Newsbit: DOLE, FEWA Monitor OFWs amid Crisis
Newsbit: Prof. Emely Launches Book for a Cause
Volume 2 Issue 2
by Dondave Jabay
Photo by Felix Ferrer
Moreno de Isla, HRWOFC officer (standing-center) inquires about Gasoline Tax Refund as Labatt Cruz (standing-rightmost)
and other Filcom leaders listen during the 2nd Leaders Forum at the Philippine Embassy building in Itaewon, Seoul.
by Alden Balgos
S outh Korea
— T h e
Korea Ministry of
Labor (MOL) thru
its website con-
firmed that the
minimum wage for workers is set to increase to
4,000 won per hour, up by 6.1% from the current
minimum wage, effective Jan. 1, 2009.
The MOL also shared that despite difficult eco-
nomic conditions such as recession and rising
prices of commodities, the Minimum Wage Council
including workers, employers and public interest
members have reached an agreement on a pro-
posed minimum wage increase for the second year
in a row and decided to confirm the proposed mini-
mum wage as no objection was raised by either
workers' or employers' organizations.
The new minimum wage which translates into
32,000 won a day or 836,000 won a month for
those who work eight hours every weekday is ex-
pected to benefit 2,085,000 or 13.1% of the total
workers who live on the minimum wage.
In addition, even in case that working hours per
week are reduced from 44 to 40 hours, workers
should be paid not less than the amount of mini-
mum wage calculated based on the number of
working hours before the reduction. (turn to page 2)
SULYAPINOY is accepting cash donation for its monthly printing expenses. You may deposit them @ Account #: 049702 04 058587 / Account Name: Sofonias N. Paragsa / Bank: KB or Kookmin Bank
2
2
OFW-KOREA-2006-001
www.sulyapinoy.org
by Edward Castro
P aju City, Gyeonggi-do — “Thank you and I will
miss you all,” said Elizer Peñaranda as he
bided goodbye to his co-editors and relinquished
the position as editor-in-chief of SULYAPINOY
Newsletter to Dondave Jabay, the current
managing editor of the newsletter, last Dec. 13 held
at Youeal Leisure Park in Majang-ri, Paju City dur-
ing the two-day Christmas celebration.
After roughly 14 months of being an editor,
Peñaranda will be relinquishing his post and tempo-
rarily leaving the newsletter for personal reason and
go back to the Philippines. However, he still com-
mitted to work with the newsletter as a consultant.
"Sir Dave has proven himself not just as a potential
leader but also an editor who is innovative in many
areas. I am convinced that under his leadership
SULYAPINOY will continue to flourish and
strengthen its commitment, quality and earn more
respect from different Filipino groups and agencies
despite challenges,” said Peñaranda.
by Rebenson Recaña
S eoul, South Korea - In line with its crusade
against the Social Security Agreement be-
tween the Republic of South Korea and the Philip-
pines, Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA)
sent a formal letter to Social Security System (SSS)
President Romulo Neri on Nov. 28, requesting the
agency to send representatives to Korea who will
Editorial: Christmas Love and New Year’s Hope 3
Feature: The Confessions of the Writer 4
Literary: Poems about Christmas and New Year 5
Fun & Learn: Crossword & Number Puzzle, Comics 6
December 2008
I taewon, Seoul — Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz of
the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)
discussed the major labor issues including Korean
won depreciation, recent employers plan to abolish
the EPS free accommodation and food benefits,
pending Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) for EPS,
and updates on RP-ROK Social Security Agreement
during the 2nd Leaders Forum sponsored by the
Philippine Embassy in Seoul led by Ambassador Luis
Cruz last Nov. 30.
Labatt Cruz said that the Korean won has depreciated
by 20 up to 26 percent against the US dollar in
November. “I believe that all of us have already felt
the impact of the sharp Korean won depreciation
which severely affecting our regular remittances sent
to our families in the Philippines,” he shared.
“Also, the ongoing Financial Education Campaign
sponsored and well promoted by the Philippine
Embassy plays a very important (turn to page 7)
Photo by Felix Ferrer
SULYAP’ outgoing EIC Elizer Peñaranda (left) turnovers
