The Voice of the Modern Living Heroes

T he Of fici al P u bli ca ti on of Fil i pin o EPS W or kers Ass oc ia ti o n - So u th K o rea (F EW A )

필리핀
필리핀 EPS 고용허가제) 근로자
EPS( 외국인 고용허가제 근로자협회
협회공식
공식발행
발행––대
대한민국
한민국 People and God-centered
Association
Volume 2 Issue 10 2010 www.sulyapinoy.org NOT FOR SALE OFW-KOREA-2006-001

By Don Nacario Oco

I n its effort to enrich and

strengthen the rights of
Filipino migrant workers,
FEWA, through its Educa-
tion Committee conducted a
workshop- seminar on Sal-
ary and Wages Computa-
tion last October 24, 2010
at the Philippine Center,
Hyewadong.
It was attended by its offi-
cers, members, volunteers,
and some EPS work-
ers. It was also graced by
one of FEWA’s advisers
Prof. Noy Amante. The said
seminar also aimed to equip
its officers the necessary
knowledge and informa-
tion of frequently asked
questions in order to serve
our " kababayan" better.
Sulyapinoy Editor-in-
Chief, Pete Rahon started
the seminar by giving an
overview of the EPS and
threw some questions to
the participants about their
journey to Korea. One
participant likened EPS to a
boyfriend that is expensive
because of regularly send-
ing money back home.
They also corrected that
their job is not only 3D but
now it is a 5D: dirty, diffi-
cult, dangerous, delayed
salary and deadly.
Photo by Marzy Sedena
Regina Arquiza the , Chair-
woman of the Education respectively. Sulyapinoy board of through " mano-mano" computa-
Committee and FEWA publication Chairman, Mr. Don- tion. Likewise, he also shared about
President, Mr. Marzy Ser- dave Jabay, explained the detailed computations for the other benefits that
dena III, talked about computation of salary and wages should be enjoyed by EPS workers and
benefits and holidays and using a programmed formula in an its applicable tax. A question and an-
computation of toejigeum excel format and demonstrated swer session followed after the input.

By Jonathan Eli Libut

F ormer President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR), led

a 44-man combat platoon against the
Chinese forces in Cherwon, Gangwon province,
by Pres. Myung-bak to commemorate the
anniversary.

