goingoverseas aug2007

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2 August 2007 I OFW Guardian YOUR MONEY

Peso-Dollar RateOPEN45.960

HIGH46.270

LOW45.950

VOLUME$744.4 M

August 15, 2007 Closing

46.230Source: BSP

PesoEqu i va l en t

38.1449

122.505242.852462.12865.90570.39520.049612.313630.107637.90071.399112.575892.003846.1820

UnitDollar

DinarDollarEuro

DollarYenWonRiyalDollarFranc

NTDollarDirhamPoundDollar

CountryAustralia

BahrainCanadaEUHong KongJapanKoreaSaudi ArabiaSingaporeSwitzerlandTaiwanUAEUKUnited States

Equivalentof 1 US$

0.8260

2.65270.92791.34530.12790.00860.00110.26660.65190.82070.03030.27231.99221.0000

Equivalentof 1 Euro

0.6140

1.97180.68971.00000.09510.00640.00080.19820.48460.61000.02250.20241.48090.7433

CURRENCIES

As of August 15 , 2007 Source: BSP

TheOFWGuardianis a FREE monthly newsmagazine serving the overseasFilipino worker. Our mantra is to inform, inspire, and involve each OFWtobecome an integral part in nation building. Feel free to email us with your

comments, questions, and inquiries at [email protected]. You can also

write to us at P.O. BOX 13840, Ortigas Center Post Office, 1605 Pasig City.

Save Your Money

Spend Wisely

MONEY BASICS

P.O. BOX 13840, Ortigas Center Post Office1605 Pasig City

Editorial BoardEDGARDO G. LACSONChairman

JOSE RAMON ALBERTMANUEL AYALA

LEONARDA CAMACHOFERDINAND DIAZ

Fr. ARNOLD ERAMIZEMMANUEL MERCADO

DANTE TIGA, JR.

JESUS B. VARELAPublisher

JOHANN FREDERICK CABBABManaging Editor

ARTHUR M. CERDEADesign Director

DONNA INOSANTO-PAHIGNALOGERALD DEL VILLARPublishing Assistants

VLADIMIR JONES IIIROHN ROMULO

Contributors

SUIEE SUAREZContributing Photographer

MALOU TAYAGANN N. TAMONTEMarketing Services

Business

ISKO CATIBAYANMarketing Director

MARIANNE MIRANDAAdministration

FREDERICK CRUZCredit & Collection

REUBEN RAVAGOTechnology Advisor

INFORM, INSPIRE, INVOLVE

www.o fwguard ian .comemail: [email protected]

Philippine AirlinesCommission on Filipinos Overseas

Department of Foreign AffairsAWARE Foundation

Overseas Workers WelfareAdministration

Distribution Partners

Suite 210-217 Citiland III, corner Herrera/Esteban Sts.,Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines

Remittance Tips for OFWsinding a safe and cost-effective way to send

money back home is a concern for every

OFW. It is also a problem for the Philippinegovernment since dollars lost due to leakages

and high transaction costs mean less money forthe domestic economy. Here are some helpfulhints regarding money remittance.

Never send cash or checks by regular

mail. If you want a safer option to regular mail,go with registered mail or a courier service.

These options, however, are very expensive.

Because of the high cost of registered mail

and courier services, banks and remittance

companies are usually the best option forsending money home. Remember, however,to only use reputable banks and remittance

companies.

It is usually better to send money by

electronic transfer.Sending checks can be an

expensive and time-consuming process. Personal

checks, for example, can be difficult to cash andsometimes take weeks to clear. In addition, fees

are often subtracted from the amount you send. When wiring money from bank to bank,

the transaction is usually cheaper and faster

if both sender and recipient have accounts

with the same bank. You should be aware,however, that most banks require both sender

and recipient to keep minimum or maintainingbalances.

Banks do not have branches

everywhere. Also, not all of them do door-

to-door delivery. Because of this, specializedmoney transfer agents remain popular with

OFWs especially those whose families live inareas which are not within the reach of

traditional bank networks. When using money transfer agents,

always make sure the recipient knows

that money has been sent. Find a safe and

secure way to communicate with each other.This limits the possibility of fraud or money

loss.

