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PH asks Bahamas to let 1,000 Filipino workers to keep jobs

 News
Apr 242013
 
PH asks Bahamas to let 1,000 Filipino workers to keep jobs

By Tarra QuismundoPhilippine Daily Inquirer 7:45 pm | Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has requested the Bahamas to allow Filipinos to retain their jobs as the independent British commonwealth starts implementing a new labor policy seeking to cut unemployment rates on the islands by replacing foreign workers with locals. The Embassy dispatched a consular team to the territory just off the US state of Florida earlier this month to make the appeal to the Bahamian government to let Filipino workers keep their jobs despite the pro-local labor initiative. “We presented Manila’s position on behalf of many of the more than 1,000 Filipinos in Bahamas, particularly housekeepers, cooks, hotel employees and medical workers who stand to lose their jobs as a result of the so-called Bahamianization of the local labor force,” said Consul General Ariel Penaranda in a statement. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia, Jr. sent Peñaranda and Labor Attaché Luzviminda Padilla to the Bahamian capital of Nassau this month to convey the request. Officials from the Bahamian side who met with the Filipino team included Bahamas’ foreign affairs and labor ministers and the chief of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, said the Embassy in a statement. During the meeting, Bahamian officials recognized the Filipino community’s contribution to the islands, the Embassy said. Filipinos in the Bahamas are mostly employed as domestic helpers, medical workers, cooks and hotel employees. The Philippine side meanwhile aired its concern about the new labor policy. The Embassy said the officials Read More …

South China Sea: A decades-long source of tension

 News
Apr 242013
 
South China Sea: A decades-long source of tension

Agence France-Presse 6:17 pm | Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — Competing claims to the South China Sea have for decades been a source of tension in the region. China’s increasing assertiveness in staking its claim in recent years has caused concern for neighboring countries, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam. The South China Sea issue will be a top priority for Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) leaders during their two-day summit in Brunei beginning on Wednesday. Below are key facts on the sea and the competing claims: Geography The South China Sea covers more than 3 million square kilometers (1.16 million square miles) on the western edge of the Pacific, with China and Taiwan to the north, the Philippines to the east, Borneo island to the south, and Vietnam to the west. It contains hundreds of small islands, islets and rocks, most of which are uninhabited. The Paracel and Spratly chains contain the biggest islands. Significance The sea is the main maritime link between the Pacific and Indian oceans, giving it enormous trade and military value. Its shipping lanes connect East Asia with Europe and the Middle East. Major unexploited oil and gas deposits are believed to lie under the seabed. The sea is home to some of world’s biggest coral reefs and, with marine life being depleted close to coasts, it is important as a source of fish to feed growing populations. Claimants China and Taiwan both claim nearly all of the sea, while Vietnam, the Philippines, Read More …

Southeast Asian leaders to talk China, trade

 News
Apr 242013
 
Southeast Asian leaders to talk China, trade

Agence France-Presse 5:25 pm | Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 From left to right, Myanmar’s President Thein Sein, Philippines’ President Benigno Aquino III, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, pose for a photo during the 21st Asean Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. AP PHOTO/VINCENT THIAN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN—Southeast Asian leaders will meet in Brunei on Wednesday hoping to heal wounds from infighting over relations with China, while building momentum towards groundbreaking economic partnerships. The annual summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comes after the bloc suffered deep splits last year linked to territorial disputes with China over the resource-rich South China Sea. Asean members Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as China and Taiwan, claim parts of the sea, which is also home to some of the world’s most important shipping lanes as well as rich fishing grounds. But a push by the Philippines and Vietnam for Asean to send a united message to an increasingly aggressive China crumbled amid resistance from Cambodia, a close Chinese ally that held the rotating chair of the bloc in 2012. Senior Asean figures emphasized ahead of the two-day summit in Brunei’s capital that the group, which for more than four decades has operated by consensus, must work hard to find common ground on the South China Sea issue. Asean leaders will make a united call in an end-of-summit Read More …

Donaire: “He’s no Manny Pacquiao”

 News
Apr 172013
 
Donaire: “He’s no Manny Pacquiao”

