nobyembre 2008. - Ronaldo Concha, GMANews.TV

February 24, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/150150/Mentally-ill-OFW-in-Jeddah-returns-home-at-last

Mentally ill OFW in Jeddah returns home at last
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV02/24/2009 02:40 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - After waiting for one whole year, a mentally ill overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Jeddah has finally returned to the Philippines.

Monira Badam Mama, a Filipino domestic helper from Talayan, Maguindanao, went home on a flight via Gulf Air on Monday night and was set to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila on Tuesday afternoon with welfare officer Romualdo Exmundo.

Mama is one of the many distressed OFWs who have sought refuge at the shelter for distressed workers inside the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah.Because of her condition, she can’t even remember the name of her four-year-old son and to what countries she has previously worked.According to the records of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Mama was brought to the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah on February 18, 2008.

OWWA volunteer Jennebel Cuaresma said that Mama was already mentally unstable when they admitted her to the shelter, officially called the Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC).Exmundo said they couldn’t repatriate Mama right away because they had a hard time finding out who her employer was and which manpower agency deployed her.It was only after the domestic helper got a little better when OWWA officials were finally able to get the name of her agency.

They reportedly tried to coordinate with the agency but it would not answer their calls, after which they found out that the establishment had been suspended.They also checked Mama’s documents at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and proved that she entered Saudi Arabia legally.

Ther recruitment firm that deployed Mama reportedly sent an airplane ticket for the OFW’s repatriation but Exmundo refused to take itHe said that a higher OWWA official in Manila told him to only take the ticket if the agency would give information about Mama’s employer where she worked for three months.

“Sa kabila ng nangyari ay pasalamat pa rin ako at nakipag cooperate din sa bandang huli ang employer ni [Mama]. Ibinigay nya sa amin ang mga importanteng dokumento na hinihingi sa amin ng immigration kaya nakahinga ako don," he said.

[Despite everything that happened, I am thankful that Mama’s former employer cooperated with us. He/she also gave us all the important documents that the immigration was asking for, that’s why I was able to breathe a sigh of relief.]Anang Ismael, one of the runaways in the center, said it was really sad to think that OFWs like Mama arrive in the Kingdom normal but come home in a mentally unstable state.

“Si Monira ay biktima ng isang sirkumstansya kaya sya ay dinapuan ng ganyang karamdaman. Hindi naging maganda ang kanyang sinapit dito sa gitnang silangan dahil lamang sa hangaring matulungan at mabigyan ng kinabukasan ang kanyang pamilya," added Exmundo.[Mama was a victim of circumstance. In the desire to help her family, she experienced something unpleasant in the Middle East.]

Mama is to be brought to the main OWWA office in Manila upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and her family will be tracked down.She will then be brought to hospital for further treatment.

Exmundo thanked everyone who helped repatriate Mama, especially Saudi Arabia’s immigration and the doctors who previously tended to the distressed OFW.The OWWA has already sent home three mentally ill OFWs since November 2008. - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV