News: 3rd Quarter Leaders Forum 2

News: AKRO Celebrates 36th Year Anniversary 2

Editorial: Start of Something New and Better 3
Labor Updates: EPS Guide Part 3 4
OFW-KOREA-2006-001 Feature: A Beginning 6
Feature: Migrants Community of Chungnam 6
Volume 2 Issue 8 2009 www.sulyapinoy.org NOT FOR SALE

by Edward Castro

S eoul, South Korea- The Ministry of Labor (MOL) finally set next
year’s minimum wage to 4,110 won and officially declared it final
last August 5.

Conferring to the KOILAF's (Korean International Labor Foundation)

recent press release, The Minimum Wage Council (MWC) of the labor
department decided to increase the minimum wage to 4,110 won
($3.23) , from this years' 4,000 won per hour on June 30. MWC after-
wards revealed it last July 7 for public comment for 10 days.

The 10-day period aims to gather opinions or declinations from corpo-

rate management, labor unions, and the government sector. There has
been, however, no filing of opposition or resistance and thus, Labor
Minister Lee Young Hee of the MOL announced that the minimum
wage of next year is irrevocable.
3rd Quarter Leaders Forum: Labor Attaché Atty. Delmer R. Cruz giving labor
The minimum wage in Korea will be raised by 2.75 percent, the small- policy updates on issues regarding EPS sojourn period, repatriation, citizenship, transfer of work-
place, etc. during this years’ 3rd Quarter Leaders Forum held at the Chancery Lobby of the
est wage increase in 11 years. Philippine Embassy in Itaewon, Seoul. [ Turn to page 2 for the whole story ]

According to the Minimum Wages Act, the Labor minister should

request a systematic review and thorough examination for the need of
wage increase from the MWC for each year’s minimum wage every 31st
day of March. Then, the MWC should make a resolution on the
proposed wage within 90 days after the receipt of the examination
request, and suggest a result to the Labor minister.

The Minimum Wage Council composed of 24 labor and civic society by Alden Balgos
groups such as the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), the
Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and People’s Solidarity
for Participatory Democracy (PSPD), and others.
(turn to page 2)
H yehwadong, Seoul – Vowing to enhance their commitment on com-
munity service, the new President and eight (8) Board of Council
Members of the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) were inducted
last August 2 at the coffee shop of the St. Benedict Catholic Church.

