Saturday, May 7, 2011

...the star inmates

Cebu dancing inmates to be featured on TV show in UK

Already world-famous for their elaborate dance routines, Cebu's dancing inmates will once again get an international audience, this time the followers of a women's television channel in the United Kingdom.

The inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) performed last Friday afternoon before a crew of "It's a Woman's World," radio dzBB's Cebu affiliate reported Saturday.

Despite a drizzle, the inmates danced to songs including "Hot, hot, hot," Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us," and "Just the Way You Are."


A separate report on Sun.Star Cebu quoted Camilla Andersen, director and presenter of the travel documentary, as saying the rehabilitation program of Cebu province is unique.

She said her show is available in the The Travel Channel, which has an audience of over 60 million worldwide.

Andersen said they heard about the dancing inmates and that Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia is behind the inmates’ rehabilitation program.

“I have been to 60 countries and this has been the most incredible thing I’ve seen. I think this is a really good idea. I think there are some people who think it’s strange because the prisoners dance but I think anything that you can do to improve the morale of someone in prison means less chances for them to offend the law again," she said.

Cebu dancing inmates gained worldwide attention for the first time in 2007 for their impressive performance on YouTube of Michael Jackson's “Thriller" album.


A total of 1,500 inmates of Cebu's CPDRC filmed a mass reenactment of Jackson's most famous video. — LBG, GMA News

Friday, May 6, 2011

...the diplomat

PHL diplomat nominated for key post of UN maritime agency

 
 


The Philippine government has formally nominated Filipino diplomat Neil Frank Ferrer for the post of Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency for maritime safety.




The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday, “As a maritime nation and as the largest provider of highly qualified seafarers to the international shipping industry, the Philippine Government attaches utmost importance to his candidature."

"His nomination was endorsed by President Benigno S. Aquino III," the DFA said in a news release on its website.

The IOM said the elections will be conducted during the 106th session of the IMO Council in June 2011.

Ferrer is currently the chairman of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), the IMO senior technical body for maritime safety and security.

Aquino, in a letter to current Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos, cited Ferrer’s 20-year experience in dealing with maritime issues.

“During the past decade, he has intensively focused on the work of the IMO, initially in his capacity as Alternate Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the IMO and later as Chairman of the Maritime Safety Committee," the DFA said.

“(Ferrer) has excellent management and leadership qualities allowing the MSC to effectively resolve complex, technical, and at times politically-sensitive, issues under its agenda," the DFA said.

“Mr. Ferrer has the experience, expertise and capability to effectively serve the IMO. As chairman of the senior technical committee of the organization, he has demonstrated effective leadership, management and administrative skills. His competence, professionalism, integrity and independence are well-established," the DFA said.

“If elected to the post of Secretary-General, he will be working towards making the IMO a stronger and more efficient Organization that effectively responds to the priorities and concerns of its Member States and the international maritime community," the DFA added. - VVP, GMA News

...the cedar country

PHL tourism, workers' rights promoted at Lebanon cultural fair

Philippine authorities promoted the country's tourism and the rights of migrant workers during the recent launching of a cultural fair in Lebanon.

The Philippine Embassy and the Filipino Cultural Guild (FCG) promoted these issues at the fair dubbed "Cultural City" at the Lebanese International University (LIU) Bekaa Valley Campus on May 1.

"Some 40,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) live and work in Lebanon, and the protection of their human rights were essential in the participation of the Philippines in the launching ceremony of the LIU's Cultural City," the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.

The Cultural City is an annual event to promote the work of the university's Human Rights Center.

It featured the International Cultural Fair participated in by 22 embassies including the Philippines.

Its launching coincided with the May 1 Labor Day celebration in Lebanon.

According to the DFA, the events in the 15-day festival included the campaign to defend the rights of foreign workers in Lebanon.
Publish Post

Philippine Ambassador Gilberto Asuque led the country's delegation to the fair which featured a photo exhibit of Philippine tourism sites. - VVP, GMA News

...the ex-Pres

Arroyo honored in Dominican Republic

05/06/2011

MANILA, Philippines - This is why former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is out of the country.

The government website of the Dominican Republic has revealed that the former Philippine leader was honored by the government of the Caribbean country

The report dated, May 4, 2011, said Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez honored Arroyo with the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella in the Grade of Gran Cruz Placa de Oro.


The award is contained in Decree 278-11, issued by President Fernandez.

The government of the Dominican Republic said the award was granted to recognize Arroyo’s efforts to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the Philippines and Latin America, besides being the initiator of the creation of FEALAC entity formed to strengthen relations between the countries of the Association of South East Asian ASEAN.