during the Korean War in 1952. He wants the
present generation to be aware on the contri-
butions of the Philippines to South Korea’s war
as the starting-point of the two countries’
strong friendship.
“I fought here as a Lieutenant during the
Korean War as part of the Philippine Expedi-
tionary Force to Korea. This year, as we com-
memorate the 60th anniversary of the Ko-
rean War, I once again join our brother Ko-
rean War veterans in remembering and pay-
ing tribute to the sacrifices of our soldiers,”
Ramos stated in his remarks at a meeting
with the Filipino Community in the Philippine
Embassy in Seoul last September. FVR ar-
rived in South Korea leading a 30-man Fili-
pino veterans delegation of the Korean War.
He was personally invited
SULYAPINOY is accepting cash donations for its monthly printing expenses. You may deposit them @ Account # : 1002 640
Ramos also visited the Catholic University of
Korea and was awarded with an honorary
degree of Ph.D. in Public Administration. At
the same time, a colloquium was organized
by the university, titled “The Significant
Contributions of the Filipino Soldiers in the
Korean War,” wherein Ramos gave a
speech to more than a hundred students.
Meeting with the Filipino Community,
Ramos discussed the support of the remit-
tances providing to the Philippine economy
which form a substantial part of the coun-
try’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product), in
maintaining the dollar reserves intact, and
in boosting consumer confidence.
(continued on page…)
Photo by Levi Aragon
334730 / Acnt Name: Marcelino M. / Ban
Multiculturalism and the Migrant Workers
What used to be a homogenous society of
pure blood and single ethnicity, known as
minj ok ideals, is being challenged by a trend
towards multiculturalism due to the increase
number of foreign residents here in Korea.
It is a daunting task for the Korean govern-
ment to address alone, and equally demand-
ing to the different stakeholders involved.
But it can be a desirable program if it bene-
fits the variety of groups, particularly mi-
grant workers.
Much of the focus of the government multi- practice their religion, send money to their
culturalism policy has been the topic of mar- families, have free medical check-up, buy
riage migrants or the so-called multicultural food and eat meals, and meet as well as
families. But in a forum on racial and gender interact with their compatriot is an impor-
discrimination, a Sri Lankan woman married tant expression in the recognition
to a Korean man raised her concern that
such a policy imposes on her and other
women’s activities, like learning how to
speak Korean, making kimchi, and under-
standing her in-laws and the uniqueness of
the Korean culture. She emphasized that
these programs never asked what they
would want or like to learn about Korea.
It is a multiculturalism policy that is geared
towards cultural assimilation. A state led
policy that is being challenged since it ne-
glects to recognize diversity and serves the
interest of the states rather than its benefici- mendable effort to make the issue main-
aries. The policy only patronizes
the dominant culture for the guests and
migrant communities to imbibe, but fails to
promote or acknowledge the uniqueness of
other cultural minority groups.
Aside from its multicultural families there
are 1.2 million foreign guests in South Korea,
where the largest population is comprised of
the migrant workers. Majority of which are
Chinese-Koreans and a number comes from
poorer Asian countries. Cultural and enter-
tainment programs, like Arirang Festival that
caters to migrant workers, was highly criti-
cized for stereotyping their plight. Organized
migrant labor groups stressed the need for
Korean society to be informed of their labor
and human rights issues more than being
entertained by such festivals.
The Seoul Global Center, in its attempts to
promote a multicultural program, now ex-
tends its consulting and counseling services
to migrant workers on issues such as wages
and compensation, benefits and other labor
concerns. However, these issues are further
compounded by cultural differences that
play a significant factor in terms of relational
dynamics, accidents and other preventable
but unchecked work hazards.
A Muslim worker gets ostracized by its co-
workers who are into the habit of drinking
2 www.sulyapinoy.org
alcohol. Vegetarians, non-pork or non-
beef eaters are made fun of because of
their food preferences. There are cultural
practices that for some migrants and even
Koreans find if not strange, is totally un-
thinkable or even unacceptable.
It is easy to understand why Filipinos are
jubilant when Jongno District officials up-
hold to keep the Sunday flea market. Hye-
wha is a cultural space for Filipino commu-
nity. Provision for such a space to freely
of cultural diversity.
Media plays an important role to further
enhance multiculturalism. Woongjin’s ra-
dio program like the Multicultural Family
Broadcasting where Sulyapinoy’s very own
DJ Regz is an anchor is a positive step
towards promoting the image and making
the presence of migrants workers felt.
Currently showing in cinemas is a block-
buster film 방가? 방가! (Banga? Banga!)
or „ He’s on Duty’ that have foreigners as
minor actors. It is a satire on the current
state of Korea’s labor problems, a com-
stream.
By Corinna Bianca Estarija
During the Third Leader’s Forum held last
August in the Philippine Embassy, Vice
Consul Arnel Talisayon presented the up-
dated emergency evacuation contingency
plan for Filipinos in case a massive need to
leave South Korea arises. A visual descrip-
tion of the plan was shown.
Talisayon says that as all Philippine em-
bassies around the world are mandated to
have contingency plans in order to protect
Filipinos around the world in anticipation
of events outside normal circumstances,
such as wars or natural disasters, General
Roy Cimatu visited Korea in June of this
year. Cimatu is deemed most appropriate
for the job as one of those who led the
team who massively evacuated Filipinos
from the Middle East during the Gulf War.
Speculations arose that the contingency
plan was set in place in order to respond
to the rising tensions with North Korea,
brought about by the sinking of the naval
ship Cheonan. However, Talisayon clarified
during the forum that tensions between (CONTINUED ON PAGE 7…)
Other sectors in the society that facilitates
and helps bridge such cultural understand-
ings are the academe, the church, and the
Korean civil society groups. The academe is
significant for their continued researches and
studies that feed in to improving government
policies. The church has their ministry on
migrant workers, helping them organize as-
sociations the likes of FEWA. The Korean civil
society groups that support and sustain un-
ions of migrant workers will definitely help
reinforce making their conditions better and
also in the process, helps improve working
conditions for all in general.
A good multicultural policy is not only that of
a cultural entertainment program of song
and dances of migrants’ communities but one
that celebrate, accepts and understands cul-
tural diversity in its myriad of forms. It is a
policy that has concern for the economic well
being of those who contribute to the nation’s
prosperity. It is a policy that recognizes mi-
grant workers organizations to be instrumen-
tal to further promote and contribute in im-
proving culture-sensitive governance, thus
helping the country in strengthening its de-
mocracy and respect for migrant workers’
rights.
the two Koreas would unlikely evolve into
an all-out military confrontation. He says
that aside from closely following reports in
the media, the embassy also works closely
with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade and the UN Command, as well as
receiving word from South Korea Presi-
dent Lee Myung-bak that they will exer-
cise diplomatic resolutions and avoid all
possible acts that may lead to confronta-
tion. Aside from which, Talisayon advises
that with the fast Internet bandwidth of
the country, foreigners are also advised to
keep themselves aware for information on
current events, to avoid unnecessary
panic wherever they may be.
Asked what the embassy may be willing to
assist with should there be a need to im-
plement the contingency plan, Talisayon
responds that, “The Philippine Govern-
ment will arrange and coordinate the pro-
vision of amenities such as food and lodg-
ing in convergence areas. Transportation
from South Korea to the Philippines will
also be arranged, whether by air or sea.”
OCTOBER 2010

