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D.E.N.G.U.E launched to fight dengue fever

Joy Miranda — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 07:44:12 +0000

By Jocelyn R. Uy / PDI

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health is recommending six practices to help people deal with dengue fever in their homes and save their loved ones from the disease. Health Secretary Enrique Ona is promoting the D.E.N.G.U.E strategy to decongest hospitals, which have thousands of dengue patients, whose conditions can be managed at home. “Instead of confining patients in a hospital facility, parents and caregivers can practice the D.E.N.G.U.E. strategy,” Health Secretary Enrique Ona said in a statement. The six measures the DOH is encouraging patients, their parents and caretakers to adopt are the following:

* Daily monitoring of the patient’s status; * Encouraging intake of oral fluids like oresol (oral rehydration solution), water and juices; * Noting any warning signs of dengue; * Giving paracetamol to the patient, not aspirin as it induces bleeding; * Using mosquito nets; and, * Early consultation with doctors for any warning signs.

The

deadly Aedes Aegypti mosquito that brings Dengue disease.

The health agency has formulated the new strategy to educate the public on home treatment for mild dengue cases, Ona said. The upsurge in the number of dengue cases has left hospitals across the country struggling to accommodate patients seeking medical treatment despite limited beds. The DOH has monitored 62,503 dengue cases from January to Aug. 21, mainly in Western Visayas, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Central Mindanao and Eastern Visayas. The virus, delivered by a bite from the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has so far claimed the lives of 465 Filipinos. In just a span of a week—from Aug. 14 to Aug. 21—the health department has registered 7,844 dengue cases nationwide. But last week, the DOH assured the public that the government was still capable of managing the problem. Health and local officials in Santiago City and Tuguegarao City in Isabela province have declared a dengue outbreak. In Santiago City, health officials said dengue cases had risen to 83, twenty-seven of which were recorded in the last two weeks. Dr. Romanchito Edgar Bayang, assistant city health officer, said a 15-year-old boy who died on Thursday was the first dengue fatality in Santiago City. In Cagayan, the city council of Tuguegarao expressed alarm over the 323 dengue cases, including one fatality, reported in the city from January to Aug. 31. The council planned to reactivate anti-dengue brigades in villages and to ask Mayor Delfin Ting to require all government workers to observe the “four-o’clock habit,” an hour that would be devoted to cleaning potential breeding and nesting areas of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Health officials in Roxas City on Saturday reported that dengue cases in Capiz province were dropping. From 235 cases reported on Aug. 15-21, the number dropped to 178 on Aug. 22-28, said Yre Altavas, officer in charge of the Capiz epidemiological surveillance and response unit.With the cleanliness drive and reward system for the cleanest villages, local government and health officials said they hoped that dengue cases would continue to drop in the coming weeks. Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco has announced that assistance will be given to indigent patients. The city government of Roxas led by Mayor Angle Alan Celino will give cash incentives to the cleanest villages that stay dengue-free for two months. In Negros Oriental, August proved to be the most deadly month for dengue as the mosquito-borne killer claimed four lives in the province. But Negros Oriental is luckier than other dengue-stricken provinces in the Visayas as it has not breached the one-thousand mark. Pacholo Alcantara, surveillance officer of the provincial health team office of the Department of Health, said that as of Sept. 3, there have been 773 dengue cases recorded throughout the province.
But Dr. Felix Sy, head of the Metropolitan Health Team covering the towns of San Jose, Sibulan, Bacong, Valencia, Dauin and the city of Dumaguete, said the total cases this year were less than last year’s figure for the same period. While the figures for Negros Oriental were in the triple digits, the neighboring province of Negros Occidental had four-digit figures, earning it the distinction of having the biggest number of dengue cases throughout the country. Negros Occidental recorded 4,087 cases from January to Aug. 21, or an increase of 416 percent over last year. It recorded 24 deaths.(With reports from Villamor Visaya Jr., Inquirer Northern Luzon; Felipe V. Celino and Alex Pal.)

