News: KIC Celebrates Valentine’s Day
News: SULYAP' Conducts Refresher Training...
Volume 2 Issue 4
by Alden Balgos
Photo by Dondave Jabay
POEA Director Felixberta Romero (center-wearing scarf) conducts employment counseling and gives information on job
opportunities particularly in Canada to the displaced and at risk of being laid-off OFWS who flocked to Hyehwadong Catholic
Church coffee shop during the first day ‘Reintegration Services’ provided by the Mobile Reintegration Team in South Korea.
by Dondave Jabay
I taewon, Seoul – “Make a better life in your country
with HRD Korea,” said HRD Director Kim Hui-sun in
his talk as he presented the Returnees Support Pro-
gram for returning and displaced OFWs in Korea af-
fected by deepening economic downturn to the Filipino
Community leaders during the Philippine Embassy’s
Leaders Forum last Feb. 14 at the Embassy building.
Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz commended the Human
Resource Department of Korea for its win-win initiative
in helping out the displaced OFWs by providing referral
services through job matching with the manpower re-
quirements of Philippine-based Korean companies.
“Originally, the Returnees Support Program was de-
signed for the returning EPS workers who do not have
an opportunity to be rehired after their 3 years sojourn
has expired. But now we must be thankful because the
job matching services was extended (turn to page 2)
Photo by Dondave Jabay
Director Kim Hui-sun of HRD Korea discusses the Returnees
Support Program for returning and displaced OFWs during
the Leaders Forum at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.
SULYAPINOY is accepting cash donation for its monthly printing expenses. You may deposit them @ Account #: 049702 04 058587 / Account Name: Sofonias N. Paragsa / Bank: KB or Kookmin Bank
2
2
Editorial: Protecting P1-B Fund for Displaced OFWs 3
Feature: Displacement and Uncertainty 4
Literary: Poems about Love and Sulyapinoy... 5
OFW-KOREA-2006-001 Fun & Learn: ‘09 Min. Wage Table, Puzzle, Comics 6
www.sulyapinoy.org February 2009
I taewon, Seoul – As a move to help the Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by the global eco-
nomic crisis, a Mobile Reintegration Team from Manila
thru the effort of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul arrived
to Korea last Feb. 13 evening to provide preliminary
assistance as part of the Philippine government’s rein-
forced Reintegration Program for all overseas workers
who have been displaced and at risk of being laid-off
from their work.
The team, which consists of POEA Director Felixberta
Romero, NCRO Labatt Alice Santos, OWWA Director
Eduardo Bellido and TESDA Director Merlita Dalire
presented their team’s objectives as they elaborate the
details of the Reintegration Program to the Filipino Com-
munity (FilCom) leaders who attended the Embassy’s
first quarter Leaders Forum at the Philippine Embassy
building last Feb. 14.
Director Romero, in her opening speech explained that
the Philippines is not despair of the current global eco-
nomic crisis. “Recently, the POEA has conducted a wide
concern to study the effects of the global economic crisis
particularly to our OFWs. And our (turn to page 2)
by Dondave Jabay
H yehwadong, Seoul –
The Philippine negoti-
ating team composed of
DOLE Labor Attaché
Reydeluz D. Conferido,
POEA Deputy Administrator
Atty. Viveca C. Catalig,
POEA Director II and Officer-
in-charge Nimfa D. De
Guzman, and OWWA Direc-
tor IV Alberto Q. Valenciano
arrived in Korea last Feb. 21
to finalize the renewal of
Memorandum of Understand- Photo by Felix Ferrer
ing (MOU) for Employment RP Negotiating Team: (5th from left to right) POEA Director II Nimfa D. De Guzman, DOLE Labor Attaché
Permit System (EPS) bet- Reydeluz D. Conferido, POEA Deputy Administrator Atty. Viveca C. Catalig, POLO Labor Attaché Delmer R.
ween Korea and Philippines. Cruz and (rightmost) OWWA Director IV Alberto Q. Valenciano pose with EPS workers and SULYAPINOY
editorial staff after the MOU consultation meeting held at the Hyehwadong Catholic Church coffee shop.
The team accompanied by Labor Attaché Delmer R. Cruz Association (FEWA), the largest EPS workers association in
of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Seoul, Korea.
also a member of RP negotiating panel, conducted an
MOU consultation to the EPS workers at Hyehwadong During the consultation meeting, Labor Attaché Conferido,
Catholic Church coffee shop before meeting their Korean current Acting Assistant Secretary for Employment Promo-
counterparts on Feb. 24. The team attended by various tion and Manpower Development of DOLE and head of the
EPS workers group headed by the Filipino EPS Workers negotiating team, made a brief report to (turn to page 2)