Arroyo thanked her hosts for the award and added that her visit serves to strengthen relations between the 2 nations.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

...the northern neighbor

Taiwan investors relocating to RP – MECO

May 4, 2011
Manila Bulletin
 
 
MANILA, Philippines – Following the resolution of the Taiwan diplomatic row with the Philippines, Taiwanese businessmen, who have been turned off by the stringent labor requirements in China, are seriously considering relocating here their manufacturing facilities from mainland China, the Manila Economic Cultural Office (MECO) said.

MECO chairman Amadeo R. Perez Jr. told reporters Taiwanese businesses engaged in industrial plastics manufacturing with estimated investments of at least $120 million are considering of relocating their factories from China to Subic and Clark Freeport zones for their export-oriented investments.

Perez said that these Taiwanese firms have existing operations in China but engaged in industrial plastics manufacturing and one bed frame and mattresses manufacturer have existing plants in China but are eager to get out of there because of some stringent labor requirements.

Perez said that five four plastics products manufacturers have visited Subic and Clark earlier and one is coming over to visit Batangas and Clark. Another company engaged in bed frames and mattresses production has found a suitable warehouse in Clark that can be converted for his business.

“One project alone can command at least $20 million in investments,” Perez said. For the six projects that would translate to an estimated $120 million worth of prospective investments.

According to Perez, several Taiwanese investors in the mainland have been getting turned off by policy changes in the labor sector.

“Some of the Taiwanese have already gone to Vietnam and Indonesia as these countries are not very choosy because of their high unemployment situation,” he said.

The bed frame and mattresses manufacturer is exporting its products to the EU, Asia and the US while the plastics products manufacturers are producing industrial products for packaging applications and are exporting all over the world.

“They came here to see prospective site. Their requirement is proximity of their operation to international seaport and airport,” he said. Thus, MECO has suggested to the Taiwanese businessmen to consider Subic, Clark, Batangas and Cebu for these areas have access to international ports.

Following the successful resolution of the bilateral issue early this year, Perez said that MECO is implementing a major campaign to attract more Taiwanese investors into the country.

“Our only problem is our high cost of electricity,” Perez said noting that Vietnam and Indonesia could beat the Philippines on this single factor alone. (BCM)

...the Walk of Famer

Pacquiao scores another first: a star in the Las Vegas Walk of Fame

By ANYA SANTOS
May 4, 2011
 
Manny Pacquiao, doing the Filipinos proud
Manny Pacquiao, doing the Filipinos proud


MANILA, Philippines – There seems to be no stopping Manny Pacquiao. Aside from being an eight-division world boxing champion, he’s also dabbled into show business (both in movies and music), retail (he has a merchandise store in Los Angeles and Manila), politics (he’s is currently a congressman for Saranggani) and even scent-making (he says he created his own cologne, the MP7 and the recently launched MP8). But more than that, the Pacman continues to score firsts.

A recent article on Asian Journal, a Fil-Am community newspaper, reported that the Filipino boxing champ will receive his own star on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame. This marks the first time a Filipino athlete is bestowed with this honor.

According to the Las Vegas Walk of Stars chief operating officer Ed Swindle, Pacquiao has been nominated to receive the star, and “has already been voted on and approved by the majority,” he tells Asian Journal in an article on April 28.

The Las Vegas Walk of Stars, as written on its website, “honors people of prominence in a variety of fields including entertainment, sports, literary, humanitarian, civic, military and pioneers.” Located on the Las Vegas Strip, which stretches from Sahara Avenue to Russell Avenue, the famed walk is composed of stars made of polished granite 36” x 36” each, weighing 180 pounds, inlaid with the recipient’s name and specialty.

Honorees “must have, by their presence in the area, contributed to the charm, worldwide prominence and name recognition of Las Vegas, Clark County.” These criteria apparently suits Pacquiao well: as the number one pound for pound boxer (as ranked by Ring Magazine), the current WBC Super Welterweight World Champion and WBO Welterweight World Champion has been named by the Boxing Writers Association as the Fighter of the Decade, an honor previously awarded to legendary boxer Joe Frazier.

More, Pacquiao first got his IBF Super Bantamweight World Title in 2011 at Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack center. His next few winning bouts were held at the Mandala Bay and MGM Grand. Apparently, as Pacquiao gained prominence internationally, he generated a booming business for the city.

In fact, the Asian Journal also noted that Top Rank promoter Bob Arum had once said in an interview that Pacquiao’s fights were seen as “economic stimulus” for Las Vegas. It is sentiment echoed by US senator Harry Reid, who called the Filipino boxer “a true friend of Nevada’s” to his fellow lawmakers, and described his sport as “a major player in our economic arena,” said the report.