Use new technology to expand youroptions.Banks and remittance companies arenow incorporating ATMs, credit cards, and

even mobile phones into the remittanceprocess. New technology can often speed up

transactions while lowering costs. The transaction fee and the conversion

rate that banks and remittance companies

charge for converting foreign currency into

Philippine Pesos is their means of making a

profit. Take time to compare fees charged by

reputable banks and remittance companiesbefore you choose. he remittance process. New

technology can often speed up transactionswhile lowering costs.

For more Money Basics, visitwww.ofwguardian.com.

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3 August 2007 I OFW Guardian

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4 August 2007 IOFW Guardian COVER STORY

hilippine Overseas Employment Administration

(POEA) statistics point to ever increasing OFWdeployment.Over the past three decades, the Philippines

has become a leading global provider of quality humanresources. The top 20 destinations of these OFWs nowinclude several major, emerging labor marketsoverseas.

A report reaching Labor and Employment SecretaryPatricia A. Sto. Tomas indicated that these hostcountries include the United Kingdom, South Korea,Ireland, and China. These new markets nowcomplement the traditional destination countries - suchas Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan - for

OFWs.In general, the global growth in the deployment and

remittances of OFWs has been sustained amidst thegovernments intensified thrusts against illegalrecruitment, and our efforts in cooperation with theprivate sector to upgrade OFW standards and maintainour global competitive edge, Sto. Tomas said.

Local Economy Gets a LiftThe OFW phenomenon has provided the Philippineeconomy with a much needed boost. Based on the latestBangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data, OFW

remittances reached a record US$10.7 billion in 2005 andUS$12.7 billion in 2006 . All told, forei gn workerremittances make up 15% of Philippine Gross NationalProduct (GNP).

The Cost of MigrationThe ongoing overseas migration of Filipino workers,however, is not without cost to the local economy. Itis impossible to replace the productivity of theexperienced and skilled workers who have

temporarily or permanently migrated with that of newrecruits. The major effect on the labor market ofcontinued outward migration can be summarized inthe phrase brain drain. Note that the average OFWis better educated than the typical Filipino.According to the POEA, 38% of OFWs have collegedegrees versus 20% in the domestic workforce. Itsalso worth pointing out that 64% of permanentimmigrants have college degrees.

With the Philippines best and brightest goingoverseas, there is an ongoing reduction in the skill levelof our labor force. The brain drain, however, is mostevident on the Philippine health care system. The

Philippines is already the largest exporter of registerednurses to foreign countries. According to the WorldHealth Organization, 25,000 nurses left the country lastyear- three times the number of graduates from nursingschools. Such is the demand for the Philippines nursesthat the number of nursing schools have gone up from127 five years ago to over 300 today. Filipino nurses, whoare in demand because of care giving skills and a facilityin English, are found in Europe, Africa, South Americaand North America. For most Filipino nurses, the lure ofbig salaries and permanently resident visas are proving tobe irresistible.

Sources: Department of Labor and Employment (http://www.dole.gov.ph) and Philippine Overseas EmploymentAdministration (http://www.poea.gov.ph)

P

number of Filipinos go abroad to work. For others itis more than that, they make the big move andintend to stay in their adopted country. Statisticsfrom the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)

point to the United States as the choice country of destina-

tion for Filipinos. Canada, Australia and Japan are next inline. If you do decide to follow this path, here are somemigrations tips from us here at the OFW Guardian to makeyour big move a whole lot easier.

OFW Guardian migration tips

Before you apply to migrate,think long and hardabout what is involved in uprooting yourself and settling inanother country. You should be physically fit to start yourlife from scratch and emotionally prepared to adjust to anew environment without the familiar network of supportyou may be used to.