by Dondave Jabay
B upyeong-Ku, Incheon City – The Filipino Korean
Spouses Association (FKSA), a 2008 Philippine
Presidential Awardee Filipino community in South Korea,
receiving many reports concerning Filipino-Korean and
other intercultural children who have been discriminated
and bullied with their Korean classmates and school-
disclosed to SULYAPINOY last Feb. 16 its plan to submit mates while attending in school, prompted her group to
a formal Petition Letter to the Ministry of Education, do an immediate action.
Science and Technology of the Republic of Korea re- “Nowadays, there is a rapid increase of Korean men and
questing to minimize if not totally eliminate the issue on women married to Foreign National whose aim is to build
racial discrimination against Korean wives mostly from a happy family with their children. These families have
Asian countries and their children in South Korea. the right to be accepted and loved by the Korean society
Fe Kim, FKSA founding president said that after for them to live normally. When their (turn to page 2)
 NEWS
by Anthony Carl Dacones
Photo by Anthony Carl Dacones
KIC Mr. and Ms. Valentine 2009 Ainee Medrano and Dante
Sevilla pose with Fr. Liam O’Keffe, CM (flanked by two altar
boys) and Sr. Julia, SJBP (rightmost) during the awarding
ceremony.
K asan, Bucheon City – Amid global economic
crisis, members of the Kasan International Com-
munity (KIC) set aside worries as they celebrate their
traditional Valentine’s Day celebration featuring search
by Ma. Lourdes Espinola
J egidong, Seoul – Officers and
selected members of the Filipino
EPS Workers Association (FEWA) and
the SULYAPINOY Editorial Staff gath-
ered together at Viking Buffet Restau-
rant last Feb. 8 to conduct refresher
training on Basic News Writing.
Part of the event was a birthday celebra-
tion of February celebrants: Regina
Arquiza, Rebenson Recaña, Dondave
Jabay, Teofilo Camo, Felix Ferrer and
Precy Villaveza, all of them sponsored
an ‘Eat All You Can - Buffet Lunch Party’
to all participants.
SULYAPINOY editorial adviser Regina Participants of the Basic News Writing refresher training give a “toast” or “건배” to
P. Arquiza facilitated the training. She February birthday celebrants during the ‘Eat All You Can - Buffet Lunch Party’.
emphasized to the participants the significant need of
writers and contributors for SULYAPINOY at present.
“The departure of our Sulyap’ key writers like Sir Eli and
soon to be Sir Dave would really affect our regular publi-
cation. And as our effective measure, we need to train
new writers and recruit new contributors,” Regina said.
Mobile Reintegration Team…
Department of Labor and Employment has identified and
came up several programs hoping to provide effective
measures to the increasing job displacements abroad,”
Director Romero said.
The team in coordination with the Philippine Overseas
Labor Office (POLO) visited some areas in Korea with a
large concentration of Filipinos such as Seoul, Incheon,
Ansan and Busan from February 14 to 18 to provide
employment and livelihood counseling, certificates for
free livelihood and skills training, information materials
about job opportunities in Canada and other forms of
assistance.
The 4 P’s namely Profiling, Pagpapayo, Pagsasanay,
2 SULYAPINOY FEBRUARY 2009 www.sulyapinoy.org
for Mr. and Ms. Valentine, romantic dinner, flower and
chocolate offerings and love letter gimmicks last Feb.
15 at St. Thomas Parish Church.
The celebration started with a holy mass presided by
Fr. Liam O’Keffe, a columban missionary priest. In his
homily, Fr. Liam inspired the community to continu-
ously share love unconditionally just like what Jesus
did. “Everyday is a Valentine’s Day. We should love
one another not only on Valentine’s Day but every day
in our daily lives,” he said.
As part of the search procedure, selected ladies at-
tending the mass were requested to stand in front of
the churchgoers while the gentlemen were also asked
to offer some flowers to their respective partners. The
audience overwhelmingly expressed their “kilig to the
max” excitement throughout the celebration. Ms. Ainee
Medrano and Mr. Dante Sevilla were crowned as this
year’s Mr. and Ms. Valentine.
KIC choir serenaded each and everyone with lovely
songs and offered series of prayers for love and peace
culminating the event. “The celebration is quite simple
but very meaningful and memorable one because it
reminds us how important to love and care with each
other especially to our love ones way back home. It is
through unconditional love where peace and harmony
always prevail,” a community member said.
Photo by Felix Ferrer
SULYAPINOY planned to conduct more journalism
