Vol.I No. 02 Quarterly Publication of the Philippine Embassy, www.athenspe.net Apr-Jun 2007 TWO BIG INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENTS IN ATHENS

Three in Cyprus OWWA Administrator Marianito Roque. … with the Filipino Community Cultural presentations of various Filipino organizations in Athens Independence Day festivities in Athens featured dances and songs from the began on June 10 with the “Pista ng various regions of the country Kalayaang Pilipino sa Gresya” at the performed by students of Philippine Fokianos/Zappeion Basketball Court schools and selected members of the Ambassador Rigoberto D. Tiglao and Mme. Getsy organized by the Philippine Embassy Filipino Community. Tiglao welcome Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis and the Filipino Community in Athens. Stylianidis at the diplomatic reception held on June There were dance interpretations of 12 at the Hotel Grand Bretagne in Athens. The day-long event began with a parade Binuyugan, La Jota Moncadenia, led by Ambassador Rigoberto D. Tiglao Gaway-gaway, Alay, and Tinikling; … with the and Madame Getsy Tiglao, with the while the songs included Kataka-taka, participation of the Philippine Embassy Kalesa, Byahe Tayo, Tagumpay Nating In the evening of June 12, Ambassador Officers and staff, and Filipino Lahat. Isang Lahi, and Awit ng Rigoberto Tiglao and Madame Getsy organizations. Pangarap. Tiglao hosted a reception attended by Ambassador Tiglao and Embassy A contest on ‘Best in National Costume’ some 250 guests at the Grand Ballroom of officials read the Independence Day was also held to highlight the different the Hotel Grande Bretagne, the most messages of H.E. President Gloria regional Philippine attires. prestigious venue in Athens and Macapagal Arroyo, Secretary Alberto considered one of the top hotels in Romulo, Secretary Arturo Brion, and (Continued on page 7) Europe. Guests included Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, ambassadors from the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, ranking officials of the Greek government, the special representative of the mayor of Athens, Christina Deligianni, Chief of Staff of Member of Parliament Stavros Daliakis, and leaders of the Filipino Community. Greek shipping industry magnates and executives also attended the reception, More photos on such as Olympic Carriers’ Antonious pages 4-5, Cyprus Antoniou, Micha Cattaui, Katia Filippou Ambassador and Madame Tiglao lead Embassy officials and celebrations, page of the Hellenic Blue Seafarers Maritime personnel in singing the National Anthem at the Flag-Raising 6. Services, and Gabriel Petrides, one of the ceremony on 12 June 2007 at the Embassy. The ceremony two owners of the Aries shipping and was followed by a traditional Filipino breakfast. energy conglomerate. Close Greek RP, Greek officials to friends of the ambassador attended the Highlights of Law 3536/2007 event, such as the Philippines’ Issuance and renewal of residence/ negotiate social security Thessaloniki Honorary Consul Nikolaos work permits of citizens of third agreement in Manila countries in Margaropoulos, Dr. Marcos Fojas, Dr. Helen Marcoyannoupoulo-Fojas,  According to the new Law 3536/2007, The second round of negotiations for businessman Yorgos Psinakis, and Arthur which amends 3386/2005, citizens of a the Philippines-Greece Social Security Antenucci. Prominent Athinian surgeons third country who wish to renew their Agreement is scheduled to be held in Prof. Niklas Lygidakis and Dr. Ioannis residence permit may now apply for Manila in October 2007 between renewal two (2) months before the officials of the Social Security System Lyras were also in the reception. expiration of his/her permit. Permits may (SSS) of the Philippines and Greek Guests enjoyed Filipino dishes prepared also be renewed one (1) month after its Ministry of Labor and Social Security. by the Embassy staff and the Filipino expiration; however, the applicant must The meeting is upon the invitation of Community. The world-famous the Philippine Government, and had Philippine beer, ‘San Miguel Pale Pilsen’ (Continued on page 3) (Continued on page 6) (Continued on page 7)

2 PhilippiNews Apr-Jun 2007

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Spotlight Birth: 17 March 1931 in Manila