How to Work in United Kingdom: Different Types of Visa

Joy Miranda — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 07:20:11 +0000

By OFW Guide

The prospect of earning pounds instead of dollars as well as experiencing life in a European country makes United Kingdom (UK) an attractive destination for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The good news is that UK has many job opportunities for foreign workers. In fact it is reported that 150,000 job opportunities are waiting for Filipino workers in UK. Emmauel Geslani, a recruitment consultant said that the following jobs are still in demand in UK: healthcare workers, environmental specialists, information technology and scientist, telecoms specialists, marketing executives, teachers, and social care personnel However, not all who want to wok in UK can fulfill their dream. The competition is stiff not only with fellow Filipino workers but also with workers of other nationalities. To be able to enter UK, qualified applicants need to go through the points based system that is being implemented by the Borders and Immigration System since 2008. Under system, all foreigners who wish to enter UK are required to undergo a managed immigration program with a five-tier system. Geslani said. “This means depending on the category of (the) visa, you will be permitted to live and work in the UK, seek and undertake employment, establish a business, invests or be self-employed.”

The Tier 1 visa is consists of the four sub-categories: The Tier 1 General visa is for highly skilled migrants seeking employment in the UK, self employed immigrants or immigrants setting up a business. There is also a Tier 1 Investor visa designed for those investing large sums of money in the UK while Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is ideal for those setting up or taking over the running of businesses. Lastly the Tier 1 Post-study visa is for those currently studying or has studied in the past in the UK.

According to Geslani, the fastest route for Filipino workers to enter UK nowadays is through the Tier 4 or the student visa category. He said, “The fastest route available for Filipino health care workers, dentists, pharmacists, HRM graduates who want to reach the UK is through the Tier 4 student visa category, which requires the educational institution to accept the student.” The Tier 3 visa is temporarily suspended for an indefinite period by the UK Border Agency while the Tie 5 visa is not available to the Filipinos

POLO-OWWA (Cyprus) Offers OFW courses to active members

Joy Miranda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:56:02 +0000

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in support of the Philippine Honorary Consulate has started the OFW Courses for the overseas Filipino workers in Cyprus last January 31,2010.

The Basic Caregiver Course for the OFWS in Cyprus is in partnership with the Houston Medical Ltd in conducting the training course in Nicosia, Larnaca & Pafos.

The HML staff are fully qualified and experienced registered emergency medical technician /paramedic officers with a long years experience gained in the Royal Army Medical Corps and other medical institutions worldwide. HML offers a wide range of First Aid Courses to Advanced level plus advice on Occupation Health & Safety at work, and many more .

Houston Medical offers first class training to their clients, using the latest protocols and technical information available to ensure that students are prepared and trained to the highest possible standards. Houston Medical is also associated with Nuco-Training ,country’s largest and most highly respected Train the Trainer organizations in the UK.

Together with the OFW Family Club, one of the biggest Filipino organization in Cyprus assist in monitoring the 5 week course from January to June 2010.

POLO-OWWA has likewise conducted the Business Counselling Seminar or Kabuhayang Pinoy held for four Sundays at the POLO office, Philippine Honorary Consulate for the first batch. The course for the second batch of participants will be held at the function room of Hotel Centrum starting March 14.

The course includes the financial literacy and business planning which provides learning skills for OFWS in managing their hard earned money.

Ito ay ang isang kurso na nagbibiagy kaalaman upang matulungan ang mga kababayan nating nais magtayo ng sarili nilang kabuhayan sa paghahanda sa kanilang pagbabalik sa Pinas.

The Overseas Filipino Volunteers in Cyprus is the training coordinators for the said seminar.

The major courses are offered to OFW who are active OWWA members .This is a way of encouraging OFWs to enroll in the OWWA membership. Courses do not have admission or registration fees however reading materials are not free of charge.

For more information contact 357 22 106 440 or email owwacyprus09@yahoo.com.