the SULYAPINOY Key to incoming EIC Dondave Jabay
(right) during SULYAPINOY Christmas celebration.
“I will always remember those who supported me and
the newspaper through the good and difficult times.
Although saddened of my leaving, I will be keeping in
touch with all of our staff members. I believe that it is
the best time for me to pursue (turn to page 2)
give legal explanations on the Agreement and to
provide updates and answers to the petition letter
supported by 5,415 signatures from various Filipino
communities across Korea recently sent to the Philip-
pine Senate and its office.
The letter which was supported (turn to page 2)
 NEWSBITS
DOLE, FEWA Monitor OFWs amid Crisis
by Sofonias Paragsa
S outh Korea — The Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) thru Philippine Overseas
Labor Office (POLO) sent a formal letter via email to
various Filipino communities (Filcoms) including
Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) last Dec.
9 announcing its monitoring to any allegedly dis-
placed OFWs in South Korea resulted by the current
global financial crisis.
In his email, Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz said that
POLO has attached two different forms to be filled up
by the affected workers. The first form will be filled up groups to submit all filled up forms to POLO of the
by those who were laid off, terminated, or whose
working time was reduced but will remain and con-
tinue to work in Korea. The second form or the so-
called National Reintegration Center for OFWs
Prof. Emely Launches Book for a Cause
by Amie Sison
H yehwadong, Seoul — Prof. Emely Dicolen-
Abagat Ph. D., Chairperson of the Education
Committee and editorial-in-chief of Sambayanan
Newsletter of Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Commu-
nity (HFCC)) launched an inspirational book entitled
"And God Smiled Back" last Dec.7 at Saint Benedict
Parish Church.
The book touches the successes, struggles, personal
experiences of Prof. Emely as a child, mother, edu-
cator and missionary and how she inspired the peo-
ple who motivated her to write for migrant workers on
how good God in blessing her with pains, survival
and love her for her four children and the migrants
Filipinos Celebrate ‘Paskuhan sa Ansan’
by Elizer Peñaranda
A nsan, Gyeonggi-do — Jammed with Filipino
and Korean visitors, the Ansan Filipino Com-
munity (AFC) sponsored Paskuhan sa Ansan 2008
last Dec.21 at Wonguk High School Stadium.
Themed with “Komunidad Mo, Kasama Mo Ngayong
Pasko,” AFC invited all Filipino workers and foreign
guests in a celebration filled with surprises, Pinoy
food, fun and games as facilitated by Billy Vela, AFC
former president.
Meanwhile, AFC President Kathlia de Castro told
SULYAP’ about the tradition of AFC in promoting
Filipino values and activities during Christmas like
FEWA Requests SSS
by Filcom leaders, further requested an advance
written response while its representatives is yet to
come to Korea.
"Until now, the Filipino migrant workers in South
Korea are asking why the Philippine government
signed the agreement without proper consultation.
Many workers are so much worried and get stress
because we feel that this agreement is unfair to
OFWs in South Korea,” said a concerned worker to
FEWA.
However, SSS Member Relations Department Head
Eugenia De La Cruz informed FEWA thru email that
2 SULYAPINOY DECEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org
(NRCO) service registration form will be filled up
by workers who are due for repatriation to the
Philippines.
FEWA-SULYAPINOY, in its effort to support
DOLE and POLO, uploaded the forms on its web-
site to make them available to all workers if ur-
gently needed. The forms can be downloaded at
http://www.sulyapinoy.org/ portal page.
More so, Labatt Cruz requested other concerned
Philippine Embassy in Seoul or can be faxed at
(02) 3785 3624. Scanned copies can also be
emailed to labor@philembassy-seoul.com.
she has been serving.
Also, the author encouraged all migrants and their
families to be inspired and, at the same time, be a
donor in buying a copy for 10,000 won while its pro-
ceeds will benefit the scholarship program of the poor
stundents in Nakar, Quezon. The said scholarship
has been the flagship project of the education com-
