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

February 21, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/149807/Distressed-OFWs-in-Jeddah-get-surprise-gifts-from-birthday-celebrator

Distressed OFWs in Jeddah get surprise gifts from birthday celebrator
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV

02/21/2009 03:06 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Distressed OFWs currently staying inside the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah got a pleasant surprise recently when a concerned Filipina celebrated her birthday with them, it was learned on Saturday.

Welfare officer Romeo Pablo of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said the woman asked to celebrate her birthday with the distressed OFWs to share with them food and other personal gifts.

"As far as I remember it was the first time an overseas Filipino worker celebrated her birthday party with the less fortunate OFWs. Her style is different, not all people will celebrate a birthday like she did," Pablo said.

The celebrator, who requested not to be named, brought a variety of food and assorted goods, medicines and sacks of rice to more than 50 distressed OFWs staying in the OWWA’s Filipino Workers Resource Center inside the consulate’s compound.

Pablo said the celebrator also organized some parlor games, during which she gave cash prizes to the winners and she personally served food to the wards."Everybody was really happy with what she did. We are happy that there are people like her who are doing this to lift us in high spirits" said Jennebel, one of the distressed.

The celebrator told GMANews.TV that she is very happy when she shares her blessings and feel a sense of fulfillment when she can make people happy."Instead of throwing lavish party I decided to share my blessings to my less fortunate kababayan so I asked my friends to buy anything for the distressed instead of buying gifts for me.

I asked the caterer to prepare a variety of food and we went to the consulate and celebrated my birthday," she said."For me sharing our blessings is one of the important things to do. God has been good to me and I want to share his kindness with others" she said. - GMANews.TV

February 17, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/149143/Heart-ailments-top-cause-of-Pinoy-deaths-in-KSA

Heart ailments top cause of Pinoy deaths in KSA
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV02/17/2009 12:40 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Cardiac arrest is still the number one cause of death of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in western Saudi Arabia, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah has said.

Consul General Ezzedin Tago said a total of 154 Filipinos have died in the region last year alone, 85 or 55 percent of whom died of cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular illnesses.Consulate personnel said the figure could be more than double if other parts of Saudi Arabia were included.

Data for the entire kingdom were not immediately available but the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh usually reported far bigger numbers in previous years.The embassy covers the capital city as well as the Central and the Eastern regions, including the key cities of Dammam and Alkhobar.

With the latest statistics, Consul General Tago has urged Filipinos within his jurisdiction and other OFWs in the kingdom take extra care in their food intake and daily activities.

Medical Moreover, it advised OFWs to regularly monitor their health condition.“They must use their medical insurance, see the doctors regularly, they must monitor their health, we are not getting younger anymore so we have to take care of ourselves," he said.Aside from heart attack, the other causes of Filipino deaths recorded in the Kingdom are:• 18 or 11 percent in 2008 compared to 29 20 percent in 2007); stillborn babies (18); work-related (eight); other accidents (five); murder/homicide (four); and suicide (one).

Vice Consul Lorenzo Jungco, head of the consulate’s Assistance to Nationals Section, said he receives almost 13 reports of deaths per month. He said the highest number of deaths reported in one month is 17 and the lowest is 6.According to him, the month of March and October had 17 death cases each while April and December had 16 each. May had 15 cases of death, followed by November, 14; January, 13; , July and Augus, 11 each; June, 10; September eight; and February six.

“It is really sad on our part to see our countrymen returning home in coffins. Everyone must really listen to of the doctor’s advice," said Jungco. He said that of the total number of deaths last year, 126 were male and 28 are female.Jeddah was on the top list with 93 death cases, followed by Abha with 10 cases, Madinah, Tabuk, and Yanbu each with nine reported death cases.