Cost of livingUndoubtedly, the search for a better life is what promptsmost migrants into leaving their home countries. But whatconstitutes this better way of life? One practical way to putit in perspective is to see how much of your present incomegoes to basic expenses (food, housing, utilities includingelectricity, water, telephone) versus how much goes intonon-essentials or even savings. Apply the same ratio toyour expected income if you do migrate. If the percentagefor non-essentials and savings will be significantly higher inthe new country, then you could say the compensation for

leaving might be worth it. Other considerations include:

EmploymentIt is paramount that you be able to adequately provide foryourself and your family. Research labor market trends. Findout if there is a demand for your skill in the city you intend tolive in.

HousingYou may want to initially rent a home first. It is thecheaper alternative and gives you a chance to familiarizeyourself with the community you intend to live in.

Medical costs, health insuranceResearch about the public health system in place. Somequestions you should ask are: What health services arecovered? How soon before you can avail of it? Will therebe subsidies for children or for people with lower incomes?

GovernmentFind out about your prospective countrys judicial system,police, voting, laws and taxes. Look into social security andsimilar benefits you will be entitled to.

LanguageIt would be an advantage to be fluent in the language of

your adoptive country. Even a familiar language likeEnglish might pose a problem in terms of difference interms used or in the local accent.

The

A

By: Melissa CasiaBig Move


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COVER STORY August 2007 I OFW Guardian 5EducationIf you are migrating with your children, find out theirequivalent grade level, the procedure for transferring themand whether you can enrol them in government-fundedschools. Inform the principal of your childrens current schoolof your plans to facilitate any required documentation.

Check with the local school on the school year schedule.

Before you leave, there are a number of things you can dobeforehand to ensure that your arrival and settlement in youradoptive country be as painless and smooth as possible.

Financial mattersDouble-check to ensure that all your financial, taxation andlegal matters are finalized before your move.

Travel plansAsk for the contact information of your relatives, sponsors orfriends in the country you are migrating to and provide them

with a copy of your travel itinerary. Likewise, give yourcontact details to your remaining family members in thePhilippines for emergencies.

DocumentsIt is important to have the following documents at hand: Valid passport and immigrant visa or its equivalent

for each family member travelling with you; Immunization, vaccination, dental and other health

records for each family member; Birth certificates or adoption papers; Marriage certificate; School records, diplomas or degrees;

Trade qualifications and licences; Resume; Letter of references from former employers; Credit references; International drivers license if applicable

Also, here are some tips to remember regarding thedocuments that you have.

Have copies made of all your important documents.Keep it in a different place from the originals.

Have your credentials evaluated and comparedwith your new countrys education system.

If documents are not in the official language of yournew country, it should be accompanied by acertified translation.

Professionals should have their licenses accredited.

Currency Bring enough money to cover living expenses such

as rent, food, clothing and transportation for a six-month period. You may be asked to show proof ofyour funds.

It would be convenient to set up a bank account inyour new country in advance so you can makewithdrawals and other transactions as soon as youarrive.

Belongings Find out if it will be cheaper to bring your household

goods or just buy new ones (furniture, linen, cutlery,etc.)

Find out if the electrical system will still be compatibleto electrical appliances you might want to bring(computer, CD player, hair dryer, etc.)

Find out what kind of weather you should expectupon arrival.

Pack a supply of your important medications because itmight take some time to find a family doctor fromwhom you will have to get new prescriptions.

Have two copies of a detailed list of all items you arebringing with you and another list of items arrivinglater to expedite its passage through customs.

When you arriveSettling in a new country can be both an exhilarating andconfusing experience. Here are some tips to ease the stress.

MoneyArrive with some money in mixed denominations. Considerhaving US dollars at hand since these are widely accepted. Itseasier to exchange dollars and dollar travellers cheques too.

Transportation, DrivingBeing able to travel easily by public transport or your own carwill help you feel at home quickly. If you decide to drive,check if the drivers seat of local cars are on the left or rightside. Find out basic driving rules such as keeping to the left orright of roads, speed limits, etc.