Overview of the EPS
Summarized by: Dondave Jabay
From the end of the 1980's, Korea's labor
shortage for manufacturing industries
loomed large but only skilled workforce
and professionals with legal sojourn quali-
fication such as having a labor contract
were allowed to work in Korea. For exam-
ple, professors (E-1), language instructors
(E-2), researchers (E-3), technology in-
structors (E-4), professionals (E-5), arts
and entertainment workers (E-6), and
specific activists (E-7) are those who were
able to work in Korea, but unskilled and
manual workers were prohibited from get-
ting a job in Korea in principle.
However, as demands from employers to
accept low-skilled foreign workers contin-
ued to increase, the Korean government
introduced Industrial Skill Trainee Program
(ISTP) for overseas-invested firms in No-
vember 1991 and Industrial Trainee Sys-
tem (ITS) in November 1993. Under ITS,
foreign employees were employed as
trainees rather than workers, thus opening
a gate for various problems such as bend-
ing the law in hiring foreign workforce,
leaving workplace without authorization,
overdue wage, and their human rights
violations. The Korean government, well
aware of the criticisms on ITS, operated
ITS with a limited quota. As a result, sup-
ply of legal foreign workforce was failed to
meet the demand, which in turn brought
about more criticism on ITS (Kang, Soo
Dol, 1996; Park, Yeong Bum, 1996; Lim,
Hyun Jin & Seol, Dong-Hoon, 2000; Yoo,
Gil Sang & Lee, Kyu Yong, 2001).
In order to resolve problems caused by ITS,
the Korean government tried to introduce
Employment Permit System (EPS) several
times only to find severe oppositions from
the employers' side. As the introduction of
EPS continued to be delayed, the govern-
ment put in the place conditions-attached
ITS, in which foreign workers were allowed
to acquire worker's status after working as
EDITORIAL STAFF
Pete Rahon
Editor-in-chief
Corinna Bianca Estarija
FeatUre/Managing Editor
Raechelle Montalbo
Lay-out Editor
Rodel Arias, Lito Libunag,
Alwyin Casino, Ismael Calandrina
Circulation Managers
Cathy Rose Garcia
Adviser
SULYAPINOY Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk 1 dong, Songbuk Villa, Seoul, Korea 136-020
FEWA Office & SULYAPINOY Distribution Center: Inside WOORI BANK, Hyehwa-dong Branch, Jongno-gu, Seoul
OCTOBER 2010
EDITOR’ S
NOTE
trainees for a certain period. In 2000, 2+ 1
system (2 years as a trainee and 1 year as a
worker) was carried out and it changed to
1+ 2 system (1 year as a trainee and 2 years
as a worker) in 2002. From November 2002,
Koreans with a foreign nationality who had
family registrations or relatives in Korea were
allowed to have a job in a certain category of
service industries.
However, as the number of illegally staying
foreign workers kept on increasing, a social
consensus was made that a limited improve-
ment in using foreign workforce was insuffi-
cient. Based on such recognition, the Korean
government legislated the Act on Foreign
Workforce Employment and as stipulated in
the Act, Employment Permit System (EPS), a
system to introduce low-skilled foreign work-
ers legally, was put in effect on August 17,
2006 after one year grace period for prepara-
tion.
Employment Management System (EMS),
which allowed Koreans with a foreign nation-
ality to work in Korea, was originally confined
to a few service industries. But construction
was added in the list in 2004 and was finally
consolidated into EPS as a special case sys-
tem on the beginning of EPS. The Foreign
Workforce Policy Committee expanded the
range of industries allowed to hire ethnic
Koreans to include manufacturing, agriculture
and livestock, and fishery in coastal waters in
2006 after considering the characteristics of
each industry.
On March 4, 2007, special case of EPS, which
allowed Koreans with a foreign nationality
who was shifted to Visit Employment System
(VES) so that Koreans with foreign nationality
who do not have any connections in Korea
can work for 3 years. VES is a policy to en-
gage ethnic Koreans, who had been margin-
alized in terms of immigration and employ-
ment in Korea, and improve their job oppor-
tunities and free visit. For Koreans more than
(Continued on Page 6)
BOARD OF PUBLICATION Photos by Razzl Bravo
