Ang Kaagapay Concerns ay inilathala ng Kaagapay Overseas Filipino Workers Resource and Service Center, Inc

sa tulong pinansyal mula sa Comité Catholique contre la Faim et pour le Développement

KAAGAPAY Overseas Filipino Workers Resource and Service Center, Inc# 349 Ante Compound, Rosary Heights 4, Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City 9600Mindanao, PHILIPPINESEmail Address : kaagapaycotabato98@gmail.comWebsite : kaagapaycotabato.orgTelephone # : ( 063 ) (064 ) 421 - 5024

Para sa inyong mga komentaryo, kontribusyon at suhestiyon, maaari kayong sumulat sa aming tanggapan o tumawag sa telepono na naidetalye sa ibabang bahagi ng lathalang ito.

Editorial BoardFrancis Alolod

Goldy A. Omelio

ContributorsFats Lintang - Ali

Ging M. GasaJasmine G. BayaoRacma A. NgudaRomilyn G. CruzGoldy A. Omelio

RJ GahumIligan Survivors’ Movement ( ISM )

Lay - out Design/CartoonistRJ Gahum

KAAGAPAY CONCERNSWhat’s Inside

EDITORIAL

Series of Forum - Consultations

Religious Women Say , “No to Violence!”

Paaralang Pangkaunlaran

Ramadan Al-Kareem for 2012

2nd Round of Participation to the Diplomacy Training Program 2012

Mindanao Process for the 5th WSFM

Building Alternatives through the 5th World Social Forum on Migration

2nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF KAGKALIMWA OFW FEDERATION

Disasters in December

Ang Bagong Bayani na Pag-asa ng Bayan

Orange Political Economy: How are OFWs Rejected at the Hands of Responsible Authorities

Disasters, Displacement and Development in Mindanao:Views from Within

Pride of a Volunteer

Without A Cost

Pag-asang Mailap sa Lupang Tinubuan

The first chart shows that for 2012, 63% or thirty-five (35) of beneficiaries are females while only 3% or one (1) is male.

Another prolific year ends for the Legal Assistance and Counseling (LAC) program through its Women Crisis Center that collected and gathered data of served and facilitated OFW beneficiaries for the period of January to December 2012. For this year, the actual number of beneficiaries who have directly availed the services of the program was thirty-six (36) and out of 36 was one (1) male. There were thirty (30) beneficiaries for drop-in (29 women and 1 male), four (4) for Legal Assistance (women) and two (2) for Therapy and Debriefing (women). Their nature of work abroad is skilled (driver, waitress and parlors) and unskilled (domestic workers) who has two (2) years working contract. This is illustrated below into various demographic categories. The cases/claims of these beneficiaries are obtained through drop-in, reach-out and referral systems.

Chart 1. Gender

Chart 2. Categories of Beneficiaries

OFWsReturness

63%

36%

The 63% (23) of the beneficiaries are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) while 36% (13) are returnees for this year.

Female

Male97%

3%

North CotabatoMaguindanaoCotabato CityLanao del NorteCalamba Iligan CityBukidnon

28%

31%16%

16%

3%3%3%

Chart 3. Place of Origin

The top two provinces where beneficiaries come from are North Cotabato with 31% (11) and Maguindanao with 28% (10) while Cotabato City and Lanao del Norte have both 16% (6) and Bukidnon, Iligan City and Calamba with 3% (1).

Chart 4. Country of Destination

Saudi Arabia

United Arab EmiratesQuatar

Kuwait

Lebanon17%

42%

14%

8%

8%

8%

3%

The top destination of the OFW beneficiaries has been consistent since last year. Saudi Arabia has 42% (15) followed by United Arab Emirates with 17% (6) and the least countries are Lebanon, Oman and Syria.

Chart 5. Nature of Work Abroad

SkilledUnskilled

92%

8%

8% (3) of the beneficiaries are in skilled work like driving, parlor and other services while unskilled particularly domestic work is 92% (33) for the whole year of 2012.

Chart 6. Cases/Claims Category

Unpaid SalaryMaltreatmentLost ContactVictim of Illegal RecruitmentDetainRunawayAttempted rapeMoney Claims30%

36%

11%

8%5%5%

5%5%

This chart shows that unpaid salary is the most received and facilitated case of the program in 2012 with 36% (13) followed by maltreatment with 30% (11), while the least cases are illegal detention, attempted rape, runaway and money claims with 5% (1).

Updates from Legal Assistance and Counseling

The Pnoy administration has been bragging about the good eco-nomic performance it has achieved last year (2012). It has pointed out that the growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which reached 6.6% superseding their (economic experts) target of 5.6% for the whole year of 2012 is a clear sign that the investors have gained confidence with the man-ner of the management of government and good governance of the Party ad-ministration. In fact, the administra-tion is quick to claim that the growth is connected with the anti-corruption drive of PNoy and the result of the “matuwid na daan” of straight path campaign to get rid of the corruption within and outside the government.But one thing is sure, that this growth in the economy and the development that the current administration is talk-ing about has never been felt by more than fifty percent of the people in the country. In fact the latest survey done in last month (January 28-29, 2013) the popularity rating of the President has gone down by 12% (from 78% to 66%) which simply means that the people do not know what the administration has been talking about the GDP growth.And another thing is clear that during the period (last quarter of 2012) that the so called GDP had increased, more than one million of the workers of the country had been laid off from their employment and more than 50% of the 41 million labor force of the coun-try has been underemployed and un-employed. But most still, is that more than 40% of the total working force of