trainings in the coming couple of weeks. Leaflets
distribution and public announcement were also car-
ried out at the Hyehwadong Catholic Church as they
continue to recruit more contributors.
and Pagnenegosyo are the integral parts of the Rein-
tegration Program which aimed to guide displaced
OFWs in making decisions on whether they want to
continue working overseas, to start and establish their
own business in the Philippines or to learn new skills.
This Reintegration Program is part of the Philippine
government’s recently launched P1 billion Filipino
Expatriate Livelihood Support Fund (FELSF) wherein
the said allotted amount will be taken from the P10
billion OWWA funds, a compulsory collection of $25
from each departing OFW with a valid employment
contract.
Related websites for the Reintegration Program can
be found at: www.nrco.dole.gov.ph, www.phil-job.net,
www.poea.gov.ph, www.owwa.gov.ph, and
www.tesda.gov.ph, or email at nrcodole@yahoo.com.
RP Negotiating Team…
the EPS workers regarding the result of the first-round
MOU negotiation held last January 8 and 9 in Manila
which resulted to a second-round negotiation in Korea and
another 3-months extension of the current MOU until April
this year.
The ongoing issue on abolition of free accommodation and
food benefits for EPS was primarily tackled during the
consultation. SULYAPINOY asked Labatt Conferido to
reconfirm RP’s stand regarding the issue. “Our main objec-
tive is to ask our Korean counterparts to retain the said
benefits but we are also open to discuss other compensat-
ing benefits they may offer as another win-win option to
promote proportionate sharing on the effect of the current
global economic crisis,” Labatt Conferido answered.
Labatt Cruz also shared his opinion on the said issue. “We
must not also set aside to think the possibilities that if we
insist to strictly require Korean employers to provide ac-
commodation and food benefits for our EPS workers, it
might affect the workers quota for Philippines in the future
considering the continuous economic downturn in Korea,”
he said.
However, Edison Pinlac, current Hyehwadong Filipino
Catholic Community (HFCC) president, suggested that the
team should also extend its effort to reach out labor repre-
sentatives from other sending countries in Korea to ask
their support of not giving up the said benefit.
In addition, the issue on NPS-SSS agreement was also
discussed during the consultation meeting. In his talk,
Labatt Conferido admitted that the NPS-SSS agreement
may risks the cancellation of Korean employer’s share but
corrected the issue on the transfer of NPS lump-sum
refund to the SSS fund. “Your NPS contribution will re-
main in NPS account until you are eligible to claim the
security benefits,” he said.
Labatt Conferido also confirmed that the agreement will
make all EPS workers to become mandatory members of
SSS. However, he acknowledged that there is no current
law for SSS mandatory membership for OFWs except
voluntary. “In my opinion, I recommend to continue the
current practice in claiming the NPS lump-sum refund by
workers right after their sojourn period,” he added.
The team hoped to conclude the MOU negotiation with the
Korean team before going back to the Philippines. “We
hope that there will be no more third-round negotiation so
that we could finalize and sign up the new EPS MOU by
the coming May this year,” Conferido said.
FKSA to Petition Racial…
children are sent to school, the parents expect them to
grow intellectually and emotionally to become better
individuals in the future. However, when these children
are being bullied, it may develop inferiority and low self–
esteem,” Fe Kim commented.
The drafted petition letter was designed to ask Hon. Ahn
Byong-man, current secretary of the Ministry of Educa-
tion, Science and Technology to integrate ‘Awareness on
Racism’ to Korean school curriculum to prevent racial
discrimination.
Korea Sets up Returnees…
to all displaced OFWs,” Labatt Cruz said.
“We have tried to negotiate them to also include the
undocumented Filipino workers to avail the same oppor-
tunity but due to National policy considerations, it failed.
So for the meantime, we will enjoy this opportunity for
our regular OFWs as we continue to lobby their ap-
proval,” Labatt Cruz added.
Director Kim also disclosed that the program will offer
skills upgrading classes to OFWs in Seoul and Incheon
starting April 2009. The program helps foreign workers
not only by finding a job for them in local Korean compa-
nies in their respective country of origin but also to avoid
overstaying in Korea.
HRD Korea can be reached at telephone nos. 3271-
9436~7 and 3274-9797 or at www.returnjob.or.kr.
 EDITORIAL

