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