the country has been forced to work in the distant countries to feed their fami-lies back home… simply because there has been no employment opportunities provided by the PNoy administration. Such painful separation between and among families in order to have de-cent lives in the country with the sec-ond highest in Asia-Pacific (second only to China with 7.1% in GDP) is a big contradiction to say the least because for these affected families this is simply a Disaster worst than caused by typhoon Sendong (Washi) and Pablo (Bopha) which hit the country in December 2011 and De-cember 2012 and caused a lot of dam-age in human lives and properties. But for curiousness sake, let us see what the reasons are given by the PNoy administration about the rea-sons for the GDP growth. They men-tioned three factors namely; first, gov-ernment spending – this mainly means the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program – which distributes billions of pesos to the poor people simply as dole outs and worst it becomes the source of more people becoming men-dicants and lost of their self worth and human dignity. People are dehuman-ized daily to get their ration amount from the government thru the Depart-ment of Social Welfare and Develop-ment (DSWD); second, remittances of the OFWs which only grow bigger every month (latest recorded remit-tance that coursed through banks was last October 2012 which reached $1.9 billion, an increase of 8.5% compared to the 2011 of the same month). For

the whole year of 2012, the total re-mittances of OFWs to their families in the country is $ 23.8 Billion, which again simply means that more and more families in the country are send-ing their loved ones to the unknown countries and thirdly, construction spending – this means that the govern-ment has been spending for construc-tions to beat the deadline on the elec-tion ban and to use such activities for election purposes in favor of the PNoy administration and their candidates.The abovementioned reasons for the growth of the economy are definitely non-sustainable and in fact cannot be considered as producing more econom-ic activities which can push through sustainable economic development. The remittances of the OFWs are de-pendent on the socio-economic and political situations of the host coun-tries. This means with the Arab Spring becoming full circle (Egypt and Tuni-sia become more political unstable af-ter their first people power) that more than 1 million OFWs in the Middle East can be affected in the coming months and so their remittances back home. The PNoy government does not have coherent program for the benefits and welfare of OFWs in the unknown countries and their families experienc-ing the social costs of separation. As the main contributor to the growth of Philippine economy they deserve the best from the government. But they are receiving less from it. And this has been the worst disaster affecting the OFWs and their families in the Phil-ippines. For three (3) years now and for the three (3) State of the Nation Addresses by PNoy never ever had he mentioned OFWs and its programs and services to them. The OFWs who have been contributing most to the coun-try’s economy have always been treat-ed the worst by its own government.

OFWs Hit by Disasters upon Disasters…Editorial

2Kaagapay Concerns

A forum-consultation is a good avenue to dig up the common issues in the community. In this view, Kaagapay organized series of forum-consultations on Local Problems and Issues Relevant to Labor Migration. The forum-consultations were successful and made possible through the support of the Catholic Committee against Hunger and for Development (CCFD). The first was held in Pikalawag, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao Del Norte last 29 March 2012 which was attended by forty-one (41) participants coming from organizations of Lanao Aquatic and Marine Fisheries Center for Community Development (LAFCCOD). The resource person Ms. Goldy Omelio efficiently discussed the issues of migration with an emphasis on Mindanao’s experience. Participants, who were actively listening to the discussion also shared their own experience abroad while others shared the feelings of being left as caretakers. As the workshop results, the main reasons in seeking employment abroad are poverty and the unavailability of jobs at the local level. At the end of the consultation, the participants were thankful for the opportunity of having additional knowledge and how they will address their concerns if their family member encounters problems abroad. The second community consultation was in Upi Agricultural School (UAS), North UPI, Maguindanao on 19 May 2012. This was attended by twenty-nine (29) individuals from different youth organizations in Cotabato City, Saranggani Province, Sultan Kudarat Province, Iligan City, Pagadian City, Lanao del Norte, Marawi City and Maguindanao. In the activity, it was discussed and emphasized that migration of Filipino young people is alarming and distressing that every year thousands of graduates are jobless with big probability of seeking for greener pasture in the foreign lands. Conversely, the participants showed interest and enthusiastically worked together in the workshops. As a result, most of the youth preferred courses like agriculture, education and business related. Also if they will plan to work abroad they prefer to inquire first with concerned government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) to avoid falling in the hands of illegal recruiter. Last activity was in Bagua 2, Cotabato City last June 14 with thirty-five (35) participants from the Kagkalimwa OFW Federation, Tri-People Youth for Change, Mindanao Tri-People Women Resource Center and Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement. During this forum, the relationship between the issues of poverty, armed conflicts, women and climate change and the issue of labor migration in Mindanao were discussed deeply. It was further elaborated among the

participants that these are common causes of migration. The participants then came up with concrete recommendation such as the creation of jobs in the localities for them not to decide immediately to the temptation of the employment overseas. Kaagapay had utilized group discussion with guide questions for the participants to discuss and answer. It was through plenary presentation that the answers were discussed further and deepen their understanding.

