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 EPS
필리핀 ( 외국인 고용허가제)
EPS (외국인
Volume 3
by Benj Del Mundo
H yewa-dong, Seoul-
The Filipino EPS Work-
ers Association (FEWA) and
the Hyewha-dong Filipino
Catholic Community (HFCC)
conducted a forum last
February 27, 2011 held at
St. Benedict Parish Church
Coffeeshop. The main topic
of the said forum was about
the extension of term or
sojurn of the EPS
(Employment Permit Sys-
tem) workers here in Korea.
The forum’s objectives
were: 1) gather common
issues and concerns in rela-
tion to EPS policy; 2) con-
solidate proposals that ad-
dress prevailing issues of
workers and; 3) plan out a
campaign for support.
The forum was attended by
more than 100 participants,
including leaders from
Hyehwa-dong, Seoul –
Officers, members and vol-
unteers of the Filipino EPS
Workers Association (FEWA)
and the SULYAPinoy publi-
cation held an acquaintance
party for the Korean Lan-
guage Test - KLT Batch 6
last Lunar New Year. The
event was started at 2:00
PM that lasted until mid-
night in a Filipino Restau-
rant in Hyehwa-dong last
February 04, 2011.
It was a simple gathering
with a variety of Filipino
foods and a sing-a-long that
made the party livelier.
Aside from celebrating the
new year it was also an
opportunity to introduce the
organization and at the
same time encourage
SULYAPINOY is accepting cash donations for its monthly printing expenses. You may deposit them @ Account # : 1002 640 334730 / Acct Name: Marcelino M. / Bank: Woori Bank - Hyehwa-dong Branch
근로자 협회
고용허가제) 공식
근로자 발행
협회 –대
공식 한민국
발행 – 대 한민국
Issue 2 2011 www.sulyapinoy.org NOT FOR SALE
the different Filipino organi-
zations. They introduced their
activities that provide help to
migrant workers and gave
their statements and recom-
mendations in addressing the
issue on contract extension.
The event was graced with
the presenters such as Ms.
Gennie Kim (HRD Korea),
Atty. Pill Kyu Hwang (Korea
Public Interest Lawyer's
Group), Ms. Lee Kyung Sook
(Joint Committee with Mi-
grants in Korea), and Philip-
pine Labor Attache Atty. Fely
Bay.
This year many of the Filipino
workers here in Korea under
the EPS will end their con-
tract. The workers are pro-
posing to the Korean govern- Several of the representatives of increase of undocumented workers.
ment, specifically to the Min- the different Filipino organizations One of the suggestions was for a mi-
istry of Labor and Ministry of are calling for the revision of the grant worker to sign a waiver stating
Justice, to make revisions on EPS law to prevent the massive he/she does not intend to avail for a
the law. (continued on page 7)
by Ma.Lourdes Espinola
People and God-centered
Association
OFW-KOREA-2006-001
members of the KLT Batch 6 FEWA and SULYAPinoy as President of FEWA to Su-
to be active and involved. well as its Board Mem- lyapinoy volunteers, Mr. SU LY AP INO Y is
bers, officers and volun- Pete Rahon for his work as T he Off icia l
Mr. Benji Del Mundo, who teers. Certificates of rec- editor-in-chief, and to Ms. P u blica tion of F ilip ino
hosted the program, intro- ognition were given by Mr. Amy Sison-Genova as for- EP S W or ke r s A ssociat ion
duced to the newcomers the Marzy Serdeña the mer literary editor. - Sout h K ore a (F EW A )
mission and vision of
06 March 2011
Mr. Jung, Bong Su, Assistant Director
Ministry of Employment and Labor
Foreign Workforce Policy Division
Dear Mr. Jung:
We, the undersigned, Filipino workers and Korean employers un-
der the Employment Permit System (EPS), and members of Fili-
pino organizations in Korea, appeal to the office of the Foreign
Workforce Policy Division of the Ministry of Employment and Labor
(MOEL) for kind assistance so that measures that facilitate orderly
re-entry of foreign workers, who have finished 6 years or 4 years
and ten (10) months period of stay in Korea under the Employ-
ment Permit System (EPS) may be implemented.
We fully acknowledge that the Act on Foreign Workers’ Employ-
ment and its amendments brought forth greater benefits to the
foreign workers. However, we also recognized that the current
system for hiring foreign workers needs to include a procedure
that is more suitable for workers seeking reemployment in Korea
after the completion of their legal stay under the EPS.
who have gained the trust of their Korean employers. Strict age
requirement and the normally long procedure of application for this
group of workers would entail a great loss for the Korean small and
medium size businesses.
We, therefore, respectfully appeal that the current implementing
regulations of the Act on Foreign Workers’ Employment be re-
viewed so that a different procedure and set of req uirements
may be applied to foreign workers who are seeking reemployment
in Korea, after having completed either the 6 years or 4 years and
ten (10) months period of sojourn under the Employment Permit
System (EPS).
We further appeal that such set of requirements may not include
(1) the Korean Language Test (KLT)/Test on Proficiency in Korean
(TOPIK), and (2) the age limit of 38 years old.
We further appeal that such set of requirements may include (1)
medical certificate, and (2) a certificate of recommendation for re-
employment from the last Korean employer.
Lastly, we appeal that the period of waiting for re-entry to Korea,
for this type of foreign workers, may be shortened to the minimum
legal requirement.