mittee of HFCC for years.
Contact Prof.Emely at 010-5160-2928 or
emelyabagat@yahoo.com, or Edison Pinlac at
010-2906-3109 or edison_pinlac@yahoo.com for
orders and inquiries.
simbang gabi, exchange gifts and community
party despite the current economic crisis which
have attracted many to attend the annual event.
However, Galilea Women’s association (GWA)
led by Ana Maria Yoon shared that they are
thankful for the warm welcome AFC has given to
Korean spouses to widen both programs in 2009.
AFC has been active in providing services to
migrants for 16 years and earned achievements
including Gawad Fr. Glenn Giovanni Jaron
Award-most outstanding Filipino Community in
South Korea.
the said letter was forwarded to Mr. Neri and to
the International Affairs & Expansion (IABE) of-
fice and subject for immediate response.
Meanwhile, Overseas Workers Welfare Admini-
stration (OWWA) Welfare Officer Esperanza
Cobarrubias told SULYAPINOY of the tentative
schedule of SSS representative to visit Korea on
February 15 of next year.
Also, the Philippine Embassy released a state-
ment that the agreement is still pending with the
committee on foreign relations of the Senate of
the Philippines while there is no schedule yet of
any public hearing to discuss the provisions of
the Agreement.
Peñaranda Bids Goodbye
higher studies and enhance my professional and
academic qualifications. I would like to thank every-
one who has given me inspiration to share as I head
back to the final destination that awaits us all OFWs,
home,” he added.
However, Sofonias Paragsa, FEWA President and
one of the prime movers of the newsletter said that
the appointment of Jabay will most likely increase
and enhance the relation and esteem of the group in
serving our fellow OFWs in Korea and continue the
dedication and passion Penaranda has started.
“During his leadership, Penaranda has succeeded in
upholding SULYAPINOY's commitment to responsi-
ble journalism, and concluded his service with the
same intense of passion over community journalism,
accomplishments and respect from the Filipino Com-
munity, leaving the newsletter with unprecedented
issues,” Paragsa added.
On the other hand, Jabay, a graduate of B.S. Elec-
tronics and Communications Engineering and cur-
rently working as Quality and Sales Engineer of DK
UIL Co. Ltd. in Paju City, began his journalistic ca-
reer during his scholastic years in Bohol, Philippines
where he participated in different school publications.
“It is not an easy task but I know with support from
the people whom I’ve been working with and strong
commitment to responsible journalism for the com-
munity will help me manage despite of inadequate
journalistic experience. I also feel greatly humbled by
the trust of the members of the newsletter board and
staff, and confident with the help especially of our
readers, sponsors, and friends, I could do a lot for the
improvement of the newsletter,” Jabay shared.
“SULYAPINOY will continuously providing relevant
news stories to our fellow kababayans in South
Korea, labor updates affecting migrant workers, and
other related stories and literary compositions that
will surely inspire our readers. SULYAPINOY will
never be the same as I humbly ask for your support
and the whole group can assure you that the passion
to serve will always be the same.” he added.
For the coming year, other newly appointed and
reappointed staff members of the newsletter are as
follows: Edward Castro, managing editor and at the
same time news editor; Rebenson Recana, opinion
editor; Amie Sison, literary editor; Alden Balgos,
cartoonist; Felix Ferrer, photojournalist; Regina Ar-
quiza, adviser; Prof. Emely Abagat and Fr. Alvin
Parantar, MSP, consultants.
MOL: Minimun Wage
Lee Ki-kwon, director general of the Labor Stan-
dards Bureau at the MOL said that in cooperation
with workers' and employers' organizations, the
Ministry will make its utmost efforts in education,
publicity, guidance and inspection to ensure that the
agreed new minimum wage shall be strictly ob-
served among industrial sites even during the diffi-
cult economic situation.
For more information about the minimum wage, visit
the MOL website: www.molab.go.kr or call the MOL
call center for foreign workers at 031-345-5000 #7.
 EDITORIAL