Election chairman Michael Balba, after tallying the votes, officially

Photo by Norman Matudan
Photo by Norman Matudan
New Set of FEWA Officers: Photo taken during the induction ceremonies with
Ambassador Luis T. Cruz (center). Top Row (L-R) Alwyin Casino, Ronie de Guia, Marvin
Babasa, Ismael Calandria, Rodney Queman, and Teofilo Camo. Front Row (L-R) Reben-
son Recana, FEWA Administrative Adviser, Marcelino Serdena III, FEWA President,
Fr. Alvin Parantar,MSP, FEWA Spiritual Adviser, Labor Attache Atty. Delmer Cruz, and
Sofonias Paragsa, former FEWA President.
SULYAPINOY is accepting cash donations for its monthly printing expenses. You may deposit them @ Account #: 049702 04 058587 / Account Name: Sofonias N. Paragsa / Bank: KB or Kookmin Bank
declared Mr. Marcelino “Marzy” Serdeña III who is the vice president prior
to elections, is now FEWA’s 4th president.
Over half of the members including the pioneers came to cast their votes
which took place one week before the elections at Woori Bank in its Hye-
whadong branch in Seoul.
In his inaugural speech, Serdeña encouraged FEWAnians to participate
on future activities and improve their community services as volunteers
for which FEWA is known for in the community. He also urged members
to rally behind his leadership as he promised not to disappoint them.
“Alam ko' ng mataas ang expectations ninyo sa amin, however we will do
everything in our capacity to work as a team and nothing we desire to
achieve will be impossible,” Serdeña said.
He also said they will continue to strengthen the organization’s mission
which is to enhance the integrity of public service through volunteerism, to
serve the best interest of its members, and to participate inter-community
oriented projects. (turn to page 2)
 NEWS
by Edward Castro
I taewon, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul
led by His Excellency Ambassador Luis T. Cruz
held this year's third quarter Leaders Forum at the
Chancery Lobby last August 15.
Various heads from different Filipino groups which
comprises of migrant workers, students, profession-
als, NGO's, as well as the religious sector attended
the said 3-hour long forum.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Cruz thanked
the Filipino Community especially those who went
and participated the One Philippines Festival held
last July 5 in Banpo Park, Seoul. “Hinangaan tayo
ng marami sa ipinamalas nating pag-kakaisa dito sa
South K orea” he said.
He proudly shared the positive feedbacks the
embassy received from other embassies and
consulates asserting that the Filipinos here in South
Korea are indeed an effective endorsers of Filipino
culture, arts, and world-class talents. “We are all our
country's ambassadors; We are the mirror of the
Philippines' best,” Ambassador Cruz added.
Likewise, embassy staff from different consular
offices and departments also attended the forum.
Ms. Evangelina Filamor, the new Welfare Officer
of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)
discussed matters regarding the plan to intensify
their efforts in the promotion of the Reintegration
Preparedness Program of POLO. Filamor reported
that they are planning to focus this time to commu-
nities that are far from the Seoul metropolitan area.
by Amie Sison
G unpo City – Long Live! said in unison the mem-
bers of the Alpha Kappa Rho (AKRHO) Alumni
Association Korea chapter during their international
celebration of 36th Year Founding Anniversary last
August 8.
Established in August 8, 1973, the alumni members,
most are migrant workers, enjoined their brethren
scattered all over the world to celebrate 36 years of
humanitarian service, promotion of social welfare, and
lasting friendship among the members.
Meanwhile, the AKRHO Alumni Association of Korea,
founded May 4, 2008, boast to have achieved numer-
ous social and civic projects and was able to expand its
membership to almost 50 in just over a year of institu-
tion.
Chapter Founder Irish Torres, a native of Pampangga,
said that members have recently generated sufficient
fund to support their several social and civic projects
like Feeding Programs, Medical and Dental Missions,
“Lapis at Papel”, Tree Planting, and among others
which are based in the Philippines. He also said their
group recently donated rice and food supplies for
OFW's in distress temporary sheltered in the Hyewha-
dong Filipino Catholic Community Center.
2 www.sulyapinoy.org
She said that this awareness program however, will
going to be a “one-shot-deal” because of time and
resource constraint reasons. “We are planning to
conduct the courses in Fundamentals of Financial
and Business Management program - all in one
day, thus this will give us a chance to visit other
communities as well,” Filamor added.
Meanwhile, Labor Attache Atty. Delmer Cruz
discussed on current labor and immigration policy
updates such as sojourn period of EPS workers, re-
