The Voice of the Modern Living Heroes

T he Of fici al P u bli ca ti on of Fil i pin o EPS W or kers Ass oc ia ti o n - So u th K o rea (F EW A )

EPS ( ) EPS ( )
Issue 22 January 2012 www.sulyapinoy.org

Volume 2

NOT FOR SALE

People and God-centered Association

OFW-KOREA-2006-001

The government will allow migrant workers, most likely from June this year, to change their workplaces without restrictions if they experienced discrimination at work or employers violated labor laws, a ruling party lawmaker said Monday. Rep. Kang Sung-chun of the governing Grand National Party (GNP) noted that migrant workers with an E-9 visa will also need only to stay in their home countries for three months to renew their work visa, instead of the current six months, from the time their work permit expires. The labor-activist-turned politician submitted a bill that would ease restrictions on work visas for migrants in October and the legislation passed the National Assembly in a floor vote of 163-0 with one abstention last Thursday. The bill will take effect five months after promulgation which is expected to take place within days. I proposed the bill in hopes of preventing diligent migrant workers from receiving unfair treatment during their stay here and encouraging them to return to Korea, Kang said. The workers have been permitted to change their workplaces only up to three times during their first-three year work permit here and twice more if they extend their visa for another two years. This left room for employers to infringe

on the rights of migrant workers, who are vulnerable to salary gouging, harassment and overtime work without due financial compensation. Once the new legislation enters into force, they will be able to switch their jobs as much as they need if their employer breaches regulations to be set by the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL). A considerable number of foreigners have been expelled from the country as a result of circumstances where they had no choice but to walk out of their workplaces. The number of E-9 visas, a non-professional work permit granted mostly for jobs that most Koreans avoid, issued in 2008 stood at 75,024, followed by 63,323 in 2009 and 40,457 in 2010. The MOEL estimates that the number of migrant workers whose E-9 visa expires this year will reach 67,117, up from 33,941 in 2011. Kim Jin-seon, a researcher at the National Assembly Research Service, said that Kangs legislation will help reduce the number of illegal migrant workers among E-9 visa holders as it offers greater flexibility in employment. Data shows that more than 25 percent of E-9 visa holders overstay in Korea after their work permit expires. The revision bill states that migrant

workers can switch jobs without any penalty or disadvantage if the employer breached work conditions or if migrant workers cannot continue to work in their workplace due to reasons that they are not responsible for. The move came amid proimmigrant activists growing demand to scrap the regulation that infringes upon the freedom of job choice and the general pursuit of freedom guaranteed in the Constitution. Kangs bill also stipulates, migrant workers can return to Korea after three months if the previous employer expresses his or her willingness to rehire departing E-9 visa holders for a minimum of one year. Once the bill takes effect, those returning to Korea upon the employers request would be exempt from a Korean language test and job training course that migrant workers had to undergo again even if they had extensive work experience here. Under the current law, migrant workers have to leave Korea for at least half a year once their five-year maximum allowable work stay ends. Kang proposed to shorten the period to one month, but the MOEL demanded three months to adhere to the governments policy of rotating workers and preventing their permanent stay.
By: Lee Tae-hoon Source: The Korea Times

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Anyone still remember the The Law of Attraction in physics? We tackled this if Im not mistaken during High school. Attraction is the attractive, magnetic power of the Universe that draws similar energies together. Practically speaking, the Law of Attraction can be used to describe the kind of magnetic power working between people, as well as people and their environment. To quote, like attracts like, most people who think the same way and feels the same way often end up as best friends. Together they make similar plans with strong convictions, stands strong and are often subjected to similar situations and expectations. The Law of Attraction can also be applied to our daily lives in order to teach us something important in life, that is if we know what we really wanted and what we truly needed; if we put it in our minds and efforts into it, all these will be realized and all that we asked for will be achieved. Hard work and determination naturally attracts success and fortune, painting a bright future for each and every one of us. For decades, Philippines have remained to be known as a country torn by armed conflicts and power disputes amongst nations authorities. Filipinos believe that the seemingly never-

ending economic crisis have pushed our countrymen to desperation and violence. However, the root of the problem can be traced down to conflicting human interests and ideologies, making it obvious that we ourselves should take up some responsibility. It is time to put an end to our apathy and be proactive. We need to realize that our decision-makings and actions have inevitable repercussions, increasing in magnitude depending on ones role in the society. Nevertheless, everyone should feel imposed to observe liberal amounts of diplomacy and respect each others opinion and principles. During a crucial decision-making process, tolerance and certain amount of tact could avert disastrous disagreements. We all want the same thing, which is to give a resolution to the problems we are facing. So why dont we try to set aside our pride and differences and move towards the common goal? A fulfilled destiny begins with a single thought. And just like what people say, When you sow thought you reap an action, when you sow an action you reap a habit, when you sow a habit you reap a character and when you sow a character you reap a destiny. If every one of