Dr. Marcos Fojas Honored by Married to Dr. Helen Marcoyannopoulou

‘Filipino Image’ Magazine Children: Angel Constantino and George

In April 2007, Dr. Marcos R. Fojas, a EDUCATION: Filipino ophthalmologist residing in Valedictorian, Torres High School, November 1948. Athens, Greece, was named as one of Sixth Place, University of the Philippines (UP) College of the Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Medicine, March 1956 Abroad (TOFA) by the Filipino Image (FILIMAGE) Magazine based in Sixth Place, Medical Board Examinations, August 1956 Washington DC. MEDICAL EXPERIENCE: For the past twenty years, this Opthamologist, UP-PGH Medical Center prestigious award has been given annually to Filipinos living Chief Researcher, Philippine Eye Research Institute abroad who have made a name for the Philippines and in their host countries. As quoted by the magazine, Dr. Fojas Project Director of the “Operation Sight Saver” which has now become a member of the International Circle of extended free eye care to thousands of indigent patients in Filipino Leaders, and is the lone awardee from Europe. He slum and rural areas of the Philippines in the 1960s will receive the Award in September 2007 during a Secretary Treasurer, Philippine Ophthalmological Society ceremony to be held in Washington DC, USA. Professorial Lecturer, Teacher Training Program for the Dr. Fojas demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of Blind Filipinos in Athens when he was one of the founders of the Katipunan Philippines Cultural Academy. He managed the Assistant Editor, Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology

school as President of the Kaphilca Board of Trustees for Awarded a Colombo Plan Scholarship in London from 1960- eight years until 2005, during which time the school reached 1961 a peak enrolment of about 200 students. Dr. Fojas continues to serve Kaphilca as the Philippine Ambassador’s Special Consultant Ophthalmologist, Evangelismos University Adviser on Kaphilca Affairs. He played the crucial role in Hospital, the biggest General Hospital in the Balkan Area after moving to Athens, Greece in the 1970’s. securing for Kaphilca the required authorization to operate as a school from the Ministry of National Education and Director and Chief, Opthamological Department, Kinshasa Religious Affairs. Consequently, Kaphilca is now the only General Hospital in the Republic of Zaire (formerly the school in Europe for Filipinos overseas that is recognized by Belgian Congo) from 1971-1973. the host government. Dr. Fojas is married to Dr. Helen Marcoyannopoulou-Fojas, AWARDS: a world-renowned cardiologist, who has also been committed Recipient, Presidential Banaag Award, December 2005

to promoting Filipinos’ health in Greece.  Inducted into the Grand Ordre des Medicins du Zaire for outstanding services to the people of Zaire from 1971-1973

KAPHILCA Holds 5th relatives, as well as friends of COA Visits Athens Commencement Exercises KAPHILCA pupils and the entire school community. A six-woman delegation from the Commission on Audit (COA) was in The Katipunan Philippines Cultural KAPHILCA is accredited with the Athens for an official visit from 18-29 Academy (KAPHILCA), the Philippine Department of Education of the June 2007. School in Greece, held its Fifth Philippines having been granted The team was headed by Director Aida Commencement Exercises and Tenth accreditation for all three levels of basic Maria Talavera and included State Closing Ceremonies on 23 June 2007 at education. It was granted a permit to Auditors Delia Monte de Ramos, Danaos Theatre in Athens. operate in Greece by the Hellenic Victoriana Maquiling, Alma Harder, Ambassador Rigoberto D. Tiglao graced Ministry of National Education and Adela Dondonilla and Belen Ladines. the occasion and conferred medals, Religious Affairs in a Note Verbale sent The auditing is standard practice for awards and certificates to the twenty to the Embassy dated 15 November foreign-based government agencies graduates. He was assisted by 2006 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (FBGAs) under the Department of KAPHILCA Director Roberto Fresnido. Resolution No. 01-2006 issued on 9 Foreign Affairs, and includes the June 2006 by the Inter-Agency attached agencies of the Philippine Dr. Marcos R. Fojas, former President Overseas Labor Office (POLO), the of the Board of Trustees of KAPHILCA Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas Workers Welfare and Special Adviser to the Ambassador Overseas placed KAPHILCA under the Administration (OWWA) and Pag-Ibig on KAPHILCA Affairs, delivered the direct supervision of the Philippine Fund Overseas Office. commencement address. Embassy in Athens and authorizes the The auditing was done at the Embassy Embassy to take steps as may be Around 450 people attended the premises and the Filipino Workers necessary to carry out the objectives of graduation which included parents and Resource Center (FWRC). the resolution. 