Gizan reported six deaths, Al -Baha four; Taif and Rabigh had three each; Makkah and Najran each had two deaths; and Bisha, Khamis Mushayt, Qassim, Qilwa, Qunfuda and Shoqaiq had one each. Jungco said the bodies of 154 OFWs have been repatriated to the Philippines already. - with Kimberly Jane Tan, GMANews.TV

February 14, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/148797/Pinoy-group-in-Jeddah-gets-set-for-24th-computer-literacy-seminar

Pinoy group in Jeddah gets set for 24th computer literacy seminar
02/14/2009 11:13 AM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - The Overseas Filipino Workers Cooperative Council (OFWCC) is getting ready for its 24th Computer Literacy Seminar.

OFWCC outgoing chairman Atoy Esguerra said the seminar series, which will be held for eight Fridays, will open Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 5p.m."This short-course is designed for all OFWs who want to equip themselves with the current software applications using the Windows-based programs," Esguerra said.

As in previous seminars, the forthcoming series will train participants on basic computer usage and operation starting from the operating system Windows Vista, MS Office 2007 (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access and PowerPoint), Adobe Photoshop CS2, Basic Networking, and winding up with PC Hardware Assembly.

Esguerra said this project is a part of OFWCC's "continuing legacy to help fellow OFWs' in improving their skills."To keynote the opening ceremonies is Philippine Consul General Ezzedin Tago, who will also administer the oath to the council’s new set of officers.

The newly-elected officers are Rudy Castro (chairman), Bernie Gojo (vice chairman), Enrico Reyes (secretary), Jeffrey Ramos (treasurer), Manuel Zafra (auditor), and Peter Gonzales (PRO). Also to be installed are peace officers Joe Paduga, Jerry Padua and Ace Glen Garcia.

Founded in 1996, the OFWCC is a federation of cooperatives operating in western Saudi Arabia. It is accredited by the Cooperative Development Authority in the Philippines to promote, organize, and support cooperatives among Filipinos in the western region of the Kingdom.It is also the umbrella organization of all cooperatives and one among the many active community organizations in Jeddah.

In addition to computer literacy, it has been organizing entrepreneurship seminars and other skills enhancement programs for OFWs in line with the Philippine government's reintegration program.

Filipinos in Jeddah and nearby places who are interested to participate may contact the following: Rudy Castro (0503487069), Bernie Gojo (0508377108), Atoy Esguerra (055637126), Peter Gonzales (0509499785), Fred Castolome (0557927200), Rudy Carillo (0502443161), Many Zafra (0569321268) or Abdullah San Pedro (0507558236).Reservations may be e-mailed to ofwcc@yahoogroups.com. - Ronaldo Concha and Kimberly Jane Tan, GMANews.TV

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

February 12, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/148469/Pinoy-childrens-choir-in-Jeddah-wows-international-community

Pinoy children’s choir in Jeddah wows international community
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV02/12/2009 02:28 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Almost a thousand expatriates from America, Japan, France, India, Philippines, and other Arab nationals were blown away by the performance of a Filipino children’s choir in Jeddah on Friday night.

Sereneta – a choir of students aged 8 to 14 years old from different Filipino schools in the coastal city by the Red Sea – elicited a standing ovation during a benefit concert at the American International School of Jeddah on Friday.

“This group is a model organization as they uphold their noble cause and vision. They are an inspiration to the Filipino Community in the Philippines and here abroad," said the Philippine consul general in Jeddah, Ezzedin Tago, who had been present in many performances of Serenata.

Riyadh-based Philippine ambassador Antonio Villamor, said he did not regret attending the event.“The beauty of the show is not only for the good cause but mainly the children, with their young age, performed a world class show," he said.

Foreign diplomats among the audience were impressed with the three-hour concert titled “Serenata…with strings attached," directed by Kiel Erida, that interpreted a variety of songs, including modern and traditional English, Filipino, and other foreign songs.

US Consul General Martin Quinn said that he enjoyed every minute of the show, adding that it was “a wonderful performance."“If I [knew] that it was a splendid performance I've should have told everybody I know to come tonight. it was so good to see the talented children and their talented teacher giving a performance like this one and it makes me homesick in a way to see this wonderful performance tonight, thank you for inviting me," he said.

Japanese Consul General Toshimitsu Ishugure said that even though it was the first time he saw the choir perform, “I can honestly say that the Filipino community has a great asset in its children."“The show was wonderful," he added.