OWWA releases list for college scholars

Joy Miranda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:53:13 +0000

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has released the list of 150 students across the Philippines who qualified for its Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for school year 2010-2011.
The EDSP is a scholarship grant offered to graduating high school students who intend to enroll in any four or five-year baccalaureate courses and who are qualified beneficiaries or dependents of OWWA members.
The scholarship comes in the form of a financial assistance amounting to P60,000 per school year.
OWWA will pay the school directly for the students’ tuition and will release the remaining amount upon the scholars’ submission of grades for the semester.
Scholars are allowed to choose their desired program or course offered by any college or university accredited by the Commission on Higher Education.
The scholarship shall also continue until completion of the course regardless of the status of membership of the overseas Filipino worker member, provided that the terms of the scholarship agreement are complied with by the student.
For a student to be eligible for the grant, he or she must be a child of a married OWWA member, or a brother or sister of an unmarried OWWA member; 21 years old or below; a Filipino citizen; in good health with good moral character; and must have an average grade of at least 80 percent and belong to the upper 20 percent of the graduating high school class.
The complete list of the EDSP passers can be found at the website www.owwa.gov.ph.

Pinay bali ang buto matapos mapalundag sa gusali

Joy Miranda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:18:08 +0000

(TP – March)

(Judith Lumactod noong hindi pa naaksidente)

kasalukuyang ginagamot ngayon sa Nicosia General Hospital ang isang pinay na dalawang araw na walang malay sanhi ng pagkahulog mula sa ika-3 palapag ng apartment na kanyang tinutuluyan sa No.7, Armenias Street, Nicosia noong ika-13 ng Pebrero. Ang biktima ay nakilalang si Judith Lumactod, 33 taong gulang na taga Iligan City. Ayon mismo sa kanya, siya at 7 pang kasambahay ay nabulabog sa 14 na immigration police na umakyat sa apartment nila noong Sabado ng gabi. Sa katarantahan ay hindi na raw niya alam ang sumunod na nagyari noong gabi ng Sabado dahil nagkamalay na siya sa loob ng hospital noong Lunes ng umaga, ika-15 ng Pebrero.

Judith with Ester and Joy

Dagdag na salaysay ni Judith na siya at kanyang mga kasambahay ay may hinalang itinuro sila ng isang Cypriot na nagngangalang Stelios. Ang taong ito umano ay dating nobyo ng kanyang room mate at pilit na nakipagbalikan subalit tinanggihan. Dahil sa pagkapahiya at dahil interesado din daw itong si Stelios sa apartment na kanilang tinitirahan, kung kaya nagawa nitong isuplong sila sa pulis. Si Judith at kanyang mga kasamahan ay pareho-pareho umanong wala nang mga bisa sa Cyprus.

Nauna nang inopera sa ulo si Judith “to relieve the intracterial pressure due to swelling,” ayon pa sa isang hospital staff . Ayon kay Dr. Christopolous sa Neuro- Surgical ward ng Nicosia General Hospital, si Judith ay malamang hindi na makakalakad pa muli sanhi ng kanyang spinal cord injury na apektado ang kanyang mga paa o L4-S1. Inoperahan ito noong Martes, March 1, para kahit papaano ay pwede pa siyang makaupo.

A new Law offers more protection for OFWs

Joy Miranda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:49:28 +0000

By OFW Guide

The Migrant Workers Act that was ratified in 1995 laid down conditions that gave protection and ensured the welfare of Filipino workers abroad. Now fifteen years later, the amendment of the said law is deemed necessary. The Philippine Senate recently approved a bill that calls for the improvement of the present Migrant Workers Act. The proposed changes aim to give better assistance and further promote the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) thus strengthening the present law. According to Jinggoy Estrada, Senate Majority Leader, the Philippine Senate approved the bill that was submitted by a bicameral conference committee. The version that was submitted by the said committee solved the issues and conflicts that were present in the earlier versions that were passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Estrada added that the Senate still needs to confirm if the Office of the President also ratified the bill. Once confirmed, they would transmit an enrolled copy to Malacanang for action by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The improved Migrant Workers Act includes preventive measures that would minimize and solve the problems encountered by OFWs in the process of recruitment and deployment. It also calls for the creation of better rescue and assistance mechanisms. The new bill also requires the government to closely monitor and be signatory to international conventions, as well as pursue ratification of bills that would be beneficial to OFWs. The said bill also obliged the government to enter into bilateral agreements with countries where there are millions of OFWs. The new Migrant Workers Act also expands the responsibility of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) by making all members of its governing board accountable for the deployment of Filipino workers abroad. It also covers the punishments waiting for government officials that would be caught issuing permits that would allow the deployment of Filipino workers in countries that does not comply with international labor standards. Estrada said that there will be penalties for failure to do their duties such as dismissal from the service or disqualification from holding appointive public office for a minimum of five years. The new law also redefines the meaning of “illegal recruitment” by including the act of reprocessing workers through a job order that pertains to non-existent work or work different from the actual work or work with a different employer whether registered or not with the POEA. Estrada said that such a scheme is known as “contract substitution” and it has victimized many OFWs before. In contract substitution, the employment contract that was signed by the worker in the Philippines is replaced by a new contract upon reaching their work destinations. They are forced to sign in the new contract that often states a lower salary and added work obligations.

