Friday, November 28, 2014

2014 Month of Overseas Filipinos (MOF)



BACKGROUND ABOUT THE MONTH OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS


In the Philippines, the month of December is filled with joyous and festive celebrations. It is also the time of the year where the whole nation is commemorating the hard work and sacrifices, achievements, and positive contributions in the host and home countries, of the more than 10 million overseas Filipinos worldwide.

For more than a century now, Filipino migration has laid a strong groundwork in shaping the Philippines’ image and standing in global affairs. It is on this note that the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) on the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos (MOF) and International Migrants Day will again lead the month-long celebration as a tribute to the Filipino migrants for their significant role as partner in the country’s collective efforts towards the goals of inclusive growth and national and local development.

With the emerging issues and concerns related to and affecting migrants’ health such as mental health problems, HIV-AIDS and other infectious disease, and lack of access to basic health services, the theme for 2014 MOF is centered on the health and well-being of Filipinos overseas – “Promoting Migrants’ Health for Sustainable Development”. This is in recognition that the country’s greatest wealth are its human resources, and a testament to the reality that there’s still so much to be done for the welfare of overseas Filipinos.

The IAC for the Celebration of the MOF and the International Migrants Day chaired by the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch and co-chaired by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas with other government and non-government agencies as members, has lined up various activities, programs and services benefiting Filipino migrants and their families, in line with this theme.

Several international and local instruments have been passed to recognize migrants as agents of global development. In the Philippines, former President Corazon Aquino issued Proclamation No. 276 in June 1988, institutionalizing the commemoration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos every December. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 18 each year as International Migrants Day on 4 December 2000. On the important date, all member-states, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, will commence the occasion and disseminate information regarding the fundamental rights and freedom of migrants. An Inter-Agency Committee for the Celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day was created through Administrative Order No. 202 issued in October 2007.

The other members and partners of the IAC from government, private sector, and civil society include the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, Presidential Communications Operations Office, National Reintegration Center for OFWs, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, Social Security System, Migrant Forum in Asia, Philippine Migrants Research Network, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines, and League of Municipalities of the Philippines.



CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES ORGANIZED BY THE INTER-AGENCY COMMITTEE
ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE MONTH OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS



November 25, 2014

Regional Forum on Migration in Iloilo

By invitation only

A forum tackling issues on Filipino migration with this year’s theme “Promoting Migrants’ Health for Sustainable Development”.

 Venue: University of San Agustin, General Luna St., Iloilo City
Lead Agencies: Philippine Migrants Rights Watch, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, University of San Agustin
Contact Info: Ms. Carmelita Nuqui, Frencel Tingga, (+632) 526-9101, 552-4766 pmrw@pmrw.org.ph,  ftingga@cfo.gov.ph


November 30, 2014

International Forum on Migration in Singapore

Open to overseas Filipinos in Singapore

The first international forum conducted by IAC, tackling issues on Filipino migration with this year’s theme “Promoting Migrants’ Health for Sustainable Development”.

Venue: CANA Catholic Centre, No. 55 Waterloo Street, Singapore
Lead Agencies: Philippine Migrants Rights Watch, Commission on Filipinos Overseas
Contact Info: Ms. Carmelita Nuqui, Frencel Tingga, (+632) 526-9101, 552-4766 pmrw@pmrw.org.ph, ftingga@cfo.gov.ph

 
December 7, 2014

Let’s Go4Health! – Health Fair for Migrants and their Families

Open to the public

A Health Fair offering health promotion services (free nutrition counseling, HIV counseling, cholesterol and sugar check, BP, diamond peel, mass exercise, etc.) for migrants and their families.

Venue: Planas Garden, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City
Lead Agency: Department of Health
Contact Info: Dr. Joel Buenaventura, (+632) 651-7800 loc. 1352, jbuenaventura.bihc@gmail.com



December 18, 2014

National Forum on Migrants Health

By invitation only

A forum tackling issues on Filipino migration with this year’s theme “Promoting Migrants’ Health for Sustainable Development”.

