By Atty. Cristina Godinez

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) announced recently that the NCLEX testing for foreign nurses in Manila will begin August 23 at the international Pearson Professional Center, with the scheduling for the tests to start on July 13. Passing the NCLEX test is a requirement for obtaining the license to practice nursing in the United States and its territories.

The NCLEX test is administered by the NCSBN, a not-for-profit organization composed of the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four US territories.

According to the NCSBN release, its Board of Directors decided to open the NCLEX test center in Manila “because of the deep commitment shown by the Philippine government to ensuring a secure test center.�

Despite being the largest number of foreign NCLEX test-takers, Filipino RNs had to travel abroad to take the exam either in the US or other previously designated international test sites.

Beginning January 2005, the NCLEX has authorized the establishment of international test sites in such places as London, in the UK; Hong Kong; Sydney, Australia; Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver in Canada; Frankfurt, Germany; Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai in India; Mexico City; Taipei, Taiwan;  Chiyoda-ku and Yokohama in Japan.

The Philippines had been conspicuously bypassed in the international test site designation, even as NCLEX statistics indicate that Philippine-educated RNs comprise more than 30 percent of first-time foreign NCLEX test takers since 2003.

The NCSBN explained that the Philippines was not able to meet the test site selection criteria which included national and test security issues.

Notwithstanding the nurse licensure scandal that rocked the Philippine nursing profession in June 2006, the Philippine government and groups such as the Philippine Nurses Association of America, relentlessly persuaded the NCSBN that an NCLEX test site must be set up in the Philippines. The NCSBN announced in February that it has decided to establish this year the much-awaited Manila test site.

NCLEX exam statistics ending March 2007 show that the Philippines still leads the top five nurse sending countries to the US which included India, South Korea, Canada and Cuba. Filipino nurses are estimated to constitute over 80 percent of the foreign-educated nurses in the US.

The NCSBN release also said, all international candidates are required to apply to the board of nursing in the state or territory where they wish to be licensed before registering for the NCLEX examination.

The NCLEX examination fee for all candidates is $200. Candidates who elect to take the NCLEX at an international site pay an additional $150 when they schedule their examination.

CRISTINA A. GODINEZ is a Manhattan-based attorney and is the lawyers’ representative of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), the national umbrella group of Filipino American organizations. For comments or questions, you may send an email to crisgodinez@lawyer.com or crisgodinez@yahoo.com.
 
 

By Eileen A. Mencias / Manila standard

Home Development Mutual Fund, better known as the Pag-Ibig Fund, raised P2 billion in five-year bonds last week, said Pag-Ibig Fund president and chief executive officer Romero Quimbo.

The bonds carried a yield of 5 percent per annum, the lowest rate of any of Pag-Ibig Fund’s bond issue and among the lowest reported by any state-run company. The rate for the benchmark five year treasury bonds in the secondary market stood at 5.82 percent during the time of the auction.

Pag-Ibig Fund’s bond issue, which was handled by Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines, was almost three times oversubscribed with bids totaling P5.502 billion.

Pag-Ibig said in a statement that some P700 million of the bonds would be offered to retail and other investors under a clawback provision.

Retail investors may invest in the bonds from March 14 to March 20 while developers and insurance firms that have not participated in the bidding may purchase them from March 19 to March 20.

Retail investors may buy the bonds in denominations of P10,000.

“The response of the market to our latest housing bonds is overwhelming. Large private institutions like banks and pension funds and workers’ provident funds were among our major investors. Because of this, the fund was able to price the bonds at 5 percent per annum which is lower than the prevailing market rate,� Quimbo said.

Bankers said the low interest rates on the bonds were due mainly to falling interest rates and the huge amount of liquidity in the system.

“Government recognizes that it cannot do it alone. It needs to tap private sector funds. Our task in government is to primarily provide a mechanism for fund sourcing that can be trusted by the private sector. The private sector will not put in money to any of the government’s programs unless the channel of disbursement is trustworthy,� Quimbo said.

Proceeds from the bond issue will be used to finance government’s housing program.

As of the end of 2006, the assets of the Pag-Ibig Fund totaled P191.55 billion, up 7.43 percent from P178.3 billion reported at the end of 2005. Net income last year amounted to P7.7 billion.

MANILA(Reuters) – The Philippines’ food and drugs agency has banned the distribution and sale of four Chinese food products, including candies and biscuits, due to concerns over food safety, officials said on Tuesday.

Leticia Barbara-Gutierrez, head of the Bureau of Foods and Drugs of the health department, said samples of the sweets were tested and found to contain harmful substances, such as formaldehyde.