Balitang Europe (BEU) Cyprus Correspondent

Joy Miranda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:33:28 +0000

Tinig Pinoy Editor in Chief Joy Miranda is now a correspondent for ABS-CBN’s Balitang Europe – Cyprus News Bureau aired at The Filipino Channel (TFC). As an opening salvo, she covered the recent fire incident last 27th January 2010. The story was broadcasted last 14 February and was also posted at the ABS-CBN online news (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/02/07/10/2-pinoys-die-cyprus-fire) as well as published in national dailies like the Philippine Star (www.Philstar/article.com).Miranda however admitted that broadcast and TV media are quite different from print media simply because any story for broadcast and TV should be supported by video clips / visuals and fresh images. With this, she is training Tinig Pinoy staff member Scarlet Tugbo the basics of photo-journalism. Aside from Scarlet, Ester Beatty as usual is always giving support in anyways she can, helping in the production of news-worthy materials in Cyprus.

Meanwhile, Joy Miranda was picked to be one of the members of Media and Communication Committee which was organized for the Papal visit. As was announced on January issue of Tinig Pinoy, Pope Benedict XVI is coming to Cyprus on 4th until 6th of June 2010. More updates regarding this Apostolic Voyage will be published next issue. Other committee members are Antonis Skoullos, Yiannos Aletraris, Anestis Cleanthous, Peppinos Moussas, Francesca Merakli, Liza Partella, Liza Antoniou, Marilena Pelekanou, Dinos Shiamtanis, Alberto Cassera, Joseph Josephides, Giorgos Beitis and Yiannos Liassides.

More Filipino workers moving in Europe

Joy Miranda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:57:52 +0000

By OFW Guide

The number of Filipino workers going to Europe increases as demand for manpower continues to arise. Based on the recent study, conducted by the Istituto Nazionale di Statistica (IND) in Italy, Filipinos are now the sixth largest ethnic group in the country by dominating 113,686 of Italy’s population. Italy is the home for most overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who want a better future by working abroad. Italy is also one of the preferred destinations of Filipino caregivers, nurses, restaurant staffs and domestic helpers. According to Philippine Overseas Employment Authority data, it clearly show an increase with the deployment of Filipino workers in Italy which up by 22.6 percent in 2008 compared to only 17.8 percent in 2007. Meanwhile, the numbers of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who go to European countries such as Denmark, Scandinavia and Norway to work as au pairs (house helpers) also increases. According to the Norwegian Immigration Department (UDI) in Norway alone, the number of au pairs who entered the country increases with only 78 in 2000 to 2,090 in 2008. This means that 7 out of 10 au pair permits issued by the department are given to Filipinos despite the ban on au pair deployment by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) since 1997. Au airs is slightly the same with domestic helpers. Au pair does light household work like baby sitting but earn by allowance only since au pair a cultural exchange arrangement that allows cultural visits of young people from all over the world in host families. Au pairs in different countries in Europe will attend a convention in Oslo to discuss their motion to expand the benefits for au pair workers in Europe.