We, further, recognized that some of the current requirements for
employment in Korea may not be necessary for a foreign worker,
who has legally worked in Korea for 5 or 6 years; who already
learned Korean language and culture; who have developed and
mastered working skills in Korean factories and industries, and
Signed by:
We, the undersigned, plead for your office to render proper consid-
eration and action on the above-mentioned appeals so that a more
sustained and productive working relationship between the foreign
workers and Korean businesses, may be attained.

Name of Workers Location (City/Province) Signature

_______________________ ________________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________ ________________________

Name of Employers Name of the Company & Business Permit No. Signature

_______________________ ________________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________ ________________________

_______________________ ________________________ ________________________

(Mangyari lang po na gupitin at ipadala ang napirpamahang pahina na ito sa address na: Appeal of EPS Workers-Sulyapinoy 115-9
Songbuk-gu 1-dong, Songbuk Villa, Seoul, Korea 136-020. O kaya i-scan/kunan ng litrato at i-email sa sulyap.editorialstaff@gmail.com.
Maraming Salamat po!)

2 www.sulyapinoy.org FEBRUARY 2011


F irst, I would like to thank Fr. Alvin Parantar
for co-organizing this event with our or-
ganization the Filipino EPS Workers Association
(FEWA). I would like to thank all the resource
persons: Philippine Embassy’s LABATT Felicitas
Q. Bay, Mr. Pill Kyu Hwang of the Korea Public
Interest Lawyers Group GONGGAM, Ms Lee
Kyungsook of JCMK Joint Committee with Mi-
grants in Korea, Ms. Gennie, HRD volunteer and
the rest who came to share with us their pre-
cious time in enlightening us on this issue and
to all of you friends, colleagues and EPS co-
workers, mga Kababayan, a pleasant and a
blessed Sunday afternoon.
The issue on contract extension has been raised
and discussed at Sulyapinoy Online Forum,
many in those discussions are speculations and
false rumors that continue to circulate among
Filipino migrant workers or Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFW) particularly EPS workers. So we
decided to come-up with an online survey to
get the pulse and gauge the perception OFWs
on the issue.
We now have more than 200 respondents of
the survey and in the January 2011 issue of
Sulyapinoy, FEWA’s official newsletter, we
came out with an editorial and initial findings of
the survey. This statement that I am about to
share in this forum is informed and reflects the
sentiments of the many Filipino workers anxious
and concerned of their ending work contract.
We Filipino Migrant Workers came here to Ko-
rea to realize our dreams of a better life for our
families. Provide good education to our children
and save for a capital to use for business when
we go back home. Through our remittances our
country benefits through the Korean won that
we send.
We came here to Korea to find a decent job
that is lacking in our country. Although we have
jobs here but we are confronted with so many
problems and challenges. In particular, the
Employment Permit System that serves as Ko-
rea’s labor policy still needs a lot of improve-
ment. This law has caused many of our compa-
triots to become undocumented because of its
stringent provisions. Thus, making us migrant
workers vulnerable to all forms of discrimina-
tion, abuses, and our rights not protected and
guaranteed even for minor errors, defaults and
lapses on the law that most of the time is not
even of our own doing but brought about by
the negligence and lack of knowledge on the
EPS law of our company officials.
But despite all these, some of us have shown
loyalty to our companies by working straight for
3-5 years, have proven our skills, resourceful-
ness and initiatives that we have won the admi-
ration and confidence of our Sajangnims. Like
most of us they are now very concerned of the
future of their medium-small businesses without
us, well trained and skilled in our jobs as well
as familiar with the Korean language and cul-
ture.
FEBRUARY 2011
We call on the Korean government to realize that
This year many of us are going to finish our
contract but not all of us are planning to go
back home. Korea will be confronted anew with
contract extension is the short term solution; the
long term solution in addressing all these kinds of
labor problems is the issuance of a more compre-
a big number of undocumented migrant work-
hensive working visa to migrant workers instead.
ers should it not address this problem and re-
vise the law to avert this looming crisis. This
We appeal to the Philippine Embassy and the
trend is being confirmed by 90% of our survey
Philippine Overseas Labor Office to actively sup-
respondents.
port this initiative by migrant workers and con-
tinue to push the agenda and interests of the
OFWs for better working terms with the Korean
government on contract extension. And that this
issue should also be brought up to the Philippine
President Noynoy Aquino’s support as well.
We appeal to the Korean Civil Society, the church,
and other International organizations to help
A four-year and 10 months contract is not
promote our cause.
enough, it is very short. It is not enough time
for us to save and provide for our kids educa-
We appeal to all Filipino migrant workers and the
tion. We proposed that our contract should be
whole of the Filipino community to join us to this
extended, better still to allow us to work for as
cause.
long as we are capable and our companies need
us. It is high time that the current EPS law
Marzy Serdeña
should be revised and migrant workers should
President, FEWA
be provided with a working visa instead.
27 February 2011
Hyewha, Seoul, ROK
There’s a need to review and update the bilat-
eral MOU particularly on age limit. We believe
that the age requirement is a form of discrimi-
nation. Even the Korean government has now a
law that addresses this issue. International
norms also discourages this kind of practice.
This age cap should therefore be removed and
allow us to work for as long as we are mentally
and physically fit to work and remain produc-
tive.
Our Sajangnims are still in need of us. Our con-
tinued presence will also sustain their busi-
nesses productivity and profit. It prevents them
from all the hassles of paper works and addi-
tional burdens of training a new set of workers
who are unfamiliar with work, culture and lan-
guage. Recognizing the need for gradual transi-
tion of work skills transfer of current workers
with the new will be more beneficial and more
practical.
We strongly believe that only through contract
extension that Korean government will be able
to prevent migrant workers from becoming
undocumented. Allow us migrant workers to
work for some more time here in Korea. The
need to implement contract extension is neces-
sary!
We appeal to the Korean government which is
vested with political powers and will to address
a potential crisis in the increase of undocu-
mented migrant workers.
We call on the Korean government to take heed
and listen to the voice of migrant workers. Mi-
grant workers are your partners in developing
and sustaining small and medium businesses of
the Korean people. We migrant workers need
work, we want to continue working here in
Korea. We want to work and be respected with
our rights as decent and documented migrant
workers.
www.sulyapinoy.org 3
 By Rhean R. Delos Reyes