Social valuesTake the time to know a little of your new countrys historyand cultural practices. Observe acceptable social values and

behaviors to help you settle in better. there are a number ofthings you can do beforehand to ensure that your arrival andsettlement in your adoptive country be as painless and smoothas possible. think long and hard about what is involved inuprooting yourself and settling in another country. You shouldbe physically fit to start your life from scratch and emotionallyprepared to adjust to a new environment without the familiarnetwork of support you may be used to.

Sou rce: OFW Global Presence. A Compendium of OFWStatistics. 2006. Philip pine Overseas Employm entAdministration (http://www.poea.gov.ph)

Top OFW Destinations

2005 2006

Saudi Arabia 194,350 223,459United Arab Emirates 82,039 99,212Hong Kong 98,693 96,929Kuwait 40,306 47,917Qatar 31,421 45,795Taiwan 46,737 39,025Singapore 28,152 28,369Italy 21,267 25,413United Kingdom 16,930 16,926Korea 9,975 13,984Other Destinations 170,762 151,041

The total number of OFWs deployed in 197 countrydestinations in 2006 hit a historic-high of 1,062,567,surging by 7.5% from 988,615 recorded in 2005. Of thetotal, landbased workers accounted for 74% or 788,070,while the remaining 26% or 274,497 were seafarers.Total volume of landbased and seabased workers in2006 were both up by 6.41% and 10.7%, respectivelyfrom 740,632 and 247,983 in 2005.The total number of deployed workers in 2006represented 87% of the total volume of documentedOFWs which was placed at 1,221,41. The number ofdeployed landbased workers meanwhile, represented

91% of the total documented workers during theperiod. On the other hand, only 77% of the seabasedworkers were deployed out of the total seafarerscontracts processed in 2006.The Household and Related workers categorytopped the list, accounting for 29.7% of the totaldeployed landbased newly hires. This was followed byFactory and Related workers (14.0%), Constructionworkers (14.0%), Building Caretakers and relatedworkers (5.8%), Hotel and Restaurant Related workers(5.1%), Caregivers and Caretakers (4.7%), MedicalRelated workers (4.0%), Engineers and Relatedworkers (3.6%), Dressmakers, Tailors, and Related

workers (2.5%0, and Overseas Performing Artists(2.4%).The top 10 country-destinations of OFWs, both fornew hires and rehires were: (1) Saudi Arabia, (2)United Arab Emirates, (3) Hong Kong, (4) Kuwait, (5)Qatar, (6) Taiwan, (7) Singapore, (8) Italy, (9) UnitedKingdom, and (10)South Korea. Except for Hong Kongand Taiwan, deployment of OFWs in all destinationswent up by an average of 16.2% in 2006. From289,981 in 2005, the number of newly hired landbasedworkers deployed abroad jumped by 9.5% to 317 in2006; rehires on the other hand expanded by 4.4% from450,651 to 470,390. On the average, the POEAfacilitated the daily deployment of about 3,000 Filipinoworkers for overseas jobs. About 60% of the deployednew hires were females and 40% males.The top 10 positions of deployed seafarers were asfollows: (1)able seaman (14.12%), oiler(8.78%),ordinary seaman (7.57%), bosun(3.43%), second mate(3.42%), chief cook (3.38%), messman(3.37%), secondengineer officer (3.15%), third engineer officer(3.14%),and third mate (3.01%).By vessel type, about 20.3% seafarers were deployedin passengership, while 19.9% found employment inbulk carrier. Other seafarers were deployed in

thefollowing type of vessels: (a) container ship(13.98%); tanker (12.34%), oil/product tanker(12.34%); general cargo (5.61%); chemical tanker(2.92%); tugboat (2.55%); pure car carrier (2.53%) andothers (3.96%)The top 10 flag registry of deployed seafarers werePanama, Bahamans, Liberia, Marshall Island,Singapore, United Kingdom, Malta, Norway, Cyprus,and the Netherlands.