Gutierrez issued an advisory on Monday asking the public to “refrain” from buying and consuming four Chinese-made products, including White Rabbit Creamy Candy, Milk Candy, Balron Grape Biscuits and Yong Kang Foods Grape Biscuits.

Importers and retailers were also asked to withdraw the items from the market until further notice.

Gutierrez said the health department has randomly selected Chinese food products for tests after China shut down 180 food factories found to have breached food safety regulations by mixing formaldehyde into products.

Gutierrez said some of these Chinese food products had no licensed distributors in the country and may had been smuggled into the country.

The Philippines has requested Beijing, through its embassy in Manila, to furnish the government a list of companies in China that had been shut down due to food safety concerns to protect Filipino consumers.

Revelations of tainted Chinese goods have grabbed global attention after patients in Panama died from toxic ingredients in medicine and pets died in the United States from substandard feed while tainted Chinese toothpaste was found elsewhere.

By Carmela Bignotia (OFW Guide)

According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health and Hospital Operations Program (MOH-HOP) through the Saudi Recruitment Office in Makati City has reiterated its recruitment order for female nurses, including other skills for hospital operations in the Kingdom. The Saudi MOH is the oldest government employer of POEA that has deployed 86,000 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for the past 30 years.

A total of 500O female nurses is urgently needed and the government agencies of POEA and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will conduct a nationwide registration to recruit qualified applicants. Applicants from far-flung provinces can register through the regional offices of POEA and DOLE.

The POEA informed that recruitment of applicants in Mindanao for this month is not so successful that a new batch of applicants will be interviewed in August. The Health Ministry of Saudi is in need of 300 to 500 Muslims to be deployed in the hospitals at the holy cities of Makkah and Medina. “They may qualify even without passing the nursing licensure examination. However, only those aged at least 21 years old may apply,” POEA said.

For nurses without the required years of experience in hospitals may qualify for the entry-level employment offer and on-the-job training of the MOH. Meanwhile, those who had passed the nursing licensure exam are encouraged to send application to POEA for the no-placement fee hiring for  MOH.

For more infomation on application procedures, please inquire through the POEA hotline numbers, 722-1144 to 55.
 
 

By Janice in Business

MEDICAL transcriptionists (MTs) can earn from P20,000 to P50,000 a month depending on the amount of work they do. The MTC Academy, the country’s premier medical transcription education provider, is encouraging students, including graduates of nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, public health and allied medical courses to consider medical transcription work.

The first few medical transcription companies began operations not in Metro Manila, as expected, but in the countryside, said Wit Holganza, chief executive officer of MTC Academy, whose institution is located on E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City.Holganza said medical transcription companies have discovered that Filipinos are able to transcribe voice-recorded or hand-written medical reports into text for storage as printed or electronic data.

Data from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines reveals that growth in the outsourced medical transcription services industry is likely to outpace the 25-percent annual growth of the booming call center industry.The business is expected to surge by as much as 90 percent per year for the next five years. At this rate, the Philippines would have some 120,000 medical transcribers by 2010.

The medical transcription industry earned $70 million last year and is expected to climb to $126 million this year, according to data from the Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines Inc. This is projected to grow to $238-million in 2007; $476-million in 2008; $952-million in 2009; and $1.71-billion in 2010

MARSEILLES, France — Raya Martin’s second feature film “Autohystoria” won a special mention in the international competition of the 18th Festival International du Documentaire de Marseille in France on July 9.

The film is a quasi-autobiographical account of two city brothers paralleling with the Filipino historical figures Andres and Procopio Bonifacio. The international competition jury was presided over by renowned Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, along with directors Patricio Guzman of Chile, Angela Schanelac of Germany, Tahani Rached of Egypt and Italian critic Enrico Ghezzi.

The First Film Award was given to another Filipino film, Sherad Anthony Sanchez’s “Huling Balyan ng Buhi: O Ang Sinalirap Nga Asoy Nila” about a priestess’ conception of stigmata. The jury was headed by Iranian director Manoushak Fashahi joined by Ulrike Kasper of Germany, Michele Sylvander of France, Gilles Laurent of Belgium and Patrice Nezan also of France.

The FIDMarseille is one of the world’s prominent documentary festivals, and in this year’s edition has decided to include fiction films that blur the boundaries between fact and fiction, including the Malaysian film “Love Conquers All” by Tan Chui.