G lobal economic crisis resulted to layoffs, low

salary and unpredicted immediate repatriation,
National Pension Scheme-Social Security System
(NPS-SSS) bilateral agreement, planned abolishment of
benefits of EPS workers on accommodation and food,
inhumane crackdown and other issues like physical and
verbal abuses, discrimination, worsening poverty and
corruption in the Philippine government are intensely
threatening around 52,000 OFWs in South Korea.

These scenarios that deeply put Juan dele Cruz into

fear would challenge our worth as Filipinos and believ-
ers in celebrating the yuletide cheers and in welcoming
the brand new year. Is there any reason for hope and
keep the celebration more meaningful?
Despite the crucial challenges that affect the workers
working overseas, we keep on finding ways to celebrate
the joy as we keep the spirit of sharing it thru our tal-
ents, time, resources and love.
The gift of love is truly the best gift we can share to
everyone for Jesus Christ is the greatest gift we re-
ceived from our Almighty Father as men celebrated the
First Christmas in Bethlehem with Joseph and Mary
who used to be migrants, too.
Christmas is more than an occasion but a tradition of
every Filipino family who keeps the love and share with
among members of the family and uphold the Christian
faith and values which have been the main reason of
having the most important celebration of the year.
As we share the joy and the blessings of what we’ve
been receiving for the year round though threatened
with global economic crunch, we are extremely optimis-
tic that thru our values like communal services
(bayanihan), industry, resilience, faith in God, we can
overcome the anticipated predicaments and the ex-
pected crisis no matter how worse it will be in the
coming year.
Today, most people say, “I don’t have money to buy As migrant workers, our continued sacrifice in spite of
gifts for my loved ones and friends.” Gifts need not determination, inspiration and courage is the reason
enough to make the yuletide season worth-
be material things but we only based the celebra-
celebrating. Our sacrifices have become the gift of
tion to such material gifts and expenses whether
love we’ve been sharing to our family out of love.
with or without the economic crisis, this will defi-
nitely be meaningless.
Celebrating Christmas by giving love to our family is
the true meaning of the celebration amid the current
Also, this is the best time to start off sharing the
global economic crisis and other concerned issues
lessons in life by doing financial savings as part of
and we can surely achieve our goals and better op-
the daily routine among family members and this
portunities to come as we join altogether in welcoming
season will be ideal for the encouragement and
the brand new year-2009-full of hope and Faith in
practice in saving first before expending to
God.
celebrate with the big bang during the current
economic slowdown. Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon!

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: Sofonias Paragsa; Ehd Villarta Jr.; Michael Balba; Rodney Queman 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
News: sulyap.news@gmail.com Feature: sulyap.eic@gmail.com
Opinion: sulyap.opinion@gmail.com Literary: sulyap.literary@gmail.com
All Staff: editorialstaff@sulyapinoy.org or sulyap.editorialstaff@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief: sulyap.eic@gmail.com Managing / Sports: sulyap.managing@gmail.com
• We reserve the right to refuse any submission we deem does not meet our policies and guidelines.
• SULYAPINOY is still in need of writers. Aspirants may email the Editorial Staff for more details.
• For literary entries, please limit your essay composition to a max. of 600 words only due to space limitation.
Thank you for your time and interest!