Relief container arrives Manila for typhoon victims

Joy Miranda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:43:41 +0000

By Ester Beatty, (TP Staff)

After more than a month and the many hours spent sorting all the clothes that were donated for the Philippine typhoon victims by the public, the cargo container which sailed towards Phlippines on 7^{th December 2009, have finally arrived in Manila.}^{The container has arrived in Manila on 11th January 2010 and was delivered to a warehouse in Quezon City on 18th January 2010 ready to be transported to Tuao, Cagayan Valley, and its final destination. This has been done to avoid paying demurrages charges.}^{Mr. Rufo Ong, a businessman from Tuguegarao, was kind enough to accede to the request of the Holy Guardian Angels Parish Church to transport the relief goods from Manila to Tuao free of charge. However, the cargo cannot be accommodated all at once as there are more than 100 boxes to be transported so these will be done in batches. Hopefully within the next few days the distribution of the relief goods will commence.}

Contents of the container mostly consisted of good quality used clothing but there were also many new clothes, shoes, blankets as well as non-perishable foods (such as pasta, rice, sugar, tin foods, etc.) and toiletries. During the Rainbow festival in Nicosia and Limassol respectively, a group of Filipino ladies have managed to raise a small amount of money by selling Filipino foods and snacks, which helped to buy some more dry foods (pasta) for the container. The benefactors of the relief goods that were gathered and sorted are the people of Tuao, in the province of Cagayan Valley. The Municipality of Tuao has thirty-two barangays and has a population of approximately 57,000. Distribution of the relief goods will be handled and supervised by the Holy Guardian Angels Parish Church with Rev. Fr. Gerald A. Perez as the over-all coordinator.

This area of the Philippines had suffered the wretch of typhoon “Pepeng”, which had hit them twice. People’s livelihoods and houses were destroyed and some families had been living in makeshift accommodation (in a sports hall) for a month after three successive typhoons. This area has rarely been seen on TV because of its location. When the flooding had occurred the roads were destroyed and transportation system was virtually non-existent. A semi-permanent bridge, which is the only way to cross to be able to reach the other towns, was washed away due to the force of the floodwater. It was weeks afterwards that some normality came back to the town area.

The love and dedication of few women, most especially Mrs. Venny McCullie who had spent most of her spare time in the mornings and evenings sorting the bulk of boxes and bags of clothes that were delivered to the drop-off point, the St. Joseph Social Centre, is deeply appreciated. The help of the following Filipino ladies Susan, Edna, Nora, Scarlet, Maria & Carol who have helped in sorting the in-kind donations (clothing) is also very much appreciated. Almost night after night, after our respective works had finished, we would do few hours of sorting and packing. We would like to thank the different organisations who have donated much of the in-kind donations that were put in the container and we are very grateful for their generosity and the humanitarian effort that they shared with us: Cyprus Indy Media (www.cyprus.indymedia.org), Cans for Kids (www.cansforkids.org), St. Joseph Social Centre, Association for the Protection of Filipinos in Cyprus, the Friday Quilters Group, St. Paul Ladies Guild, the Catholic church in Cyprus for their help during the fund-raising activities held in October 2009 and to all the individuals and Filipinos who have helped us in this appeal. We would also like to express our gratefulness to the generosity of 5Continents Ceylon Services Ltd and their Philippines branch, Five Continents Ceylon Services Ltd (www.fivecontinents.com.cy), a cargo service provider to the Filipino community here in Cyprus, sponsored the 20-ft. container. Trico International, for totally sponsoring the shipment of the 20-ft. container to Manila. For further information, please contact Mr. Gehan Perera at 99-440947 or via email at gehan@fivecontinents.com.cy

In another development, the fund-raising which was initiated by Scarlet “Iska” Tugbo through snacks selling during the Rainbow Festival of Kisa both in Nicosia and in Limassol was also a productive event. She was able to send the proceeds to their area in Novaliches, Quezon City. Iska likewise is thanking everyone who supported her one way or the other.