Venue: SSS Magsaysay Hall, Social Security system, Quezon City
Lead Agency: Department of Health, Philippine Migrants Rights Watch
Contact Info: Dr. Joel Buenaventura/ Ms. Carmelita Nuqui, (+632) 651-7800 loc. 1352/ 526-9101, jbuenaventura.bihc@gmail.com/ pmrw@pmrw.org.ph


December 18, 2014

Migration Advocacy and Media Awards

By invitation only  

Awards given to private and public media works that have raised public awareness on issues on Filipino migration, advocated the cause of Filipinos overseas, or/and promoted a positive image of Filipinos overseas, and migration and development.

Venue: SSS Magsaysay Hall, Social Security system, Quezon City
Lead Agency: Commission on Filipinos Overseas    
Contact Info: Frencel Tingga, (+632) 552-4766, ftingga@cfo.gov.ph

 
December 18, 2014

Cultural Show for Migrants and their Families

By invitation only

A cultural presentation (song and dance) for overseas Filipinos and their families to increase the understanding and awareness of Philippine culture.


Venue: SSS Magsaysay Hall, Social Security system, Quezon City
Lead Agency: National Commission for Culture and the Arts
Contact Person: Veronica D. Amboni, (+632) 527-2206, intl_affairs@ncca.gov.ph


 
AGENCY ACTIVITIES 

November 5-9, 2014

Furniture and Furnishings Fair

Open to the public

Aims to showcase the best furniture and furnishings of local manufacturers, forge sustainable business relationships between SMEs and trade partners, and provide opportunities that may lead to increased employment.

Venue: Filinvest Tent, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Lead Agency: Bureau of Domestic Trade, Department of Trade and Industry

Contact Info:  Ms. Victoria Magkalas, 751-0384 local 2511, BDT@dti.gov.ph


November 15, 2014

Founding Anniversary of Occidental Mindoro

Open to the public

To showcase the talents and tourism attractions of the province.

Venue: Provincial Capitol Grounds, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

Lead Agency: Provincial Tourism Office

Contact Info: (043) 711-1816


November 18-26, 2014

Ugnayan sa Nordic: Engagement, Empowerment, Enterprise (U+No. =E3)

Open to overseas Filipinos in Nordic countries

The activity presents an opportunity for CFO to strengthen its services for migrants, establish a network among the growing number of Filipino community organizations in Nordic countries and further encourage both financial and “social” remittances channeled towards the country’s development.

Venue: Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden

Lead Agency: Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Contact Info: Ivy Miravalles, Jen Mareposque, (+632) 552-4700, mira216@yahoo.com, jen_mareposque@yahoo.com
November 25, 2014

2014 Walk to End Violence Against Women

Open to the public

The activity aims to echo united voice in protecting women’s human rights and ending VAW.

Venue: Quezon City Memorial Circle

Lead Agency: Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)

Contact Info: Ms. Jane Manahan , (02) 735-8509 or 735-1654 local 131, irmd@pcw.gov.ph
November 28, 2014

Ugnayan sa Middle East Forum: Engagement, Empowerment, Enterprise (U+ME=E3)

Open to overseas Filipinos in Middle East

The Forum presents an opportunity for CFO to reach out to the Filipinos in the Middle East and discuss various means of cooperation and engagement. It aims to strengthen CFO services for migrants and to help establish a network among the growing number of Filipino community organizations in the Middle East region.

Venue: Philippine School Doha, 52, Saad Bin Surara, Old Murror, Al Messilah Area, Doha, Qatar

Lead Agency: Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Contact Info: Regina Galias, Kristine Domagas, (+632) 552-4795, rgalias@cfo.gov.ph, kdomagas@cfo.gov.ph


November 30, 2014

Fun Run in Iloilo (6 AM)

Open to the public

To create positive life-affirming event for, strengthen relationship among OFs and their families, as well create awareness and education on their roles in tourism promotion. The activity has no registration fee and freebies will be given to participants. There will be Larong Pinoy and Film Showing (tourism-related) after the Fun Run. Pre-Registration at DOT VI Office from November 3 - 28, 2014.

Venue: SM City Iloilo to Esplanade, Diversion Road, Iloilo City

Lead Agency: Department of Tourism - Region VI

Contact Info:  Pamela Denise Cababasay, Mary Lou Gabinete, (033) 335-0245/337-5411


November 29 to December 3, 2014

Ugnayan sa Roma: Engagement, Empowerment, Enterprise (U+Ro. =E3)

Open to overseas Filipinos in Rome

The activity presents an opportunity for CFO and the Philippine Embassy in Rome to strengthen its services for migrants, establish a network among the growing number of Filipino community organizations in Italy and further encourage both financial and “social” remittances channeled towards the country’s development.