By Ester C. Beatty

(Photo above shows the athletes in the first game of the best of three series with the new Philippine Honorary Consul, Mrs. Shemaine Bushnell-Kyriakides, Mrs. Popi Votsi, General Manager of Western Union, Akis of Keravnos Club and some of the Committee Members.)

24^th June 2007 – Dell of Nicosia and Interorient Navigation of Limassol were not bothered with the soaring temperature reaching 40C today to play the final games of the championship. After two months of playing basketball every Sunday and with the heat gradually creeping up all the time, the Philippine Basketball League (Cyprus) 2007 is finally over!  Donald Luzon scored 21 points and Ace Generoso chipped in with 15 as Interorient Navigation topped DELL 52-49 to claim the Philippine Basketball League 2007 title on Sunday morning in Nicosia. Both teams went basket for basket from the tip-off, but the Limassol side kept their cool in the last minutes of the game and deservedly captured the championship title.   

During the post-game show, spectators were able to enjoy the performances of Wilma Dayrit, Karen Julongbayan as well as Homeboys and G-girls from Limassol who recently won the dancing competition for the Philippine Independence Day celebration. The organizing committee then presented a total of 13 awards, which was followed by serving of tasteful Filipino foods.

The best team uniform award was given to the team from Larnaca, while Jhovaline was awarded the Fair-play award. Miss Jennylyn Honrado, representing MoneyGram, received the PBL 2007 Muse award.  

MoneyGram Team with their Muse Ms. Jennylyn Honrado who brought home the PBL 2007 Muse award

  

The youngest player award was given to Karl Yulongbayan of Interorient Navigation who is 13 years old, with the Best Coach award also heading to the Limassol side with Marvin Santos claiming it.

The Mythical Five Award was given to Jeffrey Sarimento of DELL, Donald Luzon of Interorient Navigation, Allan Paul de Leon of Jhovaline, Allan of Larnaca and Ronald Ramos of MoneyGram.

Interorient Navigation’s Donald Luzon also received awards for the MVP of the league and the Best Scorer. Jeffrey Sarimento of DELL was awarded as the player who scored the most three-pointers throughout the competition.

On the first series of the final, which was played on 3^rd June 2007, DELL used a punishing final quarter to claim an important 69-56 victory over Interorient Navigation and take a 1-0 lead in the best of three series of the Philippine Basketball League 2007 finals.

Mrs. Shemaine Bushnel-Kyriakides, the new Honorary Consul of the Philippines, made an honorary tip-off which was greeted with a long applause by Filipino spectators. Among the guests of the organizing committee was also Mrs. Popi Votsi, the General Manager of Western Union in Cyprus who sponsored the league. After the final buzzer, the spectators had an opportunity to enjoy basketball even more when the selected team of the league faced the CyBasketball.com team in a game with many attractive moves. The CyBasketball.com team had the upper hand throughout the game eventually winning it 73-46.

 Larnaca Team bags the Best Team Uniform award

  

In the second game of the league finals which was held on 17^th June 2007, Interorient Navigation defeated DELL convincingly with the score of 55-37 and tie the final series at 1-1, while in the game for the third place MoneyGram demolished Larnaca 61-36.

After leading throughout the first half, the Limassol side almost let their lead slip away when allowed DELL to take the lead for the first time in the game towards the end of the third quarter at 27-28. When everyone expected DELL to take a complete control of the game in the final period Interorient Navigation came back strong scoring 26 points and holding their opponent on seven to win the game and force the deciding third game today.

The organizing committee would like to thank the following for their kindness and generosity for the success of the league: Western Union and G.A.P. Vassilopoulos Worldwide Removals for sponsoring the league, Keravnos Club for letting us use their court, Mr & Mrs Tony Kyriakides, Mrs Morena Pavlou, Mr Costakis Panagides, Messrs Photos Photiades, Lenia from Limassol, Aida of Boracay Club (Limassol) and to all the teams who provided foods and drinks during the celebration after the game. A game is not always possible without a proper referee, so we would like to say a big thank you to Mr Nemanja Bjedov, who has always shown his professionalism to all the players and was assisted by Mr Amin Houmayoun, for their help and assistance.Congratulations to all the players of each team for showing the true spirit of sportsmanship during the games. TAYO’Y MGA PILIPINO – MAGKAISA TAYO!!!  