Series of Forum-Consultations were successfully launched!!!

by: jasmine g. bayao

A) Forum-Consultation among Migrant Worker Returnees and Family Members of OFWs

1. Issues and problems in the community as identified by the participants - Corruption in the local government - Killings - Drug trafficking and addiction - Poverty and hunger - Floods - Robbery - Unemployment - Parents have limited time in taking care of their children because they look for living in most of the time

2. Relevance of the identified issues and problems to the issue of labor migration - Lack of support services from the government for the people to avail, one of the reasons why people in the area are hoping to find work in other countries to fill-in this gap; - Limited job opportunities at the community causes others to grab any job opportunities offered from overseas; - Insufficient income of the family also causes oth ers to seek for a better well-paid job that are of fered from other countries; - Others have the goal to send their children/siblings to school and they can only think working abroad as work that can let them support for studying

3. Identified problems in the community that are relevant to labor migration - Broken Family of OFWs - Early marriage of children of OFWs - Remittance is the only source of income and cre ates dependency - Other OFWs have limited information/education which makes them more vulnerable to abuses

Consolidated Results of the Mindanao-wide Series of Forum-Consultation on the Local Issues and Problems of Labor Migration

3 Kaagapay Concerns

- Younger women who are not qualified/legal to work overseas prefer to have/use false documents - Maltreatment of employer(s)

4. Effects of labor migration in the community - Problems in the family - Limited number of quality professional workers at the local - Development and better living condition

5. Accessible agencies/institutions in the community where one can seek assistance/redress from - Barangay/Local government unit - NGOs (Kaagapay, LAFCCOD) - Department of Social Welfare and Development - Department of Labor and Employment - Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - Philippine Overseas Employment Administration - Public Attorneys’ Office - National Labor Relations Commission

6. Suggested solutions to the issues/ problems that are included in the Agenda/Action Plan - Good Governance; Efficient attention of the government to the economic problems of the country; - OFW help desk, at least in every municipality, should be advocated - Viable and Sustainable Employment at the Local that provides for good paying jobs - Safe relocation site for families living in disaster- prone areas - Intensify Educational Awareness especially among the Youth who are most likely to work overseas - Efficient programs and services for OFWs - Crisis center for OFWs at least in cities where most of the OFWs come from (OWWA- ARMM which is located in Cotabato City has no crisis center for OFWs despite of the fact that there are numerous OFWs, especially domestic workers, coming from the region) - Income generating project for organized groups of OFWs and their families - Orientation among the families left in the country especially the spouse

B) Mindanao Tri-people youth Consultation on Labor migration

1. Identified reasons why the youth are encouraged to work overseas - Majority of the youth answered big salary difference (20 of them) as reason why the youth are

encouraged to work in other country. - Only three (3) of them answers that it is because of the limited jobs at the local; The rest youth, on the other hand, identified other reasons such as, salary/income is not sufficient for the family’s needs, for experience purposes, to address the financial needs of the family, poverty, and to avoid opponents/armed conflicts

2. On the question if the programs and services of the government contributed to the reasons why young people works overseas - Twenty-five (25) of the young people thinks that the programs and services of the government contribute to the reasons why young people in particular and Filipinos in general work in other countries - The rest thinks otherwise because they are contented with the programs and services of the government for the people, that the main reasons are because of poverty and big salary and that the programs and services of the government have nothing to do with it.

3. What to choose when there are available good paying jobs in the country - Twenty-five (25) of the young people preferred to work in the country than in other country while the rest still preferred to work overseas

4. Preferred college courses - Majority of the young people chose agriculture (7) as their preferred course while several of them preferred business-related courses, hotel and management, education courses and computer-related course. Only 1 or few chose public administration, psychology nursing/ care-giving course and community development. - This result is unexpected for Kaagapay since it is very rare for the youth to choose agriculture course in the college. Kaagapay saw the following as the reasons: (1) the input in the forum affects the perception of the participants; (2) majority of the participants come from agricultural communities.

5. With the plan of working overseas, where and whom to approach - Agency; for validation of the legality of recruitment, what are the available jobs, ensuring to have good employer - Local government unit - Family members; for consent - Acquaintances who are already working overseas - Concerned government line agencies – POEA,

4Kaagapay Concerns

OWWA, DOLE; for better and broader information they could acquire - ILO; for inquiry on the workers’ rights - Embassy; for information

6. Recommendations a. For the Government • Provide additional and better paying jobs at the local • Should better implement and develop the programs • Tighten policies and programs • Should give importance to OFWs • Should give necessary attention to migrant domestic workers b. For other sectors • Should partner/join with the government in protecting the workers c. For Organized Groups • Strengthen unity of the organizations • Should join together for campaigns and initiatives • Constantly orient all the members • Continuous organizing • Intensify advocacy works for Filipinos • Promote and advance the rights of the workers in other countries d.For the Members of the Family • Encourage the members of the family not to work abroad to preserve family relationship • Should not financially abuse the family member working in other country • Continuously participate in the community initiatives and issues • Unite

Babai sa Bagua-2 (UBB2), and Tri-people Youth for Change. The second forum, in the afternoon of July 17, was held at the Sangguniang Hall of the same Municipality of Sultan Kudarat was participated by the organized parents of Gender and Development (GAD), Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sultan Kudarat, Women’s Desk of the Philippine National Police in Sultan Kudarat and some women from the community. The third and last forum was held at Metro Cotabato Water District, Cotabato City on July 26, 2012. The forum provided venue for the participants to identify and share various experiences of violence committed against women and girls at home. It had provided education and awareness on how to overcome the devastating incidence of violence against women and children. It had also become part of the campaign against violence on women. Perceptions and experiences of the tri-people women in their community vis-à-vis violence committed against them were presented and shared through the invited resource speakers and some active participants. Josing Demit-Manandil of Mindanao Tri-People Women Resource Center, Inc. and Ms. Judy Giguinto of Notre Dame Univer-sity spoke on the Migrant’s Perspective on the situations of women, the different laws regarding their rights and privi-leges and of their children were provided and their way of life. Hosnah Bayao of Kaagapay and Bahiya Kid of Cota-bato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC) also shared about their perspectives on women in Islam and whose discussions stressed out the importance of women in Islam and that upon the coming of Islam, Moslem women had more opportunities and their rights were more recognized and respected. Ms. Bayao as well presented the programs and services that Kaagapay extended to women OFWs and members of their families. A speaker from the women and children protection desk of PNP-Sultan Kudarat presented the different violent cases of women which their office catered. A representative from the Commission on Human Rights also discussed Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta on Women. At every end of each forum, participants volun-tarily signed the pledge of commitment to campaign against violence on women. A clear sign of bright “light at the end of the tunnel”. Indeed, this kind of initiative should be en-couraged and the positive results should be nurtured so that hope for the women can be kept alive.