employment concerns, change of work place, and
others.
He also warned Filipinos here, revealing that there
were several cases where the authenticity of travel
documents are being questioned by immigration
officials. “Dapat maging maingat tayo at aware kung
saan nanggaling ang mga dokumentong hawak
natin,” Cruz said.
He cited a recent event where he tried but failed to
save some 28 Filipino entertainers from being
deported due to alleged falsified travel documents.
Likewise, Vice Consul Arnel Talisayon reminded the
participants and their constituents to catch up with
the nearing end of the Overseas Absentee Voting in
August. Talisayon add that the Commission on
Elections is not planning to give extensions about
the registration.
The forum culminated with a Question and Answer
where embassy officials answered queries from the
participants.
“Layunin naming ang makatulong sa abot ng aming
mga makakaya. Kung saan may AKRHO ay asahan
ninyo ang aming pagtulong,” Torres added.
Themed “Moral Transformation through Fraternal
Brotherhood,” the celebration was a great chance for
the members and invited guests to mingle mixed
with genuine fun and camaraderie. Approximately 50
attendees enjoyed quite a feast prepared by the
members themselves.
Moreover, SULYAPINOY Chief Editor Edward
Castro, was invited to grace the occasion.”I know
exactly how it feels like to be of service to the com-
munity and I congratulate everyone for a job well-
done. However, there is much more work to be
done. SULYAPINOY hopes to become one of your
partners in helping the community,” Castro said.
Other groups who attended the event are: Gunpo
Filipino Community, Migrants Trade Union (MTU) of
Korea, IMMAUS, and some MTU delegates from
Taiwan.
AKRHO is a fraternity and sorority which believes in
liberty, equality, truth, and the rights of their fellow
Skeptrons.
Minimum Wage for 2010
Meanwhile, Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz of the Philip-
pine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) reaffirmed the
announcement of the MOL during the most recent
Leaders Forum held at the Philippine Embassy in
Itaewon, Seoul. “Although minimal, we still have to be
thankful that we will be given a wage increase next
year,” Cruz said.
Cruz said that the minimal wage increase may be due
to the ongoing global economic recession that the
Korean government is still battling.
In terms of monthly salary, employees working a 40-
hour week will earn 858,990 won. Those on a 44-hour
week will make 927,860 won.
The minimum wage will be applied to all workplaces
from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 next year.
FEWA Inducts New Set of Officers
Mr. Sofonias “Chabok” Paragsa, the outgoing presi-
dent, reminded the members of the real mission of the
group and that is to serve the community. “These can
only be achieved through a responsive organizational
structure, committed leadership, effective developmen-
tal programs and trainings for counseling abreast with
consistency and accuracy, and advocacy of and partici-
pation in relevant labor and migration issues,” Paragsa
said during the ceremonial passing of the key of
responsibility.
“Sana ipagpatuloy ninyo ang magaganda nating
nasimulan, alagaan ninyo at itaguyod ang mga adhi-
kain ng FEWA at alagaan ang dalawang “anak” nito -
ang SULYAPINOY Newsletter at ang SULYAPINOY
website.” Paragsa added.
Also, from the eight (8) elected Board of Council
Members, Mr. Teofilo Camo was unanimously chosen
by themselves as the Vice President in compliance
with the FEWA constitution and by-laws.
The members of the Board of Council on the other
hand are: Alwyin Casiño, Ronnie De Guia, Marvin
Babasa, Ismael Calandria, Rodel Arias, Rodrigo De la
Cruz and Rodney Queman.
While the appointed officers are the following: Ma.
Lourdes Espinola as secretary, Ronald Austari as
treasurer, Fritzalito Sapon as auditor, Ed Villarta Jr. as
public information officer, Charlie Compra and Alvin
Alqueza as peace keeping officers.
Ambassador Luis T. Cruz was the guest of honor
during the occasion and lead the induction ceremonies
enjoining the new set of officers with their oath of
office.”Kung ang hiling ni “Chabok” ay alagaan ninyo
ang mga anak ng FEWA, ang wish ko naman ay sana
magkaroon pa ng maraming asawa ang FEWA, I mean
– a much wider partnership and network with other
Filipino communities,” Ambassador Cruz said in his
speech.
Aside from Ambassador Cruz, other guests of honor
who witnessed the occasion were Labor Attache Atty.
Delmer Cruz and Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP, FEWA
Spiritual Adviser.
FEWA is a non-profit and a nonpolitical association,
whose avowed main objective is “to forge unity among
overseas Filipino workers in order to strengthen their
communal relationships and in the hope of returning
home with the spirit of profound solidarity and Christian
brotherhood.”