T he recent Mobile Reintegration Team’s one-week

visit to Korea thru the effort of the Philippine Em-
bassy in Seoul to promote the Philippine government’s
focused on the
current OFW dis-
placement problems;
reinforced Reintegration Program in response to the they must also open
increasing job displacements in Korea is highly com- rightful opportunities
mendable. to all fund owners to
be fair to all OWWA
Among those services that the team had provided were members.
livelihood orientation, employment counseling, certifi-
cates for free livelihood and skills training in the Philip- As OWWA funds
pines, and information materials about job opportunities owners, OFWs and
in Canada. their families' should
be vigilant and must
The team’s visit was a positive manifestation of the exert conjunctive
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s recent public an- actions to prevent
nouncement that the government is allotting P1 billion for misuse and possible
the Filipino Expatriate Livelihood Support Fund (FELSF), malversation of the
a livelihood program for displaced overseas Filipino P10 billion OWWA
workers (OFWs) and to those who may lose their jobs funds particularly the
due to the deepening world financial crisis. disbursement of the
said P1 billion for the FELSF project. Also, the funds must be made an open and direct support
It is a good sign that the Arroyo administration is serious to OFWs laid off from jobs to be facilitated by OWWA,
in helping the displaced OFWs not only in South Korea Given the Arroyo administration’s involvements in vari- subject to auditing by the Commission on Audit.
but throughout all receiving labor countries. Thanks to ous corruption and bribery accusations, it cannot deny us
the 10 million OFWs around the world for this huge
to be apprehensive and alarmed that this P1 billion allo- And for the general welfare of all OFWs, the portion of the
allotted amount will be taken from the P10 billion OWWA
cation will just be misused and might not served its pur- P1 billion funds must also be allocated for the revival of
funds, a compulsory collection of $25 from each depart-
pose. It is even feared us that the said allocation is just a social and welfare benefits programs previously offered by
ing OFW with a valid employment contract.
scheme to conceal any political interests of some corrupt OWWA to OFWs and their families. The Office of the Presi-
Since these funds were only held in trust to the govern- officials especially that the 2010 National Election is dent should also put an additional P2 billion or more from
ment, it is understood that the rightful owners and stake- coming. its Social funds.
holders of the OWWA funds are the OFWs themselves.
Thus, OFWs and their families have all the right to pro- As a proactive measure to prevent wrong usage of the More so, OWWA should create a special Congressional
tect and secure these funds. They have the right to P1 billion funds, Migrante-Middle East had launched an oversight committee with balance representations from
demand a full disclosure of claims and beneficiaries and online petition campaign ‘Protect and Secure the OFW various leading OFW organizations including church-based
must openly and properly account the money sourced Funds’ to increase awareness among other OFWs groups with migrant-related programs that will look after the
from OWWA fund. across the world. disbursement of funds to ensure that they will go to rightful
beneficiaries.
In accordance to Migrante’s campaign for the interests of
Using the OWWA funds for the welfare and assistance of
the 10-million OFWs and their families, we strongly
our fellow OFWs who were laid off due to global financial For our voice to be heard, let us support the ongoing
support their petition to demand a "hands off" undertak-
crisis is actually an appropriate option. It is in fact the ‘Protect and Secure the OFW Funds’ Online Signature
very purpose of the funds. ing of the funds by Malacañang to avoid possible maneu- Campaign. Let us do our part as OWWA Funds’ owner by
vering of the disbursement of funds for use to perpetuate registering our name at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/
But the Arroyo administration should not have only its own political and electoral agenda.

EDITORIAL STAFF BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Editor-in-Chief: Dondave Jabay Managing Editor: Edward A. Castro
Opinion Editor: Rebenson B. Recaña News Editor: Edward A. Castro Chairman: Rebenson B. Recaña Vice Chairman: Dondave Jabay
Literary Editor: Amie Sison Cartoonist: Alden C. Balgos Secretary: Rodney Queman
Photojournalist: Felix S. Ferrer Layout Artist: Dondave Jabay
Board of Publication in:
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Community Correspondents: Billy Vela (Ansan); Anthony Carl Dacones (Kasan) Outreach, Recreation and Religious Program: Alden C. Balgos
Valentino de Guzman (Gimhae, Busan); Maria Elena Famor (Ulsan) Budget and Finance: Marcelino M. Serdeña III
SULYAPINOY Website Development and Maintenance: Dondave Jabay
Contributors: Sofonias Paragsa; Rainier Genova; Joel Tavarro; Raimarius Delgado; Newsletter Sponsorship Program: Annabelle Lopez
Lilia Orena Training & Workshop: Ehd G. Villarta Jr.
Adviser: Ma. Regina P. Arquiza
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www.sulyapinoy.org SULYAPINOY FEBRUARY 2009 3