By Elton Lugay INQUIRER.net US Bureau 7:47 am | Thursday, April 18th, 2013 Dethroned Donaire talks to the press. Photo by Elton Lugay NEW YORK CITY–Nonito Donaire, also known as the Filipino Flash, said he did his best. He lost his WBO super bantamweight title to Guillermo Rigondeaux in a decision on April 14. “I thought that he wasn’t better than me,” he told Inquirer.net. “I did my best. I thought I should have done something different but I didn’t.” But Donaire’s “best” was not good enough for judge Jon Stewart and others on the panel, who decided in favor of his Cuban opponent. The Donaire-Rigondeaux match had turned the legendary Radio City Music Hall–known for its Christmas musicals with the Rockettes’ shiny dancing legs–into an arena for brutal boxing and its loud, rowdy fans. In a quieter post-fight moment, Donaire reflected on his loss. Teenage singer Tiffany Viray of New York performed the Philippine National Anthem before the Donaire-Rigondeaux fight. Photo by Elton Lugay “I wanted to give an exciting fight for everybody, but you know he (Rigondeaux) was really a good fighter, so he deserves a congratulations from the judges,” Donaire conceded. Filipino boxing aficionados had mixed feelings about Donaire’s disappointing performance. Bartender Daphne Yao said Donaire is “no Manny Pacquiao.” “He’s not hungry enough, not poor enough, not flawed enough,” she said. Stony Brook University student Adrian del Rosario said Rigondeaux was a “bad match” for Nonito. “I won’t say Rigo is a better fighter, but it’s Read More …

Comcast cites progress of effort to close digital divide

 News
Apr 032013
 
Comcast cites progress of effort to close digital divide

INQUIRER.net US Bureau 7:30 am | Thursday, April 4th, 2013 AFP FILE PHOTO WASHINGTON, D.C.– Comcast released the second progress report on its Internet Essentials program, the company’s major effort at  connecting lower-income Americans to the Internet. “In just 16 months, Internet Essentials has helped put a real dent in the digital divide and connected more than 150,000 low-income families, or 600,000 Americans, to the power of the Internet, most for the first time in their lives,” said Comcast Executive VP David L. Cohen. “That’s approximately the entire population of Washington, D.C. or Boston,” Cohen added. Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest, most comprehensive broadband adoption initiative designed to help close the digital divide. “When it comes to education, the Internet has changed everything,” said Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. Children, he said, can do research for their homework, and parents get connected to their child’s school to monitor grades and see their child’s development, Carvalho added. The 2nd Annual Internet Essentials Progress Report covers key program milestones through the end of 2012 milestones, a number of program enhancements and a new award designed to honor top-performing school districts.  Milestones include: Printed and shipped more than 25 million pieces of collateral material for free. Fielded more than one million phone calls in dedicated Internet Essentials call center. Distributed more than 15,000 computers at less than $150 each. Trained 10,000 people in-person about digital literacy and how to use the Internet. Received more than 800,000 visitors to the Internet Essentials and Read More …

Fil-Am rondalla program thrives

 News
Apr 032013
 
Fil-Am rondalla program thrives

INQUIRER.net US Bureau 7:01 am | Thursday, April 4th, 2013 Instrument lending program beneficiaries after performing at the “Kwerdas sa Kaunlaran” Festival in Manila. SAN JOSE,California—A Filipino American musical organization based in this city has continued to promote a diverse, local musical culture while helping improve the lives of many young people. Pagyamanin Likas Musika (PLM), an informal not-for-profit group established by George Gange with friends and former schoolmates, has a unique Rondalla Instrument Lending Program for interested children of a nominated village or school in the Philippines. PLM founder George Gange with guests at the rondalla festival in Manila. From its humble beginnings in February 2010, the PLM rondalla instrument lending rogram has reached 46 community/institution beneficiaries. This number includes an orphanage in Davao, a foundation for street children in Quezon City, an elementary school in Payatas and Southern Leyte, GK Villages in Angat, Bulacan, and Imus Cavite, indigenous tribes in Roxas, Palawan, a Philippines National School for the Blind in Pasay and a similar school in Davao serving hundreds of underprivileged children. Seven of the program’s beneficiary groups’ performances at the 3rd Pagyamanin Likas Musika Rondalla Festival (“Kwerdas Sa Kaunlaran”) last Feb. 23 proved the value of the PLM program. Held at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila University Activity Center the free event showcased newfound rondalla talents of many underprivileged children. An added highlight of the festival was the special participation of what is considered the best rondalla group today, Celso Espejo Rondalla (CER) of Las Pinas City. “Hopefully Read More …

US backs PH tack in sea row

 News
Apr 032013
 
US backs PH tack in sea row

By Tarra QuismundoPhilippine Daily Inquirer 6:49 am | Thursday, April 4th, 2013 Secretary of State John Kerry. AP FILE PHOTO Citing the importance of peace and stability in Asia-Pacific region, the United States has thrown its full support behind the Philippines’ bid for arbitration in the United Nations to settle a territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). In remarks before talks with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario in Washington on Tuesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated his government’s support for a code of conduct in the West Philippine Sea, home to vital sea lanes and islands believed to be sitting on vast energy and mineral reserves. “The Philippines is one of our five Asia-Pacific allies and a very, very important relationship at this point in time when there are tensions over the South China Sea, where we support a code of conduct, and we are deeply concerned [about] some of those tensions and would like to see it worked out through a process of arbitration,” Kerry told reporters at the US Department of State. A transcript of his remarks was posted on the department’s website. The West Philippine Sea dispute has long been a matter of keen interest for Kerry who, as senator, “was a moving force” behind a resolution in the US Senate seeking a peaceful settlement of disputes in those waters, Del Rosario said after his meeting with the new top US diplomat. Kerry replaced former State Secretary Hillary Clinton, Read More …