Chairman : Dondave Jabay
Vice Chairman: Julius Caesar Ocampo D I S C L A I M E R
Secretary: Jenn Betacura
Different opinions are encourage to stimulate
Printing & Distribution: Benjie Del Mundo
member input and involvement. SULYAPI-
Budget & Finance: Theo Camo NOY’s role is to provide information that per-
Outreach & Religious Programs: Ma. Lourdes Espinola mits FEWA members to develop informed opin-
ions on subjects that will affect their status
Website Dev't. and Maintenance: Christian Robles
as migrant workers and, in some instances,
Sponsorship & Promotion: Annabelle Lopez, their personal lives. FEWA does not hold itself
Aquilino Juanites Jr., Sofonias Paragsa, & Rodel Arias responsible for statements made by any con-
tributor. Statements or opinions expressed in
Training & Workshop: Noel Joseph Alvarez
SULYAPINOY reflect the views of the author(s)
and not the official policy of FEWA unless so
Consultants : Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP stated.
Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions &
Ma. Regina P. Arquiza Advertisements,
e-mail: editorialstaff@sulyapinoy.org
or sulyap.editorialstaff@gmail.com
 SULYAPINOY observes the Philippine Press
Code of Ethics .
www.sulyapinoy.org 3
Payo sa mga Bagong Dating na
EPS Worker
ni Christian Robles
Patuloy ang pagdagsa ng mga kababayan
nating kabilang sa mga nakapasa sa ika-
anim na pagsusulit ng KLT (Korean Lan-
guage Test) noong nakaraang Mayo 2010.
Subalit sa pagsisimula ng kanilang pama-
masukan dito sa Timog Korea, unti-unting
dumarami ang mga sari-saring reklamo
ukol sa kanilang trabaho na nagiging dahi-
lan ng kanilang pagnanais na mapawalang-
bisa ang kontrata para makalipat sa pani-
bagong kumpanyang. Maraming nag-
aasam na sa kanilang paglipat ay magiging
maaliwalas ang kanilang buhay at pag-
tatrabaho dito sa Korea.
Sa simula pa lamang noong nasa Pinas
pa at naghahanda ng mga dokumento para
sa mga kwalipikasyon, sa pagkuha ng pag-
susulit hanggang sa paghahanda sa mga
kakailanganing kaalaman sa pagpasok dito
sa Korea, hindi na nagkulang ng babala ang
Kagawaran ng Paggawa sa pangunguna ng
POEA ukol sa kung anong klaseng trabaho
ang kakaharapin ng mga Pilipinong pa-
palaring mapabilang sa programang EPS
(Employment Permit System). Nagiging
pamilyar ang lahat sa saling dinaglat na 3D
o Dirty, Difficult, and Dangerous subalit
hindi yata ito nabibigyang pansin ng mga
aplikante bagkus ay mas nagiging mating-
kad ang pagnanais na makapagtrabaho sa
Korea anumang uri ng trabaho mayroon na
naghihintay para sa kanila.
Sa ganitong sitwasyon, nais kong magba-
bahagi ng ilang kaisipan para sa mga ka-
babayang bagong dating at para na din sa
mga nagnanais na makapagtrabaho ng EPS
-TOPIK (Employment Permit System – Test
of Proficiency in Korean) ngayong No-
byembre 2010 (KLT 7). Hiling ko na maging
bukas ang inyong isipan at maintindihan
ang sitwasyon ng pagtatrabaho, kalagayan
at karapatan ng bawat manggagawang EPS.
Layunin ko rin na makita natin ang mas
malaking epekto na magsasalamin sa
pangkalahatang imahe ng trabahanteng
Pinoy sa mata ng mga Koreano base sa mga
nagiging gawi ng mga Pilipino at gayon din
sa mga bagong dating na EPS.
Una, sa paglilinaw sa trabahong 3D na hindi
masyadong napapansin ng ating mga ka-
babayan, ating isalin sa wikang Pilipino ang
3D na ating kikilalaning 3M o Marumi, Ma-
hirap at Mapanganib. Para maintindihan,
sabihin mo sa sirili na ako ay magtatrabaho
sa Korea sa isang marumi, mahirap at
mapanganib na trabaho. Kung marumi, di
ba mas nakakalamang na mabaho? O may
amoy na di tayo sanay tulad ng kemikal na
ginagamit sa paggawa ng mga produkto?
Mahirap dahil kailangan mong maging
pamilyar sa trabaho na inuutusan ka sa
salitang di ka pamilyar; mahirap dahil
kailangan sabay sabay na gumagana ang
iyong isip, ang lakas ng katawan at magka-
minsan, pati mga pansariling pangan-
gailangan tulad ng pagpunta sa palikuran
ay kailangang pigilan muna bago makaalis
sa harap ng makina upang maiwasan ang
problema.
Ikalawa, kapag 3M ang trabaho, hindi ba
takaw-aksidente ito? Kung kaya't kina-
kailangan ang higit na pag-iingat at ang
presensya ng pag-iisip? kung kaya't pag-
samahin mo yung tatlo para mabuo ang
3D o 3M at sabihin sa sarili na ito ang
magiging trabaho mo. Dapat, tinanong mo
ng mabuti ang iyong sarili at hinanda ang