Apr-Jun 2007 PhilippiNews 3

ATHENS PE ACHIEVES 32% VOTER TURNOUT IMPORMASYON UKOL SA DURING OAV EXERCISE INYONG PASAPORTE Republic Act 8239 or the Philippine A total of 1,867 voters, or turnout to the various The successful overseas Passport Act of 1996, states that the 32% of the registered meetings with the voting in Athens was also acquisition of a Philippine Passport is a 5,907, took part in the Accredited Community due to the aggressive and PRIVILEGE, hence it remains at all month-long Overseas Partners (ACPs)/ Filipino energetic information times the property of the Philippine Absentee Voting (OAV) Community leaders held dissemination campaign Government. exercise in Athens from prior to the OAV period, undertaken by every 14 April – 14 May 2007, when everyone was urged member of the staff, led A passport is a document that is thus giving the Philippine to participate in the by Ambassador Tiglao, superior to all other official documents. Embassy in Athens the elections, thus availing of particularly during after- As such, it should be accorded by its distinction of having the benefits of the office hours, such as holder the highest respect and care. To achieved one of the political exercise abroad. attendance at Filipino do damage to its integrity and validity is The Filipino Community Community gatherings, a serious crime and punishable by law. highest number of voter was also challenged to private celebrations, turnout. GROUNDS FOR DENIAL, equal, if not surpass, the competitions and There was even a voter voter turnout achieved distribution of leaflets in CANCELLATION OF PASSPORT from the islands who during the 2004 venues frequented by traveled by overnight boat An applicant may be denied issuance of Presidential Elections that Filipinos throughout to Athens to cast her vote, a passport for the following reasons: saw the Philippine Athens and soliciting the Mrs. Virginia B. Turiano 1. on order of the court; Embassy in Athens rank support of the Embassy’s from Chios, an island among the top 5 posts in staff and friends.  2. upon the formal request by the which lies just a few natural or legal guardian when Europe. miles from the coast of applicant is a minor; Turkey. 3. when the applicant has been During the first weekend found to have violated any of the of May, a team led by provisions of R.A. 8239 or the Consul General Eleanor Philippine Passport Act of 1996; Jaucian traveled by van to 4. upon the lawful order of the the northern city of Secretary when it deems it Thessaloniki and was able necessary to the interest of national to serve 74 voters, security, public safety or public representing almost 80% of the total eligible voters health; in that area. 5. upon failure of the applicant to The Embassy attributes Lauro Caparas (extreme left) was the first OFW in Greece to cast his present documentary proof as the successful voter ballot during the overseas absentee voting (OAV) for the 2007 specified in Article 6, Section 1(E) Senatorial and Party List Elections. hereof ;

6. such other disqualifications under LAW 3536/2007, (Continued from page 1)  The new law also allows citizens of third existing laws. countries who stayed in Greece until pay a fine. December 31, 2004 to obtain a temporary Para sa aming kababayan sa Gresya at

residence permit. The required supporting Cyprus,  With regard the renewal of the permit for documents will be defined with a Ministry’s We wish to assure you that assisting dependant work, the new law allows those Decision. The deadline of submission of who have not completed the required Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) applications is 30 September 2007. remains the highest priority of the minimum IKA stamps to buy out the rest, Philippine Embassy. up to 20% of the total stamps. Moreover,  Those who have applied for the renewal of the residence permit for dependant work their residence permit after the Mabuhay ang Pilipino sa Gresya at can be transformed to a residence permit implementation of Law 3386/2005 and lack Cyprus!! for independent economic activity after the required minimum IKA stamps may now Consular Section three years following its first issuance. buy out the rest of them. PhilippiNew s is published quarterly by the Embassy of the Philippines in Athens, Greece. Athens PE Acquires Passport this, passports were scripted by hand. H.E. Ambassador Rigoberto D. Tiglao Printing Machine The machine resembles an electric type- Minister Eleanor L. Jaucian Advisers writer, but has an extra mechanism which Consul Patricia V. Barrera Beginning the third week of January Editor-in-Chief allows the insertion of thicker passports. 2007, passports and visas issued by the Typing errors can now be more easily Nathalie A. Fajardo Renell D. Martinez Analydia A. Turiano Cielo L. Gamayon Philippine Embassy in Athens have been corrected, minimizing spoilage. In addi- Editorial Staff typed on an ‘IBM Wheelwriter 35 by tion, the passports have acquired a Bamboo Martinez Art Consultant Lexmark’ machine specially flown in ‘modern’ look like the ones being issued Address: 26 Antheon St., Paleo Psychico 15254 Athens, Greece from Los Angeles, California. Prior to Tel. Nos.: (0030) 210 6721837 or 883 Fax No.: (0030) 210 6721 872 by other countries.  Email: [email protected], [email protected]