T here is undeniably a mix of emotions that
permeate inside our organization these
days. The majority of us it would seem, based
on the results of our victorious battle from our
most recent controversy, hold a degree of opti-
mism as we have chosen a new leader while at
the same time continually believing our unspo-
ken assumption that our organization will not
grow wrinkled or feeble or weary or distracted in
fulfilling the mandate of God to us - to selflessly
serve our fellowmen. We must bend our atten-
tions completely to the accomplishment of our
mission and vision. Nothing must stand in the
way.
But as we move onward with whatever fervent
we are feeling, it is also important that we look
back at the sacrifices our previous leaders and
members have made to give us the success
and public esteem we enjoy today. It’s also an
opportunity for us to remember the promises we
need to keep and fulfill. For over three remark-
able years, our members have generously com-
mitted themselves in serving the community for
the glory of God.
Men and women behind FEWA did not stop at
giving direct assistance to our friends in dis-
tress. We took a step further through informa-
tion dissemination via our SULYAPINOY news-
letter and forum website,
EDITORIAL STAFF
Editor-in-Chief: Edward A. Castro
Opinion Editor: Rebenson B. Recaña
Literary Editor: Amie Sison
Photojournalist: Felix S. Ferrer, Norman Matudan
Circulation Managers: Rodel Arias, Rudrigo dela Cruz
Community Correspondents: Billy Vela (Ansan); Anthony Carl Dacones (Kasan)
Noel Joseph Alvarez (Cheonan)
Adviser: Ma. Regina P. Arquiza
Editorial Consultant: Elizer M. Peñaranda
SULYAPINOY Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk 1 dong, Songbuk Villa, Seoul, Korea 136-020
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
Different opinions are encourage to stimulate
member input and involvement. 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 reflect the
views of the author(s) and not the official policy of
FEWA unless so stated.
EDITORIAL
now even dubbed as mga anak ng FEWA
(offspring' s of FEWA). Like what our past
president Sofonias “Chabok” Paragsa used to
say, “We are indeed relevant. Our ever grow-
ing patronage and partnerhip with the FilCom
simply means that we must have been doing
something right and good.”
FEWA is committed to the education and
training of the next generation of volunteers
and continues to be the driving force in pre-
paring individuals to serve the Filipino Com-
Let us not disguise our selfishness in the cloak
munity here in South Korea. FEWA's new
of volunteerism nor masquerade our arrogance
leadership, headed by Marcelino “Marzy”
under the pretense of pride. If now is the start of
Serdena, continues to explore ways and
something new, of something better, then let us
means to better serve the community
put it immediately to use. Our work must be
whereby people will form and maintain posi-
done with firmness, intensity, and faithfulness if
tive opinions about our unfaltering existence
it will stand the fiery testing that awaits every
as a service-oriented organization.
individual in the closing crescendo of our prov-
ing.
Our mission today must be redirected to an
urgent recovery of ground lost. Let us set
aside our selfish, partisan, and self-indulgent Now, as we begin again, let us all begin in God
desires. Before we can advance, we must who is our light. Let the light of God Almighty
first return and see in retrospect our high- illumine the dark corners of our minds. We are
water mark, and that is now far above us. Our one family. Let us start all over again by looking
organization calls us today for self re- beyond ourselves and begin to serve the needs
evaluation and re-affirmation of our dedication of others. After all, we are a PEOPLE and
to serve others, and not our egocentric GOD-CENTERED organization.
selves.
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Managing Editor: Alden C. Balgos Chairman: Rebenson B. Recaña
News Editor: Edward A. Castro V-Chairman: Marcelino M. Serdeña III
Cartoonist: Alden C. Balgos Secretary: Rodney Queman
Layout Artist: ßLЏħΣ
Board of Publication in:
Outreach, Recreation and Religious Program: Alden C. Balgos
Website Development and Maintenance: Christian Robles
Sponsorship & Promotions Program: Annabelle Lopez
Trainings & Workshop: Noel Joseph Alvarez
Budget and Finance: Teofilo Camo
Board Consultants: Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP; Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.
For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & Advertisements
Please submit them to our website or to the following emails below:
All Staff: editorialstaff@sulyapinoy.org
or sulyap.editorialstaff@gmail.com
* SULYAPINOY observes the Philippine Press Code of Ethics .
* We reserve the right to refuse any submission we deem does not meet our policies and guidelines.
* SULYAPINOY is still in need of writers and community correspondents. Aspirants may email the
Editorial Staff for more details.
Thank you for your time and interest!
www.sulyapinoy.org 3
 EPS WORKERS GUIDE - PART 3
The Employment Permit System for
foreign workers enables workers
from countries with which the Korean govern-
ment has concluded an MOU on sending work-
ers to be legally employed by companies in
Korea which have obtained a permit to employ
foreign workers.
Protection of the rights and Interests of For-
eign Workers
1. Protection under the Labor Standards Act
 Standard working hours are 40(44) hours a
week (8 hours a day). Upon agreement
between a foreign worker and employer,
extended working hours are allowed.
40-hour work: to be phased according the num-
ber of workers in a workplace.
No. of workers in the workplace:
50-100 workers (applied from July 1, 2007)
20-50 workers (applied from July 1, 2008)
Less than 20 workers (to be applied before year
2011)