puso, isip at katawan sa pagsabak
Photos by Samuel Grado and Kuya Nhads
4 www.sulyapinoy.org
sa trabaho dito sa Korea.
Ikatlo, Mayroon po tayong mga karapatan
pero po bago natin buksan ang karapatang-
pantao, habang nasa Pinas, marami sa atin o
halos lahat ay pinaliwanagan na kung anu
meron ugali ang mga Koreano. Nangunguna
na diyan ang nambabatok, sumisigaw at
nagmumura. Sa trabaho, kailangan mabilis
kang matuto, pero dahil mababa pa ang
kaalaman sa kanilang lenggwahe, malamang
na hindi maiwasan na maginit ang ulo ng
katrabaho mong Koreano lalo't sinusubukan
kang kausapin pero di kayo magkaintindihan.
Minsan napapasigaw o di kaya ay napapa-
mura sa pagkadismaya sa pag-utos , pagpa-
paliwanag at pakikipag-usap sa atin. Sa
pambabatok, kahit sino syempre di papayag
na mabatukan. Gawi nila ang mambatok pero
hindi ito pangkaraniwan.
Ikaapat, sa pananadyak at iba pang klase ng
pananakit ay sigurado pong mali ito anuman
ang dahilan nila. Maliban na lamang kung
ikaw ang naunang nanakit, o di kaya ay
minura mo sila e ka-bago-bago mo, sigura-
dong ikaw ang mali.
Kung kaya, para po sa lahat, mayroon pong
isang katangian na dapat nating laging tan-
daan, gawin at taglayin para maging mas
magaan ng konti ang mahirap na sitwasyon
ng karamihan sa mga bago pa lang dito sa
Korea. Dapat po tayo ay mayroong : Perse-
verance o ang pagiging masigasig - ito na
siguro ang pinakamagandang quality na
dapat taglayin ng lahat ng Pinoy dito sa
Korea. Taglay mo ang katangian ito kung
ikaw ay may dedikasyon, nagsusumikap ng
mabuti, mapagpasensya, at mapagtiis. Pilit
mong nilalabanan ang hirap sa trabaho gaano
man ito kakumplikado matutunan lamang
ang mga pamamaraan para maging isang
kapaki-pakinabang na manggagawa ng iyong
kumpanyang kinabibilangan. Kung meron ka
nito, kahit siguro gaano kahirap sa simula,
sigurado kahit paunti-unti, gagaan ang tra-
baho mo.
Sa totoo po, bihira siguro ang hindi nahira-
pan sa mga Pinoy sa unang pagsabak nila
sa trabaho dito sa Korea, iba-iba man ng
pagkakwento, pero kung sasalain halos may
magkakatulad na reklamo. Pero sa mga
matatagal na, tinatawanan na lang nila
yung mga napagdaanan. Bakit? Kasi
ngayon mas gamay na ang trabaho, nakuha
na nila loob ng mga katrabahong Koreano.
Photo by Razzl Bravo
Napabilib na nila sa husay magtrabaho.
Nakikipagsabayan na sa kwentuhan at
tawanan, lalo na sa pag-oras na kasiyahan
at inuman. Pero lahat sila, dumaan sa ritwal
ng hirap ng pagsisimula ng trabaho mula sa
kakaunti o walang kaalaman sa lenggwahe,
uri ng trabaho atbp.
Kung gayon, huwag muna po kayo ma-
greklamo, subukan nyo muna paghusayan
ang pagtatrabaho, pakikisama, at higit sa
lahat pakikibagay sa mga Koreano, pag
nakita na nila ang mga magaganda mong
katangian, makita mo sila naman ang ma-
kikibagay sa iyo. Magpapaturo kahit paisa-
isang linya ng Ingles. Madadamay sa
pagiging masayahin at palangiti ng isang
Pinoy. Marami sa kanila di sanay makisala-
muha sa banyaga una ng dahilan ang
kawalan ng kaalaman ng karamihan sa mga
Koreano sa wikang Ingles, minsan tinatago
ng pagsigaw at pagmumura ang kalituhan
kung paano nila kayo pakikisamahan, at
ipapakita na sila ang kailangan mo muna
sundin bago ka nila intindihin.
Datapwat, gaano man kapagod ang pang-
araw-araw na trabaho , bigyan po natin ang
sarili na matuto ng kahit paisa-isang salita o
ekspresyon na Korean. I-post sa Sulyapinoy
Forum ang iyong gustong sabihin sa taga-
log o english tapos ay hingi ka ng tulong sa
mga bihasa na sa Korean kung paano mo
ito sasabihin sa kausap mong Koreano o
kapwa banyaga na nag-aaral o marunong
na ng Korean.
Idagdag pa, sa datos ng Labor at ng iba
pang ahensya maraming Pinoy ang nasa
manufacturing na kung tutuusin mas
madaling trabaho. Subalit marami pa rin
ang nagpaparelease at nagrereklamo. Ano
ang magiging epekto nito sa ibang Pilipino
nagnanais mamasukan dito sa Korea? Sa
susunod mas maliit na porsyento na lang ng
Pinoy ang kakailanganin para punan ang
kakulangan sa manggagawa. Maraming
bansa ang nagnanais na makapagpadala ng
kanilang mamayan. Paano kung sila ay mas
magagaling di hamak na magsalita at
maayos din sa trabaho, lalong magiging
tagilid tayo sa kompitensya.
Bakit nga ba wala o maliit na ang job offers
sa Agriculture, Fisheries, Construction atbp
para sa pinoy ? Siguro ngayun may ideya ka
na!
OCTOBER 2010

