News: Asian Broadcasters Ink Accord on Cultural...
2
Volume 1 Issue 11
by Elizer Peñaranda
Photo by Amie Sison
His Excellency Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, DD (center) holds Filipino-Korean kids with HFCC Chaplain Fr. Alvin Parantar,
MSP (back, right) and Fr. Theophilus Choi of the Seoul Archdiocese (far right) at St. Benedict Church, Seoul.
by Rebenson B. Recaña
K asan, Gyeonggi-do- In line with the 7th year
foundation celebration, Kasan Migrant Work-
ers Community (KMWC) hosted the first song festi-
val for Filipino amateur singers last Sept. 6 at Kasan
Elem. School Gym.
Participants from Kasan, Seoul and nearby prov-
inces have joined in to belt out and serenaded the
audience with the opening song Si Hesus, Ang Susi
ng Lahat as the Kasan Diva Mary Joy Lor together
with Orly Tungala showed off their vocal prowess.
The day has finally come as her rendition of “I Will
Always Love You” gave Florie May Sabio to win the
Grand Prize in the first Kasan (turn to page 2)
Photo by Elizer Peñaranda
Sr. Luz Olalia, SJBP presents the token of appreciation and
plaque of recognition to KMWC President Carl Anthony
Dacones during the anniversary celebration.
OFW-KOREA-2006-001
www.sulyapinoy.org
Photo by Felix Ferrer
Hyehwadong, Seoul - Hundreds of Filipino workers participate in
the "No to NPS-SSS Lump-sum Transfer" signature campaign
recently launched by Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA).
by Dondave Jabay
I taewon, Seoul – The office of the Philippine
Embassy in Seoul led by His Excellency
Ambassador Luis T. Cruz held the 2008 first
leaders forum attended by different Filipino
Community (FILCOM) leaders in South Korea last
Sept. 6 at the Philippine Embassy.
Embassy staff from different consular offices and
departments also attended the said forum. Minister
and Consul General Abraham R. Estavillo, Consul
Sylvia M. Marasigan, and Vice-Consul Arnel G.
Talisayon of Philippine Embassy office; Attaché
Col. Martin N. Pinto, PN (M) (GSC) from the Office Amb. Cruz (standing) shares his opinion about the NPS-SSS
of the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces; Com- controversial agreement to FILCOM leaders in response to
mercial Counselor Edgardo (turn to page 4) their sentiments expressed during the open forum part.
Editorial: Empowered Signature Campaign 3
News: Fr. Cedric Surprises Changhyun Filcom... 4
Feature: Mama Ems: Her Strength, Our Inspiration 5
Opinion: An Open Letter to the Philippine Senate... 6
Photo Essay: No to NPS-SSS Campaign 10
September 2008
H yehwadong, Seoul — Songs, praises and
smiles have greeted His Excellency
Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, DD as Filipino
Catholics led by the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic
Community welcomed the first Filipino Apostolic
Nuncio and the envoy of the Vatican to South Korea
last Aug. 31 at St. Benedict Church.
Filipino-Korean children offered flowers to show
their joy and pride in welcoming the Papal Nuncio
while Philippine Embassy officials headed by
Ambassador Luis Cruz together with Labor Attaché
Delmer Cruz, Consul Jed Dayang, Labor Admin.
Staff Violeta Buenaventura joined hundreds of
churchgoers to witness his first visit and homily with
his kababayan in South Korea.
As the representative of Pope Benedict XVI in
safeguarding the interests of the Holy See, the
Papal Nuncio shared his awareness of the different
issues and hardships of workers in the process of
migration for he has been part of it since 1963, for
being a missionary of God.
Also, he shared the pains and struggles of the Holy
Family as migrants for they asked God for the
needed strength and he encouraged everyone to do
the same in asking God’s guidance and as
Catholics, he invited everyone to oneself for the
transformation in the goodness of Christ.
More so, HFCC Chaplain Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP
has reveled a few of the Papal Nuncio’s favorites
like bola-bola and shared personal experience like
for being so fatherly when one (turn to page 2)
Photo by Dondave Jabay
 NEWS
Photo by Bong Perocho
Amb. Luis Cruz joins the NBN Manager Agerico Arias and PR Officer Maria Besa way of living, stories of
(far right) with other participants at Grand Intercontinental Hotel, Seoul.
S eoul, South Korea - The Korean Broadcasting
Institute (KBI), under the sponsorship of the
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South
Korea, organized a three-day workshop on “The Fu-
ture of co-Production Beyond the Prosperity” at the
Grand Intercontinental Hotel.
“This workshop will surely lead to an increase in the
awareness of diverse cultures within our regions
through advanced technology in information and
media, for it is our youth who will get the greater value
of this endeavor,” said Philippine Ambassador Luis
Cruz in the workshop held last September 3-5.
Delegates from South Korea, China, Cambodia, Indo-
nesia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Myanmar,
Brazil and the Philippines participated and discussed
the joint production of programs on the said event as
a way of cultural exchange and building a system for
strong community relations in the region.