Religious Women Say , “No to Violence!”

Fatima Lintang-Ali

Asian Conference of Religion for Peace (ACRP) in partnership with Kaagapay launched series of forum on Restoring Dignity! Religious Women Say No to Violence! last July 17, 2012 (one in the morning and one in the afternoon activities) at the Municipality of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and July 26, 2012 at Cotabato City. The first forum, held at the Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy School was participated by students of the said school,Bulalo OFW organization, Umpungan nu mga

5 Kaagapay Concerns

“To provide venue for family members of OFWs for development-oriented discourses”, this is the main objective of PAARALANG PANGKAUNLARAN: Mindanao Grassroots Special Studies on Migration, Development and Human Rights, a series of half day lecture conducted by Kaagapay on the different issues concerning the Filipino migrant workers and their families. This program aimed at giving appropriate learning and knowledge to the family members of OFWs on the matters that involve them. The target day was each Thursdays of the whole month of June of 2012. On the 8th of June, the first lecture was on “The Current Labour Migration: an Overview”. It discussed the country’s political and economic conditions, the issues of labor migration, laws and policies for migrant workers and their families, and its consequences. The next session was on The Local Issues Relevant to Labor Migration. The student participants were divided into groups and given a task, to impart their understandings about the assigned topic which includes poverty, climate change, armed conflict and women and relate it to the issue of labor migration. They had reasoned out why such conditions persuaded many to get the chance to work abroad. Some services of the government pertaining to every topic were also identified and assessed. For the third week of the same month meanwhile talked about Basic Human Rights and Republic Act 10022 which dealt on migrant workers rights. Representatives from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Regional Office 12, Mr. Arnold Almento and Carlo Mario Hofilena gave lectures on individual’s rights particularly the migrant workers and members of their families under the Republic Act 10022 or the amendatory law of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act. The fourth session was on Local Government’s Programs and Services Available for OFWs and their Families. In here were different agencies who presented different programs and services which OFWs and their families can avail and benefit from. Among them are Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA-ARMM) Legal Executive Officer (LEO) Supervisor Bai Amor Gihan Mamalinta, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA-ARMM) Oliver Ross Rivera, Department Trade and Industry’s

(DTI- Maguindanao) Stanley Cang, Department of Science and Technology (DOST-12) representative Engr. Madhali R. Alonto and Atty. Noel Ben of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Cotabato Chapter who share their times and knowledge on the aforementioned topics.

Lastly, the talk about: Women, Migration and ILO Convention 189 was discussed by Ms. Ellene Sana of the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA). Feminization of labour migration and provisions of the convention were the main focus of the session. Indeed, this event was a significant one as a way of promoting the welfare of Filipino migrant workers and their families. And we are hoping that this kind of initiative will continue as one of the approaches in enhancing the awareness and knowledge of the migrant workers and their families. Just like the saying that goes, “Knowledge is a powerful tool”, this initiative will soon be part of their learning in doing what must to be done and fighting every struggle that may come their way. And here, we can add to the aforementioned saying, that knowledge can be not only a powerful tool but can be liberating from dehumanizing situation to a humanized one...

Paaralang Pangkaunlaran Officially and Successfully Launched

6Kaagapay Concerns

Another successful solidarity with the Muslim Ummah during the Holy Month of Ramadan was the “Pasindol para sa Ramadan”. This annual solidarity activity was made possible through the partnerships and extended supports from Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement (MPPM), Mindanao Tri-People Women Resource Center (MTWRC), Tri-Peoples Organization against Disaster (TRIPOD) Foundation, Tri-People Youth for Change (Try-Change), Kaagapay OFW Resource and Service Center Inc., and Kagakalimwa OFW Federation. This annual celebration aims to strengthen the relations of the tri-people through being part of the celebration of the Ramadan and sharing of available resources among and between the tri-people. The “Pasindol para sa Ramadan” had distributed and served sindol (maguindanaon sweet delicacy of mixed ingredients) in the targeted communities, masjids as well as members of the organizations before breaking their fast. There were 3 (three) puroks and 2 (two) masjids in Bagua 2, Cotabato City (such as Mangungan, Rahmania and Magungaya), RS Buan, Poblacion 1, Cotabato City community and members of the people’s organization, and one (1) masjid in Brgy. Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast, time for intense prayer, worship, purification of the soul, refocus attention on Allah, and practice self-sacrifice; Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking. It is self-cleansing and community sharing and healing.Therefore, fasting is not just physical, but is rather the complete obligation of the person’s body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a continuous practice of self-discipline, a time to cleanse the body and soul of Muslim peoples and the whole Ummah.