Dr. Mark English, superintendent of American International School of Jeddah, said he “thoroughly enjoyed the show."“I am looking forward to the coming year and hopefully we can do it year after year to support this worthy cause," he said.

The choir started the show with their rendition of “Something’s Coming Tonight" from the Westside Story, after which it brought the audience back to the past by singing songs from the 70’s and 80’s like “Let It Be Me," “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again," “Build Me Up, Buttercup," and “Mamma Mia." Intermission numbers were also performed by Liza Torico and Adel Tanamor by playing the songs “Someone to Watch Over Me" and “Nessun Dorma" (No One Sleeps) on the flute and piano.

Serenata did not forget to include classic Filipino songs like “Nais Ko," “Paraiso," “Anak," and “Liman-Dipang Tao." Meanwhile, the Serenata String Chamber Orchestra (SSCO) rendered mellow songs such as “Feelings," “Love Me Tender", “Kailangan Kita," “Singin’ in the Rain," and Filipino folksongs “Manang Biday," “Ili-ili Tulog Anay," and “ Bayan Ko" in the last parts of the concert.

For their final number, Serenata sang Barry Manilow’s “One Voice," wowing the audience even more.Charo Hipos, chairman of the group, also said that the group has yet to showcase its full potential yet.“For those who wanted to see more about Serenata, while the Lord [continues] to guide and bless us, the best of Serenata is yet to come," she said.

Sylvia Delos Santos, musical director of Serenata Children Choir and Serenata String Chamber Orchestra, expressed her gratitude to all the Serenata family, sponsors, and guests who attended the benefit concert. “I was so blessed for having talented members of the group.

The Lord has been so good to us, and we at the same time, reciprocate his goodness by giving to the needy, with the voices and talents of the kids as God’s instrument," she said.

The parents of the members of Serenata also said that they were very proud that their children are part of a group that explores and hones their talents and at the same time extends assistance to the needy in the Philippines.

The beneficiaries of the concert in the Philippines are Cristel Nicolas from Marikina Science Highschool in Marikina City, Rotsen Jay Medina and Radzma I. Abdulhalim from Zamboanga City Highschool in Zamboanga City, and Jamera Libron from Emar Learning Center in Davao City.The proceeds will reportedly be used to pay for the college education of the four children mentioned.

Serenata is a non-stock, non-profit, cause-oriented organization in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia founded in 2005 through the pioneering efforts of Sylvia delos Santos, Desil Manapat, and Louis Bautista.It consists of a working committee, an artist committee, a String Chamber Orchestra and a Choral group composed of 45 children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

The 2008-2009 Choir members of Serenata are Anthony R. Ogden, David Savio S. delos Santos, Dwight D. Jarina, Eijan Aaron Dungo, Eunise Dominique Alvarina, Fern Roshan D. Castro, Geneva Adrienne P. Rabang, Geraldine A. Valle, John Yves B. Santos, Kristine Jade Manalo;Ma. Katrina La Treece R. Tabbu, Maribelle Katrin P.Zuyco, Micah Abigail D. Jarina, Miguel Adrian S. delos Santos, Paula Christine G. Reyes, Pauline Ingrid de Silva, Raphael Louis Y. Hipos, Ronalaine Elaine R. Crisostomo and Sheena Loran O. Calvento; Allyana Marie P. Exevea, Dareen Ali Maula, Ariane Justine Roldan, Francine Jalac, Giane, KlaireDubozet, Julia Wyna C. Daluz, Khailah May P. Solis, Kim Lizette S. Gonzaga, Kristine Bernadette P. Solis, Krizzia Marie P. Exevea, Lea P. Perez, Ma. Angelica N. Sapno;Maegan Jasmin A. Cruz, Melhanie Angely S. Mandap, Rica Joy G. Tang and Winona Marie T. Flores.Anna Yasmine E. Bautista, Liza M. Torrico and Marie Dominique E. Bautista Majdolene Kamal Abu Alfaraj, and Mayan Kamal Abu Alfaraj.