KMWC 7th Anniversary
Song Festival with Judith Mas and Jannel Gonzales
won first and second runners-up respectively.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador Luis Cruz con-
gratulated the KMWC for getting stronger after 7
years of providing services and spiritual guidance to
all migrants. “We’re here to celebrate with you as
you promote our culture and share our Filipino musi-
cality to all Koreans and to the rest of foreign com-
munity in South Korea,” Ambassador Cruz shared.
Also, the event paved the way to recognize the
KMWC officers and volunteers headed by its Presi-
dent Anthony Carl Dacones and Vice-President
Francis Katigbak while Labor Attaché Atty. Delmer
Cruz awarded the certificate of recognition to the
newly registered Filipino communities.
However, SULYAPINOY editorial staff in the pres-
ence of Dondave Jabay, Maria Regina Arquiza and
Elizer Penaranda joined the board of judges together
with Fr. Jun Perez, SVD who celebrated the Holy
2 SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org
by Elizer Peñaranda
National Broadcasting
N etwo rk Ma n ag e r
Agerico Arias of the
Philippines joined other
delegates as they inked
the joint production
accord among the 10
participating countries.
“Our country and South
Korea have started
sharing a few documen-
taries since last year,
which paved the way to
promoting culture, tour-
ism and eventually
investments,” Arias said.
“We’ve showcased our
some Filipinas married
to Koreans, and the fun and satisfaction that await
a number Koreans who retire in the Philippines,”
Arias added.
On the other hand, Philippine-Korean Cultural
House in Seoul (PKCH), headed by its PR man-
ager Eunha Park, brought the Sulyapinoy Perform-
ing Team, which showcased Philippine folkdances
like Subli and Cariñosa in support of the event.
“South Korea is now welcoming the world as it gets
multicultural, and we need to share the vast culture
and the world-class talent of the Filipino migrants in
an international meet such as this one,” Park
commented.
Also, Vu Thi Viet Hong of Vietnam serenaded the
audience with her musical instrument called dan
tranh, while the Mongolian performers showcased
their national heritage musical drama.
Mass and emphasized a number of issues which
confronted all Filipino migrants, hard labor and
human trafficking especially among women.
Also, KMCC Sister Luz Olalia, SJBP shared the
struggles and crucial stages of the community and
how it succeeded like the 7-year old child who has
reached “The Age of Reason”. “This is the most
celebrated birthday in a child’s life for he/she
knows already the right from wrong,” Sister Luz
said.
“We thank Fr. Glenn, Fr. Paul, Juliet, Columban
Missionaries, Tina, Chris, Jojo, Sr. Julie, Sr. Cecile
and all who have been part of this wonderful jour-
ney and to the Almighty for given us the opportu-
nity to celebrate our culture and bountiful bless-
ings, let’s all celebrate,” Sister Luz continued.
KMWC President Anthony Carl Dacones and
Officer Maricar Cardano with the special participa-
tion of Ma. Jhonna “Joey” Fiedacan, Administra-
tive Assistant II of Philippine Overseas Labor
Office (POLO) emceed the musical event.
Meanwhile, Dioribon “Bong” Perocho, the Filipino
interpreter of the Korean language for the Philip-
pine delegates and a volunteer of the Hyehwadong
Filipino Catholic Community in Seoul shared the
good impressions of the media participants from
other countries about the Philippine broadcasting
programs which are highly appreciated in promot-
ing culture and the arts.
However, government support as the financing
agency, aside from the broadcasting network,
should focus on media and its important role in
community development. Co-production should
also provide opportunity in promoting diverse cul-
ture of the participating countries instead. The
needed plans, study and research in order to
achieve a better job in joint production were a few
of the suggestions raised prior to the signing of the
said accord.
The Korean Wave or “Hallyu” has been a phe-
nomenon among Asian countries including the
Philippines and the initiative of the South Korean
government and KBI in the agreement of co-
production mutually benefit the 51,000 Filipinos in
South Korea and the reported 100.000 Koreans in
the Philippines.
Inspirational Quote
Where there is unity
there is always victory.”
- Publilius Syrus -
Filipinos Hail Archbishop
may feel comfortable and for being the nuncio for
both South Korea and Mongolia.
However, Ambassador Luis Cruz has started
sharing the ambassadorial rank with the Papal Nun-
cio since they have common roots and function in
promoting the well-being of all Filipinos in South
Korea.
As apostolic nuncio, he is considered the represen-
tative or ambassador of the Holy See to the bishops
of the Episcopal Conference and particular
churches.
Also, his primary duty is to make firm and effective
the bonds of unity between the Pope, the head of
States and the bishops.
The 66-year-old Papal Nuncio was hailed in Cebu
and was ordained priest in 1966. He was named as
the fourth Apostolic Nuncio to South Korea last April
12 and replaced Archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig.
 EDITORIAL

