By Bea Joy Miranda Tabuga

What drives you?

In 19th century, if the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, along with all the other heroes we had, would be asked about what drives his life, I bet he might say, “the thirst for independence”. Today, for ABS-CBN or GMA for instance, both leading Filipino radio and television channels, it’s “the will of serving the Filipinos through media.” That drives them. In schools, it’s “the hunger for education”, which somehow inspires their vision-mission-goal. For fathers, it would be “their starving children”, and for mothers, generally, it would be “their children’s father”.

But you? What drives you? What drives your life?

If Pepe Rizal and all the other heroes in the 19th century fought the colonizers for their thirst for independence, and if media companies are driven by the will to serve the people in order to continuously create competitive shows and conduct public services, how about you? Schools are driven with the hunger for education and they even compete with each other to stand out among all the others in providing the best quality education. Fathers, as a stereotype, go to work and earn money as much as they can to feed their starving children. And the mothers? They simply do what’s the best for their children, and first and foremost, the best for their children’s father, that in the end line they unconsciously forget their own selves.

How about you? What do you do? What drives you to do it?

In the universally known book of Rick Warren entitled the “Purpose-Driven Life”, it religiously states that our life “must be” (if not “is”) driven by a purpose. If all Rick Warren’s explanations, arguements and Bible-and-prophecy-proven statements convinced you that your life is driven by a purpose, then what would now be your purpose?

If you can’t answer that question right away, you might be able to answer this one: Why did you read this article even if I said do not read this in the first place? What drives you? Curiosity? Sounds intriguing? Sounds interesting? What then can be the purpose of reading this intriguing and interesting “what drives you?” article? Find out the answer.

If you can’t find any, stick to this: “What you think is what you say. What you say is what you do. What you do is what you are. What you are is the one that drives you.”

Dahil in-born o natural sa’yo ang pagiging chismosa o usisera, kahit na sabihin ko pang “Beware of Dogs” o “Danger! Falling debris” o “Stop! The light is red” o “Bawal umihi dito, ang umihi dito, aso!” o “Parental Guidance” o kahit anu-ano pang mga signs para patnubayan ang mga tao kalakip ang “By Mgt”, sa unahan ng article na ito para lang hindi mo ito basahin, babasahin mo pa rin ito. Ang pagiging chismosa mo ang nagda-drive sa’yo! Eh ano sakali ang purpose ng pagiging chismosa mo? Para makakuha ng kaalaman? Para malaman ang latest at updates? Swerte mo kung tulad sa artikulong ito ang mababasa mo. Eh paano kung hindi?

Tigilan mo na ‘tong basahin. Lumalala lang ang pagiging chismosa mo, na wala namang maidudulot na mabuti sa iyo.

Makes sense?

-Beiah-

By Carmela Bignotia (OFW Guide)

From the point of view of Canada’s immigration officials, recent developments regarding the immigration policy of Canada on its foreign workers are positive. However, various organizations of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there think otherwise.

The statement from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) referring to the changes as improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker program were met with criticisms and disapproval. Likewise, Filipino workers in Canada refuse to believe that the new rules are meant to address challenges that Canadian employers face. Under the new system, live-in caregivers will only be qualified for a work permit if they stay with one employer for three years and three months. Filipino workers in Canada think the new policy is a human rights violation, as it is racist and anti-women.

Glecy Duran, National Vice-Chairperson for Western Canada of SIKLAB-Canada (Advance and Uphold the Rights of Overseas Filipino Workers-Canada said, “These changes are once again a slap in the face of thousands of migrant workers in Canada especially Filipino live-in caregivers working under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP). These changes do not fundamentally alter the LCP in ways that would uphold the human rights of these migrant workers.�

Duran explains why the new policy is not necessary with the following statements, “Many live-in caregivers do not remain working for the same employer over this two to three year period for various legitimate reasons. For instance, some decide to leave their employers to look for better working conditions with another employer if they suffer severe exploitation and oppressive conditions while living in their original employers’ homes.�

Duran also states why the new rule is geared towards the interest of the employers and not the workers. She said, “These changes are clearly in response to employers’ complaints about the long processing time they had to wait in recruiting foreign workers. Yet the government chooses to blatantly ignore the plight of live-in caregivers, the majority of whom are Filipino women.�

Filipino workers in Canada are appealing to the Canadian government who greatly needs foreign workers to fill up their labor shortage.