Apparently, there is a required $20,000 donation for each star, which could be shouldered by any sponsoring entity like the recipient, friends, family or even corporate sponsors. This non-refundable fee will be used for various expenses like “shipping, manufacturing and embedding of the Star,” the dedication ceremony, publicity and others. Expenses exceeding such items, like performers, cocktail reception and street closures, to name a few, will have to be shouldered by the sponsoring entity.

According to the Las Vegas Walk of Stars website, as many as 3,000 stars could eventually be installed, with 42 stars already dedicated since 2004. Among the most prominent names are: singer/entertainer Wayne Newton (2004), singer/musician Little Richard (2005) entertainer Liberace (2005); entertainers Siegfried & Roy (2006); singers Bobby Darin (2007), singer/actor Sammy Davis, Jr. (2007); singer Elvis Presley (2008); singers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin (2010) and husband and wife singers/musicians Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2010).

The Asian Journal also reported that Swindle said the organization is “already completing paperwork” for Pacquiao’s star, and will “announce the schedule of the formal dedication soon.”

Pacquiao is currently in Las Vegas, billeted in a new Mandaly Bay suite, as his May 7 bout with “Sugar” Shane Mosley approaches.

...the world class shooting location

Shoot in Ilocos, get a subsidy


By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
05/04/2011


BADOC—Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos treated the cast and crew of “Joey Gosiengfiao’s Temptation Island,” led by director Chris Martinez and Regal producer Roselle Monteverde, to a tour of the Juan Luna Shrine recently in this sleepy corner of the Solid North.

“Our province is rich in historical and cultural treasures,” Marcos told the visitors. In an exclusive interview with Inquirer Entertainment, she revealed her plan to draft a “counterpart subsidy” program for production companies that choose the province as location for TV, movie or commercial shoots.

“We are eyeing a 25- to 50-percent subsidy,” she said. For every peso that a production company spends here, the local government is willing to match it “25 to 50 percent.”

“We recognize these firms’ contribution to our economy, in terms of providing employment to residents and promoting our tourist spots,” Marcos said, noting that Paoay has long been a favorite location among local and foreign productions.

The 1980 original and the 2011 remake of “Temptation Island” are set in the sand dunes of Paoay, where last year’s “Emir” was partly shot, too.

Sand Dunes, Paoay Ilocos Norte

Fernando Poe Jr.’s “Panday” series, Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala” and Hollywood films “Mad Max” and “Born on the Fourth of July” were shot in the sand dunes park as well.

The province is also celebrated for its scenic beaches. Pagudpud was a frequent location for films and TV shows produced by Armida Siguion-Reyna. The recent Miss Earth pageant was held in White Rock beach.

Ilocos Norte also boasts manmade wonders, particularly the centuries-old St. Augustine Church in Paoay.

Marcos said the Bangui windmills were recently featured in an ad shoot. “The winding bridge Patapat Viaduct (in Pagudpud, near the foot of the Cordilleras) is called the French Riviera of the North,” she added.

Patapat Viaduct, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte

The governor recently met with Briccio Santos, head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, to prepare for the Sineng Pambansa film festival in Ilocos Norte on Oct. 26 and 27.

“We have our own version of Halloween, which we call the ar-arya,” Marcos noted. “The film fest will feature horror films, along with movies on funeral traditions and superstitions like Soxie Topacio’s ‘Ded na si Lolo.’ In Ilocos, we follow all sorts of colorful customs.”

Monday, May 2, 2011

...the dance of Miss America

Miss America dances 'Tinikling' for anti-obesity campaign

Miss America Teresa Scanlan learned how to dance the Philippine "Tinikling" – thanks to a Filipino-American group's project to fight child obesity through dance.






Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan participated in the Tinikling (PHL's national dance) at the center of the Filipino American Human Science Services Inc. (FAHSI) last April 15.




FAHSI had been chosen to work as a partner of advocacy projects of Miss America and Youth Service America, two non-profit organizations that run the Global Youth Service Day (GYSD).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the group will get a grant to fight child obesity – a cause shared by US First Lady Michelle Obama.

"It has been given a GYSD grant for its project to fight child obesity through dancing, called 'Sayawan Para sa Puso (Dance for the Heart),'" the DFA said in a news release on its website.

According to the DFA, the project was an idea of two Filipino youths, nine-year-old Eva Marie Bedrijo Louie and 10-year-old Nicole Caye Reyes Alcantara.

Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. noted the relevance of Philippine dance, in promoting physical fitness.

He said dancing comes naturally to Filipinos and that Filipino children are not strangers to all kinds of dance routines.