 Wages are to be paid to the workers’ ac-
count or in cash at least once a month on
the day stated on the labor contract.
* Employers may not, without consent from
workers, deduct or save any part of the workers’
wages.
 Foreign workers are entitled to receive  Has been assaulted by an employer, super-
additional wages for extended working
hours, working at night (22:00-06:00) or on
 Has been forced to work overtime, at nights
holidays (except workplaces with less than
5 workers). * he/she may file petition to the Labor Inspection
 Foreign workers who have worked at a Division of the Regional Labor Office.
workplace for over one (1) year are eligible
2. Matters related to the Industrial Safety and
to receive severance pay (toe-ji-kom) ex- Health Act
cept workplaces with less than 5 workers).
 In the event the workplace’ safety and
* a workplace covered by the Departure Guar-
antee Insurance can pay the insurance benefits * a foreign worker can file a petition to the indus-
in lieu of the severance payment. trial Safety Division of the Regional Labor Office.
* Should the amount of the benefits less than 3.
severance pay, employer must pay the differ- 
ence to his/her employees.
* provisions on working hours, rest periods,
holidays and leaves, and overtime payment in
the Labor Standards Act shall not apply to for-
eign workers employed in business involved in
housework, agriculture, livestock and fisheries.
2. Protection under the Minimum Wage Act
 Foreign workers are eligible to receive at
least the minimum wage stipulated by law.
* 2009 Minimum wage: 4,000 won per hour or
904,000 won a month.
3. Protection under the Industrial Accident
Compensation Insurance Act
 A foreign worker who suffers an occupa-
tional accident or disease is eligible to
receive medical care benefits, wage re-
placement benefits, disability benefits,
survivors benefits.
4 www.sulyapinoy.org
* the Industrial Accident Compensation Insur-
ance protects foreign workers from all occupa-
tional accidents that occur inside a workplace,
regardless of whether accidents was due to the
workers’ fault.
4. Protection under the Wage Claim Guaran-
tee Act
 In the event a foreign worker who is out of
work due to such cases like employers
bankruptcy, has not received wages and
severance pay, the worker is eligible to
receive wages for the last three (3) months
worked, severance pay for the last three (3)
years of employment, and unemployment
benefits for the past three (3) months from
the Korean government.
Grievance Counseling and Handling
When a foreign worker has a work-related prob-
lem or has been treated unfairly or unreasona-
bly, he/she may receive grievance counseling
and help from the relevant counseling agencies.
1.
Matters related to the Labor Standards Act
In the event a foreign worker has not re-
ceived wages or severance pay on time;
visor, or co-worker;
or on holidays,
health standards are not met ,
Matters related to Employment
As regards to matters related to change of
workplaces or job placement;
 Grievance counseling on any other difficul-
ties foreign workers confront,
* the Job Center will provide foreign workers with
counseling.
4. Language Assistance
 In the event counseling or guidance in the
native languages of the foreign worker is
needed; or
 Counseling for civil appeals or guide to a
counseling agency is needed and other
event,
* the General Counseling Center (Tel. 1350)
(to be continued).
Sources: Guide to Employment to Korea for Foreign Workers
(Ministry of Labor, Korea); Easy Korean Labor Law (KLEI), Ministry of
Labor (MOLAB) website http://www.molab.go.kr/english/main.jsp
Inbox
Dear SULYAPINOY,
Isa po ako sa mga First Batch ng EPS
workers. Agosto 2004 nang dumating
kami dito sa bansang Korea.
Maganda naman po ang napasukan
kong company, sa katunayan ay na re-
hire ako at naka 5 taon na po sa kasa-
lukuyan.
Subalit kamakailan po ay nagpunta
kami ng employer ko sa Ministry of La-
bor ( Employment Security Center) at sa
Immigration Office upang mag renew
ulit para sa aking ika- 6 na taon
ngunit laking gulat namin dahil hindi
na daw ako pwede mag- renew. Sabi
pa sa amin ay 2 years lang daw ang
souj ourn ko bilang isang re-hire. Na-
gugulahan po ako hinggil sa hindi
maliwanag na prosesong ito ng EPS.
Kung totoo man ito ay nagpla-plano
na akong mag TNT na lamang . Ilang
taon po ba talaga ang soj ourn period
na isang re-hire? Sana ay matulungan
nyo ako hinggil dito. Maraming
Salamat po.
Lubos na gumagalang,
Rogelio
Kabayan Rogelio ,
According to our Labor Attaché’ Atty. Delmer R. Cruz in
his column entitled Q& A with the Labor Attaché', page #
7, dated May-July 2009 issue of the Philippine -
EMBASSY NEWSLETTER. It states,
Q
. : What is the period of sojourn of an EPS worker?
A: Three(3) years. If the worker is re-hired by his last
employer, he is given for another three (3) years. How-
ever, he must first leave Korea and stay in his home
country for at least one (1) month before coming back.
In addition to this, SULYAPINOY called the Ministry of
Labor about this 3 years sojourn and they said, “It is three
(3) years and not two (2 )years.”
Likewise, SULYAPINOY consulted the National Labor
Consultation Center (NLCC) and they said.” under the
current EPS, a foreign worker who completes the first 3
year sojourn period, after re-employment, he/she may be
allowed to stay in Korea for another 3 years.”
If ever your employers, Employment Security Center (Job
Centers) and the Immigration Officials will insist of two (2)
years, the NLCC is advising everyone to call 1350 or 031-
345-5116 for verifications.
You can also post your questions to the MOL website,
http://www.molab.go.kr/english/main.jsp or email
pejsil@molab.go.kr (Phone No. 031-345-5000)
Sa mga nagnanais pong magtanong o humingi ng
opinion sa mga usapin tungkol sa EPS, ipadala
lamang ang mga ito sa: editorialstaff@sulyapinoy.org
 LITERARY