The members of the Artistic Committee are Sylvia delos Santos (Musical Director), Reneegrace "Gigi" Villarosa-Divina (Dance Associate), Ahjid Sayas (Voice Associate) while the members of the Working Committee are Louis Bautista, Charo Hipos, Ardel Hipos, Chato Bautista, Teddy delos Santos, Donna Rico, Kiel Erida, Willie Flores, Alfonso Chacon, Chito Divina, Charles Tabbu, Lolit Cua, Joe Gotuato, Joy Gutuato, Apolinar Gusi, Elmer Rico, Juliet Sayas, and Sonny Duque. The show’s sponsors were Western Union, Pinehill Arabia food limited (Toya Instant Noodles), LapazBatchoy, Philippine Sunrise International School, Sky Freight, and the American International School in Jeddah. - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

February 11, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/148280/No-amnesty-in-KSA-for-overstaying-Pinoys-says-consulate

No amnesty in KSA for overstaying Pinoys, says consulate
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV02/11/2009 03:04 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Attention, all stranded or distressed Filipinos in Saudi Arabia who wish to go back to the Philippines: Don’t take the so-called “Jeddah backdoor exit" because it no longer exists and the host government currently has no amnesty offer for overstayers.

This warning comes from the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, which expressed alarm that the number of Filipinos congregating under an overpass in Jeddah in hopes of being deported is again reportedly increasing.

"The rumors are baseless and untrue and it was just being spread by unscrupulous individuals who would like to take advantage of innocent and distressed overstaying Filipino expatriates, who in their eagerness to go back to the Philippines in any way whatsoever including the so called backdoor which is actually nonexistent are ready to part with their hard-earned money," Consul General Ezzedin Tago said in a press statement.

Tago also asked leaders of responsible Filipino community groups all over the kingdom to warn their members against being taken in by syndicates who entice stranded or distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to go to Jeddah.

Jeddah’s Khandara overpass has become a magnet for expatriate workers seeking to return to their countries because immigration authorities often round them up and deport them at the Saudi government’s expense.Expatriate workers who have either ran afoul with Saudi laws or who escaped from their employers also flock to the overpass.

Tago, however, said the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noticed such practice and is bent on plugging the loophole.He also warned Filipino Muslims on Umrah visit who plan to overstay to think twice.“Overstaying is a violation of the Kingdom’s immigration rules on entry and residency.

Those who have absconded from their sponsors have also violated Saudi laws. If overstaying expatriates will be caught by the authorities, they will be apprehended, detained, processed accordingly and, eventually, deported," he said.

For runaway workers who intend to take advantage of the usual amnesty for umrah overstayers, Tago said it’s no longer that easy.

He said they can only be allowed to leave the kingdom and be deported if their personal and also their employers obligation have been settled and their biometrics have been taken, thus their sponsor/employer will allow them to exit.

He said those who pass through the Khandara overpass will suffer temporarily from detention in a deportation facility where conditions are not favorable and could take weeks or months depending on circumstances of their situation and the readiness and willingness of their employer/sponsor to cooperate.

Tago further warned them not to deal with people not connected with the consulate or who use fictitious name and claiming to be another nationality or claiming to be a hajj or umrah visa holder to cover up one's being an absconding worker can make the process any shorter and easier.

He said it could further worsen the situation and extend the process, particularly, the detention due to the need for police authorities to conduct an investigation on the real identity and circumstances of a possible deportee.

He said this practice exposes those individuals to investigations, resulting in prolonged detention while the authorities ascertain their true identities.

"I advise our overstaying kabayans in the Western Region under the consulate’s jurisdiction to seek the direct assistance of the consulate or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, which shall be glad to lend a hand as you undergo the legal process of deportation," Tago said.

To avoid aggravating one’s problems, he also remind stranded OFWs and overstayers alike to cooperate by revealing their true identity and the circumstances of their overstay in the Kingdom, presenting their passport and/or iqama; and sharing their employer’s/sponsor’s circumstances and contact particulars so that their legal deportation could possibly be expedited. - GMANews.tv

Thursday, February 12, 2009

February 7, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/147769/Migrant-group-seeks-7-House-seats-for-OFWs

Migrant group seeks 7 House seats for OFWs
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV02/07/2009 01:21 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - A migrant workers’ group is seeking seven seats for overseas Filipinos in the Philippine House of Representatives, one seat for each continent.