Hinaing ni Kit
(Modern Ambahan* ni Christian Robles)
'Di nawawalang bakit
sa isip nakapagkit
dalagang ubod rikit
ulo ko'y sumasakit
ngiting nakakaakit
may kakaibang lagkit
kahit na nakapikit
sa utak nakakapit
isang gabing pusikit
Sa puno iniukit
kimkim na hinanakit
dasal na di masungkit
bigyan mo'ng malasakit
ng sa'yo'y makadikit
wag sana 'kong hamaki't
ismiran ng pasingkit
(* Ambahan - http://www.mangyan.org/ambahan/index.asp)
Once More
(To my wife on our 8th wedding anniversary)
By Santos Manguilimotan, Jr.
When I realize that you are not here
The world seems to subside
The moments I had with you only remind
My love for you I wish could be expressed
With your presence I truly cherish once more
Once more I am reminded
Of the days we shared could not have ended
Even for a moment it flashes once more
That with you I truly miss the days spent
Like the sun always sets forevermore
Every day is a bright new beginning
As the birds sing every melody
Remembering those words whispered in harmony
Once more can’t help but recall
Those were the days as truly as I can call
Once more the emotions keep pouring
That distance proves to be a thing
It’s bursting inside and can’t be hidden
The evenings that passed, been ridden
With the longing for you I say once more
Once more I feel very grateful
For the emotions shared ever as faithful
The years passed since been wonderful
With you angels were born, felt heaven-sent
Without nothing as none I can ever resent
Once more I wish you were here
The days and nights without you adhere
That absence indeed stabs a heart that’s slowly
Hurting deep down the recesses aren’t glory
Once more words keep spoken
Yesterdays and days to come seem unending
Still my love and devotion keep saying
Once more and forever be time shall test
Our love I swear once more shall never be put to rest
OCTOBER 2010
Angel
by Santos Manguilimotan, J r.
Angel as I call her though not her real name
she smiles as warmly and as candidly for frame
and her soft voice engulfs the silence completely
when we first talked it filled the ambience so sweetly
We just met by chance on a lovely spring day
yet the friendship turned as ardent as the blooms of May
deeper and warmer our friendship has become
but seems impossible that we may become one
affection and devotion I must confess
through messages conveyed vividly I express
Days passed and still I'm waiting
for to see her again is all that i keep wishing
the flowers fade; the sun rises aglow
yet picture of her in my mind still flows
With sheer excitement I totally bequeathed
to this strong feeling that beats from beneath
every word from her so precious as ever
the exchanges we made seem endless like never
Miles away I'm hoping that she's always fine
that even a genius creature can hardly define
the love and concern as a friend I share
through this humble piece I show my care
Oh Angel, my dear wherever you may be!
memories still linger since you've been a part of me
lovingly and dearly you’re indeed a friend
that I always cherish till this life's end
Image from KBS2TV variety show, “Sweet Night“
Lee Da Hae Apologizes for Discrimination of Filipino Teachers. Filipino netizens were not amused
by this video of Lee Da Hae in a KBS program. Lee was in the video mimicking and making
fun of what she claimed as Filipino teachers' English accent. The actress issued a letter of
apology throught her twitter account, but Filipinos think that it is not enough since what
she made on national television could affect Filipinos teaching English in South Korea, and
even the trend of Korean students coming to Philippines to study English.
(Continued from Page 1)
FVR encouraged OFWs to be
more disciplined in managing their Ramos acknowledged the active
earnings. “Your role as modern- participation of the Filipino Commu-
day heroes should not stop with nity in South Korea, citing that more
sending remittances. You and than 100 Filipino organizations are
your families back home play an registered with the Philippine Em-
even more important role in na- bassy. “Last year when we celebrated
tion-building and in strengthening the 60th Anniversary of RP-ROK
our own industries,” Ramos said. Relations and the 112th Independ-
ence Day of the Philippines, Filipinos
The former president explained all over South Korea from Incheon to
that every Filipino in South Korea Busan gathered together to perform
should be involved in “fiscal re- six Filipino street festivals in Seoul.
sponsibility,” which primarily out- The Filipino Community was recog-
lines the basic ways of managing nized and looked up to by other
everyone’s income -- through communities for being organized,
planning, budgeting and investing. united and forward-looking. I com-
He also emphasized the important mend the Filipino organizations that
role of their families in managing volunteered their services to make
wisely the remittances they are our National Day celebration a suc-
sending. cess,” Ramos said.
www.sulyapinoy.org 5
 LANDBANK OFW Cash Card Overview of the EPS
The LANDBANK OFW Cash Card (LOCC) is a Debit Card that provides (continued from page 3)
alternative payment method and also functions as an ATM card/e-wallet.
Below are the features of the LANDBANK OFW Cash Card:
25 years old in China and former Soviet Union regions, visas available for
in Philippine Pesos the maximum of 5 years are issued and they are allowed of 3 years of
Maximum Monthly Credits 100,000
sojourn and work once they enter Korea.
Maintaining Balance None
Initial Deposit None As ITS was combined into EPS, low-skilled foreign workers have been only
Dormancy Period None
ATM Withdrawal Limit (Philippines) 50,000/day 1/ allowed to enter Korea under EPS since January 1, 2007, and Industrial
Wallet to Wallet Transfer Limit 50,000.00/day Skill Trainee Program for overseas-invested companies have been special-
Card Cost/Replacement Fee 120.00* ized as a foreign trainee system.
Reactivation Fee 120.00*
Cash Transfer Fee (thru mobile) 5.00/transaction 2/
(deductible from recipient's cash card account balance)
Statement History -Can be printed upon request subject to service fee of P20 per page II. Introduction of Employment Permit System