4 PhilippiNews Apr-Jun 2007

Pista ng Kalayaang Pilipino sa Gresya, 10 June 2007, Zappeion Court, Athens

Amb. Tiglao reads the Independence Day Message of H.E. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, while Consul General Eleanor Jaucian, Labor Attaché George Eduvala and Welfare Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao lead the officers and staff of From left: Mr. Royce Edrozo, Ms. Officer Jocelyn Hapal read the messages of Foreign Affairs the Philippine Embassy personnel and the members Tess Doe, Ms. Tess Sells, and Secretary Alberto Romulo, Labor Secretary Arturo Brion, and of the Filipino Community during the parade that Mr. Sixto Umandap lead the OWWA Administrator Marianito Roque, respectively. officially opened the festivities in Zappeion Court. Invocation.

Students of KAPHILCA dance the La Jota Moncadenia. Exequila Aledon Students of KAPHILCA serenade the audience with a medley of Filipino leads the singing of songs: Kataka-taka, Kalesa and Byahe Tayo. Lupang Hinirang.

Athina Bravo Members of Servants Community Members of Abrenians in Greece perform the belts out Isang interpret Ako ay Pilipino. Tinguians ethnic dance. Lahi. Members of Youth for Christ (YFC) dance the Tinikling like a pro.

Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao with Mr. Joel Capuz, one of the winners of a round trip ticket Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao pose with the winners of the The OWWA Graduates Chorale, composed of graduates of to Manila during the Raffle Best in National Costume. OWWA courses, sing Awit ng Pangarap. Draw.

Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao with the members of Minus One, winner of the event’s Youth Band Competition. Amb. Bobi Tiglao and Mme. Getsy Tiglao pose with some of the Accredited Community Partners (ACPs) in Greece.

Apr-Jun 2007 PhilippiNews 5

National Day Reception, 12 June 2007, Hotel Grand Bretagne, Athens

Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao greet officials from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Elsa Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao welcome the Apostolic , Zorbala and Amb. Constantine Giovas; and Ministry of Tourism International Affairs Direc- Patrick Coveney and the Dean of the Diplomatic tor, Amb. Alexis Christopoulos. Corps, Estonian Amb. Andres Unga.

Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao with the ASPAC Ambassadors: Thai Amb. Chatchawed Chartsuwan, Chinese Amb. Tian Xuejun, Korean Amb. Bae Young-han, Australian Amb. Paul Tighe, Indian Amb. Bhaskar Balakrishnan, Indonesia CDA Hadi Sasmito and Japanese Deputy Chief of Mission Masaki Takano.

Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao with colleagues from the Middle East: Israeli Amb. Ali Yahya, Kuwaiti Amb. Khaled With Angolan Amb. Isaias Vilinga and South Al-Duwailah, Syrian Amb. Souad Al-Ayoubi, and Iranian Amb. Mehdi Mohtashami. African Amb. Mandisa Dona Marasha.

Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao greet the European Union (EU) Ambassadors: Spanish Amb. Juan Salazar, Austrian Amb. With Amb. Tahsin Burcuoğlu Herbert Kröll, Czech Amb. Hana Mottlova, and Cyprus Amb. Georgios Georgis. of Turkey.

Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao with Consul Patricia Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao with Thessaloniki Consul a.h. Nikolaos Barrera and popular singer, Jose Mari Chan, and Amb. Tiglao samples a can of San Miguel Margaropoulos (extreme left), Arthur Antenucci, Micha and Feny his wife. beer. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Cattaui, and Yorgos Psinakis. Mr. Psinakis, a nephew of anti-Marcos generously donated San Miguel Pale Pilsen dictatorship militant and former Meralco top executive Steve Psinakis, and its new product, Hess Malt Beer, for is active in promoting Greek-Philippines trade. the reception.

Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao with 2005 Presidential Banaag Awardee Dr. Marcos Fojas, Ms. Yvette Jarvis, representative of Athens Mayor Nikitas Amb. and Mrs. Tiglao are flanked by Consul Patricia Barrera, Consul General Ellen Jaucian, Kaklamanis, and Dr. Helen Marcoyannopoulou-Fojas, a world-renowned renowned artist Anton Juan (from left), Cultural Officer Analy Turiano, designer Dita Sandico-Ong Greek cardiologist. (from right), and members of the Filipino Community.