www.sulyapinoy.org SULYAPINOY DECEMBER 2008 3

 FEATURES
“In the vicious cycle of migration, people seek for
comfort, security and opportunity. Conducive work-
place, good salary and benefits, personal growth
and skills development were considerably some of
the vital factors that gave birth to people like us-
EPS workers.
South Korea’s global contributions have become
unprecedented with the 8th United Nations Secre-
tary-General Ban Ki-mun, astronaut Yi So-yeon,
Olympic medalists, World Cup, Korean movies,
culture and the arts and the Employment Permit
System have gained the nation as Asia’s fourth
largest economy.
The EPS is a government labor program of the host
South Korea and the sending countries like the
Philippines which allowed foreign workforce includ-
ing me who is highly determined though catego-
rized as low-skilled to achieve my plans without
fully understanding of what might come along the
open gateway of opportunities and prestige.
As I spent summer time in the Southern part of the
peninsula fully geared enough to protect myself
from hot metal debris as I ground the heavy metal
piece in the shipyard. Culture shock, Korean lan-
guage difficulty, abuse of “ppalli-ppalli” or the quick-
quick culture, homesickness and long exposure
to3D (dirty, difficult and dangerous) jobs have
shattered my dreams and impression of the
“hallyu”- of working in South Korea which is an ideal
place to work and live in, with kind-hearted co-
workers, high salary, having fun and enjoy ones
stay,
Downcast due to complexities and culture shock, I
was almost convinced of going back home. How-
ever, I firmly believed that there was no turning
back for worse was waiting. But what’s next for a
distressed like me?
Nearly giving up, the lovely image of Korea couldn’t
get off my tired and confused mind. Until, the phone
rang with the voice of a friend saying: “How are
you? Come and visit me in Hyehwadong.” Like
music, it paved the way to rekindle my lost me and
uphold my Korean dream. “I’m going to meet my
friend in Hyehawadong!” I told myself. But, how
could that possibly be to me with insufficient Korean
words and didn’t even know where Hyehwadong
was?
The five-hour bus trip convinced that I was on my
way to a new journey tiresome yet feisty. The voice
within me called the innermost thought towards the
metropolis where chilly winds of autumn blew the
fallen yellow leaves. As they fell on the ground, I
had my first step to St. Benedict Church of
Hyehwadong as I was struck by the skyline of high
glass buildings as they hailed me with cool breeze
and in high spirit. Ultramodern structures festooned
with Christmas decors and holly, dazzled with fun,
shimmering, glittering stuffs to welcome the yuletide
season and the first timers. Until, I found hope
every time I had my visit to St; Benedict Church
where the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic
4 SULYAPINOY DECEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org
by Elizer Peñaranda
to what I’ve been working in the factory. Thru him, I
began my way through as one of the editors of
SULYAPINOY Newsletter
As editor, there are so many that beset me with much
problems but I treat them as challenges just like my
work in the factory. I usually get tiresome after work
so what I usually do is finding time to write while
working but I neither have to be careful of not getting
an accident nor caught by our supervisor. And this
made me feel more appreciative over scratch of
paper or empty boxes of snack food where I usually
write my articles, “from trashes to riches”. And I’m
proud to say that the newspaper survived though
understaffed since we are blessed with gifted and
compassionate writers and contributors who are
It’s a great honor to serve SULYAPINOY as Editor-in- indeed shared most of their time and resources for
Chief and Feature Editor. the needed information and inspiration of the
community.
The publication has taught me life. Knowing person-
alities and appreciating their contributions to various
Filipino communities from Seoul to Busan have en-
couraged me more to love my worth as a writer of this
influential and highly regarded group in Korea,
FEWA, which was unreachable for someone like
before.
In pursuing my passion to serve thru writing articles, I
have found my family in this journey. Friendly and
warm FEWA President Sofonias Paragsa and volun-
teers and my SULYAPINOY co-editors namely Re-
A very memorable pose with Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP
(left), Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz (right), FEWA Presi-
benson Recana, Dondave Jabay, Edward Castro,
dent Sofonias Paragsa (rightmost) and friends as I Amie Sison, Alden Balgos, Felix Ferrer and Maria
thank Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community Regina Arquiza who embraced and raised me up
(HFCC) for awarding me a Plaque of Appreciation. despite my weaknesses and being different. They are
the real heroes behind me and other migrants who
Community (HFCC) hailed all believers who asked for seek for truth, guidance and genuine commitment
graces and blessings to nourish oneself and picking and service.
up all the broken pieces of the helpless soul.
Since November of 2007, I’ve been exposed to a
I remember the Sambayanan Newsletter where I number of issues concerning labor, human rights,
dreamt to be a contributor and it did happen when I human trafficking and inspiring stories of Gawad Fr.
received the copy of my first published article. A Glenn Gionanni Jaron awardees, missionaries, public
strange feeling of fulfillment came in for I couldn’t servants, community leaders and migrant workers. I
explain and I decided to become a member of the would say that I’m privileged to share their stories as I
Visayas-Mindanao Organization (Vismin) where I met had my first interview with Fr. Glenn, our hero priest.
Grace Boiser who gave me the courage and helped Also, the full support of Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP to
me find “home” during crossroads. SULYAP’ and admire him for having the great and
enormous talents and ideas in writing. It was Fr. Alvin
Grace inspired me to become a regular churchgoer who suggested the newsletter its current name.
until I observed and appreciated the committed volun-
teers of the community every Sunday. An idea of My stay here has been challenging yet fulfilling, not
becoming a volunteer came in but I couldn’t for prox- for money reason, but for the worth-remembering
imity reason for I was 3-hour far by bus and subway experiences with such people whom I never expected
travel. to meet and work with (You all know who you are.)
I love to become a volunteer but I didn’t know how. Fostering harmony and freedom, appreciating my
Until, Fr. Glenn Giovanni Jaron, MSP invited EPS purpose, keeping my faith and upholding my Korean
workers to join the Filipino EPS Workers Association dreams which turned into goals are a few of the les-
(FEWA) and I was curious and astonished about the sons learned in living it up with fellow OFWs despite
group but I didn’t know how. It was, until, Amie Sison struggles, hardship, distance and complexities which
introduced me to a leader who eventually became my are considerably paradoxical in search of faith,
mentor and brother in Korea- Rebenson Recana. peace, compassion and freedom.
It was Sir Reeve who gave me the strength to relive Indeed, I have found life and regained the strength
my passion to write. A passion which I never thought thru writing in serving the community for the glory of
would put me into a different perspective, in contrast God.