us start with a good thought then there might be a good destiny waiting for us. We should not rely on others make our own destiny, even to the leaders of our country. We should not depend on them but cooperate with them. We hold the future in our hands. Effort people wake up! Instead of blaming each other, do start with ourselves and change our ways. We all want happiness, we dreamed of a wonderful life. We can achieve it if we start with a happy though and be a beacon of light emitting energy which attracts people to us and hopefully we can influence their lives. We should always keep in mind the Law of Attraction, like attracts like, always keep a positive disposition in life and our society will be in a good direction. By keeping off all the negativities there will be no room for conflicts, no way for avarice, no reason for dejection, and most importantly no more discrimination. As the New Year turned, now is the perfect time for us to reevaluate our lives. It is never too late to start anew and follow through all year sending positivity and receiving love and blessings in return. Always remember, The seed of our thoughts will attract true happiness into the lives of people around us and of all the people we will meet, turning every situation we will face into something good.
D I S C L A I M E R Different opinions are encourage to stimulate member input and involvement. SULYAPINOYs 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. For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & Advertisements, e-mail: 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.

EDITORIAL STAFF
Bhing Diamzon Editor-in-Chief Danvir Mark Farnazo Associate Editor/Lay-out Editor Corinna Bianca Estarija Feature/Managing Editor Rodney Queman Literary Editor Herwin Padillo, Maribel Agati Photojournalists
Contributors: Dennis Cristobal Mangoba, Richard Macalintal, Bhing Diamzon, Anne, Sta. Ana, Gennie Kim Sources: The Korea Times, DOLE, Phil. Embassy-Seoul Adviser: Dinah Magat

BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Chairman: Noel Joseph Alvarez Vice Chairman: Mario Jessie Bernales
Printing and Distribution: Alwyn Casino Budget and Finance: Theo Camo

Outreach & Religious Programs: Liezl Manalo Sponsorship and Promotion: Gennie Kim Training & Workshop: Noel Joseph Alvarez
Consultants: Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP

Prof. Emily Dicolen-Abagat Ma. Regina Arquiza FEWA President: Benjie del Mundo Administrative Officer : Marzy Serdea, III

SULYAPINOY Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk Villa, Sungbok-dong, Sungbok-gu, Seoul, Korea, 136-020 FEWA Office & SULYAPINOY Distribution Center: Inside WOORI BANK, Hyehwa-dong Branch, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea

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By: Richard Macalintal Source: OFW Resources at

www.pinoysexpats.net

As an Overseas Foreign Worker (OFW), we have several benefits provided by our Government. However, most of us are not aware and dont bother to avail it. So when the unexpected came, we blame the government and our country for not providing us the benefit that we deserved. One of the benefits that we taken for granted is Philhealth. Managed by Department of Health, it takes care of most Filipino workers health insurance program. And that includes us, OFWs. We always have the tendency for not planning ahead. We always over look some good opportunities at present that would greatly affect the unforeseen happenings in the future. Plus most of our mindset is

thinking that we are earning dollars, thus expenses in the Philippines are manageable. I am referring to hospital bills and other health related expenses that may come along the way. You will be lucky if the range is only by few thousands. What if your bill runs in few hundred thousand? Then you will realize the importance of being a Philhealth member. It protects you and your family member, getting benefits ranging from hospitalization to outpatient services. Yearly contribution is only P900 for OFW, a small amount compare to what it can do to you and your family. In Singapore, you can pay your contribution to iRemit in Lucky Plaza. You will need your Philhealth number to facilitate your payment. If you forgot your Philhealth num-

ber, you can send email to owp@philhealth.gov.ph. You just need to provide your full name and birthdate. They will reply to your query in few days. For those who are not yet member, it is important to know if there are affiliate Philhealth agents in your area. iRemit is one of them. I know they have various branches worldwide including Singapore. You just need to fill up the MDR form and pay the yearly contribution. Make sure you bring your passport and work pass as a requirement. PhP 900 a year is all you need to pay to Philhealth. Be smart and plan ahead. Youll never know what will happen tomorrow. With rising cost of everything, getting sick unprepared is the worst thing you dont want to end up with.