It was a big challenge and accomplishment for the Diplomacy Training Program of the Faculty of Law of the University of New South Wales, Australia to organize once again the “Capacity Building Program on Human Rights Advocacy and Migrant Workers in the Middle East” last 14-18, 2012. This was in partnership and extended efforts of Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) and the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions. It was hosted by National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Qatar. The training program aimed to build the knowledge and skills of civil society advocates and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) who are working to protect and promote the human rights of migrant workers, and enable them to more effectively use internationally agreed standards and mechanisms in their advocacy and collaboration in the protection and promotion of human rights. The training also provided a significant discussion for the sharing of knowledge and skill, and for building of support networks. There were more than twenty-five (25) individuals who attended the training. They are working in National Hu-man Rights Institutions, trade unions, non-government organizations and government institutions from coun-tries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Jordan, Ku-wait, Lebanon, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The training focused on the discussion of the interna-tionally agreed standards and mechanism on the protec-tion and promotion of the rights and welfare of the mi-grant workers and sharings of individual participants on the different approaches and strategies to elevate the dignity and respect to all migrants. Moreover, the ex-changes of ideas of both countries of origins and destina-tions had opened more understanding on the struggle of the migrant workers among and between the participants. Individual learning and realization from the train-ing is that we are not alone in the journey when it comes to protection and promotion of human rights.

Ramadan Al-Kareem for 2012by: jasmine g. bayao

2nd Round of Participation to the Diplomacy Training Program 2012

Doha, Qatarby: jasmine g. bayao

7 Kaagapay Concerns

In partnership with the Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement (MPPM), Mindanao Tri-People Women Resource Center (MTWRC), Inc., Tri-Peoples Organization against Disaster (TRIPOD) Foundation, Kagkalimwa OFW Federation, Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (LAHRA) and Sumpay Mindanao, Inc., two pre-processes for the 5th World Social Forum on Migration were organized. These pre-processes had discussed various relevant issues and concerns in Mindanao and provided a venue that had consolidated agenda, positions, and recommendations for the advancement of the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in Mindanao.The first was held on 7 November 2012 in Cotabato City where various representatives and delegates of organizations from Cotabato City, Kidapawan City and provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat attended. The second was on 16 November 2012 in Iligan City which was participated by different organizations and institutions from Iligan City, Pagadian City, Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. Both processes had allotted half day for inputs and sharing on the local issues and problems in Mindanao such as peace situation, the role of women in peace building and food sovereignty, employment and overseas labor migration, climate change and women trafficking. While the half day was allocated for area-based workshop where participants were grouped according to their area and freely discuss issues and problems in their communities as well as craft out recommendations. Positions and recommendations from these two pre-processes were consolidated and put forward to the secretariat of the 5th World Social Forum on Migration for integration to its Declaration which took place last 26-31 November 2012 in Miriam College, Quezon City, Philippines.

For the first time in Asia, a world event of social movements and organizations was held. Last 26-30 November 2012, the 5th World Social Forum on Migration (WSFM) was successfully launched at Miriam College, Quezon City, Philippines. Around 1,000 delegates from the country and other parts of the world attended the events like thematic workshops, sessions, exhibits, cultural presentations, field visits and march rally. Organized and hosted by the Philippine Working Group (PWG), the 5th WSFM has the overarching theme, ‘Mobility, Rights and Global Models: Looking for Alternatives’ which aimed at (1) providing space for the broadest gathering of migrant groups, mass organizations, social movements, civil society, activists and advocates from all over the world engaged in migration and mobility issues, (2) providing venues for discussion and deepening of analysis and discourse, sharing of experiences, exchange of information and knowledge, collective exploration of alternative models to migration and neoliberal paradigms, (3) building/strengthening of solidarity among migrants and social movements, civil society and advocates in addressing the issues, (4) strengthening the peoples’ unities and resistance against existing models of migration and the neoliberal paradigm as a whole as well as developing ideas and initiatives in forging and laying the basis of alternatives to neoliberal globalization, (5) strengthening linkages and solidarity with Philippine migrant, labor and social movement, and (6) strengthening the WSFM process. The event, through its daily thematic area, had examined and criticized current trends and issues on global migration, linked migration-specific issues with broader social issues like development, poverty, climate change, etc. It had deeply examined current status of protection for the rights of migrant, gaps between international standards and national policies and its implementation. It had also profoundly discussed alternatives to existing migration framework and global socio-economic and political paradigms, challenging dominant neoliberal framework and alternatives shared through experiences, lessons and gains in the advancement of migrant rights. As supported by Catholic Committee against Hunger and for Development, Kaagapay sent 13 delegates including members of Kagkalimwa (federation of returned OFWs and OFW families) who participated and attended various significant workshops and

Mindanao Process for the 5th World Social Forum on Migration Launched!

Building Alternatives through the 5th World Social Forum on Migration

8Kaagapay Concerns

sessions. The 9 delegates from Kagkalimwa had as well gallantly showcased a Moslem dance during the two cultural nights. In the end, these delegates represented the voices heard from the Mindanao Pre-World Social Forum on Migration which the organizers later integrated in the 5th WSFM Declaration. With this kind of event, we, indeed, strongly believe that another world is still possible where migrant workers are treated as genuine workers and as persons who left their families to build better lives and prosperous country.