God-Centered People
An Essay by Bro. Joel Tavarro

It’s a pleasant thing to talk about good things especially Unity. Look
at the ants. Like the ants, we can compare them to us humans. They
are tiny, small creatures which most of the time are taken for
granted, but when we look at them carefully, we could see their
sense of unity and love from one another. They can't talk but they
can express their concern by helping each other to gather food and
protect their homes against their enemies. How delightful is it to see
these good traits to us and to our own countrymen as well? Every-
one will have a smile in their faces and gladness in their hearts when
reaching to others especially in times of trials and difficulties.
Can we possibly achieve progress if there’s no unity? It is indeed
difficult for a community, or group, or a country to pursue its goals if
there are many hindrances: negative vibes like envy, jealousy, and
grudges which stop the flow of love. Crab mentality, for instance,
hinders the growth of progress in our country.
Being a Filipino, we can promote Christianity by showing to other
people how Christ manages our lives. We continue to set a good
Christian example to others so we could attain the respect we desire.
In this way, we can prove that we have God in our hearts. It’s delight-
ful to see when everyone is treating each other like real brothers and
sisters in Christ bonded by love. “How good and pleasant it is when
brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
Thus we can truly achieve personal progress and success if we cen-
ter our lives in His way, and put it into practice not just by complying
on it but doing it whole-heartedly.
Like our faith in God, mere words are not enough but we should act
upon it as we entrust our lives to Him. Faith is like thirsting for water.
We don’t just stare at the water to satisfy our thirst, instead, we need
to drink it to fill the thirst. It’s really hard to re-organize our lives if
we’re not even interested at all. It's a decision that will take a lot of
courage, patience, perseverance and love. Changing our lives is
likened to the golden sand from the river which needs to be filtered
to separate the gold from the dust. Then the gold is patiently melted
and molded into a fine jewel. It will eventually show its real beauty
after all it went through.
Discipline is the key, however most of us thinks that discipline is like
an ear sore that we don’t want to hear. Though it might be difficult,
discipline should start in ourselves first. And as we begin practicing it
every day, it will become a daily routine that we could no longer say
No to later on. Road to personal progress for unity will is possible,
only if we are willing to work it out with others.