Filipino Communities Unite to Support the No to NPS-SSS Accord

V aried sentiments, views and analyses have been
burst out as various Filipino organizations signed
the “No to National Pension Scheme-Social Security
System (NPS-SSS) Campaign” to show opposition to
the said bilateral agreement on social security.
The ongoing signature campaign is highly recognized
and supported by the majority of the 51,051 members of
different Filipino communities which paved the way for
all Overseas Filipino Workers including the religious
sector band together as one with a common goal. They
have given their usual support by disseminating informa-
tion and encouragement to churchgoers who are also
the concerned individuals on the said current issue.
Filipino Employment Permit System Workers Associa-
tion (FEWA) and SULYAPINOY spearheaded the signa-
ture campaign in full support of the Hyehwadong Filipino
Catholic Community (HFCC) led by its chaplain, Fr. Alvin
Parantar, MSP, Kasan Migrant Workers Community
(KMWC), Changhyun Filipino Catholic Community,
Human Rights Welfare Organization Filipino Community
(HRWOFC), Ansan Filipino Catholic Community
(AFCC), Philippine Migrant Workers Association in
South Korea (PMWAK), Osan Migrant Workers Center,
communities from Pusan such as the Filipino Migrant
Workers Association in Pusan (FIMIWAP), Filipino Asso-
ciation In Gimhae Korea (FASIGKO) Filipino Workers
Association in Korea (FILWORK), and some other Fili-
pino communities in South Korea..
Regardless of gender, religion, visa status, all OFWs are
currently calling for immediate solution and revision on
the said agreement for the general welfare of the work-
ers and protection from vested interest of some alleged
greedy public officials who would surely take our money
for some anomalies, unscrupulous plans and personal
interests. Why are we so much worried of the planned
transfer of the NPS lump-sum refund to SSS?
The absence of the
proper consultation
to the concerned
OFWs here in
South Korea, loss
of workers’ small
business opportuni-
ties upon going
back home after
our sojourn period,
unfair compulsory
coverage to the
NPS-SSS social
security agreement,
and the NPS lump-
sum refund will be
prone to become
an object of corrup-
tion and some other
personal analyses
have triggered the
EPS workers led by
the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) to Affairs and Sen. Manny Villar, Senate President.
initiate the massive campaign for social awareness
and participation. Our campaign program against the NPS-SSS social
security agreement continues to empower all concerned
More so, the SULYAPINOY website which currently workers with the needed information for we strongly
conducting the online signature campaign has shown believe that justice will be served for the general welfare
the participation of some other workers and concerned of all OFWs, to foster solidarity among Filipino communi-
Filipino nationals around the world thru online who ties and awareness on issues concerned with among
cannot come and personally sign the petition letter Filipino migrant workers all over the peninsula.
which remarkably received the unprecedented
statistics (1,070 at this writing-ED) of signatures Also, our struggles go on for our families in the Philip-
online. pines who have sacrificed greatly in the process of mi-
gration and keep on praying while waiting for the imme-
With support from Philippine radio program like diate return of the loved ones working overseas with the
DZME, the issue has reached the Philippine House of refund resources enough to rebuild the broken pieces in
Senate thru the offices of Sen. Miriam Defensor our lives brought by social injustices, poverty and unem-
Santiago, Chairperson on Committee of Foreign ployment to our own country.

EDITORIAL STAFF BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Editor-in-Chief: Elizer M. Peñaranda Managing Editor: Dondave Jabay
Opinion Editor: Rebenson B. Recaña News Editor: Edward A. Castro Chairman: Rebenson B. Recaña Vice Chairman: Dondave Jabay
Feature Editor: Elizer M. Peñaranda Literary Editor: Amie Sison
Cartoonist: Alden C. Balgos Photojournalist: Felix S. Ferrer
Board of Publication in:
Layout Artist: Dondave Jabay Outreach, Recreation and Religious Program: Alden C. Balgos
Circulation Managers: Teofilo C. Camo; Alwyin A. Casiño; Marcelino M. Serdeña III Budget and Finance: Marcelino M. Serdeña III
Contributors: Bro. Joel Tavarro, Richard C. Corpuz, and Sofonias “Chabok” Paragsa SULYAPINOY Website Development and Maintenance: Dondave Jabay
Newsletter Sponsorship Program: Edward A. Castro
Adviser: Ma. Regina P. Arquiza Training & Workshop: Richard C. Corpuz
Consultant: Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP; Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.
SULYAPINOY Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk-dong, Seoul Korea
FEWA Office Address & SULYAPINOY Distribution Center: Inside WOORI BANK, Hyehwa-dong Branch, Jongno-gu, Seoul

D I S C L A I M E R For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & Advertisements

Different opinions are encourage to stimulate
m e m b er i np u t a nd i nv o l v em en t .
SULYAPINOY’s role is to provide information
that permits FEWA members to develop
informed opinions on subjects that will affect
their status as migrant workers and, in some
instances, their personal lives. FEWA does
not hold itself responsible for statements
made by any contributor. Statements or
opinions expressed in SULYAPINOY re-
flect the views of the author(s) and not the
official policy of FEWA unless so stated.
Please submit them to our website and the following emails below:
Website: www.sulyapinoy.org
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All Staff: editorialstaff@sulyapinoy.org or sulyap.editorialstaff@gmail.com
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Thank you for your time and interest!