On December 18, 2012, in celebration of the 22nd International Migrants Day, Kagkalimwa OFW Federation held its 2nd General Assembly at AL-Nhor Convention in Cotabato City which was fully attended and enthusiastically participated by different member organizations of the federation and sixty-eight (68) individuals. Member organizations from Cotabato City which were present are OFW Organization of RS-BUAN Inc. in Poblacion 1, Samahan ng mga OFW sa Tamontaka Inc. in Mother Tamontaka, Salamat OFW Organization and Pagkakaisa OFW Organization in Mother Poblacion, Boliao 1, Suara OFW Organization in Poblacion 5,Barangay Mabini, Samahan ng mga OFW sa Magungaya, OFW organization of Purok Tahir and Rahmania OFW Organization in Bagua 2, Mapayag OFW Organization in Poblacion 7, Purok Mapayag Tukananes,

and Kalilintad OFW Association in Mother Barangay. Member organizations from Maguindanao were also present namely, OFW Organization Of Bulalo Inc. in Sultan Kudarat, Ompungan Nu mga OFW sa SPDA and Lumad OFW Organization in Tenorio both in Datu Odin Sinsuat and Tanuan OFW Organization in Datu Blah Sinsuat. The two organization that were not present due to some reasons yet signified their continued membership for the federation were Alamada OFW Organization, Families, Friends and Relatives of Barangay Kitakubong, Alamada from the province of North Cotabato and Mangungan OFW Organization of Bagua 2, Cotabato City. The 2ND General Assembly of the federation adopted its Constitution and By-Laws and elected a new set of officers for three years. Aside from organizational matters, members of the federation also enjoyed the gift-giving activity which Kaagapay facilitated. Kagkalimwa Dancers Group also performed the piece they showcased at the 5th World Social Forum on Migration in Manila last November 2012. The assembly served as new challenge for new officers of the the Kagkalimwa to responsibly and creatively perform their duties, functions and responsibilities whatever opportunities as well as difficulties that may come along their way.

2nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF KAGKALIMWA OFW FEDERATION

by: Racma A.Nguda and Nora A. Pendi

9 Kaagapay Concerns

Kagkalimwa OFW Federation Officers 2013 - 2016

President : Nora A. Pendi Vice President : Namraida U. Utto

Secretary : Racma A. NgudaTreasurer : Zainab K. Castillo

Auditor : Rahima M. AlimP.I.O : H. Hosnah Gulam

Not so long ago, a year-end killer-disaster hit Northern Mindanao particularly the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Typhoon Sendong (Washi)did not only leave thousands of deaths, hundreds still missing and millions worth of propertiesdamaged but also uncovered several issues such as irresponsibility and incapability of government structures, politicians grabbing the stage light for reelection, funding institutions stockpiling millions for them and grave ecological destructions caused by crafted policies favouring profit than sustainable economy and preserved environment.

The exposed issue on logging activities of course came to the President’s attention, a reason enough to order the late Secretary of Local Governance Jesse Robredo to investigate every detail behind the tragedy and bring the culprits to justice. But the same instruction was given to the new Secretary (Mar Roxas who replaced DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo who died middle of last year) after typhoon Pablo (Bopha) swiped Davao area last December 2012. Until now, nobody was presented before the law while local authorities argued that mining and logging cannot be blamed anymore. Unfortunately, there was no instruction which transpired and the results presented on investigating all mining and logging operations in the country.

The two disasters that happened both in December of 2011 and 2012 displaced thousands of victims from their sources of living while relocation and among other services are in snail pace. Others still continue to struggle against the difficulties and hardships inside bunk houses and discomforts in the resettlement sites while some even resorted to begging and doing other miserable and vulnerable actions for the sake of surviving. Many others like young women simply fall on the hands of illegal recruiters.

Employment vs. Environment

While promoting overseas labor migration, poverty stricken communities are displaced by massive contractualization, economic repression and informalization of workers versus the price increases of basic commodities, low wages, and inaccessible social benefits among others. Most of the foreign investors with their local counterparts are attracted to vast plains and untapped natural and human resources of the country. Massive plantations, land use conversion and mining operations are the concrete pictures of these investments. It may have slightly addressed unemployment problem for those people in the community (who tilled the lands before) who might be hired as miners

and labourers. The data on the country’s employment supported this view. According to the National Statistics Office, the top occupational category as of July 2012 is the Laborer and unskilled composed of 12.4 million which increased from 12.1 million in the same period of 2011. And Mining and Quarrying industry have the smallest share of employment index for non-agricultural industries as of the 3rd quarter of 2011. This means that employment is just one of the tiniest benefits it brings.

But the disasters in December were just few of the many kinds of disasters suffered by the many of the people in the country. Because even without the typhoons the marginalized communities and sectors are already in struggle against economic disasters brought by the neoliberal and pro-elite economic framework of the country. Without changing the current set-up and framework to pro-environment, people-centered and local economy-oriented, rising up and finding our own unified way out is the solution.

Displaced persons, marginalized workers and other deprived sectors must have to build a platform and unify the struggle beyond their own sectoral interests. It should benefit all and should be owned by all.

Ang Bagong Bayani na Pag-asa ng BayanRemarks on Youth and Philippine

Labor Migration

Filipino young people are coined as the Pag-asa ng Bayan (Hope of the Nation), modeled after the country’s national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and perceived as a society’s sector that can be compared to a well full of water. They are seen as people full of energy and enthusiasm, equipped with knowledge and skills, always ready and willing to learn, leaders of the future and obviously have longer period of living.

Unfortunately, this hope and perception are challenged today as majority of the unemployed (51.2%) in July 2012 belongs to the age group of 15-24 years old. This is as well supported by some data on youth’s participation in the outflow of the country’s labor migration. According to National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB), the largest number of OFWs generally comes from the 25-29 age group which is about 25% of all OFWs which means that these Pag-asa ng Bayan are spending the

10Kaagapay Concerns

Disasters in DecemberIligan Survivors Movement (ISM) Bulletin

most productive years of their lives in other country’s economy. Unless decent local jobs are provided to the young people, particularly the fresh graduates, they will still pursue what they think can pay their worth.