Sou rce: OFW Global Presence. A Compendium ofOFW Statistics. 2006. Phi lipp ine Over seas

Employment Administration (http://www.poea.gov.ph)

2006

OFW DATA HIGHLIGHTS


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6 August 2007 I OFW Guardian ENTERTAINMENT

by Rohn Romulo

ukhang iginuhit talaga ng tadhana na mapuntakay Marian Rivera, ang inayawang role ni AngelLocsin, ang Pinoy version ng MariMar nasinusubaybayan na ng buong bansa, dahil bagay

na bagay nga sa sinasabing the next big star ng GMA-7.

Noon pa lang na sinabi sa akin na mag-audition dawako, sabi ko, ito na yung pagkakataon. Gagawin ko anglahat, magri-research ako. Paghahandaan ko ang damit ko,yun buhok ko, pati na ang sayaw ko.

Lahat talaga ginawa ko, kaya pagdating ko ng audition,naka-prepare talaga ako. Ibinigay ko talaga ang 100%,kailangan kong patunayan na kaya ko at ako talaga siMariMar, masayang kuwento ni Marian, na mula sa pagigingmanang ay bigla siyang naging mapang-akit, pero nandun parin ang bahid pagiging inosente.

Bukod sa magandang kuwento na talagang napamahal samga Pinoy noong dekada 90, inaabangan din ang mgalambingan nila ni Dingdong Dantes na gumaganap naman

ni Sergio sa naturang teleserye.Sa unang linggo pa lang ay meron na agad silang kissing

scenes na talaga namang nakakakilig. At dahil nga isangbuwan na itong umeere, marami nang matitinding eksena nanaganap sa kanila ni Dingdong.

Hindi nga nakaligtas si Marian nang ipa-describe kungano ang texture at lasa ng lips ni Dingdong. Noong una ayumayaw si Marian dahil nahihiya raw siya sa kanyangleading man. Baka raw isipin nito na pinagnanasaan nitoparati ang mga halik ng guwapong aktor.

Wala nang description kasi hindi ganyan si MariMar.Mahinhin si MariMar, di ba? Kaya inosente siya sa ganyangbagay!

Pero dahil mapilit kayo, sige na nga matamis at masarapang mga labi ni Sergio. Masarap siyang humalik kay MariMar!O ayan, nasabi ko na huh! At alam kong nakarating na yunkay Dingdong! natatawang tugon pa niya.

Saka, hindi naman kasi puwedeng i-fake kasi mawawalaang magic ng istorya. At gusto talaga ni DirekJoyce(Bernal)na ipakita namin ni Dong na mainit kami sa isat

MarianRivera

M

GMAs

OFW ALERT

Next

Star

isa. Pero hanggang sa taping set lang. Kapag nag-cut na siDirek Joyce, tapos na yung init. Later na lang daw ulit!dagdag pa ni Marian.

Kung marami na ang nagpapantasya na kalalakihanngayon kay Marian, marami rin ang kinikilig na girls kayDingdong, kaya tiyak na marami ang naiinggit dahil siya angpalaging kayakap at kahalikan ng aktor sa kanilang mgamaiinit na eksena.

Nararamdaman din ba niya kiligin sa kanyang ka-partner?Sino ba naman ang hindi kikiligin kay Sergio?, sabi niya.Pero alam nyo nakikita ko na si Dingdong before, na

talagang napapa-wow ako sa kaguwapuhan niya, althoughtingin ko noon may pagkasuplado dahil hindi niya akopinapansin.

Pero noong nakilala ko na siya at nagsimula na kamingmag-taping. Hindi yung pagiging guwapo niya angnagustuhan ko sa kanya kundi yung ugali niya.

Tanggap na tanggap ang tambalan nina Marian at Dingdongsa MariMar kaya naman marami ang nagpapalagay na baka ma-

in love sila sa isat-isa kahit na alam naman ng lahat na girlfriendpa ng aktor siKarylle.Ayokong magsalita nang patapos, baka kainin ko sa

bandang huli. Kaya ayoko namang sabihin na hindi, ayokorin sabihin na oo. Kaya tingnan na lang natin sa kung anoang mangyayari, sa haba ng pagsasama namin sa MariMar.Sa ngayon kasi ang masasabi ko lang, maganda angsamahan namin ni Dong at mabuti kaming magkaibigan,seryoso pang tugon niya.