6 PhilippiNews Apr-Jun 2007

CYPRUS Corner FILIPINOS IN CYPRUS CELEBRATE 109TH INDEPENDENCE The Filipino Community in Cyprus celebrated the SHEMAINE ALONZO 109th Anniversary of the BUSHNELL- Proclamation of Philippine KYRIAKIDIS Independence with two New Honorary celebrations in the capital, Consul, Nicosia Nicosia; and one each in Limassol and Paphos. Mrs. Shemaine (‘Ginger’) Alonso The celebration on June 3 Bushnell-Kyriakides is the new in Nicosia was hosted by Philippine Honorary Consul in Nicosia, the Visayan Region Cyprus, who officially assumed her Overseas Workers and Labor Attaché Jaime Gimenez and Honorary Consul Shemaine position on 02 May 2007. Friends Organization at Kyriakidis (2nd and 4th from left) pose with the winners of Queen of the Solomon Square Park the Philippine Independence Day 2007 held on 03 June 2007 in She is married to Mr. Alexis Kyriakides, and was attended by Labor Nicosia. a Cypriot citizen, and has been residing Attaché Atty. Jaime Former Honorary Consul ‘Tinig Pinoy Filipino in Cyprus for the past two years. Gimenez and Mrs. Vanthoula Tsaousis- Voice’ at Tripoli Park, and Mrs. Bushnell was born in Cebu and Shemaine Bushnell- Constantinides sponsored was attended by Filipinos moved to California during her high Kyriakides, the newly- the uniforms of the from Nicosia, Limassol school years. appointed Philippine dancers belonging to the and Paphos. Labor Honorary Consul. She graduated from the University of Consular Volunteers Attaché Jimenez read the California at Los Angeles (UCLA) with There was a cultural group. Independence Day a degree in B.A., Political Science, with presentation by Filipinos The celebration on June 10 message of H.E. President emphasis on International Relations. from Nicosia and Larnaca. in Nicosia was hosted by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, She worked for Fox News Channel/ 20th while Honorary Consul Century Fox from 1996-2003 as Kyriakides sent a Regional Show Manager/Satellite Feed representative as she had Supervisor, Assignment Desk Editor/ to leave for the United Producer, and Field Producer/ Assistant States. Guests included Planning Editor. Cypriot businessmen close to the Filipino From 2003-2004, she was the PR Community. Manager/Events Coordinator for Davick PR in Los Angeles, California. A celebration was held in Limassol on June 17 and From 2004 to the present, she is the in Paphos on June 24.  Volunteer OFWs entertain the spectators with a Filipiniana dance at owner / manager of Leason USA, a Based on a report from Joy Tinig Pinoy Filipino Voice’s Independence Day celebration in successful international export business. Miranda / photos from Nicosia on 10 June 2007. RP-Greece Social Security, (Continued from page 1) earlier been scheduled for mid-December 2006 but was postponed by the Greek Government due to unforeseen obligations. The meeting in Manila is a follow-up to the first round of negotiations held in Athens on 11-14 April 2005 attended by officials of the Philippine Embassy in Athens and the Philippine Social Security System (SSS), and officials of the major Greek social security institutions - the Social Security Institute (IKA) for salaried workers, Agricultural Insurance Organization (OGA) for farmers and the General Secretariat for Social Security from the Ministry of Employment and Social Security. Shown above are the members of the Consular Volunteers, a group of Filipino overseas workers in Cyprus that helps the Philippine Embassy in providing The bilateral Social Security Agreement immediate assistance to distressed OFWs in Cyprus. with Greece was proposed by the Philippines in 1997 to benefit Filipinos working in Greece. 