www.sulyapinoy.org SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 3

NEWS
Photo by Elizer Peñaranda
Fr. Cedric Alimbuyong, MSP, with injured left thumb, shares the awards with
teammates.
M aseok, Gyeonggi-do—After two weeks of
medical treatment due to a basketball acci-
dent, Fr. Cedric Alimbuyong, MSP surprised the
Changhyun Filipino Catholic Community (CFCC)
with his homily and the awarding ceremony of the
First CFCC Bowling Tournament last Sept. 14.
In his homily, the accident brought him into an in- Ronnie, George, Rey, Hydee and Fr. Cedric struck
depth understanding in serving the Filipino Catholic down their opponents as they bagged the first
community as they uphold the Catholic Faith and
RP Embassy Holds...
Garcia of Philippine Trade and Investment Center
(PTIC); Labor Attaché Delmer R. Cruz, Welfare Offi-
cer Esperanza Cobarrubias and Administrative Staff
Violeta Buenaventura of Philippine Overseas Labor
Office (POLO) were among the speakers of the said
forum as they discussed their respective agenda
concerning their office plans and projects involving all
Filipinos in South Korea.
On the other hand, FILCOM representatives from
Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) and SU-
LYAPINOY, Philippine Migrant Association in Korea
(PMWAK), Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO), Samahan
ng mga Ilokano, INC Association, LEDAGs Produc-
tion, PHILWAK & BOJC, Ansan Filipino Community,
Cordillera Brotherhood Organization (CBO), Damayan
Club, Geumchon Foreign Workers Mission Church,
Word for the World-Korea, ICIC & PASOK, S.F.A.,
and FKSA were among the participants of the forum.
Also, Judith Hernandez, a Filipina and the first for-
eign-born political candidate in South Korea and
Maria Regina Panol Arquiza or “DJ Regina”, current
radio broadcaster of the first multicultural radio pro-
gram in South Korea and at the same time current
editorial adviser of SULYAPINOY newsletter attended
the said event.
Amb. Cruz explained the importance of the event as
he shared his previous experience of having the same
activity while he was assigned in Malaysia. “Being the
father of Filipino migrant workers in South Korea, I
can say that you are also my children or grandchil-
dren. It is my responsibility to give you updates about
our Philippine government plans and projects for the
welfare of our ‘Kababayans’ here in South Korea.
4 SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org
by Elizer Peñaranda
share the love of God
with one another.
“The accident has given
me the realization and
much appreciation on
the struggles and sacri-
fices of all migrant work-
ers,” he shared.
“All the hardships that
sometimes end in acci-
dents could be com-
pared to the passion
and sacrifices of Jesus
Christ as he died on the
cross for the greatest
purpose-salvation,” the
priest continued.
On the other hand, his
enthusiasm over sports has positively influenced
churchgoers to indulge in sports like in the recently
concluded First conference of the CFCC Bowling
Tournament initiated by their officials namely Ar-
man Aguilar and Karen Crisostomo.
As the heat of the summer ends, bowlers like
championship award for the said sports event.
Another important purpose of this event is for me
and the entire Philippine Embassy office to person-
ally thank and acknowledge our some
‘Kababayans’ who did some exemplary services to
the public,” Amb. Cruz said.
Also, he reiterates the important role of all Filipinos
in South Korea. “Although I was appointed as a
current Philippine Ambassador of South Korea but
for me all Filipinos are ambassadors of goodwill. I
acknowledge your role as a mirror of our country for
helping our Philippine government in promoting our
own culture and traditions through your good deeds
and for making the Philippines well-known to the
Korean people,” Amb. Cruz added.
Among the major announcements made by the
embassy thru Consul Sylvia M. Marasigan is the
upcoming 60th Anniversary of Friendship between
Philippines and Korea to be held on June 11-14
next year. The big event entitled “One Philippines”
Expo shall compose a 3-day expo which includes a
grand parade of festivals to be participated by dif-
ferent Filipino communities in South Korea.
On the part of cultural promotion program, Vice
Consul Arnel G. Talisayon announced the upcom-
ing Trainers’ Training Seminar that aims to develop
cultural partners that will conduct similar workshop
to Filipino-Korean children in the future and encour-
aged everyone to participate especially those who
have the hearts to become a volunteer-trainer that
will enhance and share their talents in promoting
Filipino culture to the Koreans.
He also announced the upcoming 5th Asia Song
Festival 2008 to be held on October 4 at World
Stadium in Seoul Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park. The
program will be participated by performers from
Also, Freddie Hernandez (Dhokie Red Team), Nym-
pha (Guri Silver Team) topped their games with the
highest scores respectively while other surprised
awards were given to Cid Castillo, most improved
player; Cindy of Blue Team, best in uniform; and
Arman Aguilar, performance level award.
Jay R Tenorion, a participant bowler, shared the fun
and excitement of bowling among Filipinos aside
from the all-time favorite basketball.
Fr. Cedric and CFCC volunteers have invited all
migrants to participate actively in sports fest like
bowling for it provides and sustains fun and camara-
derie for whatever seasons there might be.
”We are expecting you all to visit our community and
become a participant to our Second Bowling Tourna-
ment set last Sept. 21,” Fr. Cedric invited.
Words of Wisdom
"Never consider the
possibility of failure; as
long as you persist, you
will be successful."
~ Brian Tracy ~
different top Asian Artists such as Rivermaya of Phil-
ippines, Rain of Korea, and other superstars from 9
Asian Countries. Details of the said event are cur-
rently posted at the Philippine Embassy website http://
www.philembassy-seoul.com.
More so, labor attaché Delmer R. Cruz discussed
about Korean labor law and immigration policy up-
dates affecting OFWs in South Korea. He shared
about the success of the EPS Memorandum of Un-
derstanding (MOU) consultation made with FEWA
members. He also shared about the current status of
the Social Security Agreement signed between Philip-
pine government and Republic of Korea.
During the open forum, FEWA administrative adviser
Rebenson Recaña didn’t hesitate to express his senti-
ments in behalf of all Filipino migrant workers against
the controversial NPS-SSS agreement. “Being the
owner of the NPS Lump-sum Refund benefits, the
SSS, or the proponents, should have properly con-
sulted all the concerned OFWs in South Korea before
the signing of the said Bilateral Agreement. The ab-
sence of consultations clearly violated our constitu-
tional rights. We, the entire OFWs in South Korea are
strongly against the mandatory transfer of our NPS
lump-sum refund to the SSS. We cannot wait for 65
years of age before we can get the fruit of our hard
works and sacrifices from the 3D (Dirty, Difficult,
Dangerous) jobs we have and the discriminations
from our Korean employers,” Recaña commented.
Updates on Machine Readable Passport (MRP),
contingency plans, overseas absentee voting, finan-
cial literacy program and business opportunities in the
Philippines, and OWWA membership were also dis-
cussed for the leaders inform their respective commu-
nities.