FilCom’s Fund Raising a success, but not without disunity issues

Joy Miranda — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:17:25 +0000

By Maria Nieves – (Tinig Pinoy – October 2009 issue)Like all other Filipinos around the globe, the Filipino Community (FilCom) in Cyprus also did a fund raising activity to help the victims of super typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng which hit most parts of Manila and northern Luzon, Philippines. The fund raising which was spearheaded by Mrs. Ester Beatty, was done for two consecutive Sundays, October 3 and 11, 2009. The organizers were able to collect an amount of 8,856.66 euros Cyprus-wide and on 14th of October, 2009, the said amount (minus the charge) was sent to Sagip Kapamilya of Abs-Cbn Foundation, Inc. It can be recalled that on 26th of September 2009, super typhoon Ondoy or internationally known as typhoon “Ketsana”, has devastated the country’s capital, causing huge damages to properties, leaving hundreds as homeless and losing dear ones. Immediately after, a very concerned Ester Beatty has emailed all the Filipino leaders in Nicosia to sit down and discuss what to do. A meeting was set in her residence and it was agreed by everybody to sell Filipino snacks and delicacies in front of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Nicosia. The next day after the meeting, Ester then talked to Fr. Andrew Arhin and asked him to send the proceeds of the fund raising tor the intended recipient (in case Fr. Umberto Barato will not be around). On the first Sunday the organizers were able to collect 1,739.29 euros in Nicosia alone. Aside from the snacks selling, second hand clothes were also sold and there were boxes provided by El Shaddai- Nicosia where church-goers placed in their cash donations, plus the collections from the morning and evening masses. The word has spreaded out all over Cyprus as head organizer Ester also called on the participation of all the Catholic Priests in the land to help dessiminate the information. After the first Sunday, she was invited to speak at radio station Rik 1 for the donation appeal. In the middle of this first week activity, Sis Bernadette of El Shaddai has mentioned to Ester that there might be one cargo company in Limassol that will donate a 20ft. relief container, which, she said, still awaiting for its confirmation. Having that in mind, Mrs Venny McCullie, Joy Miranda and Ester Beatty sat down together in front of the computer and researched how much money it incurs to send a relief container from Larnaca port to Manila. Ester has emailed her contact in the Philippines and asked if there is a custom charge to transport a relief container if it is done for charity and most especially if it will be sent through the International Red Cross. Ester has grilled her mind off into it and was adamant to know in advance what to do or prepare in advance where to get the funds, in case the container will be confirmed. The following day, Ester got the reply from her contact who said that it might cost the recepient about 340 euros. Ester right away forwarded the email to Joy Miranda and both discussed that should the container be confirmed, a prospected sponsor will be tapped to shoulder the cost. Later on same day, Sis Bernadette sent a text to Ester about the container’s confirmation with a less charge of only 110 euros here. Ester then informed Bernadette about the charge in the Philippines, while at the same time started to send out the flyers asking for relief items to fill in the container. As this developed, Ester again has called for a meeting regarding the container, to inform and update everybody about the plan of asking for a sponsor to shoulder the cost. But before she could lay it on the table, Bernadette interrupted saying that Fr. Zach from Limassol has cancelled the container because according to Bernadette, Fr. Zach said that it is not worth for the recipient to spend such amount for a garbage. Hearing this statement, Joy Miranda blurted out to Bernadette “Oh, just like that? You cancelled the container shortly after confirming it to Ester and after we already have spreaded the appeal for in kind donations?” Bernadette explained that Fr. Zach decided to cancel it after knowing the cost and insisted that she texted Ester right away about the cancellation. Ester in turn gave Bernadette a look of confusion denying to have received the cancellation. “Marami kang sinasabi na nainformed mo ako pero hindi maliwanag at malabo gaya ng nakipag appoinment ka kay consul that you did not even bother to ask first if libre ako,” Ester said. Disappointed, Ester told everyone, in that case,”I’l take over with the container, I’ll handle it!” Not known to Bernadette that many nights since the fund raising started, Joy Miranda, Scarlet Tugbo, Venny McCullie and Ester Beatty did not stop discussing how to make this endeavour successful, to widen the scope of help the