Venue: Rome, Italy

Lead Agency: Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Contact Info: Regina Galias/ Geronico Herrera, (+632) 552-4728, rgalias@cfo.gov.ph, gherrera@cfo.gov.ph
1st week of December

OFW Family Day

By invitation only

Annual Christmas get together of OFWs from Eastern Visayas and their families, as well as OWWA scholars gift giving.

Venue: TBA, Tacloban City

Lead Agencies: Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Region 8, Department of Tourism--Region 8

Contact Info: Norma C. Del Rosario, (053) 321-4376, owwatacloban@yahoo.com


December 4, 2014

Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA)

By invitation only

An annual event of OWWA honoring and paying tribute to OFW families who remain solid and stable despite the odds and challenges they face and encounter. It aims to feature the best practices of OFW families in tackling the difficulties of migration and share the stories of success of Model OFW families that they may serve as an inspiration to others in overcoming the hardships of working abroad and boost the image of OFW families in the country.

Venue: PICC, Roxas Blvd., Manila

Lead Agency: Overseas Workers Welfare Organization

Contact Info: Carmelina F. Velasquez, 891-6115,  carl_brunei@yahoo.com


December 5-8, 2014

Bila-Bila (Butterfly) Festival Boac, Marinduque

Open to the public

Promotion of Butterfly Festival and livelihood projects.

Venue: Marinduque Sports Complex

Lead Agency: Municipal Tourism Office

Contact Info:  (042) 332-1011
December 5, 2014

Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas

By invitation only

Awards conferred by the President of the Philippines to honor and recognize overseas Filipinos and organizations which have selflessly supported relief, rehabilitation and development programs in the Philippines, contributed to the betterment of Filipino communities abroad or who have exceptionally excelled in their field of profession.

Venue: Malacañan Palace, Manila

Lead Agency: Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Contact Info:  Rodrigo Garcia, (+632) 552-4765, rgarcia@cfo.gov.ph


December 5, 2014 - January 5, 2015 (tentative)

Christmas Animated Display

Open to the public

A 30-minute show of moving Christmas displays with the theme "Paskong Pilipino" to give the park goers particularly balikbayans and their families and friends an enjoyable holiday celebration.

Venue: Eastern Section (in front of the Relief Map of the Philippines), Rizal Park, Manila

Lead Agency: National Parks Development Committee

Contact Info: Gie Arnold, 302-7374
December 8, 2014

Feast of the  Immaculate Concepcion, Puerto Galera

Open to the public

To organize pilgrim activity in Puerto Galera and promote agro-trade fair.

Venue: Municipal town Plaza, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Lead Agency: Municipal Tourism Office

Contact Info: (043) 287-3051


December 8, 2014

Feast of the  Immaculate Concepcion, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Open to the public

To promote the Puerto Princesa Bay as one of the major tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa City and organize activities such as fluvial parade and cultural presentations.

Venue: Baywalk, Puerto,  Princesa City

Lead Agency: City Tourism Office

Contact Info: (048) 433-2983/433-4211


December 10, 2014

Fund Coordinators’ Club (FFC) Meeting and Christmas Party

By invitation

Venue: 8F Training Rm, Justine Bldg., 317 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Lead Agency: Pag-IBIG Fund

Contact Info: Sally C. Banal or Nova  Kristal P. Pala, (02) 892-4382/ (02) 840-1793
December 10-12, 2014

Megabalikbayan and OFW Expo

Open to the public

The event will showcase various products and services and link attendees with professionals and exhibitors of the event. It will also provide the exhibitors with an opportunity to excel in their businesses and make a huge market base for them.

Venue: SMX Convention Center,  Pasay

Lead Agency: Ex-Link Management & Marketing Services Corporation

Contact Info: 643-3887, 640-1280


December 10-12, 2014

OFW Family Bazaar

Open to public

Venue: Parking Lot, Justine Bldg., 317 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Lead Agency: Pag-IBIG Fund

Contact Info: Sally C. Banal or Nova Kristal P. Pala, (02) 892-4382/ (02) 840-1793


December 13, 2014

KAKAMMPI’s Gawad Parangal 2014

By invitation

The Awards annually honor individuals from various industries, who actively advance the welfare and human dignity of overseas Filipino workers.