The 9% share of the 15-24 age group of OFWs I think, which means sufficient data are still needed for authenticities of this opinion, are most likely the young women who are being at the Department of Foreign Affair Passporting Section’s beehives for processing one of the documents needed for domestic work abroad. As observed and documented from the ground, minor young women are forced to falsify documents to qualify in the 23 year old limit of migrant domestic workers which makes them more vulnerable to trafficking and victims of illegal recruitment.

As one might observe, both the majority of in-school and out-of-school youth are encouraged for overseas employment which they think is the only hope for family’s exit from poverty. As per the result of the Migrant Workers’ Rights Thematic Workshop during the 5th Mindanao Summer Youth Peace Camp held at North Upi, Maguindanao last March 2012 organized by the Mindanao Tri-People Youth Center and Alyansa ng mga Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan (AKMK), majority of the youth participants answered big salary difference as reason why the youth are encouraged to look for job opportunities in other country. This mentality has something to do with what they see and observed in the society; a neighbor who have bought properties, a relative who are able to send 6 siblings to college and also because of too much advertisement that promote labor migration. Overseas in-demand job courses, for instance Nursing or medical related, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Engineering, continuously supply state universities and colleges. With the water supply of the well sluggishly at scarce for the country’s benefits, there is the need therefore for the government to craft out ways for decent domestic jobs and for higher education to be more accessible for the unprivileged youth. It is also very important for any youth organization to consolidate the voices of the young people.If the measures are not done immediately, the repercussion might be bad for any of us to imagine. The youth might channel their energy to bring about substantial change in the society ala Andres Bonifacio. The Arab Spring which brought about changes in Tunisia and Egypt has been initiated by young people.

In 2010, International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 214 million international migrants (3% of the world’s population) living and working outside their own country. From this number, 9.4 million (POEA) of these migrants are Filipinos. It is projected that increase in the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in particular and international migrants in general will endure in the longer period due to the constant changes in the world that resulted for the people to suffer from poverty, hunger and dislocation. Thus OFWs are just victims of the country’s economic repression and almost unbearable hardships in their home countries.Putting an in-depth view on their socio-economic contributions which have always been presented by any books on Philippine labor migration and which I would like to mention once again, OFWs mainly provide their labor because obviously the host countries could not have it from its own extinctive citizens. And good quality labor signifies good quantity of profits which any capitalist countries dreamt of gaining. Hence, if these countries value their profits, those who provide them the labor for such profits should as well be treated the same. But this extensive vista is still an unreachable eyrie for OFWs. That aside from vulnerability to abuses and rights violations, they still feel of being alienated, excluded and treated as traitors for having jobs while some locals of receiving countries have not. This is one of the reasons that justified the onslaught of Arab Spring which was seen to have economically, mentally and emotionally affected some OFWs and their families. In spite of the height of the political unrest in the Arab states, the Philippine President did never mention about the plight of OFWs. Does it mean that they are not in the priority lane even if they are one of the main sources of the main income of the country?Besides, there were too much things which had happened in the past year that were denied attention; the increases in mandatory insurance payments imposed on OFWs, overcharging of Balik Manggagawa (returned migrant workers)processing fees according to Commission on Audit (CoA) as Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in 27 countries charged arbitrary rates despite the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) limit of Php100 per Balik Manggagawa or its equivalent rate, thus excessing the collection of Php13 million out of Php40.207 million from 269,454 OFWs (the collection should have only been Php26.945 million)*, complaints against staff and personnel of Philippine Embassies and concerned national

Orange Political Economy**: How are OFWs Rejected at the Hands of Responsible

Authorities

11 Kaagapay Concerns

government agencies, reported abuses of Filipina migrant domestic workers where employers are the main perpetrators yet they are not punished, and families left are almost part of the invaluable sector of the Philippine society and among other issues that were decrepit by much more projected issues. Rejections are decentralized and worst is, proper implementation of relevant laws is not divulged at the local. Incidences of human trafficking are just like fireflies at night which could not be caught because everybody is sleeping or closing their eyes maybe the more appropriate word for such inaction while excessive collection of fees and deduction of wages as payment for employment processing are unstoppable. Local authorities of concerned local government agencies, unfortunately, perceived that it is OFW’s fault for being victims of trafficking, which is not, because in the first place local governments are responsible and accountable in making everybody well informed on something. This is why every country that receives or sends migrant workers are coined to have orange political economy. Like orange which is thrown at the bin after squeezing and using its pulp, migrant workers are rejected after the government and its economy enjoyed what they squeezed out from them... which is actually their lives.

**Orange Economy was a term used by one of the members of RESPECT Europe in describing migrants in Europe.

*Leila B. Salaverria, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 17/01/12

I have not experienced disasterI have not been displaced either.But genuine development and disaster-free is what my soci-ety dreamt of having!