Apr-Jun 2007 PhilippiNews 7

The Philippine Embassy welcomes... Letter from Crete

Ms. Lina G. Catbagan to March 2006. From March to October assumed her duties and 2006, she was temporarily detailed as The Filipino Club in Iraklion, Crete was responsibilities as Collecting Officer at the DFA Regional established on 14 January 2007 with the Collecting Officer and Consular Office in San Fernando, La help and encouragement of Ambassador Consular Assistant at the Union. She resumed her duties as Rigoberto “Bobi” Tiglao who visited the Philippine Embassy in Account Examiner at the DFA Head island last January. The objectives of our Athens on 25 June 2007. Office in October 2006 until her organization are to strengthen the ties This is her first posting abroad and looks designation as Collecting Officer at the among the members of the Filipino forward to serving the Filipino Philippine Embassy in Athens, her first Community in Crete, and to have smooth communities in Greece and Cyprus. posting. communication with the Embassy in obtaining some documents needed by our Ms. Catbagan replaces Mrs. Renell D. Ms. Catbagan’s sister, Connie, is kababayans in Iraklion. At present, the Martinez, who is ending her tour of duty currently assigned as Collecting Officer Club has 57 members from Iraklion and in Greece after six years. in the Philippine Consulate General in Agios Nicolaos. We are also targeting other Ms. Catbagan or ‘Ada’, began her career Milan, . nearby towns of Iraklion to unite our in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ms. Catbagan graduated cum laude from kababayans in Crete. November 1998 as an Assistant in the Saint Louis College in San Fernando Our club has already helped some of our Cash Division of the Office of Fiscal City, La Union in 1998 with a degree in members through financial assistance and Management. She was assigned as Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. She other forms of help such as hospital visits Account Examiner in the Foreign Service was born on 03 April 1978 in San and counseling. The Filipino Club aims to Accounting Division from October 2004 Fernando, La Union.  widen its programs by also extending assistance to our kababayans in the Philippines who are affected by calamities in … and bids farewell to . . . our country. We thank Ambassador Bobi Tiglao and the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy Mrs. Renell D. in Butuan City. She is married to Jose Tereso Martinez and have three children, for their wholehearted support. Many is ending her Martinez Brynheld Renelle, Berne Jonathan, and thanks to Fr. Peter, our Parish Priest here in six-year tour of duty as Iraklion, and to the Couples for Christ Bruce Edward, of whom she speaks the Embassy’s Collecting community headed by Bro. Luis Ilagan. proudly as only a mother can. Officer this July. Mrs. We hope that we will be able to accomplish Martinez was extended Following is a Q&A with Mrs. Martinez: our goals for the benefit of the Filipinos in for another three months beyond her 25 Iraklion, Crete.

March 2007 recall due to the Overseas Has your stay in Greece for the past six years Respectfully yours, Absentee Voting (OAV) and June 12 enriched you professionally and socially? Johnny P. Quinto celebrations. Yes, definitely. I became aware that my Chairman, Filipino Club Irakleio Crete assignment in Greece as a civil servant is like Mrs. Martinez began her career in the working on call 24 hours a day; and was never Department of Foreign Affairs in meant to be a glamorous job. Your work With the Filipino Community, from p.1 September 1981. She had been assigned assignments can be multiplied anytime, as the In the afternoon, parlor games for to various offices in the Department as need arises and you never get the chance to children and adults were held, followed Consular Clerk, Records Officer/Budget whine. However, if you have the element of love by a raffle draw which included among Analyst, Acting Finance Officer, for duty and the passion to serve the people, your its major raffle prizes, (3) round-trip Executive Assistant and Administrative work station would not really make a difference. tickets courtesy of Thai Airways, KLM

Officer. She has attended several What was your most memorable experience Royal Dutch Airlines, and Singapore seminars and trainings in the Philippines in Greece? Airlines; 3-day cruise for two from and abroad. I have a lot. I realized that in all my postings Monarch Classic Cruises; and a Mrs. Martinez had been previously posted abroad, what makes a certain episode in this cellphone each from Vodafone and as Collecting Officer in the Philippine country worth remembering depends entirely on Western Union. A youth band Consulate in Seattle, USA from 1991 to one’s attitude. One happy thought can make competition organized by OWWA 1993 and in the Philippine Consulate every experience most memorable. I treasured showcasing the musical talents of the the memories of my travels, both in and out of the General in Chicago, USA from 1993 to younger set ended the program.  country. But the chance to roam every possible 1996. She arrived in Athens on 25 March island and corner of Greece made me With the Diplomatic Corps, from p.1 2001. understand the magnificence of its glorious past. were also served, courtesy of San Miguel She graduated with a degree in Political I wish to pause, borrowing Edgar Allan Poe’s Corporation, which donated the beer, and Science from URIOS College in 1977. most stirring line, “To the glory that was shipped these all the way from Manila. Greece…” She obtained a Bachelor of Science in The holding of the country’s national day International Relations from the Anything more to say? reception at the prestigious Hotel Grande Mindanao State University in 1979, and On behalf of my family, I wish to extend our Bretagne, the first time the Philippine Bachelor of Laws from Manuel L Quezon profound gratitude to one and all who, in many embassy has done so, has boosted the University (MLQU) in 1984. ways, made our stay in Greece more pleasant Philippines’and Filipinos’  prestige in Mrs. Martinez was born on 22 July 1958 and meaningful. Efharisto parapoli! Athens. 