A Christmas Spirit
by Ehd Villarta Jr - FEWA Member
Count the days Christmas is coming
I hear the sounds I smell it's scents
Love, joy, and sharing is what it bring
Birth of Christ the Christmas represents
People faces bright with joy
Children's singing holding their toys
Family and friends come along to enjoy
The world celebrates the birth of this Boy
Long time ago He was born in Bethlehem
Kings and shepherd ran to worship him
He came to this world for us to redeem
The light of His love shine brightly within
But we lose our focus in all the happenings
We lose sight of what it's true meaning
Christmas is not just overwhelming it seems
It's the birth of Christ our finest blessing.
Christmas is not for just one day
For loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
Wrap your heart with love, peace and kindness
A wealth of presents a Christmas spirit!
KAHIT HINDI PASKO
ni Michael B. Balba
Malamig na naman ang simoy ng hangin,
Tila nagsasabing pasko ay paparating
Sa sanggol na kaloob ng Ama sa atin
Ang dapat na igawad papuri at dalangin.
Pasko ay pagsilang ng tagapagligtas
Sanggol na dakila hanggang sa walang wakas
Tayo'y manalangin kay Hesus at ibigkas
Ang taos pusong handog sa kanyang pagbasbas.
Tanging hiling ko ngayong kapaskuhan
Maging maayos ang ekonomiya ng bayan
Upang OFW ay hindi mahirapan
Sa mga problemang kanyang nararanasan.
Ang kanyang pag-ibig na kaloob satin
Tunay na dakila hindi kayang burahin
Bilang pagpupugay utos Niya ay sundin
Pag-ibig sa kapwa palaging isipin.
Kahit hindi pasko tayo ay magbigayan
Upang mamayani ang pagmamahalan
Kahit hindi pasko laging magdamayan
Nang maging payapa ang sandaigdigan.
Maraming Salamat Sir Eli
ni Amie Sison
(Dedicated to our Outgoing SULYAP EIC, Elizer Peñaranda)
Isang karangalan ang ika'y aming makilala
Lalo na sa samahan ika'y makasama
Nagsilbi sa kababayan sa bansang Korea
Kahanga-hanga ang dedikasyong pinakita.
Sa Sulyapinoy, ikaw ang tunay na sandigan
Hindi matatawaran ang ibinahaging kaalaman
Luminang din sa manunulat ng pahagayan
Tunay na dedikasyon kahit wala ng tulugan.
Balita na kailangan ng ating mga kababayan
Ginising sa pamamagitan ng pakikialam
Mga bagay na mahalaga at dapat malaman
Nandyan ka para ang lahat ay paglingkuran.
Hindi tama na ikaw ay aming pipigilan
Sapagkat sa pag-uwi mo ay may tamang dahilan
Mali naman kung isasarado ang aming isipan
Kaligayahan naming ang lahat ng iyong kasiyahan.
Sa paglisan mo, sana’y isama sa babaunin
Ang lahat ng alaala ng pahayagan natin
Na naging sentro ng pamumuhay natin
Tandaan mo sana, hahanapin ka namin.
Saan man ka man dalhin ng iyong mga paa
Sa bawat panalangin ika’y aming isasama
Baka minsan tayo pa rin ay magkikita
Kaya ang paalam ay isasantabi muna.
www.sulyapinoy.org
LITERARY
PARA SA IYO KABAYAN
ni Amie Sison
Paskong pinoy na maipagamamalaki natin
Malaking christmas tree na dapat tingalain
Mga musika na nakakagaan ng damdamin
Sa araw na iyon kay sarap salubungin.
Alam kong hinahanap mo
Diwa ng pasko ng bansang iniwan mo
Upang sa Korea ay magbanat ng buto
Mula sa puso ang buong sakripisyo.
Di mawawala ang iba ay malungkot
Lalo na kung paligid sa yelo'y nababalot
Lamig na paghahanap ang dulot
Ngunit ang makausap sila ay siyang sagot.
Maligayang pasko po mga kababayan
Kaligayahan ninyo ay aking kahilingan
Tunay na pagmamahal inyong matagpuan
Kagaya ni Hesus na ating sandalan.
At para sa darating na bagong taon
Sana'y magpakatatag sa bawat hamon
Panibagong pag-asa sa bagong taon
At huwag makakalimot sa ating Panginoon.
Bagong Taon Na Naman
Rodney Queman
Bagong taon parang kailan lamang
Mabilis na panahon sasapit na naman
Magkasama muli pamilya at kaibigan
Minsan lang na pagkakataon ito maranasan.
Sa bagong taon may lungkot at saya
Ibang kapwa natin may hirap at dusa
Nasa malayong lugar at ibayong bansa
Tanging hiling makapiling at makasama.
Bagong taon ay bagong buhay din
New Year's resolution gawin na natin
Samahan ng dasal at taimtin na panalangin
Na sana’y matupad na at ang iba'y babaguhin.
Bawat pamilya sama-samang sinasalubong
Paputok at lusis makikita sa bagong taon
Sa media noche lahat nagtipon tipon
Bihirang mangyari sa ganitong okasyon.
Ang bagong taon ay bagong pag-asa
Pagmamahal sa kapwa ang siyang manguna
Pagbibigayan at pagpapakumbaba sa sinisinta
Upang buhay at pangarap puno at masagana.
SULYAPINOY DECEMBER 2008 5
 FUN & LEARN / ANNOUNCEMENTS