Duran stressed, “If Canada is really serious about its leading role as a champion of human rights, then the government should recognize the vast contribution that live-in caregivers have made to Canadian society by removing the live-in requirement and grant permanent residency to these migrant workers, as well as full accreditation and reciprocity to foreign trained professionals.�
 

By Carmela Bignotia (OFW Guide)
 
The shortage for nurses and other healthcare professionals is a worldwide phenomenon. At the height of the issue surrounding the retake order of the US government for all June 2006 Nursing Board exam passers, Filipino nurses who want to work abroad still has lots of opportunities to consider.

Worldwide, the demand for nurses continues to increase and this fact is true not only in America but in other promising destinations as well. Aside from USA, Filipino nurses can opt to work in New Zealand which currently has 1,000 job openings for nurses.

Zosimo Cabulisan, president and chief operating officer of Reliable Recruitment Corp., said,  New Zealand is the right place for you.� The POEA-licensed recruitment agency has deployed 200 newly licensed nurses at Wellington.

Likewise, senior consultant and general manager of Alta Solutions, Alberto Tuason, said New Zealand locals (called Kiwis) prefer Filipinos over other foreign nurses because our nurses are naturally compassionate, helpful and kind. Furthermore, Filipino nurses are hardworking and are willing to work even beyond the allotted working hours.

Alta Solutions is a recruitment and consulting specialist that is based in Wellinton, New Zealand. The agency has interviewed applicants in Baguio City for possible deployment in the  New Zealand health facilities.

According to Tuason, some Filipino nurses choose to be deployed in New Zealand because they see this as a way for later migration to other destinations such as America, United Kingdom, and Australia. However, most of them choose to stay in New Zealand because of the favorable working conditions and reasonable wages.

According to Cabulisan, “Nurses in New Zealand tend to receive higher take-home pay compared to their counterparts in the UK because of the relatively low withholding tax deductions of only 24 percent, as against 40 percent in the UK.

Tuason added that an estimate of 50,000 Filipinos are now in New Zealand. The country is industrial-agricultural and tourism-oriented. It is about as big as the Philippines with less than 5 million residents.

To view latest job openings in New Zealand, click here

By Carmela Bignotia (OFW Guide0

From the point of view of Canada’s immigration officials, recent developments regarding the immigration policy of Canada on its foreign workers are positive. However, various organizations of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there think otherwise.

The statement from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) referring to the changes as improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker program were met with criticisms and disapproval. Likewise, Filipino workers in Canada refuse to believe that the new rules are meant to address challenges that Canadian employers face. Under the new system, live-in caregivers will only be qualified for a work permit if they stay with one employer for three years and three months. Filipino workers in Canada think the new policy is a human rights violation, as it is racist and anti-women.

Glecy Duran, National Vice-Chairperson for Western Canada of SIKLAB-Canada (Advance and Uphold the Rights of Overseas Filipino Workers-Canada said, “These changes are once again a slap in the face of thousands of migrant workers in Canada especially Filipino live-in caregivers working under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP). These changes do not fundamentally alter the LCP in ways that would uphold the human rights of these migrant workers.�

Duran explains why the new policy is not necessary with the following statements, “Many live-in caregivers do not remain working for the same employer over this two to three year period for various legitimate reasons. For instance, some decide to leave their employers to look for better working conditions with another employer if they suffer severe exploitation and oppressive conditions while living in their original employers’ homes.�

Duran also states why the new rule is geared towards the interest of the employers and not the workers. She said, “These changes are clearly in response to employers’ complaints about the long processing time they had to wait in recruiting foreign workers. Yet the government chooses to blatantly ignore the plight of live-in caregivers, the majority of whom are Filipino women.�

Filipino workers in Canada are appealing to the Canadian government who greatly needs foreign workers to fill up their labor shortage.

Duran stressed, “If Canada is really serious about its leading role as a champion of human rights, then the government should recognize the vast contribution that live-in caregivers have made to Canadian society by removing the live-in requirement and grant permanent residency to these migrant workers, as well as full accreditation and reciprocity to foreign trained professionals.�

By Carmela Bignotia (OFW Guide)

The governments of Bahrain and the Philippines recently entered into an agreement that will bring more employment opportunities for Filipino nurses. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Health Services Cooperation will be beneficial for the two countries.