Malugod at taos-puso kong binabati ang lahat nang manggagawang Pilipino sa ibayong dagat nang isang Maligayang Pasko at Mapayapa at Masaganang Bagong Taon! Ang pagdiriwang ng Pasko ay isang tradisyong Pilipino na ating kinikilala, inaasam, at labis na pinahahalagahan. Saan mang bahagi ng daigdig naroroon ang isa nating kababayan, ang pagsapit ng Pasko ay ating pinaghahandaan at itinuturing na isang masayang okasyon sa ating buhay isang natatanging araw ng pagsasama-sama ng pamilya at ng mga minamahal sa buhay upang pasalamatan ang Poong Maykapal sa dakilang pagpapahayag ng kaninyang pag-ibig sa atin sa pamamagitan ng Panginoong Hesukristo. Kaya naman, ang Pasko ay simbolo ng pagbibigayan at pagma-

mahalan sa isat isa. Sa araw ng Pasko, hindi hadlang sa ating pagdiriwang ang pagiging malayo sa ating pamilya katulad ng inyong nararanasan. Alam natin ang dahilan. Ang inyong pagpupunyagi sa malayong lugar ay pagpapahiwatig na rin nang inyong pagmamahal at nang inyong pagsisikap na maipagkaloob sa inyong pamilya ang isang maunlad at maaliwalas na kinabukasan. Bilang inyong kalihim sa Paggawa at Paghahanapbuhay, kaisa ninyo ako at nang inyong pamilya sa pagdarasal na sana ngayong Kapaskuhan, ang biyaya ng Poong Maykapal ay higit pang sumagana. Hangad ko na malayo kayo sa kapahamakan at iba pang unos sa buhay. Hangad ko ang inyong kalusugan at kapayapaan ng puso at pag-iisip, at ha-

ngad ko ang patuloy na pagkakabigkis-bigkis ng inyong pamilya sa pag-ibig at pagbibigayan. Sa araw ng pagdiriwang ng Kapanganakan ng ating Panginoong Hesukristo, sana ay gawin natin Siyang Sentro ng ating pagdiriwang at pag-aalay, upang sa gitna ng mga panibagong hamon, patuloy at matatag tayong magkakasamasama sa pagkakaisa at paglilingkod sa ating Panginoong Hesukristo at sa ating Inang Bansang Pilipinas. Muli, akoy bumabati nang isang masayang Kapaskuhan, mapayapang Bagong Taon, at masaganang bukas para sa lahat. Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino sa ibayong dagat!
Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz Secretary Department of Labor and Employment

January 2012

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Makitang muli ang ngiti ni Inay

Katha Anne Sta. Ana

Malupit na Sendong,nag-iwan ng pinsala, kumitil ng maraming buhay ng mga taong maralita... Umiiyak si Inay,habang hinahanap si Inday... Yakap ni Itay si bunso na wala ng buhay... Diyos na mahabagin, maawa ka sa amin, Sana'y patawarin ang mga taong salarin... Akoy lumuluha sa tuwing nakikita Mga kababayan kong nagdurusa sa gitna ng sakuna... Bakit may mga taong sadyang walang puso? Kawawang mga troso pinutol ng mga tuso! Di na natuto sa mga nagdaang bagyo Sana'y magbago ang mga salahulang ito! Akoy umaasa sa gitna ng mga pagdurusa May bagong pag asa sa bayang minumutya... Bagong taon, bagong buhay, sana wala ng malulumbay, Makitang muli ang ngiti ni Inay.

Donations to assist the victims of Typhoon Sendong may be sent to the following:
Bank / Branch: Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) / Camp Aguinaldo Branch Address: PVAO Compound, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Philippines Account Name: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Donated Funds Account No.: 0435-021927-130 Swift Code: DBPHPMM Account #36002016 The focal person for donations is Ms. Rufina Pascual, Collecting Officer of the Office of Civil Defense of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Philippines. Her contact numbers are (632) 421-1920 and (632) 911-506165. The NDRRMC (www.ndrrmc.gov.ph) handles overall coordination with other government agencies. Or email at: dopcen@ndcc.gov.ph; dopcenbackup@gmail.com

Basic Korean Information

By Bhing Diamzon
English Basic wage /pay Monthly salary Minimum wage Deduction Overtime pay Monthly allowance Yearly allowance One hour rate Food allowance Maintenance fee Medical insurance Industrial insurance Korean / / Romanized Kibun ipkum/jibul Wolkum Choejeo ipkum Kongje Yunjang sudang Wolja/Maewol sudang Yunja sudang Han shijan yokum Shikdae Yuji bosu biyong Euiryo bohum Sanup bohum English National pension Morning shift Night shift Total hours work Night differential Overtime Undertime Bonus Tax Employment fee Absent Vacation Korean Romanized Kookmin yunkum Jukan Yakan Jakeop chong shigan Yakan jadeung Chogwa keunmu Jutwae Bonus Segeum Goyong biyong Gyeolkeun Hyuga