TFC, Comelec, DFA launch new drive for overseas voters

 News
Apr 022013
 
TFC, Comelec, DFA launch new drive for overseas voters

INQUIRER.net US Bureau 12:29 pm | Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 Mario Guillermo, with his wife Lilia, is being assisted by Overseas Absentee Voters officer Rey Sambitan. FILE PHOTO Encouraged by the record-breaking turnout of Filipinos during the registration period last year, The Filipino Channel (TFC) is again teaming up with the Commission on Elections and the Department of Foreign Affairs – Overseas Absentee Secretariat (DFA-OAVS) to promote overseas voting for the May 13 elections. Through a campaign entitled, Boto mo, kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino (Your vote is the future of each Filipino), TFC last year disseminated public service announcements (PSAs) in print media and social networking sites. The turnout exceeded records for new overseas Filipino registrants in the past three elections in 2004, 2007 and 2010. Total registration hit close to a million or a total of 988,384, a milestone for a registration for a non-presidential election. This year, TFC, Comelec and DFA-OAVs are tapping young superstar Kim Chiu, variety show “ASAP” mainstay and enterprising actor Robi Domingo, “Pinoy True Stories” hosts and respected reporters Maan Macapagal, Atom Araullo and multi-awarded anchor Ted Failon.  They will join last year’s endorsers–Boy Abunda, Pokwang, Eric Santos, Randy Santiago and Piolo Pascual in conveying the message “Your vote is our (every Filipino’s) future.” “We encourage our kababayans to exercise their right to suffrage and choose the nation’s next leaders who can make a difference in the lives of every Filipino,” says TFC Philippine Country manager Edson Aguiflor. DFA Undersecretary and OAVS Chairman Jose Read More …

US backs PH bid for arbitration on West Philippine Sea row

 News
Apr 022013
 
US backs PH bid for arbitration on West Philippine Sea row

By Tarra QuismundoINQUIRER.net 10:03 am | Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 Secretary of State John Kerry. AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — The United States has thrown its full support behind the Philippines’ bid to settle disputes with China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) through arbitration as the country’s long-time defense ally underscored its importance as a partner in the Asia-Pacific. In remarks before talks with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario in Washington D.C. Tuesday morning (US time), Secretary of State John Kerry also reiterated his government’s support for a code of conduct in the disputed waters, a critical international sea lane. “The Philippines is one of our five Asia-Pacific allies and a very, very important relationship at this point in time when there are tensions over the South China Sea, where we support a code of conduct, and we are deeply concerned [about] some of those tensions and would like to see it worked out through a process of arbitration,” said Kerry in remarks before media at the US State Department. Del Rosario said Kerry expounded on this during their meeting and “emphasized the importance the United States gives to maintaining peace and stability in the area.” “More importantly, Secretary Kerry assured me that the US is committed to supporting the efforts of the Philippines to settle the disputes peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law,” said Manila’s top diplomat. Del Rosario’s meeting with Kerry in Washington is the first for the two officials since Read More …

Filipinos in Saudi told: Have papers in order

 News
Apr 022013
 
Filipinos in Saudi told: Have papers in order

By Tarra QuismundoPhilippine Daily Inquirer 7:03 am | Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 DFA Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez. INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday reminded Filipino migrant workers in Saudi Arabia to make sure their work and residence documents were in order after the kingdom, one of the largest employers of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), launched a crackdown against illegal aliens. DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez likewise issued a general reminder to Filipinos seeking employment overseas to “go through the proper recruitment process and abide by the laws of the respective countries at all times.” He said the Philippine embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah were closely following the Saudi government’s drive against illegal workers and employers, a sweep that started on Monday under Saudi labor laws. “The Philippine embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine consulate general in Jeddah are closely monitoring the implementation by the Saudi government of its ongoing drive to go after erring employers and illegal workers, as mandated by Saudi labor laws,” said Hernandez in a statement. “The embassy has told Filipino workers to ensure that their residence and work status were in accordance with the regulations for work and residency permits of Saudi Arabia,” he said. The DFA said Philippine missions in Saudi Arabia were prepared to provide consular assistance to Filipinos who may be taken into custody. “The embassy and consulate are ready to extend the appropriate assistance to Filipinos who are arrested during this drive,” Read More …

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