According to Eduardo Maglaya, Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, it will not only facilitate the recruitment of Filipino nurses to Bahrain, but will also allow Bahraini nurses to undergo medical training in the Philippines.

The Undersecretary of the Health Ministry to Bahrain, Aziz Hamza said, “This is a significant step for our people, as also for the development of training in our respective countries. We are, as an immediate step, looking at sending Bahraini health professionals, particularly nurses, for training to the Philippines.”

Bahrain and the Philippines will work together to facilitate the hiring process of professionals from both countries. The agreement also includes cooperation on upholding the rights of workers, and capacity building and mechanisms to improve development of human resources for health.

As Hamza puts it, “It will help both the governments immensely on several aspects. There is a lot to be done, but the process has started in right earnest.”

A delegation from Bahrain is expected to arrive in the Philippines this June to further discuss the MOU with the Philippine government. Maglaya said, “We will talk about agreements on human resources for health, scholarships, academic co-operation on human resources for health, investments, and technology cooperation.”

By Maria Theresa S. Samante (OFW Guide)

Canada is currently experiencing shortage in tourism and hospitality workers such as food servers and housekeeping workers. According to some reports, Canadian employers consider hiring Filipino workers to fill the vacancy.

For the 2007-08 season, Chemistry Consulting and Success Immigration has put up an office in Cebu, will be recruiting 300 Filipino.

The recruitment started in 2006 since then, they never stop seeking for Filipino workers to work in Vancouver Island’s west coast. They have different channel of advertisement locally and across the country but still there’s a shortage of 10 to 20 workers.

Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino Resort is expecting six Filipino workers in the coming weeks and this would be the start of a long-term program of recruitment of foreign workers. Qualified workers will stay in the resort’s worker living units.

According to Charles McDiarmid, managing director of Tofino’s up-market in Wickaninnish Inn, they will encourage Tofino grocers to stock Filipino food items and through creation of a network with other operators employing Filipinos to nurture a “community atmosphere.�

Wickaninnish Inn is set to pay Chemistry Consulting and Success Immigration $2,500 per worker. This includes: $500 per worker payable at the beginning of recruitment agreement; $1,000 per worker payable on the date of issuance of the work visa; $1,000 per worker payable on the date the worker arrives in Canada.

Expenses include return airfare of up to $2,000; local health-care expenses of $54 per month per worker; and a visa fee of $150. Filipino applicants who will qualify in the position will pay $55 administration fee to the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA); medical check-up fees; the amount of NBI certificate valid to travel abroad and, cost of an international driver’s license if they want to drive while in Canada, and other living cost during their stay in the country.

According to the spokesperson for British Columbia and Yukon Hotel Association (BCYHA), Ashley Haslett, Filipino workers like room attendants, housekeeping and cleaning staff are also expected to come in to Whistler and the Okanagan this year.

By Carmela Bignotia, (OFW Guide)

Globalization is a blessing in many ways for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) The technological advancements resulted to cheaper and faster modes of communication. Among other things, it shortens the distance of far countries and makes the loneliness of working overseas bearable. It sure has made the world smaller and brought people closer.
Among the benefits an OFW gets from cyberspace are the following:

Internet Voting for OFWs

Suffrage is one of the most important rights of being a citizen of a particular country. It is therefore ironic that most OFWs who are considered modern-day-heroes fail to participate in this significant event. The Philippine government addressed this problem by implementing a law that allows absentee voting.
Today voting is even made easier as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that a pilot-test internet voting will be held in Singapore for the upcoming 2007 local elections.

Singapore was chosen because of the large number of OFWs (approximately 26,000) here which are mostly domestic helpers. According to Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr., “We chose Singapore for the pilot-testing of Internet voting because majority of the households there have Internet access.�

They believe that internet voting would be more effective as voting in embassies and consular offices made possible through the absentee voting law is a tedious process that takes almost a month. Under that scheme, March is the start of voting for sea-based workers while April is the start for land-based workers.

Florentino Tuason, the commissioner in charge for absentee voting said, “ Casting and counting of votes were also much faster and it is guaranteed safe because it has an international patent.�

Tele-OFW (Overseas Free Way)

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may soon run out of excuse about failing to communicate with their loved ones here in the Philippines. Getting in touch with loved ones and sending money overseas will no longer be a hassle as it is now easier, faster, and cheaper.