 NEWS / FEATURE
by Raimarius Delgado
Photo by John Paul Torregoza
Dr. Dennis Gomez (holding the microphone), founder and
former PIKO president gives the key responsibilities to the new
set of officers led by the newly elected president Ma. Regina P.
Arquiza (3rd from left).
T hree years ago, Dec. 3, 2006, an ordinary day for
some, but not for 50 Filipino scholars in South
Korea. It was the day when all of them took oath and was
recognized as the members of a new organization that
embodies the global competitiveness of Filipinos in the
field of education.
It all started when the Philippine Embassy Labor attaché
requested three scholars from Seoul National University
(SNU) to form an organization of Filipino students from
all the universities in South Korea. They did all the effort
to gather the scholars. With the help of our Lord, they
managed to reach the students and ask their viewpoint
on how to start the proposed organization. Naming is the
first problem that the group encountered. It should be
Filipino-sounding, nationalistic, and with a symbolic
meaning. Thus, the clique was formed under the name of
“Pinoy Iskolars sa South Korea Inc.” (PIKO) the acronym
was taken from the traditional Filipino street game, piko
which means hopping.
The members share their vision to be the key organiza-
by Billy Vela
A nsan City, Gyeonggi-do – Volunteers of Ansan
Filipino Community (AFC) held their yearly election
of officers last Feb. 22 at Wongok Church conference
room.
Galilea staff guided and supported the whole duration of
the event in which 36 out of 66 active volunteers had
voted and attended the election.
Prior to election, the outgoing AFC President Kathlia De
Castro thanked all volunteers for all their supports and
efforts rendered during her administration. She also
encouraged all volunteers to support this year’s new set
of officers. “Thank you for all your support. It is my privi-
lege and honor to serve you,” the outgoing president told
the volunteers.
“Others should experience it because somehow it will
touch your lives as it touches mine,” De Castro added.
Outgoing vice-president Richard Francisco was officially
elected as the new AFC president while Rachel Pangga
will replace his position. Other elected officers are: Em-
malee Francisco, secretary; Chona Llanes, treasurer;
Billy Vela, auditor; Dennis Monta, Julie Valerio, Emma-
ruth Gabido and Aaron Vergara, P.R.O’s.
Meanwhile, Michael Cacayuran was elected to lead the
choir committee while Jay De Vera will function as assis-
tant. Other elected officers for major committees are:
John Cook, cultural committee chairman and Arlan
Francisco as assistant chairman; Marlon Clamonte,
finance committee chairman and Lito Ibusca as assistant
chairman; Roger Barrido, service committee chairman to
4 SULYAPINOY FEBRUARY 2009 www.sulyapinoy.org
organization of Filipino Scholars in South Korea and
guarantee friendly and harmonious relationship and
cooperation among people and nations. A set of offi-
cers, led by Dr. Dennis Gomez of SNU, was inducted
by Hon. Susan Castrence, the Philippine Ambassador
for South Korea during that time.
As years pass by, some of the members graduated
and returned back to the Philippines, but it doesn’t
mean that the PIKO is degrading in number. As many
as those who graduated, new members joined and
swore in to live their advocacy.
Last December, new members and officers were
introduced, under the leadership of a student from
Ewha Womans University, Ms. Maria Regina Arquiza.
The new officers made a 5-point list as this year’s
plan. They are contemplating to make a database of
scholarships that are available in schools all around
South Korea. This database will be posted in the web-
site which they are also planning to improve. It is for
the benefit of those Filipinos who want to study in
Korea without experiencing any hustle and hardships.
Next is the creation of the group’s newsletter. A piece
of literature that would publish all the activities of PIKO
for that year and to show how great Filipino journalists
are.
Next is the attendance of PIKO members to the 60th
Bi-lateral celebration of Korea and Philippines. Next on
the list is the proposed forum of scholars, this activity’s
objective is to invite all Filipino scholars to share their
knowledge in their fields through a symposium. It is
also a way for all members to grow closer with each
other. Fund raising activities are also included in this
year’s proposal.
Execution of these activities is hard, but its accom-
plishment means that there is a good future ahead for
PIKO and all of its members.