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By Dennis Cristobal S. Mangoba, M.D. Rhinology and Facial Plastic International Clinical Fellow Department of Otorhinolaryngology Seoul National University College of Medicine

Isang manigong bagong taon sa inyong lahat! Sa panahon ng pagdiriwang ng bagong taon ay uso na naman ang mga pagtitipon at may handaan kaliwat kanan. Alam naman natin na ang mga Pilipno ay mahilig sa kainan at karaniwan hindi disiplinado sa pagkain. Kung ano ang nakahanda siyang kakainin. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit dumadami ang nagkakasakit sa ating kababayan. Adult and childhood cases of obesity are continuously on the rise particularly because of the westernization of our diets. Pero hindi ito ang tema ng ating usapin ngayon bagamat kaugnay pa din ito sa mga maling kaugalian sa pagkain. Dalawa sa ating kababayan ang lumapit po sa inyong lingkod upang kumunsulta tungkol sa kanilang nararamdam sa kanilang panga. Yung una ay dumadaing na hindi na niya maibuka ang kanyang bibig ng maluwag dahil sa sobrang sakit na meron ng apat na taon ang nakaraan at nagiging dahilan upang hindi niya masyado maibuka na ang kaniyang bibig. Yung isa naman ay may sakit ding nararamdaman at may nadidinig din na tunog (o clicking) sa kanang panga at lalo na kapag ngumunguya siya o kahit ibinubuka lang ang kaniyang bibig. Ang temporomandibular joint or TMJ ay ang hinge o bisagra ng ating mga panga. Kasama dito ang buto, ang mga litid at kalamnan na nakapaligid dito katulad ng nakalarawan sa itaas. Ang tamang tawag sa sakit na nakakaapekto dito ay ang temporomandibular disorder o TMD. Karaniwang kadahilanan nito ay ang di pantay na nguya dahil sa di pantay na pagkagat.

Sinasabi na kahit isang millimetre (1mm) na pagkakaiba o di pantay na upod sa magkabilang panig ng ngipin ay pwede ng magdulot ng ganitong problema. Iba pang dahilan ay ang sobrang diin na pagkagat, ang paggiling ng ngipin habang tulog, stress, rayuma o arthritis ng panga, o kaya dislokasyon ng ball and socket ng panga. Bukod sa nabanggit sa itaas na dinadaing ng ating mga kababayan sa akin, ang karagdagang karaniwang nararamdaman ng may ganitong problema ay ang mga sumusunod: yung naglolock ang panga at di ito maisarado, sakit ng ulo, balikat o leeg, pagsakit o pamamaga ng kalahati ng mukha, hirap sa pagnguya o kaya pagod na pakiramdam sa mukha o panga. Maaring pansamantala lamang o permanente ang ganitong mga sintomas. We usually request for an X -ray, more specifically, a TMJ tomogram or panoramic x-ray in order to help us determine if there are any other problems that may be involved. Additionally a CT scan to look for problems in the bone or an MRI for soft tissue problems may be requested to evaluate further. Nasa idad 20 hanggang 40 ang karaniwang naaapektuhan ng ganitong karamdaman at kinakailangang masuri silang mabuti dahil pwedeng

dahil sa ngipin, sa gilagid o sa sinus ang kadahilanan nito. Maaring sa dentist muna magpasuri o kaya ay puede ding dumiretso sa ENT specialist. Konserbatibo muna ang paggagamot sa ganitong kalagayan. Dapat munang subukang limitahin sa malalambot na pagkain katulad ng patatas, itlog, gelatin, sopas, yogurt, keso, isda at mga gulay ang kinakain. Iwasan ang mga matitigas na nginunguya katulad ng kendi, hilaw na karot, ice candy o kaya yung mga malalagkit katulad ng bukayo o tapa na mahirap nguyain. Gayundin ang tsitsaron, kornik, butong pakwan at iba pa. Kung sa isang panig lamang nasanay na ngumuya, dapat ding sanayin ang sarili na ngumuya sa kabilang gilid. Iwasan ding humikab ng malaki o ngumuya ng madiin. Pwede ding lapatan ng init (o warm compress) ang apektadong panga. Iwasan din ang pag -ipit ng telepono sa balikat habang may kinakausap o kaya ang pagsasalong-baba. Puede naman uminom ng pain reliever katulad ng Paracetamol o mga NSAIDS para maibsan ang sakit na nararamdaman at mabawasan ang pamamaga ng kalamnan. Dapat ipagawa ang pustiso o mga sirang ngipin sa dentist o kaya magpagawa ng dental appliance o splint na pwedeng gamitin sa gabi upang maiwasan ang paggiling ng ngipin. Puede ding gamitan ng ultrasound, radiofrequency, laser o Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) para mabawasan ang pamamaga at sakit. Ang pinakahuling hakbang ay ang operasyon kung saan maaring buksan ang TMJ para malunasan kung anuman ang problema. Bagamat marami tayong pwedeng gawin ng sarili, importante pa din na tayo ay kumunsulta sa espesyalita upang matiyak kung ganito talaga ang problema at hindi mas malala na kundisyon katulad ng tumor o kanser.