( Tulang parangal kay Gng. Corazon Aquino)

by : Z ack

Simpleng maybahay ng unang makilala

Isang ginang na hahangaan ng madla
Sino nga ba noon ang mag-aakala
Kanyang pangala’y magiging dakila. Pangulong naglingkod, tapat at totoo
Hindi matatawarang serbisyo publiko
Idolo kang hinahangaan ng mundo
Butihing asawang di maikukubli
D apat gayahin ng bawat Pilipino.
Walang pagod sa kabiyak kumandili
Ano mang hirap ay walang panaghili
Bayani kang titingalain ng lahat
Tuwang kay Mister sa lahat ng sandali.
D emokrasyang ikaw muli ang nagmulat
Inang nagpakatatag sa bagong yugto Bansang dati sa kalayaan ay salat
Pamanang kasarinla' y tiyak isusulat.
Nang ang buhay ni Ninoy ay biglang napugto
Tinuloy ang laban upang maiwasto
Sa ‘yong pamamaalam bansa’y nagluksa
D iktaduryang sa bayan ay gumugupo.
Sambayana’y dama ang ‘yong pagkawala
Ika' y tiyahin ng bayang nabansagan Sandigan ng kalayaa’y pumanaw na
Tangan ang prinsipyo at paninindigan Iyong adhikain aming ibabandila.
Tunay kang lingkod ng katotohanan
Mga panalangin name’y iyong dalhin
Simbolo ng hangad nating kalayaan.
Sa tulong ni Ama, kami ay akayin
Upang kapayapaan amin ng kamtin
Isang Katolikong pinagmamalaki
Sa tindi ng pagsubok di nagpagapi Ideyal na bansang hinahangad natin.
Pananampalatayang naging kakampi
Sa daluyong ng buhay siya' y nagwagi.

www.sulyapinoy.org 5
 FEATURE/ STORIES
By Noel Joseph Alvarez
by Regina P. Arq uiza
Is it really possible that there is a Golden Pig?
“Magkakapit-bisig libo-libong tao.
Kay sarap palang maging Pilipino. In several countries, the pig symbolizes different
Sama-sama iisa ang adhikain. meanings and defines local or territorial customs. In
Kelan man ' di na paalipin.” Korea, the pig symbolizes the end of the day, a time
of completing the remaining task. Koreans consider
The death of the former President Corazon Aquino reminded me that I've always been proud of having dreams about pigs before moving into a new
being a Filipino. Famous Filipino artists who sang "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" on the day of home for good fortune, wealth and strong family
ties.
her interment awakened memories of the past. It was indeed a day of mourning but an inspira-
tional moment for lots of Filipinos. It was a beginning. A certain pig, called the “Golden Pig” can be found
in this country. Cheonan, one of the metropolitan
Having been in Korea for almost four years, I've seen South Koreans wear red colored shirts as cities in Chungnam province, is where you can find
they cheer for the South Korean Soccer team in the World Cup Tournament. This may be a totally one distinct Golden Pig.
different scenario, but seeing Filipinos wear yellow colored shirts showed me another picture of
one race in one voice. The IMCC (International Migrants Community in
ChungCheong) and Cheonan Moyse, a Pastoral
Yellow is a warm color like red. In a more positive perspective, it symbolizes wisdom, joy and Service Center for Migrants can be both found in
Cheonan. Mostly Filipino migrant workers, Nepal-
happiness. And also, it has always been the color symbolizing democracy in the eyes of Filipinos. ese, Indians, French, Koreans Uzbeks and Ameri-
It’s the shade that marked a new beginning for Filipinos as they fought for freedom and democ- cans are part of this community.
racy.
The heart of the Golden Pig which also known as
To begin means to hope for a better future. This may sound like a cliché but isn’t it the right atti- the "10 won Piggy Bank", is one of the major project
tude? of IMCC for the whole year. It aims to collect dona-
tions of 10 won from kind and warm-hearted people
For every country, there must be a starting point to attain genuine change. For a community, a of Cheonan City. The proceeds will help the needy
foundation has to be laid for the betterment of its people. For an organization, solving conflicts particularly the migrants who are in difficult situa-
tions; creation of community projects that aims to
within the group is of paramount importance in realizing its goals and missions. And for a person, strengthen solidarity and camaraderie of the mem-
there shouldn’t be fear in taking the first step because that is the key for real maturity and long bers; and education which focuses on strong sense
term development. of personal responsibility towards others.