The proposal was one of many contained in a position paper submitted by the group called United OFW to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when she dropped by Riyadh in Saudi Arabia last Monday.Mrs. Arroyo passed by Riyadh after attending the global economic forum in Davos, Switzerland.

From Saudi Arabia, she visited Bahrain before dropping by Italy on her way to Washington D.C. to attend a Breakfast Forum.According to the proposal submitted by the group United OFW, overseas Filipinos ought to be represented in Congress considering their big number and their contributions to the Philippine economy.

Overseas Filipinos, estimated to have exceeded 9 million, is about a tenth of the Philippine population. Their remittances, placed last year at about $15 billion, has been acknowledged to have kept the Philippine economy afloat through the years. United OFW said the only avenue given to Filipino expatriates in the House of Representatives is the Party-list Law but that even this law does not allow OFWs and organizations based abroad to be represented.

As such, they want the House of Senate and Representatives to urgently enact a law creating seven seats in Congress for OFWs representing the seven continents of the world.The group suggested that OFWs be allowed to vote and be voted as "Overseas Continental Representatives" based on either the number of OFWs or the number of OAV registered voters in their respective continents.

These seven representatives, the group said, can "deliver innovative ideas, [a] variety of cultural traits, proven economic trade secrets, and…best effective foreign policies for legislation.

"United OFW also said that it would like the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), through orders from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and Employment, to "fully utilize" the resources of the embassy and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) during the OAV campaign and election.

In addition, the group suggested that the possibility of proxy voting by authorized representatives in the Philippines be considered as an option in the Overseas Absentee Voting Law.

Distribution of diplomat privilegesThe group asked that OFWs be given the same privilege as Philippine diplomats, notably in terms of acquiring private properties such as cars abroad and being able to take them home to the Philippines tax-free.United OFW said such a privilege would effectively "enhance the status of [OFWs] after their long years of service aboard."Philippine officials have previously rejected this proposal, saying it would just open the floodgates to car smuggling.

United OFW also asked the Philippine government to make representations with the Saudi Shoura Council to allow Filipino banks and universities to operate in the kingdom under the management of OFWs."Augmenting" gov't labor officesAlso suggested by the group was the establishment of the "OFW International Foundation" – which would be owned by OFWs – that would "augment the government agencies concern for the plight and welfare of the overseas workers such as the Philippine Embassy’s/Consulate's Assistance to Nationals Unit, POLO, and OWWA offices."

The migrant group also asked for additional staff at POLOs, especially Saudi lawyers who can handle the cases of OFWs, adding that most of their cases "are not properly represented in the Saudi Court because of their incapacity to hire Saudi lawyers."Moreover, they want the locally hired employees of the Philippine Embassy and POLO "to be made official."

More financial supportMeanwhile, United OFW also wants OFWs to be "empowered economically" and that the government, through an OFW international Bank, grant business loans to them not only in the Philippines but also abroad.

According to them, there are OFWs who venture into business opportunities abroad and have no other choice but to avail the services of usurpers.In addition, the group wants the government to subsidize or establish "Philippine International Public Schools" abroad because the tuition of the privately owned international schools in Saudi Arabia is reportedly very expensive.

Frank Naval, Chairman of the board of trustees of the United OFW, said he is hoping that the President would consider their proposals that would "empower the OFWs.""This is the right time that the OFWs must be heard. We are the one affected so we must participate," he said. - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

February 10, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/148157/Distressed-OFW-in-Jeddah-dies-of-lung-cancer

Distressed OFW in Jeddah dies of lung cancer
RONALDO CONCHA,

GMANews.TV02/10/2009 07:44 PM

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – A distressed Filipino domestic helper who sought refuge at the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah has died of lung cancer, an official of the Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (OWWA) said.