The Tele-OFW (Overseas Free Way) is a new, internet-based service platform that will be beneficial for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). This service is a joint project of the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA), Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), and Microsoft Philippines.

Through this service, OFWs anywhere in the globe can contact their families and friends using any of the following: a windows mobile device, a mobile phone or a personal computer. Microsoft Live Communication Server is also needed for Instant Messaging (IM) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) which allows free voice calls. They can also send money to the Philippines using the mentioned medium.

According to OWWA, “RCBC’s network of more than 200 branches abroad will be used for the service.� Filipino workers with an RCBC TeleMoney account can request for the Tele-OFW service.
According to Marianito Roque, OWWA administrator, “Tele-OFW is a service which will allow our overseas workers to reduce costs when staying in touch with their loved ones.”

Francisco Magsajo, RCBC president said, “Filipino workers abroad can avail of easy financing agreement in the purchase of a computer or a handset. But you can also avail of a bundled loan, where the PC and handset is already included in the package.Depending on the type of PC or handset, a worker can loan a PC and handset package for as low as R50,000. “RCBC

The Tele-OFW has been launched in Singapore, Hong Kong .Taiwan, Middle East, and even Europe.
For more information regarding this service, please visit the OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph or inquire at any RCBC branch.
 

(Note: This was e-mailed to me last week and since it’s still a couple of months more before father’s day, i thought of keeping it for that day. But re-reading this just made sense to me…or maybe personally i can relate to it…whatever, i am posting this piece which is dedicated to all the fathers out there, on earth and out of earth! - joy b. miranda)

My father knows everything!
At least that’s what I thought when I was a child.
He could fix anything, make everything right.
He had answers to all my questions. He was my refuge.

I don’t think TATANG (father) grew stupid while I got smart; but at my teenage stage, I was no longer sure that father knew best.
I thought I’ve got more knowledge than him for I’ve learned a lot.

When I’ve found a job by my own, I thought I was ready to go again to him for his advice.
Unfortunately, he is gone…!

That’s why I missed my father so much. Even only in my dreams, I could hug him and thank him for what I am now. With the wisdom he left behind, he is always in my side, heart and mind as I go through the path of life.

I LOVE YOU FATHER WHEREVER YOU ARE!

By Elizabeth T. Delos Reyes

 Reverend Sharmaine Meek, the Founder and Senior Pastor of the River of Life Church and of “Eagles Wings� Prophetic School in Australia visited Cyprus to be the keynote speaker during the gathering of Larnaca and Nicosia Catholic Charismatic Renewal which took place last 25th February 2007.

 

According to Rev. Meek, we must be a born again Christians baptised by the Holy Spirit. She stressed that we must abide by the Word of God to strengthen our life and increase our faith; and to apply and practice God’s word in our daily life. She added that we need to mature as Christians, seek the Kingdom of God and prepare ourselves for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The healing and baptism of the Holy Spirit were among the highlights of the event. There were joyful songs, praises and worship songs that gave glory to God.

 

The founder and spiritual leader of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Cyprus Pastora Cora Artemiou was the master of ceremony. The Larnaca Chapter hosted the said event held at the Terra Santa Catholic Church in Larnaca.

 

By Carmen Brazan-Llauderes

Charismatic Renewal, Nicosia

 

 

The El-Shaddai DWXI-PPFI Nicosia, Cyprus Chapter celebrated the blessed 15th year anniversary last February 11, 2007 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church. The event was another gathering of different cell groups namely: Limassol Mother Chapter headed by the Overall Coordinator Sis. Cora Arnon, Limassol Thursday cell group with Leony Arellano, Larnaca with Sis. Angie Catequista, Nicosia with Sis. Rufina Trance, Paphos with Felicidad Presenta and Paralimni with Sis. Martisa Walang together with their respective members and followers.

The Word of God was delivered by Rev. Fr. Zacheus Dulniok, OFM, and overall elder on the theme “Faith, Love and Unity.” According to Fr. Zacheus, faith is causing an action because faith without action is dead. Love is God and God is love. Unity is being united and connected with God. Colossians 3:12-14 fully declares, “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you and overall these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Fr. Zacheus has invited everyone to go open our hearts to God to accept Him as our Lord and Saviour.

The healing prayer, sharing of blessings, testimonies, presentations of each cell groups, joyful praise and worship songs were among the remarkable events that were all dedicated to glorify God.

(By Carmen Brazan-Llauderes)