be assisted by Elgin Roxas as assistant chairman;
Jennet Cacayuran and Jun Caguimbay, both of them
are El Shaddai Group members, completed the new
set of officers as they were elected as liturgical com-
mittee chairman and assistant chairman respectively.
During the concluding ceremony, the president-elect
Richard Francisco thanked everyone for giving him the
chance and the trust. “I know it will be difficult for me
because of my present status. I am not mobile but I
will accept this as a challenge,” he said.
The newly elected officers were entrusted to spear-
head the Ansan Filipino Community together with the
hard working and active volunteers to continue their
goals and programs. The turnover and oath-taking
ceremony will be tentatively held on March 15 this year
at Wongok Church during the holy mass.
Photo by Gim Pagdilao
The AFC new set of officers pose with a ‘thumbs up’ as they
accept the challenge and call of serving their community.
Displacement and Uncertainty
by Ma. Regina P. Arquiza
H earing the sentiments of displaced workers as
they try to explain their situations clearly shows
one of the toughest segments of the current economic
global crisis. Dismal prospects faced by workers who
lost their jobs by the global recession threaten their
families’ future since the loss of major source of income
would have dire consequences on kids’ education,
health and wellbeing of every family member, and
possibility of having serious debt problems. Fear of
falling into poverty makes every displaced Juan dela
Cruz calls for concrete actions and alternative solutions
from the Philippine government.
What is a displaced worker? According to one of the
websites called businessdictionaries.com, “Displaced
worker is an eligible worker who has been permanently
laid off, or has received a notice of layoff or termination
from employment due to the firm's failure or plant clo-
sure.” This is the technical definition of what a displaced
worker is in the context of labor and employment. In a
more imaginative way, the word displaced per se can
also be seen in totally different circumstances. In the
context of those people with displaced bones, the pain
being felt by each of them is indeed an abnormal condi-
tion limiting their options to perform several tasks. This
might be a totally different idea, but somehow, the
suffering and limited options of a displaced worker can
be compared with a person suffering from bone dis-
placement. Both of them are in pain and state of uncer-
tainty.
Ronnie C. De Guia, member of the Filipino EPS Work-
ers Association (FEWA) in Korea is one of those thou-
sand Filipino workers in the world who has been dis-
placed. He was laid off from work not just once but
thrice giving him worries of not being able to support his
family. “Mahirap dahil krisis talaga lalo na at may si-
nusuportahan akong pamilya,”
De Guia said. It was a sad conversation depicting one
of the common plights of thousands of Filipino migrant
workers all over the world.
Another member of FEWA named Rodel An Arias is
currently waiting for his company to normalize its opera-
tion after its temporary closure last January due to the
weak Korean economy. He is hopeful of having his job
back for him to be fully relieved of this unforeseen fate.
Like De Guia, he’s also supporting his family in the
Philippines giving him not much options incase he loses
his job in Korea. Like with what most Filipino migrant
workers say, “Wala namang naghihintay na magandang
kinabukasan sa Pilipinas.”
The project of Human Resources Development Service
of Korea (HRDK) called Returnee Support Program
could be one of the options of migrant Filipino workers
in Korea. This is an opportunity to get a job in a local
Korean company after going back to the Philippines.
And also, they might want to explore opportunities and
options offered by the National Reintegration Center for
Overseas Filipino Workers under the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Most Filipinos should have good dose of optimism in
the midst of this global economic downturn. However,
being ready for the worst case scenario is also impera-
tive. As reported by Sulyapinoy last Feb., Labor Attache
Delmer R. Cruz of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office
(POLO) said that more reports of job displacements
under the Employment Permit System (EPS) is ex-
pected this year. This isn’t a threat, it’s a reality that
every Filipino migrant worker should face. Being vigilant
and not being complacent are essential to be ready to
unanticipated problems.
 LITERARY