Dr. Romualdo Exmundo, a welfare officer at the OWWA-run shelter for distressed OFWs at the consulate, identified the deceased OFW as Belen M. Mirador, a 54-year-old resident of Barangay Binabaan in Lambunao, Iloilo province.

Exmundo said Mirador died of lung cancer in a hospital in Jeddah at around 2:30 a.m. last Friday. Mirador was diagnosed to be suffering from lung cancer when she was admitted to the OWWA shelter last December 17. She sought help from the OWWA to be sent home, saying she could no longer afford her medical requirements.

Exmundo said the OWWA was working on the distressed OFW’s case but because she was a runaway worker, the process of repatriation often took long.Exmundo said he brought Mirador to hospital last Tuesday afternoon when she complained of difficulty in breathing and of chest pain.
"It's a pity to see our kababayan dying helplessly but what we can do? The biggest problem we always encounter is the securing of exit visa. How can we get an exit visa for a distressed worker especially those who are sick if their sponsor is not cooperating?" Exmundo said. “I hope we can find a better solution to reduce the problems experiencing by our distressed. Even if we have plenty of tickets but if there is no exit visa there is no way a distressed worker can go home," he added.

Exmundo said family of Mirador in the Philippines has already been contacted and that the OWWA is already processing the necessary documents to repatriate her remains.

Mirador was one of about 40 distressed OFWs currently housed at the OWWA shelter. Last year the number wards at the shelter exceeded 70, but around 32 were sent home last month.Among those sent home were a mentally disturbed maid and another cancer-stricken elderly woman. - GMANews.TV

Friday, February 6, 2009

February 5, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/147508/Mother-asks-help-in-finding-daughter-missing-for-years-in-KSA

Mother asks help in finding daughter missing for years in KSA
RONALDO CONCHA, GMANews.TV02/05/2009 07:37 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - A mother has appealed to the public to help her find her daughter who has been missing since she came to Saudi Arabia 17 years ago.

Aysa Noraguia, 65, said her then 16-year-old daughter Saida went to the kingdom on October 22, 1992 to work as a domestic helper.Since then, Aysa said, her daughter has not come home to the Philippines even once.

Aysa said she has asked the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the radio station dzRH for help. The radio announcer was reportedly able to talk to Sadia who said that she was okay at her workplace and just had no chance to talk with her mother.

However, Saida's sister-in-law Antonina said the last time that she sent a letter was eight years ago in 2000.But she said they could not look for her because they had no money to do so.

"Kinamatayan na nang aking biyenang lalaki ang paghihintay sa kanyang anak pero bago sya namatay ay nakiusap sya na hanapin si Noraguia," said Antonina.[My father-in-law died waiting for his daughter.

Before he died, he asked us to find Saida]And so, she said they asked their relatives in the Middle East to help them, hoping that one of them might meet her in Jordan where she reportedly always goes with her employer.

Since they haven't been successful on their own, they are now once again trying to find her by asking help from the public and government through the media.“I just want to see her again, I can't sleep thinking about her, before I die I want to see her. There is nothing I can do if she doesn't want to see us, the only important thing is that we now she is alive," Aysa said in Filipino.

Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo of the OWWA in Jeddah said he has assured the missing OFW’s mother that they are taking the necessary steps to locate her daughter.

Pablo said that they coordinated with members of the Filipino community in Tabuk, a province in northwest Saudi Arabia where Saida supposedly works, but were not able to find lead.Pablo said the OWWA has also asked the Filipino community in Jeddah for help.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis has also prodded the Philippine consul general in Jeddah, Ezzedine Tago, and other DFA personnel

In a telephone interview with GMANews.TV, Aysa appealed to anyone who could help locate her long-lost daughter to either contact the consulate in Jeddah or the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

"Hirap na po ako gusto ko na pong makita si Saida tulungan po nyo ako na hanapin sya [This is too hard for me, I want to see Saida, help me find her]," the mother said.

Those who can give any information regarding Saida can also contact Michelle Lu at cell phone number 090-6204-0100 or e-mail her at mitchlu30@yahoo.com.