FilCom in Cyprus could extend to the victims. While Ester was awaiting for Bernadette’s container to be confirmed, Ester too, on her own, solicited another 20ft relief container purposedly to send to her province Cagayan, as it was badly hit by typhoon Pepeng. The Five Continents Cargo company has pledged Ester to donate and send it to Cagayan. “Yung kay Bernadette, kapag approve na, will be sent to Manila through the International Red Cross. Itong galing sa Five Continents, akin ito, para sa mga kababayan ko sa Cagayan,” she said. “With the turn of events, mabuti na lang may back up na container pala si Ate Ester, kung hindi mapapahiya tayo dahil nai-announced na sa lahat, marami nang nagbigay ng mga damit, bakit nagdedesisyon yan sina Fr. Zach at Bernadette ng basta-basta, ano ba yan?” was a comment of another member of the organizers.The tension between Bernadette and the rest of the organizers started when Bernadette said that Fr. Zach has instructed her to make an appointment with the honorary consul to ask the latter that she will be the one to send to ABS CBN whatever cash this fund raising gets. As it turned out, Bernadette heeded the instruction of Fr. Zach to go straight to the PHC and made appointment without even informing Ester first hand. Joy Miranda straight away opposed to the idea saying that the first plan was for Fr. Andrew (Fr. Umberto was away) to send the money, giving credit to the church which have helped in so many ways for this aim. Further, Joy Miranda reiterated that this fund raising is not an exclusive activity of El Shaddai therefore Fr. Zach or Bernadette should not make decisions on their own alone, causing an indirect insult to the organizers themselves. “This is a team effort, we should work as a team and decide as a team!” Joy Miranda stressed. Bernadette defended herself saying that “Gusto lang masiguro ni Fr. Zach na nasa ayos ang pera so dapat si consul ang magpadala dahil yun din ang advised ni welof (referring to Welfare Officer Tobias). Tapos na, okey na kay consul.” This statement has all the more irated Miranda saying that, “Look, we or I have nothing personal against the consul, the point is, you should have consulted the rest of us to discuss this matter. With your action, you were being unfair to Ester, showing her on the face that hindi katiwa-tiwala ang organizers dito, which I am part of it.” Miranda further argued that, “we are doing this in good faith, with all our good intentions, aiming to help our kababayans, and we are aware that meron ka talagang maririnig na pagdududa, whether we like it or not, that is why we get the church and priests involved here in the first place! The money will be sent by the church representative, that’s a majority’s decision.” Joy Miranda’s sentiments were being supported by the others who were at the meeting. Then Bernadette bursted out into tears, saying “naiipit na ako, nakakahiya kay Fr. Zach at kay Consull. Please Joy, pwede kalimutan na lang natin ‘to, and lets move on?” Everybody was silent, but when Cora Hammoud, who acted as treasurer, said to Joy Miranda, “Paano yan, na schedule na kay consul na iturn over sa kanya ang pera.” It was then that Joy cooled down, saying, “okay, be it.” The meeting was adjourned after Joy and the majority gave in to Bernadette, decided to set aside the differences and go on with the aim to help. The relief container (Five Continents) will continue and drop off donations was set until October 31st only. It will be forwarded to Manila on mid- November. The next Sunday all the organizers were present at the church and the cash count afterwards went off smoothly. The money were endorsed to PHC and was sent to ABS CBN last 14th of October. Head organizer of the said fund raising, Ester Beatty, who flew to Houston, Texas, USA last Friday accompanying her husband for a business trip, conveys her gratitude to the following who helped, donate and share their precious time for the success of this event. Maraming salamat to Scarlet Tugbo, Venny McCullie, Joy Miranda, Cora Hammoud, Cathrine, Matthew and Nora, Five Continents Cargo Philippines, Western Union, Sisters of St. Joseph, SJSC Filipino Group, Smart Flat ladies, Letty Ramos (Legion of Mary), Bong Jusi (OFWFC), Catholic Charismatic Renewal (Nicosia and Larnaca), El Shaddai, Sister Aida (Church of God), Mrs. Myrna Nicolao, Bro. Carlos, Mrs. Josefino Martinez, Pafos Catholic Church, St. Catherine Catholic Church (Limassol), St. Mary of Grace Church (Larnaca), Holy Cross Catholic Church (Nicosia)), the Catholic priests for announcing the appeal, Cypro-Philippine Association, Renalyn Clavesillas of UN, Cyprus Indy Media, Ester’s Quilting group, and to the anonymous donors, everyone, Filipinos or non-Filipinos, thank you all for your generosity!

A lady patiently carrrying the donation box during Sunday mass as part of the Filipino Community (FilCom) fund raising for the typhoon victims in the Philippines.