Isang Sulyap sa Sulyapinoy Aking Sinta

ni Lilia "angel" Orena
(SULYAPINOY Poem Writing Contest Entry)
Online na Organisasyon ng Sulyapinoy ay sinalihan ko
Una wala akong kaalam-alam kung anong samahan ito
Kung bakit, saan, paano’t kailan ito sinimulang binuo
Ngayo’y isa nang grupo ang noo’y simpleng dyaryo.
Layunin nila ang maglingkod at makatulong sa kapwa-tao
Lalung-lalo sa mga manggagawang nasa bansang Koreano
Kung may problema sa amo’t kasamahan sa trabaho
Sila ay maaasahan at nakahandang sa inyo’y sumaklolo.
Inilalahad nila iba’t ibang pangyayari at karanasang totoo
Ipinararating ang mga sulirani’t hinaing sa ‘ting gobyerno
Nagbibigay pugay sa mga Pinoy na tagumpay’ natamo
Naglilingkod sa mga kababayan kalakip ang kanilang puso.
Oras ibinabahagi sa iba upang makapagbigay ng payo
Kahit kadalasa’y puyat na puyat galing sa trabaho
Basta’t makapagsilbi ang pagod ay kusang naglalaho
Isang kabayanihang dapat tularan at bigyan ng saludo.
Sadyang kahanga-hanga ang lahat ng mga miyembro nito
Walang hinihinging kapalit na salapi lahat ito’y boluntaryo
Hindi naghahangad ng bayad, hindi nag-aantay ng sweldo
Madinig lamang ang salitang salamat sila na’y kuntento.
Aking dalangin at kahilingan sa unang taong anibersaryo
Usapin tungkol sa NPS-SSS laban nawa ay maipanalo
Makiisa tayong lahat, mga Filipino sa buong mundo
Sumulyap sa www.sulyapinoy.org lumagda’t simulang magrehistro.
ni Bro. Joel Tavarro
(FEWA Board Member)
Mula ulo hanggang paa kapag ikaw ay namamasdan
Nalulula, nalulunod ang puso ko sa iyong katangian
Ang mga lakad mo’t tindig hubog nang katawan
Ako ay nabighani’t nabihag sa taglay na katalinuhan.
Mamahalin kita kaylanman aking sinisinta
Angking kagadahan mo’y pangarap ko sa tuwina
Sa malamig na gabi, ito’y tanglaw sa pag-iisa
Ang tapat mong pagsuyo, pang-aliw sa hirap at dusa.
Larawan mo araw at gabi, madalas na pinagmamasdan
Kahit saglit sa balintataw ko nais na kang masilayan
Pagbagsak ng niyebe, nag-aalab na damdamin ay di mapigilan
Pangalawa sa diyos na tunay na makapangyarihan.
Sa kalungkutan, sandata ko ay ang iyong pag-ibig
Ako ay kinikilig kapag ang tinig mo ay naririnig
Tila nasa alapaap, ngiti ko’y walang kasintamis
Pati ang pakiramdam ay di maarok, wari’y nasa langit.
Handa kong suungin ang pagsubok at kalungkutan
Magpapakatatag, pipiliting sa tukso ay hindi madarang
Ang ating sumpaan kailanman hindi ko bibitawan
Pag-ibig ko sa iyo tunay at walang hangganan.

Long Distance Love Valentine Soldier

by Amie Sison by Rainier Genova
The greatest thing in life is to love, and be loved in return. From this line, relies the true
definition of our purpose in life. We can't live without love. As a migrant worker far I sit here alone this Valentine Season.
away from loved ones, we may don’t want to face the reality to be challenged and gone Trying to catch myself wondering what
through on difficult situations but that is the perfect term we may define, the long dis- Valentine is?
tance relationship.
A long distance relationship has as much a chance of succeeding as any other relation-
ship. With the constant curiosity if it was the right decision to make and if it even
stands a chance. People will give a chance to give it a try. No matter how hard to adjust
the time difference between countries, still chatting is the best way to update with each
other.
Long distance relationship strictly requires trust. It involves two people, who share an
interest, life stories, dreams, decisions with each others lives, care for one another and
of course a love for each other.
On the other hand, a long distance relationship has its own disadvantages. It does not
have an ability to see each other especially on holidays. And the choice of being inti-
mate whenever you desire is very hard to explain. Being unable to spend time together
in a physical presence especially on a remarkable occasion that needs to treasure
makes it harder to hang on to, but does not spell out doom for your relationship.
Some said it's for PEACE and HARMONY.
For any relationships we need some tips to make it successful. First, is to make an What about you, what about us, and our family?
agreement of what your expectations are in the relationship and how much of a com-
mitment you are willing to give and receive. If the two of you decide to be monoga-
mous, then it is clear that neither of you will be dating anyone else as long as your ro- Without complain my strength comes with ease.
mantic relationship exists. To specify of what you both want is highly important, espe- So eager to serve, protect and yet so
cially in a long distance relationship to prevent future misunderstandings. Try to relax many are pleased.
yourself in asking demand for time, love, care that you really need. Everyone has the
ability to speak out what heart feels and deserves to know the truth. The truth that will If a wish could be mine this Valentine's Day.
escape on cheating.
To see your smile, hugs and kiss your lips.
In any relationship, dishonesty and untrustworthy can be simplified, complicated and
impossible to succeed. As you accept the challenge of a long distance relationship, For now I must wait my heart and my
you also accepted the fact that you will have to have the trust and faith that your part- soul never to stray.
ner will not be seeing anyone else as promised. Importantly try to stay true if love does
not exist at all. I love you, I miss you and thank you is all I can say.
Happy Valentine's Kabayan...