Talking about beginning, the oath taking ceremony of the new officials of the Filipino EPS Work-
ers Association in Korea (FEWA) recently marks a start of a new segment in the short history of
the organization. For more than three years, the group had moments of its own victories and fail-
ures. With its central principle of genuine service, it survived and is still surviving to fight for rights
of Filipino workers in South Korea.
Marcelino Serdena III, FEWA’s new president and his fellow officers are up for the challenge. This
may be a totally different situation from what had happened in the clamor of Filipinos to fight for
democracy in the 80s, but the principle of unity to attain a goal would be an inspiration. Despite
problems and difficulties faced by FEWA for several years, its new officers serve as hope for a
better future. This might be continuation or a beginning of its battle against violations and any
form of abuse on workers’ rights.
Magsimula ng sama-sama! Manindigan at patuloy na ipaglaban ang karapatan ng mga mangga-
gawang Pilipino dito sa Korea.
A Day th at Was:
Flocked by other foreign
nationalities and Koreans
alike, the One Philippines
Festival was indeed a
success as Filipino work-
ers, students, entertainers,
and Korean spouses
promenaded and dressed
in colorful costumes show-
casing different fiestas of
the Philippines like Ati-
Atihan, Panagbenga,
Flores de Mayo, Kaday-
awan, and Masskara Festi-
val in Banpo Park in Seoul
last July 5. To watch the
video footages of the event,
visit youtube.com or log on
to sulyapinoy.org
My experience with the Golden Pig started two
years ago when I attended an English mass in
Oryung-dong Catholic Church. The place, I was
told, is frequented by many Filipinos. The IMCC with
Moyse-Cheonan started the project of 10 won Piggy
Bank in this church. In the middle of the mass one
Sunday during the offering, I saw a child holding a
small piggy bank walking towards the altar and
handed it to the priest. I wondered what was that
for. I was amazed by the little child's kindness to
give away the piggy bank after several months of
filling it with money. It was announced later that the
child's piggy bank will proceed to the migrants cen-
ter where the money will be used to help finance
migrant workers who have problems or in need of
medical assistance.
A Vietnamese worker was one of the first benefac-
tor of the 10 won Piggy Bank project. He was diag-
nosed to have unknown kind of cancer in his face
and needs urgent medical assistance. The Vietnam-
ese was sent in a hospital and undergone examina-
tion and operation. Through the kindness and
prayers of Cheonan Migrants Community members,
the Vietnamese, I heard, is now recuperating and is
back in Vietnam with his family.
With a desire to help others without expecting any-
thing in return is a great manifestation of love, time
and treasure to others. This is the “heart of the
golden pig”, the PIG which symbolizes the people,
the model of sincerity, purity, tolerance and honor.
The heart which symbolizes caring, born to yield,
give and to serve. Let your community epitomized
the heart of Golden PIG and start touching lives as
well.

6 www.sulyapinoy.org
 SARI-SARI

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Dirty Ice Cream
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Herminio Sipat
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20– Esla Moreno
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Nagbagong Buhay 27– Manuel Mendoza Jr.
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