Saida’s sister-in-law Antonina had a special request for the missing Filipina."Kung makita or marinig mo man ang panawagan na ito sana magparamdam ka naman, kasi sobrang alala ng nanay mo sayo, at kung di mo pa alam ang tatay mo namatay na sa pag-alala sayo," she said.[If you see or hear any of our pleas, please inform us, your mother is really worried about you, and if you till don't know, your father died worrying about you] - with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

February 3, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/147189/Araw-ng-pagpaparehistro-ng-mga-OFW-sa-Saudi-para-sa-OAV-ipinapalipat

Araw ng pagpaparehistro ng mga OFW sa Saudi para sa OAV ipinapalipat
02/03/2009 10:47 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Mistulang ‘nilangaw’ ang simula ng pagpapatala para sa Overseas Absentee Voting sa bansang ito bilang paghahanda sa gaganaping pampanguluhang halalan sa May 2010.

Umaasa si Consul Leo Tito Ausan, tumatayong chairman ng OAV sa konsulado sa Jeddah, na dadagsa ang mga overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) na magpapatala sa mga susunod na araw.

Sinabi nito na hindi naman kailangang magmadali ang OFWs dahil ang pagpaparehistro na sinimulan nitong Pebrero 1 ay magtatapos pa sa Agosto 31.Tiniyak din ni Ausan na nakahanda ang kanilang mga kagamitan para sa mga darating na OFW.

Gayunman ang kakulangan umano sa impormasyon ang pinapaniwalaang dahilan ng ibang OFWs kaya tatlo pa lamang ang nagparehistro sa konsulado.Ayon kay Alma Arevalo, asawa ng isang OFW, nalaman lang niya ang pagpaparehistro para sa OAV nang mapadaan sa tanggapan ng Pag-Ibig.

Inihayag naman ni Ausan na hinihintay na lamang nila ang pahintulot ng gobyerno ng Saudi para payagang makagala ang kanilang mobile OAV registration. “Hindi naman natin pwdeng pangunahan ang desisyon ng host government pero umaasa kami na sa aming pag-apela ay bigyan kami ng authority para naman sa gano’n ay yung mga kababayan natin na nasa malalayong lugar ay magkaroon ng pagkakataon na makapagrehistro," pahayag ni Ausan.

Naniniwala naman ang ilang lider at kasapi ng Pinoy community sa Saudi na hindi praktikal ang itinakdang panahon ng pagpapatala na Sabado hanggang Miyerkules, 8 a.m. hanggang 4 p.m. "I agree with the observation that the announced schedule [or] timing of the registration is not conducive to attaining the [Philippine government's] goal of registering at least a million OFW voters for the 2010 election," ayon kay Francis Oca ng OFW Congress sa Riyadh sa e-mail na ipinadala kay Ambassador Antonio Villamor.

Hinala naman ni Eli Mua ng United OFW, sadyang itinaon sa “maling" panahon ang pagpaparehistro para konti lang ang makapagtala."It is meant to discourage OFWs from registering; they seem not to [want to] help the thousands [of potential voters] but just to please the few," pahayag nito sa kanyang e-mail.

Idinagdag niya na dapat malaman ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) na imposibleng payagan ng mga amo ang mga OFW at iwanan ang kanilang trabaho para makapagparehistro."Hindi puwede mag-absent ang OFW at hindi nag-bibigay ng special leave ang mga company dito, wala silang pakialam sa registration natin," puna ni Mua.

Iminungkahi naman nina Ahmed Villaflores at Roberto Pardinas na ibalik sa dating araw na Huwebes at Biyernes ang pagpaparehistro dahil ito ang weekends sa Saudi kung saan libre ang mga Pinoy."Mahirap masunod ang ganitong schedule kailangan pang lumiban sa trabaho," pahayag ni Pardinas.