Remember that these are promotional ideas and

As for those men and women who have not re- social fads, so the list may change from one year to

H
ave you ever wondered what Koreans meant
by Red Day, White Day and Black Day?
These so-called ‘love’ days are not official nor tradi-
tional holidays in Korea. It is possible that these
concepts were earlier coined by young people or
university students, and were then picked up on by
marketers or product advertisers. The whole prac-
tice may have also started from celebrating Valen-
tine’s Day on February 14.
For Koreans, February 14th is the day for women to
give chocolate to men, and is popularly called as Red
Day. From early February, we begin to see specially-
packed chocolates in almost every store including
coffee shops, department and convenience stores,
etc. Although Valentine’s Day signs are seen every-
where in February, it is on March 14th known as
White Day* that men are expected to reciprocate
with non-chocolate candy to the woman/women
who remembered them the previous month. Con-
sequently, you will see all kinds of candy display at
the same places where you saw the chocolates in
February.
ceived anything in February or March, they can join
other singles in eating black bean paste noodles or
jjajangmyun 짜장면 which are usually served at
chinese restaurants around the country during April
14th or the Black Day.
The difference between Korea and Western coun-
tries is that these practices and gift-giving are gener-
ally limited to unmarried people in their 20’s.
If you missed these special days in February, March
and April, here are the rest of the ‘love day’ themes
that you might want to keep in mind:
May 14th - Rose Day
June 14th - Kiss Day
July 14th - Silver Day
August 14th - Green Day
September 14th - Music Day
October 14th - Wine Day
November 14th - Movie Day
December 14th - Hug Day
January 14th - Candle Day
the next. Watch out for marketing adverts that will
give you the clue as to which theme will be next so
you can prepare your gifts or sonmul 선물 for your
loved ones. 
Source: www.korea4expats.com
* Note: The idea of White Day, however, is of Japa-
nese origin and was first celebrated in Japan in
1978. It was started by Japan’s National Confec-
tionery Industry Association as an answer to Valen-
tine’s Day. But this time, (Japanese) men should
pay back the women who gave them chocolates
and other gifts on February 14 by giving them
white chocolate, jewelry, or even white clothing
(usually lingerie). The reason why it was called
“White Day” is because the color of sugar (white) is
the main ingredient for candy which was tradition-
ally given on this day.
The writer/researcher, Rhean R. Delos Reyes, is a
graduate student at Hanguk University of Foreign
Studies (HUFS) in Seoul, and a member of Filipino
Photographers in South Korea or FILIPOS.