The Employment Permit System allows employers who have

1/ Withdrawal at LANDBANK ATM or at any ExpressNet, Megalink, Bancnet failed to hire local workforce, to legally employ foreign workers.
member-bank’s ATM
2/ Mobile Banking Transactions (i.e., balance inquiry, fund transfer, card mgt.) (the Korean government or public institution administer the man-
agement of the foreign workers)
Card is valid for 2 years.
Card shall become inactive if no transaction is made within a 6 month period. Inactive
 Use foreign workforce guaranteeing the employment opportunity of
means that the cardholder cannot automatically withdraw from ATMs in the Philippines domestic workers.
and will thus need to request first for reactivation.
 Decide the quota of foreign workforce introduction considering
* human resources supply and demand trends such as Korean economic
situation and domestic labor market every year.

The LOCC is given away for free to all Overseas Filipinos around the globe and to their  Allow employers to hire foreign workers in the labor shortage indus-
tries such as agriculture & stockbreeding, fishery, construction and manu-
beneficiaries in the Philippines. facturing less than 300 regular workers.

OFs can send cash thru any bank or post office here in Korea. However, if they transact  Transparency of the foreign workforce selection and introduction
thru LANDBANK's partners, the fees are lower. process, and prevention of corruption practices and anomalies in the
LANDBANK's partners are: 1) Korea Post (Ever Rich) charges only KRW8,000 for amount
remitted USD 1,000 & below and 2) Shinhan Bank charges KRW 10,000 for amount sending process
Remitted below USD 2,000
 Government institutions or agencies administer the process of for-
Application requirements: eign workforce selection and introduction based on the MOU signed by
1. ID picture both government. (Job Center and HRD Korea)
2. Copy of any valid ID (Alien Card, Passport, SSS, etc.)
 Select qualified foreign workers according to employer's demand
For inq uiries, contact:
Lissa Bernardo
Bank Executive Officer/Overseas Representative Officer to J apan & South Korea
 Choose competent workers have satisfactory skill level and Korean
Land Bank of the Philippines language proficiency.

Mobile: 010-28 93-7906  Protect human rights of foreign workers

email: landbank.korea@yahoo.com Implement equality between local (Koreans) and foreign workers on the
application and observance of labor related laws and policies such as
Labor Standards Act, Minimum Wage Act and Industrial Safety and Health
( Continued from Page 4 ) Act

Payo sa mga Bagong Dating na EPS

Source: Ministry of Employment and Labor- http://www.eps.go.kr/en/
index.html

Sa paglilinaw, ang 3M jobs ay di-
nisensyo para sa programang EPS.
Inilaan para sa mga SMEs o Small-
Medium Enterprises. Kaya po may
maririnig kayo na family business ang
employer. Sa ngayun maraming
malalaking kumpanya ang pinag-
bawalan na kumuha mula sa listahan
ng KLT/TOPIK passers sa Pinas, kasi
mas pinapaboran ng labor ang mga
SMEs na kumuha naman ng ibang lahi
o ibigay ang oportunidad sa maga-
gandang trabaho para sa mga kalahi
nila.
Dahil dito, ang karaniwang magagan-
dang trabaho sa malalaking kumpanya
ay bihira para sa mga Pilipino. Swerte
ang mga napupunta dito. Kaya
karamihan, sa atin ay napupunta sa
mga SMEs. Kaya para sa mga nasa
Pinas, „ wag po tayo mangarap na
ang babagsakan ay sa mga malalaki at
naggagandahang kumpanya.
Sa aking gana, bilang payo ay huwag
muna agad isiping magpa-
release, dahil kapag nagsabi ka na
magpaparelease, at hindi kasama sa
mga tinatanggap na dahilan ng San-
gay ng Paggawa ng Korea ang iyong
dahilan, mas lalong magiging mahirap
sa iyo magtrabaho muli sa among
gusto mong alisan, dahil bumaba na
ang tingin nila sa iyo. Ayon sa mga
Koreano na nahihirapan sa trabaho,
mas maganda
na makakumpleto nila ang isang taon
bago sila umalis. Kakikitaan sila ng
pagiging matiyaga at pagpapahalaga
sa tala ng kanilang pagka-empleyo
(employment record). Ng sa gayon sa
kanilang paglipat sa ibang kumpanya,
maganda ang magiging impresyon ng
kanilang maging bagong amo. Ito rin
dapat ang ating gawin habang tayo ay
nasa Korea. Hindi ba masagwa kung
sa loob ng 5 o anim na taon ng pan-
inilbihan sa Korea bilang manggaga-
wang EPS ay palipat lipat ka ng
amo, at idagdag pa kung karamihan
dito ay di ka nakatagal ng kahit isang
taonman lang.
Magtiis lang po muna sa unang nin-
yong company. Walang kasiguradu-
han kung makakalipat ay mas madali,
maganda o malaki ang sasahurin.
Kapag mahusay ka na sa trabaho,
minumura ka pa din, sinisiga-
wan, sabihin mo ang iyong saloobin,
kung di ka nila iintindihin at nagawa
mo na lahat para mapagbuti ang
trabaho at pakikitungo, doon ka na
magdesisyon na lumipat. Dahil sigu-
rado sa susunod na kumpanya, kung
marami ka ng alam, sa lengwahe,
kultura, ugali, pagtatrabaho, atbp, sa
simula pa lang makikita na agad yan,
siguradong aalagaan ka pa nila at
hindi pakakawalan.
Sabi nga, ang isang bagay na di mo
pinaghihirapan, ay di mo mamahalin,
kaya paghirapan po muna nating
makuha ang mga kinakailangang
katangian sa ating unang trabaho ng
sa gayon, kung kinakailangan talaga
lumipat, syento por syento madali
kayo makakapag-adjust sa bagong
trabaho. Tandaan po natin, naka-
salalay sa ating mga EPS na nandito
ngayon sa Korea ang kapalaran ng
mga nagnanais na makapunta
ditto. Kung paghuhusayan ng lahat,
siguradong mas malaking bilang
ng manggagawang Pilipino ang maari
nilang kunin sa ating bansa.
Iwasan po natin ang inggit, pagkakataon na makapagtrabaho dito
baka may makita lang tayo o sa Korea ay mas mapalad pa din sa mga
marinig na maganda sa ibang nasa Pinas na wala makitang trabaho o
kumpanya, gumawa na tayo di kaya ay nagtatyaga sa kakarampot
ng paraan para makalipat. na sweldo.
Iyon pala mas maganda di Bilang pagtatapos, dalangin at hangad
hamak ang iniwan nating ko para sa lahat ng Pinoy dito sa Korea
trabaho kaysa nilipatan. ang tagumpay at katuparan ng lahat ng
Bilang buod, kabayan, inyong mga pangarap! Pagsumikapan
pagusumikap, dagdagan mo nating maabot ang mga ito, gaano man
pa ng armas ng kaalaman sa kahirap ang landas papunta sa isang
Korean language, magaling masagana at masayang hinaharap.
na pakikitungo, at tamang Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
kaalaman sa mga batas na
umiiral dito sa Korea, sigu-
rado, gagaan at gagaan ang
pagtingin mo sa trabaho mo.
Idagdga pa ang lakas ng loob
at mahinahong magpahayag
ng ating saloobin sa mga
dayuhang katrabaho na ayaw
nating nasasaktan, minumura
at sinisigawan. At kasabay
nito ang pangako na kapalit
nito ay ang patuloy na pag-
papahusay ng aing trabaho.
Sa hirap ng trabaho, dapat na
pahalagahan ang ating mga
kikitain, kumbaga, kung ayaw
mo ng mahirap ng trabaho,
tiyaga muna. Mag-ipon ka ng
pangnegosyo, para di ka
manatili sa pagtitiis sa traba-
hong mahirap at malayo sa
mga minamahal sa buhay.
Huwag din po tayo makakali-
mot sa Maykapal, lahat ng
biyaya, ito man ay ibinibigay
sa paraang mahirap makamit,
wag po nating kakalimutan,
na yung mga nagkakaroon ng