Mama Ems: Her Strength, Our Inspiration
“It takes one wounded healer to heal
another wounded person.”
She has been a survivor, a missionary, a
leader, an educator, a consultant, a friend,
a loving mother and a believer, that’s how
we used to know the current Chair of the
Education Committee of Hyehwadong Fili-
pino Catholic Community and the Chief
Editor of the Sambayanan Newsletter, our
Mama Ems, Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat,
Ph.D.
Overcoming Struggles and Hardships
Mama Ems was raised in Batac, Ilocos
Norte and belonged to a big family of seven
children. Being the fifth she has fond
memories of her happy childhood and didn’t
give any burden to her father with regard to
studies. At early age, she fully understood
how difficult life was for she harvested to-
bacco leaves and planted garlic for 5 pesos
a day.
“I have been working since elementary to
support my studies until I became the vale-
dictorian in our class and salutatorian in
high school and proudly received the pres-
tigious Gerry Roxas Leadership Award,”
she shared.
Her father inspired her to value education
for it was the sole treasure he could humbly
provide with his children. “Though I earned
a scholarship in college, I needed to pay for
my dormitory. Everyone was bit worried of
my whereabouts for I couldn’t stay with
them longer until they discovered my part-
time job of washing almost a hundred of
plates and pans which I hid from them until
our graduation and they admired me in-
stead,” she added.
Upholding Faith and Values
Her values from home and faith in God
have motivated her to pursue her studies in
the College of the Holy Spirit in Batac
where she helped the nuns in selling
snacks in the canteen during her break
time. These learned lessons and values in
life gave her brighter and bigger opportuni-
ties and the rest were beyond her expecta-
tions like earning degrees from College of
the Holy Spirit-Manila, University of Sto.
Tomas and Ateneo De Manila University
respectively.
In 2004, she was one of the fortunate 52
scholars from different Asian countries and
became the second Filipino researcher
under Korea Foundation for Advanced
by Elizer Peñaranda
Studies in South Korea.
“It was Prof. Joson who informed me
about the former chaplain of Hyehwadong
Filipino Catholic Community Fr. Glenn
Giovanni Jaron, MSP until I became part
of the community as an escape from
homesickness and boredom at first,”
Mama Ems shared.
Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.
Mama Ems with her heaven-sent angels.
Sharing Dreams and Aspirations
Her life in the academe for more than 20
years and the privilege of being the Dean
of the Graduate School of Arts and Sci-
ences in Colegio de San Juan de Letran
in Calamba, Faculty in some universities
like in the College of the Holy spirit-
Mendiola, De La Salle University-Manila,
First Asian Institute of Technology and
Humanities-Tanauan which tempted her
to go back to the academe.
www.sulyapinoy.org
FEATURE
“But I couldn’t explain there was a calling
and a feeling of compassion to serve our
community here in South Korea until the
biggest challenge in my life has come and
found myself all alone but I have to stand
and be stronger for my children and for the
community where I love to share my time,
talent, knowledge and life with-
Sambayanan,” she said.
Coping with Complexities
Just like other migrants, Mama Ems has
experienced culture shock for she was once
a victim of unpaid salary and misfortune but
she finds time to console by comparing her
condition and believed that Koreans just
have different ways of expressing their con-
cerns.
However, she has been thankful to her
heaven-sent loving children-Renz, Racquel,
Reinier and Rocev who make her even
courageous. “One of my religious friends
advised me of ‘Never deprive your children
of what you have when you were still young
because you gained strength from the ex-
periences you had’ and I’m so proud of my
children for they understand everything
including me as their mom,” Mama Ems
shared.
Serving God and Community
Currently, Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat is
serving the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center
for Filipino Migrants in Seoul, South Korea
and who has been actively providing semi-
nars, workshops and recollections among
various Filipino communities and spear-
heading the outreach educational programs
of the community like the Mount Carmel
High School Scholarship in General Nakar,
Quezon and her valuable involvement in
Education Programs funded by American
Women’s Club, Seoul, South Korea.
More so, she mentioned her working rela-
tion with colleagues and the HFCC chap-
lain. “I have to be flexible because I am
working with people of different manage-
ment styles so I see to it that the quality of
output which I’ve given to Fr. Glenn before
is the same as with Fr. Alvin’s and I’m very
blessed for they are so understanding,” she
said.
“For being strong is a grace from God and I
firmly believed in ‘What you are is God’s
gift to you, what you become is your gift
to God.’ South Korea is the gift I received
from Him and I want to share this wonderful
gift with others for it has given me the
strength to understand more about life and
my purpose of living with the community,”
Mama Ems continued.
SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 5
 OPINION & LETTER
Dear Senators:
Warm Greetings from Filipino Overseas Workers in South Korea!
We the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) and all Filipino
organizations in South Korea, are spearheading this Signature
Campaign to register our very opposition to the Social Security Sys-
tem (SSS) and the National Pension Scheme (NPS) Social Security
agreement which terminates the immediate grant of the Lump-sum
Refund benefits after the period of sojourn of approximately 33,714
OFWs in South Korea based from their monthly contribution under
the National Pension Scheme.
This issue started two-years ago when the Philippines and South
Korea signed a bilateral agreement providing for social security pro-
tection and benefits to their respective citizens. A ceremony was
held on December 16, 2005 at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang
Palace, with Secretary Alberto G. Romulo of the Philippine Foreign
Affairs, and Minister Ban Ki-Moon of the Korean Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) signing the agreement.
The said agreement actually did not directly specify the transfer of
the NPS Lump-sum Refund to the SSS but the NPS Head Office in
Seoul had confirmed to FEWA that once the Bilateral Social Secu-
rity Agreement is ratified by the Philippine Senate, all OFWs cov-
ered by the NPS can no longer avail the immediate Lump-sum Re-
fund benefits currently granted to all OFWs in South Korea through
the ‘Principle of Reciprocity’ after their sojourn period. Instead, they
can only avail the Lump-sum Refund at the age of 65 years.
Attached herewith are the copies of the signed and brief explanation
of the Bilateral Social Security Agreement and the detailed explana-
tion about the National Pension Scheme (NPS) of South Korea.
NPS website can also be found at http://www.nps.or.kr/ for further
reference.
We, the undersigned, make our ardent appeal to the Honorable
Senators to uphold the rights of the EPS workers who strongly op-
pose the afore-mentioned SSS plan on the following grounds:
1) Absence of proper consultation to the concerned OFWs.
Being the owner of the NPS Lump-sum Refund benefits, the SSS,
or the proponents, should have properly consulted all the concerned
OFWs in South Korea before the signing of the said Bilateral
Agreement. Article lll - Bill of Rights, Section 7 of the Philippine
Constitution states “The right of the people to information on
matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to offi-
cial records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official
acts, transactions, or decisions.” Therefore, the procedure
undertaken in the formulation of the said agreement clearly violated
our constitutional rights.
2) Loss of workers’ small business opportunities upon going
back home after their sojourn period. The workers’ claim in lump-
sum of their monthly NPS contribution, after the end of their sojourn,
is now impossible since according to NPS-SSS agreement, the
lump-sum refund shall be only claimed when an OFW reaches at
the age of 65.
The Philippine government should realize how tough is the life of the
Filipino migrant worker in South Korea, working in 3D Jobs (Difficult,
Dangerous, and Dirty) category, and how important is the NPS
contribution Lump-sum Refund for the reestablishment of their eco-
nomic condition upon returning back home.
That money plays a very important role in rebuilding OFWs’
respective families together as it will be used to establish any small
business opportunities which may prevent them from going back
abroad that keeps them away from their love ones with no choice
due to lack of jobs in the Philippines.
6 SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org
Furthermore, that money is the only saving that most workers
can bring after their contract as they regularly send their
monthly income to their respective families in the Philippines.
The concerned OFWs cannot wait for 65-years of age in order
to get their own money.
3) Compulsory coverage to the NPS-SSS Social Security
Agreement is unfair. Each Filipino migrant worker should be
given the option whether he wants to be covered by the said
Social Security agreement or not. It is very unfair that the said
immediate grant of NPS contribution Lump-sum Refund bene-
fits after the OFWs’ sojourn period will be mandatorily termi-
nated for the purposes of observing the principle of Social Se-
curity.
Just like the Social Security between Canada and Korea and
other countries such as US, Germany, Hungary, and France
which have also signed the same agreement between Korea,
any citizens of the said countries who have worked in South
Korea has an option to claim their NPS Lump-sum Refund
benefits when they permanently leave Korea after their so-
journ period.
In addition, for Filipinos, majority of them may only have a
maximum of 3-5 years of sojourn period in South Korea. Un-
der the Social Security rules, insured members should have at
least 10-years of NPS contribution period before they could
avail the old-pension benefits at the age of 65.
Even applying the ‘totalization rule’ between the SSS contribu-
tion and NPS contribution of OFWs, still the total contribution
amount cannot reach the required 10-years NPS contribution
amount. Thus, instead of claiming the old-pension benefits at
the age of 65, still the Lump-sum Refund shall be claimed
similar to the Lump-sum Refund benefits immediately granted
after their period of sojourn. In this case, it is very clear that
the said agreement will not provide any better benefits to all
concerned OFWs.
4) The NPS Lump-sum Refund will be prone to become an
object of corruption. The money which is the fruit of workers’
years of hard labor can become an easy target for some
greedy government officials either in Philippines or in South
Korea, particularly in the social security agency. When this
happens, the time and effort spent by the OFWs in working
and waiting for their well-deserved benefits may just end up
into frustration and grief.
In view of the above, we the Filipino Overseas Workers in
South Korea, with the support of our fellow migrant workers
around the world, our fellow Filipinos in our motherland, our
respective families and friends, humbly request our beloved
Senators to support our call:
1) To reject the NPS-SSS Social Security agreement and
ensure us of the continuing availability of our NPS
Lump-sum Refund through the ‘Principle of Reciprocity’
after our sojourn period.
2) If scrapping of the signed Social Security agreement is
impossible, there must be a revision to make the
coverage of the agreement optional for us. If any of us
do not like to avail the said Social Security instead we
would only like to avail our NPS Lump-sum Refund
benefits, then we should be immediately granted right
after sojourn period.
3) To review the signed Bilateral Social Security Agree-
ment and ensure that our rights as Overseas Filipino
Workers in South Korea will be protected fairly under
the rule of law.
 OPINION & LETTER
For the welfare of all Filipino Overseas Workers!