De Leon also expressed his pride that FAHSI was chosen as a partner NGO in implementing the advocacy projects of Miss America.

The GYSD is the world's largest and longest running youth-led services campaign featuring projects coordinated by the youth to solve the problems such as childhood hunger, obesity, homelessness, the environment and disaster preparedness.

On the other hand, the DFA noted Mrs. Obama has also made the fight against Child Obesity her own advocacy project.

Her representative to the event, Joy Bell of "Let's Move", conveyed the greetings of the First Lady.

A highlight of the event at the FAHSI's center in Jamaica, Queens, New York was a demonstration by Filipino-American children of the Philippine dance Tinikling.

Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan participated in the dance, the DFA said.

Also attending the event were Councilman Leroy Comrie of the 27th District of New York City, Nathaniel Hezekiah of the Office of Congressman Gregory Meeks, Federal Department of Health and Human Services Executive Officer Dennis Gonzales, Jen Voss of Youth Service America, United Health Care Chief Executive Officer Bill Golden, US foreign media, and members of the Filipino community.

FAHSI is a community-based, non-profit organization in Queens, New York, providing programs and services for immigrants, youth, seniors and the growing Filipino-American community in New York.

It has been a partner of the Philippine Consulate General in various projects for the community. — LBG, GMA News

...the docu

Film on Larrañaga's conviction wins at Tribeca film fest

 05/02/2011

MANILA, Philippines - "Give Up Tomorrow," a documentary feature film about the case of Paco Larrañaga who was convicted for the 1997 murder of Chiong sisters in Cebu, has bagged the Heineken Audience Award at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.

Director Michael Collins took home $25,000, according to the festival's official website.
The second place went to "Semper Fi: Always Faithful," while "Carol Channing: Larger Than Life" placed third.

Larrañaga and other scions of rich families in Cebu were convicted for the kidnapping, murder and rape of Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong in Cebu. The Supreme Court imposed the death sentence on all but one of the convicts. Their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment after President Arroyo abolished the death penalty.

In 2009, Larrañaga, a Filipino-Spanish citizen, was transferred to the Spanish government where he is serving the rest of his term.

"Give Up Tomorrow" points to a number of holes in his conviction and suggests widespread corruption in the Philippines. -With a report from Reuters

Photo taken from the official website of Tribeca Film Festival

...the Juris

Juris invades Korea

 05/02/2011

MANILA, Philippines - Following the successful debut of Juris’ album in Korea, titled “If, You and Me,” the first Pinay mainstream artist to release an album in Korea will be performing live at “Green Plugged Seoul 2011” festival on May 14 at the Nanji Hangang Park.

“Green Plugged Seoul 2011” is a two-day, multi-stage international festival that offers a variety of art performances (concerts, exhibits, plays, dance, multi-media) in a springtime outdoor setting.
It aims at increasing awareness about the environment. It is one of the most successful new festivals in Seoul.

This year’s event will showcase 117 artists from all over the world, including Korea, Finland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Sweden and the Philippines.

It would be recalled that Juris’ album yielded the hit song “Say You Love Me,” which topped the Korean charts, Cyworld and BGM for 3 months.
Juris’ Korean album features covers and songs written by Korean and Filipino composers.

The album is available in record bars in Korea and online at www.starrecords.ph, iTunes.com, and Amazon.com.
The digital album card version will be available in Astroplus record bars in early June for P99. It features 4 Korean songs which have been translated to English, namely, “Altogether Alone,” “Don’t Forget,” “If You and Me” and “Wishes.”

...the RoRo

GMA’s RoRo source of hope – ADB

 
By BEN R. ROSARIO
May 1, 2011
Manila Bulletin
 

MANILA, philippines -- An Asian Development Bank (ADB) study has cited the roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) project of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the source of hope for millions of poor Filipinos as lawmakers batted for the continuation of the project, saying it’s among the best options that could address the current economic hardship faced by the country.



The study conducted by the ADB revealed that contrary to claims of critics, the Strong Republic Nautical Highways (RoRo project) has contributed huge dividends for the country’s economy that cannot be ignored by the present government.

Administration congressmen pushed for the approval of a number of measures seeking the establishment of state-of-the-art RoRo ports which have been the focal point of the nautical highways program that former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo initiated during her term.

Citing the role of RoRo ports in stimulating economic growth and social development, Reps. Nur Jaafar (Lakas-Kampi, Tawi-tawi); Red Durano (NPC, Cebu) and Benhur Salimbangon (NUP, Cebu) sought the approval of various proposals for RoRo ports in various piers in their congressional districts and in other parts of the country.