www.sulyapinoy.org SULYAPINOY FEBRUARY 2009 5

 FUN & LEARN / ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Applicable to all Foreign Workers)

by: Dondave Jabay

Instructions:
1) Fill the white squares with numbers 1 to 9 so that they
add up to the sums shown in highlighted squares (gray
color).
2) A gray color square will show one or two numbers
separated by a diagonal line.
3) A number that is above the diagonal line is the sum of
Note: the row of white squares to its right.
1) For companies implementing the 40 hours work-week system before July 1, 2008 must use OPTION A Overtime 4) A number that is below the diagonal line is the sum of
Rate/Hour Computation. the column of white squares beneath it.
2) For companies that will implement the 40 hours work-week system after July 1, 2008 must use OPTION B Over-
time Rate/Hour Computation for a period of 3-years from the date of its implementation. After 3-years, the compu- Two important rules:
tation must be reverted back to OPTION A.
1) There are no zeroes.
EVEN THOUGH THE STATUTORY WORKING HOURS ARE REDUCED, 2) Do not put the same number in each sum of the row
THE PREVIOUS MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD BE GUARANTEED of white squares to its right or column beneath it.
법정근로시간단축시 종전 최저임금 수준 보장 The most exciting part!!!
⇒ If working hours are reduced to 40 hours per week, the minimum monthly wage may be calculated at The first person to answer the puzzle correctly will be
787,930 won. However, it should be paid at 852,020 won which is the minimum wage for the previous given a public recognition through SULYAPINOY
working hours (44 hours per week), newsletter and website. How to report your answer?
근로시간 단축후 주 시간 월급 최저임금은
( 40 원으로 계산되나 근로시간 단축
) 787,930 , Please call 010-9294-4365 or email @
전 주 시간 최저임금인
( 44 )원 이상을 지급해야 하며 852,020 , sulyap.managing@gmail.com
⇒ When minimum wage is raised, the minimum monthly pay may be calculated at 836,000 won. How-
ever it should be paid at 852,020 won which is the minimum wage for the previous working hours ( 44
hours per week). Answer Here
최저임금 인상적용 에도 월급기준 최저임금은 원으로 계산되나 근로시
(09.1.1) 836,000
간 단축전 주 시간 최저임금인
( 44원이상을 지급하여야 함
) 852,020

by Alden Balgos

Answer to Vol. 2 ~ Issue 3

01 - Hernan M Gutierez 19 - Joseph P. Dugayo

Ma. Theresa V. Harani
Ernesto R. Raflores
03 - Nelson G. Valenzuela
Phibert C. De Guzman
05 - Marvin L. Aparici
10 - Rodelio F. Crisostomo
11 - Frizalito Krishnan A. Sapon
Nelisa G. Coliat
13 - Moises C. Marcial
14 - Allan R. Lalu
16 - Armando T. Balansag
17 - Marciano G. Gonzalez Jr.
18 - Alvin Rexon L. Santillana
6 SULYAPINOY FEBRUARY 2009
20 - Joel C. Calopez
21 - Ricky G. Fetizanan
Romeo A. Vidallon
23 - Ariel J. Defeo
24 - Leonilo E. Caubalejo
Juevel P. Maglangit
Ireneo D. Samson
26 - Manolito C. Crooc
27 - Orlando V. Presincula
29 - Romulo M. Panambo
Jonas P. Dula
31 - Aristotle Benjamin M.
Gamiao
www.sulyapinoy.org
 DONORS / SPONSORS

Amie Sison ~ 50,000won (monthly starting October 2008)

Marcelino Serdeña III ~ 50,000 won (February 2009)
Felix Ferrer ~ 30,000 won (February 2009)
Anonymous ~ 20,000won (February 2009)
Anonymous ~ 10,000won (February 2009)
Anonymous ~ 2,000won (February 2009)
Anonymous ~ 1,000won (February 2009)
“Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting.”
CASH DONATIONS CAN BE MADE THRU...
Donation Box (can be found at FEWA Office inside WooriBank, Hyehwadong Branch, Seoul)
Deposit / Transfer (Account #: 049702 04 058587 / Account Name: Sofonias N. Paragsa /
Bank: KB or Kookmin Bank)

세일 여행사 ( 주 )
Seowon Bldg., 10th Floor 91-1, Kyeongwon-dong Chongro-gu Seoul
Fax #: 723-5781 or 724-0636
Seil Tour System offers very reasonable prices which
are amazingly cheaper than other agencies you can
find for these routes:
INCHEON - MANILA - INCHEON ROUTE
INCHEON - CEBU - INCHEON ROUTE
PUSAN - MANILA - PUSAN ROUTE
We may deliver your ticket thru mail. Please send
your payment through our bank account…
#032-01-163167 Nonghyup Bank - Seil Tour

We’re
We ’re always ready to assist you for your good trip.
For more details please contact…
MILA MONTERDE at 02-724-0677 or
SHIN HWA-YOUNG at 02-724-0664

Other Services Offered: We can book you worldwide

www.seiltour.co.kr / www.itms.co.kr

www.sulyapinoy.org SULYAPINOY FEBRUARY 2009 7

 OUR SPONSOR

8 SULYAPINOY FEBRUARY 2009 www.sulyapinoy.org Printed by