www.sulyapinoy.org SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 7

 LITERARY
S U LY A P I N FEWANIAN
ni Richard Corpuz ni Joel Tavarro
(SULYAPINOY Board of Publication) (FEWA Board Member)

Tinaguriang mga bagong bayani sa bayan ng mga bayani
Mangagawang bayani, makabagong bayani
Sa labas ng inang bayang bayani
Sulyapin mga bagong bayani
Sa lugar ng mga kimchi ay nahahapi
Ngayon ay lumalaban sa banta ng Inang bayang bayani.
Mga bagong bayani sa bansang Korea
Tayo'y magkaisa labanan natin ang maduming pulitika
Pensyon natin kanilang pinupuntirya baka saan mapunta
Sulyapin, sa pakikipaglaban ay makisama.
Hirap, pagod, pawis, dugo ay hinaharap para sa pangarap
Mga minimithing pangarap
Mga namumuno, at bayani ng ating bayan
Ito pa ba ang inyong isusukli pensyong pinaghirapan
Ng mga bagong bayani inyo pang pagsamantalahan.
Sulyapin, tingnan at pagmasdan
Pagkahapi ng bawat isa
Dahil sa layo ng minamahal na pamilya
Ito ay di namin muling madarama
Kung aming pensyon di mo mithiing pang makuha
Sulyapin, Tingnan, Pagmasdan
Bayani mo Inang bayan.
Isang samahan na sinikap punpunin ng mga huwaran
Pinagbigkis, pinagkaisa, binansagang Fewanian
Noon ay hindi napapansin, hindi inaasahan
Subalit dumating ang panahon na naging tanggulan.
Mga pinuno na madaling kausap at madali rin lapitan
Binubuo ng mga kagawad na magalang at kinagigiliwan
Sa Woori Bank, Hyehwa ang opisina ay matatagpuan
Dito ay dumulog kung sa kontrata ikaw ay nagulangan.
Inaabot dinadamayan ang problema ng mga kababayan
Lalo sa pangmamaltrato sa mga manggagawang dayuhan
Ito ay tumatag at lumakas upang inyong masandalan
Usaping legal payong moral ikaw ay handang pag-ukulan.
Noon ay pintas ng iba sa una lamang at walang patutunguhan
Subalit ang hangarin ay makatulong kung kaya’t pinatnubayan
Ng Amang nasa langit na tanging takbuhan at sumbungan
Ngayon nga ay nakilala na di lamang sa bayan ng hangguk saram.
Tila isang balaraw na may talim sa pakipagtalakayan
Isang tinig na wari mo ay panudla dala ay katotohanan
Katotohanang pinalakas sa bisa ng karunungan at kaalaman
Kaalamang naging puwersa upang makamit ang katarungan.
Na nagsilbing baluti upang marami ang maproteksiyunan
Matibay na kalasag muog at tanggulan ng sambayanan
Kaya mga mamamayang Pilipino tayo ay magkapit-bisig
Magbigkis, magtulungan, tumindig na may malakas na tinig.

KILOS KA KABAYAN HUWAG KANG MATAKOT PARA SA SULYAPINOY

ni Amie Sison
(SULYAPINOY Literary Editor)
Nandito tayo at pangungulila ay hinaharap
Sapagkat ang bayan natin ay naghihirap
Maayos na hanapbuhay kay hirap mahanap
Kahit anumang diploma ang ating iharap.
ni Marcelino Serdeña III ni Alwyin Casiño
(SULYAPINOY Circulation Manager)
(FEWA Vice-President)
Salamat po sa ating pahayagan
May takot ka bang nararamdaman?
Na nagbibigay ng mga kaalaman
At sarili ba ay sadyang naguguluhan
Tungkol sa mga karapatan
May mga bagay bang nais na subukan
Ngunit natatakot at nag-aalinlangan.
Sa bawat ating mga kababayan.

Pangamba ang iyong nararamdaman Pahayagan na pinaghirapan namin

Kaya't tayo nga ay nangibang bayan
Pagkat alam mong sadyang di maiiwasan Sana inyong tangkilin
Upang umangat ang ating kabuhayan
Kasama talaga sa ating kabuhayan Mga nilikom na balita tungkol sa atin
Kahit kapalit ay kalungkutan
Makaranas na mabigo at tayo'y masaktan. Sana parati ninyong basahin.
Pagiging OFW ay wala ng atrasan.