The Champions! InterOrient Navigation Team from Limassol

  

The referees Mr. Amin Houmayou and Mr. Nemanja Bjedov

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Posted in News | No Comments »

Monsignor Ruperto Cruz Santos in Limassol

10th July 2007

By Camen Dolores Brazan B. Llauderes

Catholic Charismatic Renewal- Nicosia

A huge crowd of souls gathered and witnessed the power of God and His presence during the healing message delivered by guest speaker Monsignor Ruperto Cruz Santos of El Shaddai  DWXI – PPFI European Spiritual Adviser, Rector of Ponteficio Collegio Filipino and the National Coordinator for the Pastoral Care of Filipino Migrants in Italy on the 14th year anniversary of El Shaddai DWXI – PPFI Limassol Cyprus Chapter last May 13, 2007 held at St. Catherine Catholic Church.

Monsignor Santos proclaimed the Word of God in John 14:26 that fully declares,’ But the paraclete, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you. He explained that the death of Jesus Christ lead us to salvation and His resurrection brought us new life. The Holy Spirit is given to sanctify and console us.To make us understand, remember and teach us the Word of God to make us a strong person to avoid sins and  overcome problems during crisis and trials in life. The Holy Spirit makes us holy, pure and perfect and to be with conformity with Jesus. He give us comfort because the Holy Spirit is our consoler and comforter. As a follower of Christ we must carry our cross in life, he stressed.

Monsignor added that the Holy Spirit is our guidance and counselor not to go back to our old ways in life such as fatalism, confirmicism, and minimalism. God leaves His Holy Spirit  to make sure of our safety and salvation while having our pilgrimage in life here on earth. Because our home and our citizenship is in  heaven. God never leaves us alone He is always with us and He loves us. The guest speaker also mentioned that God gave gives us gifts to accept, take care, utilize, develop and share with others. God wants us to be united with Him to love Him and most of all to be of service to others  for  the glory of God Monsignor concluded.

The anniversary begun with the Eucharistic Celebration conducted by Monsignor Santos. He was assisted by St. Catherine Catholic Parish Priest and Spiritual Adviser Rev. Fr. Martin Zavaleta Garcia OFM, and Elder Preacher and Director of Terra Santa College Rev. Zacheusz Dulniok OFM. Fr. Martin in his inspirational message said that God loves us and we also love him thats why we were gathered together on the said event to glorify THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. Fr. Martin invited us to be a true follower of Jesus Christ by keeping his command. LOVE ONE ANOTHER, he emphasized. He encourages everyone to TRUST AND HAVE FAITH IN GOD. Jesus keeps his promises and He never fails, he added.

The event was also highlighted with the joyful and worship songs, sharing of blessings, presentations, healing and deliverance. It was participated and attended by the El Shaddai community from differeent places with plenty of invited friends and guests,. Tess B. Sells and Sally Valdez from Athens Greece attended the event. The emcees were Ruth Laga and Lucie Enriquez. The event was followed by a luncheon get together party and it started from 11:45 AM until after 5:00PM.

The El Shaddai DWXI – PPFI Cyprus Chapter is under Limassol Mothership with Sis. Cora Arnon as the over-all coordinator in the island. The theme of the anniversary is FAITH, LOVE, UNITY.

Posted in Kumpletos Rekados | 2 Comments »

Just a breather

8th July 2007

By Joy B. Miranda

Hi folks! Its been half a year since I came back from Philippines. I want to take a small mind-rest by posting few pictures with family…You see, as I was checking images in my folder, these pictures have pinched me high of sighs and ohhs, perhaps if It could only speak, certainly it would say, “you have neglected us down here in a box!”

Well, folks, here it is, my very precious, bundles of joy.

Camera- shy Julius made a rather hesitant pose as Ate Bea with her “projected-smile” pulled him closer. Dimple likewise flashed her ever- winning girlish smile showing off her braces! Julius is a freshman, Information Technology student of Ateneo De Davao University. Ate Bea,as you know is in her “irregular” 3rd year Industrial Engineering course also at Ateneo and Dimple, well, she took a summer classes for her UPCAT, in preparation to her “request” to hopefully study college in the Universtity of the Philippines, Manila after finishing high school this year at the Holy Child High. (Oh My God, help me to manage that!)

 

In this pic with my year-old nephew Vynch…oh how I miss that cutie!

 

Now with family (minus my two brothers  Jun and Bong and family who were not around), sitting from left to right: Mama Terry, sister Tiny, Julius (this time with not so shy smile!) Bea, Me and Dimple. Standing were Bro Jojo, son Vynch and sis-in-law Josephine (my namesake).

Just trying to relax myself…

Posted in Pinay Sense | No Comments »

« Previous Entries

 

This blog is protected by Dave's Spam Karma 2: 930 Spams eaten and counting...

Bad Behavior has blocked 219 access attempts in the last 7 days.