6 www.sulyapinoy.org OCTOBER 2010

 EDITOR’ S
NOTE
At Home with FILIPOS:
My Photowalk Experience by Leizel Kim

My name is Leizel Kim and friends call me " Z el" . I'm

married to a Korean and with two kids. I've been living in
Korea for ten years and presently working as an English
teacher in an Academy. I am an Ilongga, from the city of
smile, Bacolod.

I 'm a photography enthusiast. I love taking pictures of

my family especially those that captures excit-
ing memories. So when I got my own DSLR camera I
was overwhelmed with excitement. My joy was tempo-
rary upon realizing that I am not skilled enough to handle
my own camera. I searched for some clue through the
internet and in some ways got some ideas.

I came to know Filipino Photographers in South Korea

(FILIPOS) through Facebook when I added DJRegina. I
immediately called her asking how to apply for member-
ship. Then I found out that they were inviting for their
Photowalk on October 17, 2010, immediately I signed up
and decided to join them. The location was at Hwaseong
Fortress in Suwon Gyeonggido. I have never been to the
place before so I got more thrilled. When I met some of
the members for the first time I felt like I already belong
to the group because they were all cool and approachable. were kind enough to teach us beginners on the proper While taking photos during the photowalk my spirit
It took us a long walk before we manage to get to the way to shoot. was uplifted and once more mesmerized by nature's
area but I felt good because it was an exercise for me. I was also glad that in a little way that I am able to beauty. I'm glad I joined this group of fellow kababa-
extend my help when we met some Korean photogra- yan. I felt like I'm back again in my own homeland.
As the walk progressed members of FILIPOS went phers. Serving as a translator during that day we were I'm definitely attending the next photowalk and can't
to each of their own position to get their BEST SHOT able to exchange with them and learn some tech- wait for the new adventures again. Thank You FILI-
since they have a photo contest. I had no idea how or niques. POS! MABUHAY!
what to do and was glad there were members who

Exit Points for Mandatory Evacuation

(Distances relative to Busan)

(Continued from Page 2)

Further, the embassy chose to link this to

their ongoing Financial Education Cam-
paign project. Talisayon adds that,
“Individuals should also know how to plan
for the future and be ready for unforeseen
events. The Financial Education Campaign
touches on ways a person can make the
most of his or her stay in South Korea by
providing a forum where the varied issues
on financial management can be dis-
cussed.” He emphasizes during the forum
that preparing for the future and keeping
Filipinos aware and safe is not the respon-
sibility of the Philippine government alone,
and that the people should be prepared to
whatever situation may arise, with or with-
out external assistance.

Important note: The figure is for only

purposes of planning and
awareness-raising.
The actual scenario may differ.

OCTOBER 2010 www.sulyapinoy.org 7