Venue: 8F Training Rm, Justine Bldg., 317 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Lead Agency: Pag-IBIG Fund

Contact Info: Fe Nicodemus, (02) 553-8656 or Sally C. Banal, (02) 892-4382/ (02) 840-1793


December 13, 2014 , 5:00 pm (tentative)

Merry Treats:  A CAUSEtoPLAY and Mascorade

Open to the public

Back-to-back treats for families and park goers which will serve as the kick-off event for the Christmas season. A parade of cosplayers and mascots around the park and a program full of surprises for kids and kids-at-heart will take place afterwards.

Venue: Central Section, Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila

Lead Agency: National Parks Development Committee

Contact Info: Florizza Buclatin, 302-7079


December 15-23, 2014, 6:00-7:00 pm

9-Nights of Christmas Carols

Open to the public

An annual public service project for the holiday season. Performances of different choirs will be presented.

Venue: Cave Area, Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila

Lead Agency: National Parks Development Committee

Contact Info: Marianne Bool, 302-7079


December 15-23, 2014, 8:30-9:30 pm

Simbang Gabi sa Rizal Park

Open to the public

This series of nine masses held every December is an annual tradition of NPDC, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Nuestra Señora de Guia (Ermita Church).

Venue: Cave Area, Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila

Lead Agency: National Parks Development Committee

Contact Info: Shiela Javier, 302-7079


December 15-31, 2014

Pamaskong Handog sa OFWs: Pamaskong Salubong

For all arriving OFWs

It is a year-end outreach program of the Department of Labor and Employment  to bring Christmas cheers to arriving/ vacationing OFWs.



Venue: Philippines International Airports

Lead Agency: Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

Contact Info: Ma. Luz Talento, 891-7601 to 24 loc. 5902 or 5903


December 16, 2014

Tree Planting

By invitation

A tree planting activity with Pag-IBIG members.

Venue: San Mateo, Rizal (Tentative)
Lead Agency: Pag-IBIG Fund
Contact Info: Sally C. Banal or Nova Kristal P. Pala, (02) 892-4382/ (02) 840-1793


2nd week - 4th week of December

Balik Manggagawa

Open to arriving OFWs

To provide a warm homecoming reception to OFWs coming home for the holiday season. To show our modern day heroes that they are important and appreciated for their significant contribution to the Philippine economy. A project initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, together with the different national government agencies.

Venue: Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority
Lead Agencies: Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
Contact Info:  DOT - Region VII (032) 412-1967, DOLE (032) 266-9722/ 266-2792


December 31, 2014

New Year's Countdown

Open to the public

An exciting performances of various artists and the spectacular fireworks display to welcome the New Year.

Venue: Back of Rizal Monument, Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila (tentative)
Lead Agency: National Parks Development Committee
Contact Info: Florizza Buclatin, 302-7079


December 2014

Awarding of It's More Fun Christmas Package/Tokens for arriving OFWs
Open to arriving overseas Filipinos
To provide a warm welcome to visiting overseas Filipinos and returning OFWs.
Venue: Tuguegarao City Domestic Airport
Lead Agency: Department of Tourism - Region II
Contact Info:  (078) 304-1503, dotr2@yahoo.com



Whole month of December 2014


Pamaskong Handog sa OFWs -OFW Family Day

Open to OFWs and their families

It is an annual program of celebrating the Christmas season with the OFWs and their family members to bring joy to them during the Holiday season which is reunion and bonding time.

Venue: 17 Regional Offices specific venues to be identified by concerned Regional Offices
Lead Agency: Overseas Workers Welfare Organization
Contact Info: Carmelina F. Velasquez, 891-6115,  carl_brunei@yahoo.com


Every Friday, 6:00-7:00 pm
Paco Park Presents
Open to the public

A regular public service project of NPDC which feature classical and soothing music to promote sense of nationhood and pride in being Filipino through culture and arts.

Venue: Paco Park, San Marcelino, Manila
Lead Agency: National Parks Development Committee
Contact Info:  Florizza Buclatin, 302-7079

               
Every Friday, 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Week Nights @6
Open to the public

Various performances featuring the best of seven arts:  Music, Dance, Theater, Cinema, Literature, Architecture and Visual Arts. This is in celebration of the NPDC's 50th Founding Anniversary and in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and various stakeholders.