Sinabi ni Oca na mas makabubuti kung gagawin ang pagpaparehistro tuwing Huwebes at Biyernes, mula 10 a.m. hanggang 5 p.m. - Ronald Concha, GMANews.TV

February 3, 2009

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/147143/OFWs-in-Saudi-Arabia-find-OAV-registration-schedule-impractical


OFWs in Saudi Arabia find OAV registration schedule 'impractical'
02/03/2009 06:01 PM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - The registration for overseas absentee voting (OAV) for the 2010 Philippine elections has started in Saudi Arabia, but very few have reportedly signed up so far.In Jeddah, only three registered on the first day despite the long period for an information campaign.

Nonetheless, Consul Leo Tito Ausan, OAV chairman at the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah, said that there was no need to worry because six months remained before the end of registration.He said that they had encountered no problems since registration started because all their equipment and administering officers were prepared.

All that is needed now are the voters.One of the reasons could be lack of information on the part of many OFWs. Alma Arevalo, for instance, claimed her husband was not even aware that the registration had started.Arevalo said she was accompanying her friend to the consulate when she was asked to register.

She took an application form for her husband.Some members and leaders of the community complained that the schedule of the OAV registration – Saturdays to Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – was "impractical.""I agree with the observation that the announced schedule [or] timing of the registration is not conducive to attaining the [Philippine government's] goal of registering at least a million OFW voters for the 2010 election," said Francis Oca of the OFW Congress in Riyadh in an e-mail to Ambassador Antonio Villamor.

Eli Mua of the group United OFW also said that the schedules were in fact meant to "discredit and downgrade" the registration."It is meant to discourage OFWs from registering; they seem not to [want to] help the thousands [of potential voters] but just to please the few," he said in an e-mail.Mua said that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should realize that it would beimpossible for most OFWs to leave their work just to register."Hindi puwede mag-absent ang OFW at hindi nag-bibigay ng special leave ang mga company dito, wala silang pakialam sa registration natin [OFWs can't absent themselvges and their employers do not grant special leaves, they do not care about our registration]," he said.

Ahmed Villaflores and Roberto Pardinas suggested that the registration be also held during Thursdays and Fridays, as had been done in the past, when most workers are free.

Thursdays and Fridays are weekends in Saudi Arabia."Oo nga, mahirap masunod ang ganitong schedule kailangan pa lumiban sa trabaho [Yes, I agree, it would be difficult to follow the original schedule because we would have to be absent from work]," said Pardinas.

Oca suggested that the Philippine consulate and embassy in Saudi Arabia consider changing the registration schedules to Mondays to Wednesdays (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3 to 6 p. m.), and Thursdays and Fridays (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).He also asked the consulate to meet with community leaders and representatives from companies with a huge number of Filipino employees to "plan for onsite registrations and other measures which will ensure that majority of [OFWs] are able to register during the short period given [to them]."In Jeddah, Ausan said that Filipinos in the Kingdom could still register until Aug. 31.

He said OFWs can go to the consulate or embassy during those days and wherever the Saudi government might permit the mobile OAV registration.But militant groups like Migrante-Middle East have said that the shortened registration period might end up disenfranchising OFWs in Saudi Arabia.

The OAV registration was originally scheduled to open Dec. 1, 2008, but the Comelec moved it to Feb. 1 of this year without adjusting the last day of registration, which is on Aug. 31."[The] Comelec should not pass on the consequences of its own failure to OFWs such as the non-delivery of data capturing machines on time in different posts, which will lead to the disenfranchisement of overseas voters," Migrante-ME regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said in a statement.

He also said it was unfair to shorten the registration period because based on previous OAV registrations nine months was not enough."Setting up of mobile or satellite registration centers should be coupled by a massive information dissemination campaign by concerned Philippine posts abroad.

Otherwise, the essence of having an absentee voting will be defeated," Monterona said.However, Ausan warned that the use of mobile registration centers would still be subject to the approval of the Saudi government.“We can't do anything until the host government decides, but we are hopeful that they will give us authority so that our compatriots in far away places will have the opportunity to register," he said.Only 8,427 Filipinos in Saudi Arabia were recorded to have registered in 2005 to 2006 while 97,000 registered in 2003. - Ronaldo Concha and Kimberly Jane Tan, GMANews.TV


Thursday, February 5, 2009