Photo from Yeinjee.com

FEWAnians’ Take on Contract Extension

by Maria Lourdez Espinola
Here are some of the opinions and sugges-
tions of Filipino EPS Workers Association’s
(FEWA) Board Members regarding the
contract extension issue:
Benji Del Mundo: Signing a waiver, but the
problem, it is not that easy to make the
Korean government to agree in signing a
waiver. It is not like a credit with collateral
but it’s worth giving a try. Or maybe revise
the law of the EPS. Why not try the law
that is applied and practiced in the Middle
East. Every 2 years a contract is signed by
the employee and the employer. So let’s
air some possible solutions.
Norman Matudan: Sa aking sariling opin-
yon tama lang na magkaroon tayo ng
iisang tinig upang ipaalam o ipabatid sa
Korean goverment ang ating ninanais o
saloobin, lalung-lalo na kung gusto pa
nating magkaroon ng ekstensyon sa pag-
tatrabaho. Hindi sapat ang ibinigay nilang
taon para tayo makaipon. Karamihan sa
ating mga OFW ang tumatayong bread
winners ng ating pamilya o di naman kaya
may mga pinapaaral. Hindi lang sana ex-
tension of visa ang maisulong kundi mag-
bigyan tayo ng visa na pwede tayong
magtrabaho hangga’t kaya natin gaya ng
ibang bansa para na rin mabawasan ang
pagkakaroon ng illegal workers dito sa
Korea. Nawa'y matugunan ang ating pan-
gangailangan.
wala pang masyadong naipon may
oras pa para makaipon, at para na rin
sa mga pamilya na umaasa sa atin sa
Pilipinas. Pero kung wala na talaga,
tanggapin na lang natin ng maluwag
sa ating loob. Sana naman ang
gobyerno natin ay magkaroon naman
ng programa na maaring makatulong
sa mga papauwing OFWs galing dito
sa Korea, nang sa gayon may pag-
kaabalahan naman tayo paguwi na
makatulong sa ating pangkabuhayan.
Alwyin Casiño: The extension is not
the solution for all migrant workers
here in South Korea. My advice to all EPS workers. It is hoped that this
the new migrant workers coming
here is to please build your plan for a and diplomacy
good future. I know the longer the
time that you stay here the more
sacrifices you make just to earn more voices will be much stronger if we forum. It was a proof of
money.
to come up with a unified
But for the majority of the OFWs,
statement as well. Whatever
the main problem is that they do
the result of this appeal, let
not plan properly. So, staying
us all remind ourselves that
longer here will not always be
we still need to respect the
enough.
Korean law in the end.
The above statements were the
Lastly, let us always be ready
views of some of FEWA’s board
for other options. Let us go
members during the Forum on EPS
back and remind ourselves of
contract extension held last Febru-
our plans before coming here
ary 27, 2011.
to Korea. Most of us know
that we are just given a 3-
There is no harm in appealing to
year contract. There will
the Korean Government which will
always be life after Korea as
both benefit the employers and the
long as we have a clear vi-
sion and action plan.
issue will be raised in pure humility
to have a better
FEWA would like to thank all
leverage with the Korean govern-
the Filipino communities who
ment. FEWA believes that OFWs’
actively participated in the
reach out to other workers and
Filipino solidarity.
Embassies with an EPS agreement

Paul Adeva: Ok sana kung merong exten-

sion dahil pabor na pabor sa mga matata-
pos na ang contract this year, para kung

4 www.sulyapinoy.org FEBRUARY 2011

 One Lonely heart
In the Garden of Highs
Waiting for the Angel and
Wondering on why.
by airlinehunk24
One Single Soul
On the distant apart
Searching for an answer
Questioning on Why..
For I, not a prince
With our riches and gold
A humble and a smiley guy
That makes your heart cry..
For You, an Angel
A Sadly soul from apart
A day gone bye
Time will comes by…
Time will tell for the
Two destined hearts
Two souls, Become one
That makes them apart…
FEBRUARY 2011 www.sulyapinoy.org 5
In the house of Highs
All angels will arise
For the time have come
And the two souls
unite…
For I, the humble guy
Knell before u as a truly
man
Joseph is my name.
As your Prince that
comes by…
I lay my heart of all the
angels
Standing here as your
Guardian Angel
I’ll keep the time
For the Two Destined
Heart…
Forever and Always to be
apart..
The following is the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III on the
commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution:
My warmest greetings to all the Filipinos around the world, as we com-
memorate the 25th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution.