By: Sofonias ‘Chabok’ Paragsa By: Dondave Jabay

1 Instructions:
Answer to Volume 2, Issue 1
1) Fill the white squares with numbers 1 to 9 so that they
2 3 1
대 권 add up to the sums shown in highlighted squares (gray

열 학 다
2 3
color).
4 5 2) A gray color square will show one or two numbers

6
4
생 소 리
5 separated by a diagonal line.
3) A number that is above the diagonal line is the sum of

7 8
6
열 나 the row of white squares to its right.
4) A number that is below the diagonal line is the sum of
7
교 대 근 무
8 the column of white squares beneath it.

9 10
도 공 Two important rules:

11
9
판 소 10
리 1) There are no zeroes.
2) Do not put the same number in each sum of the row
결 11
그 럼 of white squares to its right or column beneath it.
12 12
사 전 The most exciting part!!!
The first person to answer the puzzle correctly will be
given a public recognition through SULYAPINOY
ACROSS DOWN newsletter and website. How to report your answer?
Please call 010-9294-4365 or email @
1) next year 1) come down, get off
sulyap.managing@gmail.com
2) waist 3) conversation
4) diversification 5) lawyer, attorney
7) period of production 6) umbrella Answer Here
9) Korean history 7) fish soup
11) high altitude 8) period, term
12) expert, doctor 9) climax, at the full 10) accidental death

by Alden Balgos

Answer to Vol. 2 ~ Issue 1

03 - Eduardo Teodoro III
Bernardo Bautista
04 - Cristina Pugay
Rodrigo dela Cruz
05 - Noel Galang
06 - Dierde Empeso
Johnny Quidilig
07 - Allan Cariño
10 - Shella Balatero
CONGRATULATIONS TO…
(All winners who got the perfect answers)
1st: Mr. Arlene Malonzo - Kangyeoksi Seo Gu
Bullo dong 490 Beonji 1 ho, Incheon, South Korea
2nd: Michael Balba - Baran Community Wasung-si,
Gyeonggido, South Korea
3rd: Billy Vela - Ansan Filipino Community, Ansan City
08 - Edwin Pepito
Geraldine Dizon
12 - Helen Ordonez
Michael Trumata
16 - Melvin Fonseca
17 - Jemma Caiteno
20 - Norman Matudan
26 - Miguel Bucao
31 - Rowena Manaig