Understanding the disasters in Mindanao does not need for one to be directly affected by it. Living in and working for the people in Mindanao would suffice this comprehension which is a powerful tool than being a congressional representative whose efforts are intentionally showbizzed for more money and power.Mindanao is quite different from other regions in the country due to prevalent armed conflicts. Clan feuds are irresistible especially in Bangsamoro communities, warlords with private armies are mushrooming while armed confrontations between different revolutionary forces and/or between revolutionary forces and the military forces of

the Philippine government are daily happenings. These have affected thousands of lives and millions of public and private properties. Conflict-affected areas especially in the South Central part of Mindanao are often limped as well by natural calamities such as flush floods and massive land erosions. But other areas are of course not exempted. Take for instance the catastrophic effects of Typhoon Sendong (Washi) that almost wiped out some communities in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan which later had exposed rapid logging activities in the greenish areas of Lanao del Sur as the main cause of gigantic floods. Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) in Davao region also shocked everybody not only with the numbers of casualties and properties destroyed it engraved in history but also the fact that rampant mining activities in the province and the irresponsibility of some high-ranking authorities worsen the situation. Generally speaking, those were not just simple disasters but part of the bigger context of the immense change of climate mainly caused by greed of profitable investments which only a very FEW enjoys. And disasters equate displacements. Nowadays, it is unimaginable to experience disaster without being displaced. Typhoon Sendong displaced 58,320 families or 318,861 individuals in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan while Typhoon Pablo displaced 77,310 families or approximately 369,709 individuals in Davao provinces. The 2008 Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) related armed conflict displaced as well half million individuals in the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte. And every single displaced individual clamors rehabilitation, socially, emotionally and financially. Overseas job opportunities are most likely the way out that is if they (victims) will not fall victims once again on the greedy hands of illegal recruiters. Climate change and armed conflicts are just two of the reasons why people move. Moving, indeed, is needed for people to economically survive the effects of climate change and armed conflicts which respective governments cannot fully address. Take note for instance of Sendong survivors in Iligan City whose housing rehabilitation is only 19% complete after a year . More so in doubt when every politician (incumbent or not) is busy for May 2013 election.How then can this situation impact on development? How does government measure the development of our country? Why not on the purchasing power of every Filipino instead of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Why not on the decrease of those who are in the informal work than on the increase of the employed? Why not on the number of deployed workers for overseas work which connotes serious employment problem in the country instead of the increase of remittance? Why not on the quantity of protected ancestral domains, own use of natural resources, use of fertile agricultural lands and quantity of farmers who benefit from the redistribution of vast haciendas rather than on the increase of foreign investments?Even development should not be measured on the

Disasters, Displacement and Development in Mindanao:

Views from Within

12Kaagapay Concerns

number of exploratory peace talks or that of the signed agreement rather should dig dipper into the genuine voices of the people from the ground.

Pride of a Volunteer*Milyn Cruz

Volunteerism is not as easy as in the manner the word is pronounced. It is done regardless of the kind of material or the amount of money as exchange for this kind of effort. I took its im-portance for granted but after awhile I realized that I was wrong. Despite of the small amount that I was paid for my work it has given me priceless gratefulness with the knowledge that I have learned, the friends I have gained and the people I’ve helped. The smile of the people who are thankful for what I have done gives me pleasant feelings and compensated all my efforts and hardships. This, I be-lieve, is the true essence of volunteerism. No money or any mate-rial thing can compensate the feeling of happiness and satisfaction. I could have learned a lot from the importance of volunteerism even before I started working with Kaagapay; the time when I give more importance to the value of money for my family and life-style. I have not thought of more important things like learning from the work that I do as well as from the colleagues that I am working with who are willing to teach and fill in the gaps for me. And now with Kaagapay, I face a big challenge to do volunteer work without expecting the grandest price in return. With this work, I know that there are a lot of rooms for me to develop my ca-pacity and self confidence to mingle with different types of people without any fear and doubt. I know ‘I can do it!’. Work position is not all important for me, lessons learned and people helped are. Now I can say that being a volunteer is more than any profession that I dreamed of not only because of the people I’ve helped but also of the things I’ve learned from the people that I am working with. I know I can’t be rich but all the lessons I’ve got are more than any richness in the world; the richness that I am proud of as a volunteer.

*translated article from Tagalog

Without A Cost*RJ Gahum

I have been working as a volunteer for more than two years in Kaagapay under the Research, Documentation and Publication (RDP) program. Aside from the learning I gained from lay-outing various resource and campaign materials and in attending relevant trainings, I have also learned to socialize and make friends with

different kinds of people in the community. These learning gradually and positively change my aloofness character and I have gained self-confidence. I am happy to help other people who are in need to the best of my capacity especially if they are grateful with the things that I do though I don’t demand anything in return. Volunteerism and works of non-government organizations are not new to me since I have been raised by my parents in this kind of environment. I am thankful to Kaagapay and its staff who have given me the opportunities and trust as being a volunteer of the organization. Indeed, volunteerism is priceless so long as I sustained the needs of my family with dignity and honor and I am happy to be acknowledged with gratefulness, aptitude and enthusiasm by the society that I am living in. This is without any costs.

*translated article from Tagalog

Hangin ay maalinsanganSikat ng araw ay matindi

Ang buhay mundo’y salatTindi pa nito’y lalong lumalala

Isang pag-asang aking nasilayanBulong ng tagumpay makakamtanAng ibayong-dagat ay naghihintay

Ako’y tutungo ng buong puso

Ako’y banyagang saltaAnimo’y sing liit ng tuldok

Tinig ay di marinig at maunawaanNilalamon ng takot at pangamba

Minutong lumilipas ay tila taonSa pangungulila at pananabik

Sa aking iniwanang mahal sa buhayNaghihintay sa aking matamis na pagbabalik

Ngunit tadhana’y lubhang mailapSa bansang aking pinangarap

Tila ako’y di pinalad at nagtagumpayKahit puso’t kalulwa’y aking inalay

Katotohanan ay napagtantoAking bansa’y mayaman ngunit bakit salat

Tanong ay aking nasambit saan ba ako nagkulang?At kalian ba ako naging sapat?

Pag-asang Mailap sa Lupang Tinubuan by: jasmine g. bayao

13 Kaagapay Concerns