January 2012

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By: Gennie Kim Sulyapinoy Online Forum Adviser

Although foreign workers have had proper Korean language proficiency education and evaluation as well as basic introduction to Korean culture before coming here in Korea, they are still vulnerable to various problems in their respective companies. Since most of these companies are small to mediumsized businesses, more often than not response to pressing issues concerning migrant workers are ignored or long drawn out to say the least. Foreign Workforce Assistance Centers scattered all over Korea aims to help foreign workers adjust themselves to their working environments promoting productivity and cultural understanding with their co-workers. These help centers provide business counseling to foreign workers for better understanding of their roles in their companies, supporting employment promotion under the Employment Insurance Law Article 26. Furthermore, foreign workers can avail of free health care. Listed below are the name of the centers, their addresses and contact numbers. Make sure to pay a visit.
Centers Name
Main Center Uijeongbu Center

Address
Garibong-dong Gurogu, Seoul Uijeongbu-dong Uijeongbu City, Gyeonggi-do Seosang-dong, Gimhae City, Gyeongsangnamdo Masanhabpo-gu, Changwon City, Gyeongsangnam-do Nonhyeon-dong, Incheon City, Gyeonggi-do Duryu-dong, Daegu City, Gyeongsangbokdo Sangjeong-dong, Cheonan City, Chungcheongnam-do Munmak-eup, Wonju City, Kangwon-do Osan-dong, Osan City, Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek-dong, Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi-do Wonmi-gu, Bucheon City, Gyeonggi-do Gyeongan-dong, Gwangju City, Gyeonggi-do Gyomun-dong, Guri City, Gyeonggi-do

Contact Numbers
02-6900-8018 031-838-9111~4

Centers Name
Gyeongdong Church Maha Buddha Center All-Nations Culture Center for Migrant Workers Gwangju Catholic Social Welfare Center (Migrants Division) Daejeon Migrant Workers Total Support Center Busan Missionary Church for Migrant Workers Samsan Society for Migrant Workers Migrant Workers Welfare Society in Korea Purun Citizen Comminity Incheon Seo-gu Foreign Social Welfare Center Ellim Foreign Support Center Incheon Center for Migrant Workers Yeosu Foreign Workers Cultural Center

Address
Nam-gu, Pohang City, Gyeongsangbok-do Jisan-dong, Gumi City, Gyeongsangbok-do Samdo-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju City, Jeollanam-do Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju City, Jeollanam-do Eunhaeng-dong, Jong-gu, Daejeon City, Chungcheongnam-do Jeonpo 2-dong, Jin-gu, Busan City, Gyeongsangnam-do Gwaebeop-dong, Sasang-dong, Busan City, Gyeongsangnamdo Guro 3-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul Imun-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Seoknam 2-dong, Seogu, Incheon City, Gyeonggi-do Sa-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon City, Gyeonggi-do Dohwa 3-dong, Namgu, Incheon City, Gyeonggi-do Kook-dong, Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do

Contact Number
054-291-0191 054-458-0755

Gimhae Center

055-338-2727

062-943-8930

Changwon Center Incheon Center Daegu Center

055-253-5273 032-431-5757 053-654-9700

062-954-8004 042-631-6242 051-803-9181

Cheonan Center

041-411-7001

051-902-2248

Community Together Osan Center for Migrant Workers Pyeongtaek Foreign Welfare Center Bucheon Migrant Workers House Kwangju Center for Migrants Uijeongbu EXODUS

070-7521-8097 031-372-9301 031-652-8855 032-654-0664 031-797-2688 031-878-6926 031-566-1142

02-858-4115 02-964-7530 032-578-3348 032-766-1061 032-874-3613 061-644-3927

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