6 SULYAPINOY DECEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org


2nd Leaders Forum
role in helping OFWs and their families back home
deal with the current global slowdown,” he added.
He explained the Philippine stand to the employers
plan to abolish the free accommodation and food
benefits currently enjoyed by most of the EPS work-
ers. “In our meeting together with other labor repre-
sentatives of EPS sending countries, we agreed to
raise this issue to our counterparts from the Korea
Ministry of Labor (MOL),” Labatt Cruz said.
More so, he talked about the status of the pending
renegotiation on EPS-MOU which was supposedly
finalized last Oct. 20. “In order to prevent the said
abolition of free accommodation and food benefits,
the DOLE negotiating team with the support of Secre-
tary Marianito Roque has included a stipulation on
benefits of workers to such basic needs in the Stan-
dard Labor Contract (SLC). Negotiation conference
with our counterparts from the Korea MOL is sched-
uled on Jan. 12 to 13 next year in Manila,” he added.
Labatt Cruz also gave the updates on RP-ROK Social
Security Agreement. He said that the agreement is
still pending with the Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations and there is no schedule yet of any public
hearing for the provisions of the agreement.
“According to our source from the office of the Depart-
ment of Affairs in Philippines, there are 16 treaties
pending for senate hearing and approval and the RP-
ROK Social Security Agreement ranked sixteenth. In
addition, we have also requested representatives
from the SSS to come to Korea and personally an-
swer all your questions and concerns on the agree-
ment. We hope that they can come and participate to
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our next leaders’ forum,” he elaborated.
Also, Labatt Cruz shared some good news like the
minimum wage increase to be up by 6.3% from the
current wage effective January next year, realization
of the suggested issuance of Overseas Employment
Certificate (OEC) to be done in the Philippine Em-
bassy, Employment Referral System for returning or
displaced OFWs in South Korea which may provide
an immediate opportunity to get employed with
Korean employers who have businesses in the
Philippines, and the proposed new bill extending the
EPS length of sojourn from 3 to 5 years pending
approval by the National Assembly which is also
expected to be implemented next year.
Leaders and representatives from various Filipino
communities (Filcom) such as Filipino EPS Workers
Association (FEWA), SULYAPINOY, Hyehwadong
Filipino Catholic Community (HFCC), Ansan Filipino
Community (AFC), Human Rights Welfare Organi-
zation Filipino Community (HRWOFC), Pinoy Iskolar
sa Korea (PIKO), Samahang ILOKANO, Presbyte-
rian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK), PHIL-
WAK (FFWPU), Bride of Jesus Christ (BOJC), Cor-
dillera Brotherhood Organization (CBO), Philippine
Migrant Association in Korea (PMWAK), Awale
Filipino Community (AFC), FILSDAK, PWA, IN-
CHON-FAN, KASAMMAKO, AFA, Yesan Family
Organization, Iglesia ni Cristo, Filipino Korean
Spouses Association (FKSA), WU, and TELE INFO
participated the forum.
However, Pastor Frank Hernando, an Ecumenical
Co-worker of Presbyterian Church in the Republic of
Korea (PROK) linked the issue on the EPS-MOU to
the ongoing massive crackdown of undocumented
workers in Korea. “In most cases, EPS workers
www.sulyapinoy.org
have become undocumented worker for having no
choice. It is a clear manifestation that problems in the
Korean labor system particularly in the EPS exist. I
hope this problem will be averted by the EPS-MOU,”
he said.
“The Philippine government should provide concrete
action against this massive crackdown. It is a clear
violation of the migrants’ right. They should negotiate
the Korean government that the issue on undocu-
mented workers is not only an immigration issue but
more on the labor aspect,” he continued.
HFCC volunteer Jimmy Villaflor also asked Labatt
Cruz if the pending EPS-MOU is affecting the quota
for Filipino EPS applicants to be hired. “The pending
EPS-MOU does not affect the EPS quota to be hired
from the Philippines. In fact, according to the Korea
Human Resource Department (HRD), the number of
workers from the Philippines will increase,” Labatt
Cruz explained.
On the other hand, SULYAPINOY clarified the gaso-
line tax refund in response to the question raised by
Moreno de Isla, an officer of HRWOFC. “The gasoline
tax refund is actually a Korean government subsidy
including all foreign workers who have paid their
income tax thru their employers in the year 2007 and
with a gross income of less than 36 million won. And
since the official deadline of filing was on Oct. 31, we
ask POLO to request the NTS for filing extension as
many of our kababayans have not received yet their
tax refund due to lack of awareness of their respective
employers,” SULYAP’ suggested.
Also, updates on RP-ROK 60th Anniversary of Friend-
ship Celebration, the ongoing Overseas Absentee
Registration for 2010 Absentee Voting, and the ongo-
ing Financial Education Program and Business Op-
portunities in the Philippines were discussed.
SULYAPINOY DECEMBER 2008 7
 OUR SPONSOR

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