Bilang OFW ay hindi biro Huwag kang matakot aking kaibigan Sa mga balita na tayo ang bida
Lalo na kung tayo ay nabibigo Isipin mo na kayang kaya mo yan Mga nangyayari dito sa Korea
Kasama ang mga problemang sakop dito Ang mga pangamba at pag-aalinlangan Kredibilidad sa inyong mababasa
Basta kabayan, huwag kang susuko. Iwaglit mo sa iyong sa puso at isipan. Taas-noo kami iharap sa masa.

Ngunit kung ang lahat ng hirap ay makayanan Minsan kung ating iisipin Sa paglabas nya sa bawat buwan
Anu pang hadlang ang nandyan Na tayo ay napag iiwanan na rin Nagkakaroon kami ng kaligayahan
Na gumugulo sa ating isipan Sa panahon na kay bilis sa pag tulin Sa mga Pilipinong nag aabang
Hirap ng mga OFW na pagsasamantalahan. Kaya't minsan tuhod ay nanginginig rin. Napagmasdan ko ito'y pinag aagawan.

Kaya ako ay may isang panawagan Tiwala sa sarili ay wag mawalan Kayo ang aming inspirasyon
Tayong lahat ay magtulungan Manalig ka sa Poon nating tanggulan At talento naman mula sa Poon
Pirma mo lang ang tanging kailangan Huwag kang matakot pagkat makakamtan Makaasa kayo at kami'y tutulong
Upang mabago ang iyong kinabukasan. Ibibigay niya ang tagumpay na inaasam. Sa pagbibigay ng aming panahon.

8 SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org


By: Sofonias ‘Chabok’ Paragsa
1 노 동
2 3
4 5
6
7 8
9 10
11
12
ACROSS
1) problem, question
2) originally, primarily
4) children's book
7) safety first
9) see, meet
11) food
12) beer
by Alden C. Balgos
01 - Charlie Compra
Vicente Tanag Jr
02 - Freede V. Sasi
Agustin S. Factor Jr.
03 - Edwin C. Padilla
04 - Francisco S. Tupas
Francisco Q. Santiago
Jimmy S. Agoncillo
06 - Jose Ramon L. Porras
07 - Lory P. Mones
08 - Placido E. Abanto III
11 - Jubinel T. Sucuaje
FUN & LEARN / ANNOUNCEMENTS
By: Dondave Jabay
1 Instructions:
빨 래 무
1) Fill the white squares with numbers 1 to 9 so that they
2 3 add up to the sums shown in highlighted squares (gray
방 대 한
4 5 color).
2) A gray color square will show one or two numbers
6
침 나 separated by a diagonal line.
3) A number that is above the diagonal line is the sum of
교
7
대 근 무
8 the row of white squares to its right.
4) A number that is below the diagonal line is the sum of
과 로 the column of white squares beneath it.
9
무 서 10
운 Two important rules:
1) There are no zeroes.
료 11
전 기 2) Do not put the same number in each sum of the row
의 사
12 of white squares to its right or column beneath it.
The most exciting part!!!
Answer to August Issue The first person to answer the puzzle correctly will be
given a public recognition through SULYAPINOY
DOWN newsletter and website. How to report your answer?
Please call 010-9294-4365 or email @
1) current FEWA president location
sulyap.managing@gmail.com
3) walk, stroll
5) Tuesday
6) dictionary
Answer Here
7) antenna
8) regulation dress, uniform
9) cheers 10) next week
Answer to August Issue
CONGRATULATIONS TO…
(All winners who got the perfect answer)
1st - Dominic Nuesca, Gojandong Namdong Go,
Incheon City, South Korea.
2nd - Rogelio A. Paguigan Jr., Gyeonggido, Hwa-
seong-si, Yanggam-myeon, Yodangri, South Korea
3rd - Peter Divinagracia, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-go,
Seoul, South Korea
17 - Oliver T. Alingod
Louie B. Bueno
20 - Mary Jane E. Perez
22 - Liwayway B. Toreno
23 - Lovely A. Bucao
Belmar H. Mangumay
26 - Noel T. Villamor
Charita G. Rubio
28 - Carmelito V. Canlas
29 - Julius Caesar B. Ocampo
31 - Cheryl C. Balungag
www.sulyapinoy.org SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 9
 PHOTO ESSAY

Overseas Filipino Workers Across South Korea

Kasan Community: A Call for Unity

Changhyun Community: One Voice, One Goal

Ansan Community: http://www.petitiononline.com/sulyap71/petition.html

10 SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org
 FACES, PLACES, & PACES / OUR SPONSOR

YouEal Leisure Park - Paju City

All Aboard! Enjoy our journey as we take the FEWARide.

Let's Cheers! Give a toast for a new found taste.

Bon Appetit! Savor friendship with a good fight.

Fly High! Come and join us to reach the FEWA Sky.

세일 여행사 ( 주 )
Seowon Bldg., 10th Floor 91-1, Kyeongwon-dong Chongro-gu Seoul
Fax #: 723-5781 or 724-0636
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We may deliver your ticket thru mail. Please send your payment through our bank account…
#032-
#032-01-
01-163167 Nonghyup Bank - Seil Tour
We’re always ready to assist you for your good trip. For more details please contact…
MILA MONTERDE at 02-724-0677 or SHIN HWA-YOUNG at 02-724-0664
Other Services Offered: We can book you worldwide
www.seiltour.co.kr / www.itms.co.kr

www.sulyapinoy.org SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 11

OUR SPONSOR

12 SULYAPINOY SEPTEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org Printed by