8 PhilippiNews Apr-Jun 2007

How to Become an OWWA Benefits and Services for LABOR PAGE Member? OWWA Members

Philippine Overseas Labor Office The Overseas Workers Welfare Life Insurance. A member is covered with Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC) Administration (OWWA) is a membership life insurance for the duration of his 63-A Katechaki Street, Neo Psychico, Athens Tels.: (210)6983335, (210)6982871,(210)6728256 institution. As such, its programs, projects employment contract. The coverage and services are geared towards includes P100,000 for natural death and safeguarding and promoting the welfare P200,000 for accidental death. and interests of its members. Disability / Dismemberment Benefits. A ATTY. GEORGE A. EDUVALA For a U$ 25.00 membership contribution, member is entitled to disability/ Labor Attaché (Greece) an OWWA member is entitled to various dismemberment benefits as a rider benefits and services. provision of his life insurance. The Membership in OWWA may be obtained coverage is within the range of P2,000 to P50,000. ATTY. JAIME P. GIMENEZ in two ways: Total Disability Benefit. A member is Labor Attaché (Cyprus) entitled to P100,000 in case of total 1. By enrollment upon processing of permanent disability. contract at the Philippine Overseas Burial Benefit. A burial benefit of P20,000 Employment Administration (POEA) JOCELYN O. HAPAL shall be provided in case of the member’s Welfare Officer 2. By voluntary registration of a would- death. be member at job sites overseas. Pre-Departure Loan and Family Assistance Loan. For ready-to-leave Proof of Membership newly-hired OFWs and for emergency and JEAN V. SANTOS other family needs, a maximum loan of PAG-IBIG Representative The names of all OWWA members are P40,000 can be availed of. maintained by the OWWA and POEA in a database which is updated regularly. Scholarship Programs. On technical Members are issued an Official Receipt vocational training, for baccalaureate CARLOS P. MONTENEGRO upon payment of contribution. They shall courses (maximum of P10,000 for school Administrative Assistant, POLO likewise be issued an OWWA e-card. fees and P20,000 for allowances per Effectivity of Membership semester) and seafarer’s upgrading program (training subsidy from P1,200 to a Magandang Balita Para Sa OWWA membership, either through the maximum of P7,500. compulsory or voluntary coverages, shall Mga Miyembro Ng Pag-IBIG be effective upon payment of membership Reintegration Program. Members may Overseas Program (POP)! contribution, until expiration of the avail of capability building such as, in employment contract. particular to Greece and Cyprus, training on care giving, computer operation and Greek Ibinaba na ang Housing Loan Renewal of Membership Interest Rate ngayong 2007! language lessons. Membership shall be renewed upon Welfare Services. Assistance to OFWs Magmula sa pinakamataas na 8% payment of contribution on contract at 14% ay ibinaba na sa 6% such as locating missing OFWs, providing renewal/issuance of new contract. In the information and guidance, psycho-social hanggang 10.5% kada taon, at case of voluntary membership, coverage itinaas na ang halaga ng counseling, conciliation services, medical shall be renewed upon payment of and legal assistance, and outreach mahihiram na pera sa dalawang contribution.  milyong piso para sa pabahay na missions, among other services.  maaaring bayaran sa loob ng lima (5) hanggang dalawampung (20) OWWA in Action taon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tumawag o mag sadya lamang kay: Ms. Jean V. Santos Pag-IBIG Representative Filipino Workers’ Resource Center 63-A Katechaki St., Neo Psychico Tel. no.: (210) 6983 265 Cell phone nos.: 6937124927 at 6977425678 Ang Pag-IBIG Office ay bukas ng During the Independence Day Celebration on 10 June 2007 at the Fokianos 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 5:00 ng Basketball Court (Zappeion) in Athens, the Overseas Workers Welfare hapon, Lunes hanggang biyernes Administration (OWWA) conducted a membership drive and free medical at tuwing linggo Mula 2:00 pm – services to Filipinos present at the event. 5:00pm.