Naitanong din namin kay Marian, kung hindi ba siyanapre-pressure, dahil nakabantay ang lahat ng tao sa kanya.Dahil nga sa pagbibida niya sa MariMar, sinasabi nga na siyana ang next big star ng GMA.

Malaking pressure talaga sa akin yun. Kaya hindi ko nalang iniisip, kasi mahirap yun sa part ko. Pero tini-take ko yun asa challenge. Kaya ginagawa ko ang lahat ng expectations nila atbase naman sa ratings ng MariMar hindi naman ako napahiya.

Kaya masayang-masaya kaming lahat sa success ngaming teleserye at gusto ko talagang magpasalamat sa lahatnang patuloy na sumusuporta sa MariMar, huling nasambitpa ni Marian, na sikat na sikat na sa buong bansa.

For more Entertainment stories, visit www.ofwguardian.com.

Big

Computer-Literacy Course For Migrant FilipinoWorkers in Milan

The Philippine Consulate General in Milan , Italy recentlylaunched its Basic Computer Course at the ConsulatesCommunity Technology Learning Center for Filipinos inMilan and northern Italy . The Microsoft-sponsored programis being conducted by the Consulate in coordination with theDOLE-OWWA-Microsofts Tulay Project aimed at helpingFilipinos overseas upgrade their skills. The Italian govern-ment-accredited Filipino NGO Balikatan is the ConsulatesFilipino community partner for this project.

The initial batch of thirty Filipino trainees started lastweek in two shifts. Three-hour training sessions are con-ducted every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. ManyFilipinos have signed up for the computer course where theywill undergo basic computer training with additional batchesscheduled for September, October and November. TheConsulate plans to conduct advanced computer courses andtapping graduates from the program to train future enrollees.

The Consulates thrust is to train and upgrade the skills ofFilipino workers in Milan and northern Italy given thecountrys labor-friendly environment. The program is alsointended to bridge through the use of the modern informa-tion highway the communication gap between the Filipino

migrant workers and their families back home. Through thewonders of computer technology, the costly expense ofkeeping in touch with families in the Philippines will be

drastically reduced.This computer learning project is being replicated in other

Philippine embassies and consulates in countries where thereare large concentrations of Filipino workers Hong Kong ,Saudi Arabia , Taiwan , and Rome , as well as in variousOWWA regional centers in the Philippines .

Another developmental project of the Consulate is theCaregivers Course, which is currently on its second batch oftrainees, and the Manipulative Massage Therapy Training,which will have its fourth batch of trainees on 13 September2007. Over 30 Filipinos have graduated from the first training

batch in the Caregivers Course while about 80 have finishedthe Massage Therapy Course. Many graduates of the coursesare now practicing and earning from their new skills. (DFA)

Free Medical Services For OFWs In LebanonCharge dAffaires of the Philippine Embassy in LebanonMariano A. Dumia reported to the Department that theAbou Merhi Medical Foundation in Saida (Sidon), which isowned and operated by the Abou Marhi Group of Compa-nies, was inaugurated on 14 August 2007 with more than2,000 guests including Acting Minister of Health NaylaMouawad and other high-ranking Lebanese governmentofficials.

Messrs. Merhi and Alaeddine announced that theFoundation will render FREE medical services to all OFWs inLebanon. Mr. Alaeddine added that, should there be a crisis

situation in Lebanon, the Abou Merhi Group of Companies isready to assist the Philippine government in repatriating andevacuating Filipino workers free of charge. Both gentlemenalso reiterated their desire to broaden and strengthenPhilippine-Lebanon relations through the promotion of trade,tourism and culture. Mr. Merhi hosted a luncheon for theembassy officials.

The Philippine Embassy in Beirut continues to endorsesick Filipinos for immediate medical treatment to theFoundation. (DFA)

Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Rafael E. Seguis leads other officials incutting the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the DFAs MachineReadable Passport (MRP) personalization site at the Philippine Inter-national Convention Center.


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