Venue: Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium
Lead Agency: National Parks Development Committee
Contact Info:  Shiela Javier, 302-7079, nationalparks@gmail.com


Every Saturday, 6:00-7:00 pm

Labs Kita, Sabado

Open to the public

A whole new treat to visitors at the Park which feature various forms of entertainment such as pop concerts, theater performances, cultural presentation, art workshops, games, and other surprises.

Venue: Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium, Ermita, Manila

Lead Agency: National Parks Development Committee
Contact Info: Florizza Buclatin, 302-7079
Every Sunday, 6:00-7:00 pm
Concert at the Park
Open to the public

Be serenaded by the finest performances of various Filipino and international musical talents.

Various cultural presentations are held for free.  Concert at the Park has won the Catholic Mass Media Hall of Fame Award for Best Cultural Program.

Venue: Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium, Ermita, Manila
Lead Agency: National Parks Development Committee
Contact Info: Florizza Buclatin, 302-7079

Thursday, November 20, 2014

OFW groups and advocates hail court decision on airport terminal fee integration

OFW groups and advocates hail court decision on airport terminal fee integration



Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) groups and advocates today hailed the court decision disallowing the implementation of the Manila International Airport Authority’s (MIAA) plan to integrate airport terminal fee in airline tickets for international passengers.

The group which called themselves as #NoTo550 Coalition said the decision of Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) is a victory that will have a far-reaching implication on millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“We are happy at the court’s decision on the issue of airport terminal fee integration. It is definitely a victory not only for us but also, most importantly, for the millions of hardworking Filipino workers abroad,” the group said.

Last Wednesday, the Pasay RTC ruled on the petition filed by #NoTo550 Coalition questioning the implementation of the MIAA Memorandum Circular No. 8 which seeks to integrate airport terminal fee amounting to P550 in airline ticket for international passengers.

The Court found the MIAA MC No. 8 as “unenforceable” because the agency has failed to publish the official copy of the memorandum as required by Article 2 of the Civil Code and Executive Order No. 292.

In his ruling, Pasay RTC Presiding Judge Tingaraan Guiling noted that MIAA has shown “no proof of publication in the Official Gazette nor in any newspaper of general circulation” and therefore, is deemed “unenforceable”.

The group however said that this initial victory is more than an encouragement for all OFWs to step up the fight against the MIAA MC No. 8 which, it maintained, undermines the integrity of the intent and spirit of the 1995 Migrant Workers Act, and as amended by RA 10022, which defines and safeguards our overseas workers’ rights.

According to them, they will continue to seek redress before the two houses of Congress until the MIAA finally abandons the implementation of its memorandum order that blatantly ignores the exemption from paying terminal fee among others as granted by law to all OFWs.

“Our work is not yet done. We will continue to bring our case to Congress that made the law exempting our Filipino workers abroad from paying terminal fee. We still hold a firm belief that a mere circular violates the 1995 Migrant Workers Act,” the group said.

Members of #Noto550 Coalition include OFW Family Partylist Rep. Roy Seneres, Ma. Susan “Toots” Ople of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, Gemma Comiso of PinoyExpats/OFW Blog Awards, Engrs. Nelson Ramirez and Bienvenido Lorque of United Filipino Seafarers, Carmelita Nuqui of Philippine Migrants’ Rights Watch, Ellene Sana of Center for Migrant Advocacy, Loreto Soriano of the LBS Recruitment, Elso Cabangon and Rashid Fabricante of Filipino Migrant Workers Group, Sis. Teresa Evasco of Daughters of Charity Migrants Desk, Luther Calderon of KAMPI, Ma. Fe Nicodemus of KAKAMMPI, Patrick Itao and Abby Platero of the Office of Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Edward Era of Filipino Lifeline, Federation of Associations of Manpower Exporters and Ang Bagong Bayani OFW Labor Party.

Both Sen. Koko Pimentel and OFW Family Partylist Rep. Roy Seneres have earlier filed separate resolutions calling for an immediate investigation into the MIAA MC No. 8. The House committee on overseas workers affairs has scheduled on Monday, 9:30 AM to hear the issue.