We Filipinos continue to demonstrate the same ideals of unity and patriot-

ism that freed us from oppression 25 years ago. These values embody our
determination to tackle the challenges of today. Thus, this celebration is not
only a day to remember, but also a day to affirm our duty to our fellow
Filipinos and to our country. I am grateful for our countrymen abroad who
have been keenly following the course of our country's progress and have
remained proud of our multifaceted heritage, which defines our identity as
one people. Now that we are in a period of transformation, let us keep alive
the spirit of People Power and democracy, as we work together and fulfill
our aspiration of a peaceful and progressive Philippines.

We are moving forward in this era of daylight and hope, and it is incumbent
upon each of us to take on the responsibility of realizing our dreams for our
beloved country on the straight and righteous path to change.

BENIGNO S. AQUINO III (Sgd.)

(Source - http://www.philembassy-seoul.com/ann_details.asp?id=400)

6 www.sulyapinoy.org FEBRUARY 2011

 EDITOR’ S
NOTE

EPS Notes By Gennie Kim

The following Q & A were raised with a certified public labor lawyer belonging to a foreign employment support team

1. How true are these rumors about a 2 year extension for those who will finish their 6- year contract?

Answer(A): We have not heard of them and there are no official order yet on the extension. These rumors are being spread by brokers
and this is illegal. So migrant workers should be more careful when approached by these syndicates.

2. What should be done by those who have finished their 6 years contract and wanting to come back?
A: They have to repeat the same process like the first time they applied.

3. Why are workers not allowed to be re-hired back by their previous companies?
A: We are following the standard contract as stipulated on the EPS. We are also concerned about the interest of our country especially
the increase of crimes, drugs, etc. Also, we still need more time to be more open with foreign labor.

4. What are the reasons for the delay of applicants getting an employer/job even if their names are already in the rooster of HRD-
Korea?
A: It all depends on the employer. Once applicant’s names are submitted to HRD-Korea their names are then passed to the Labor Office.
They have the list the companies who are in need Filipino workers. Then Labor will provide the list of all the applicants including their
photo and profile to the employer. The employer will choose from among the list of workers available. Labor does not have any say on
the selection; it is up to the employer to pick their choice.

If before the policy was, below 10 employees are not included for severance insurance or toejigeum as per labor code, this is now
changed. Currently from 5 and above employees are now entitled to claim their severance insurance pay.

As an example on how to calculate the last 3 months of salary upon completing your contract for your services from January 1, 2005 to
January 1, 2008
2005~ 2006
2005 October KRW 1,200,000
2005 November KRW 1,100,000
2005 December KRW 1,000,000
2006 October KRW 1,200,000
2006 November KRW 1,100,000
2006 December KRW 1,000,000
2007 October KRW 1,200,000
2007 November KRW 1,100,000
2007 December KRW 1,000,000

The highlighted amount is x 3 the total of severance fee: KRW 3,600,000 this is the net amount of the salary not the gross amount.
Even undocumented workers have the right to claim their toejigeum. For questions and assistance please email Gennie Kim at
gennie0329@gmail.com.
( continued from page 1)

permanent residency so as to be was formed to finalize and

allowed to work on a long term
basis, since it is perceived that
the short term employment for
foreigners is due to the immigra-
tion policy of allowing immigrants
to avail citizenship if they have
stayed in Korea for a period of
more than five years. Most work-
ers also complained that the 6
years and, for others, 4 years
and 10 months is not enough
time to have their dreams mate-
rialize. Another contention raised
was the age limit set for appli-
cants at 38 years old. It prevents
those older in age but still physi-
cally and mentally fit to avail for
work in Korea. EPS workers be-
lieve that these kinds of policies
should be the subject for revision.
Participants of the forum agreed
to explore on campaigning for
three options: (1) Extension of
Term, (2) Visa conversion from E
-9 to F-2, and the (3) Formula-
tion of different requirements for
those re-applying for work to
Korea, after having completed 6
years or 5 years term under the
EPS. An Ad Hoc Committee
come up with a campaign plan
to implement the output and
suggestions from the forum.
(Ed note: Please refer to page
5 and support the Appeal of
the Filipino Workers and Ko-
rean Employers under the
Employment Permit System
(EPS) and the Filipino Organi-
zations in Korea).

FEBRUARY 2011 www.sulyapinoy.org 7