However, the building of modern RoRo ports has been blocked by critics who have strongly reacted against the steel modular ports technology project proposed by Eiffel, a firm owned by the French government and Matiere SAS.

This, despite the recent release of a Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) showing that claims of overpricing could not be substantiated.

Undersecretary Ruben Reinoso, who is in charge of the DoTC’s planning and projects, revealed that based on a committee report prepared by two of its attached agencies, the modular RoRo ports that would further bolster the country’s already improving local shipping transport industry was “not overpriced”, adding that the cost is rea-sonable if compared to other proposals of similar components.

Director General Kunio Senga of the ADB-Southeast Asia Regional Department said that the RoRo program has shown that “there is hope for the millions of poor in archipelagic Southeast Asia.”

“The success of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway in the Philippines, which uses an integrated system of roll-on, roll-off vessels to move people and cargo effectively, has proven to be a source of hope for the millions of poor in the region,” he said.

The study said the Arroyo government’s program that was launched in 2003 can serve as a model for other Southeast Asian countries to follow.

The also noted that aside from boosting the tourism industry and local agriculture, the RoRo technology has had “tremendous impact on many companies through reduced transport costs coupled with efficiency in moving products. Among these firms are Nestle, Big E Food, Gardenia Bakeshop, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Fast Cargo.

Citing the ADB study, Dr. Patrick Azanza, senior adviser of Eiffel said the DoTC study showed that the contents of the news reports were disowned by Philippine officials in a letter addressed to the resident manager of the French project consortium.

He said the modular RoRo ports project was analyzed and evaluated based on the unbundled unit costs of the project compared with the stan¬dard reinforced concrete RoRo port on steel pipe piles (SPP) and the Spanish modular RoRo ports project previously offered to the Philippine government, which did not materialize.
The financing terms and conditions of the French government COFACE loan for the RoRo project were likewise considered, he said.

Azanza said the French Modular RoRo Port technology had been proven to offer the least cost to the government with a present value (PV) of P148,452,847 rate per one unit of RoRo port.

This claim can be gleaned on the basis of the computed acquisition and follow-on costs derived for each of the RoRo technology, and using the life cycle cost method of analysis to determine the most cost effective and economical model.

Unlike the French model, the RC Concrete Port with SPP generated a computed PV of P152,966,320 while the Spanish Modular RoRo port generated the highest PV at P195,322,133. All PVs reflect a discount at 15 percent interest.

Azanza said the financing package should also be compared, pointing out that the French port was derived based on the cash outflows under the terms and conditions of  the French government COFACE loan provided for the project.

The locally funded cost items such as project administration and the taxes and duties (12 percent value-added tax and three percent import duties) which have been distributed over the three-year project implementation period were like-wise included in the evaluation.

..the AID

USAID donates 175 vaccine refrigerators to DoH



05/02/2011


MANILA, Philippines—The health department on Monday received 175 vaccine refrigerators from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Health Secretary Enrique Ona said.

Ona said 23 of the refrigerators would be for use of public health facilities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. He expressed optimism that they would improve the immunization coverage in the impoverished ARMM.

Ona said many vaccine refrigerators in the provinces were badly damaged during typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. The replacements, he said, would enable his department to maximize the potency of vaccines used in immunization programs.

The donation had been promised by US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, said Ann Hirschey of the USAID.
The Department of Health has recorded 14 deaths from 5,186 cases of suspected measles nationwide from January 1 to April 16. Majority of the cases came from the National Capital Region followed by Central Luzon.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sheila Coronel to receive Columbia's highest teaching award



Sheila Coronel, one of the Philippines' most respected journalists and currently a New York-based professor of journalism, will be awarded one of Columbia University's highest honors, the Presidential Teaching Award, at the university's commencement ceremony in May.

A co-founder of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and its long-time executive director, Coronel has been the first and only director of the Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism at Columbia University since 2006.

Columbia has long been considered the gold standard in journalism education. University-wide, only five Columbia faculty are given Presidential Teaching Awards every year.

"The Presidential Teaching Awards were established in 1996 to recognize Columbia’s best teachers and their roles in the development of students and contribution to overall academic excellence," the Columbia Journalism School said in its announcement.

"Thrilled beyond words," Coronel said on her Facebook page in reaction to the award.

"I came to the Journalism School from Manila in the fall of 2006," she said on the Columbia Journalism School web site. "I didn't have much teaching experience nor had I lived in the U.S. before. But I was privileged to have fabulous students and a warm, supportive community at the Journalism School.

The generosity of Toni Stabile meant our students had the support they needed to do investigative reporting projects. I'm thrilled -- and grateful -- that the university has recognized the work we've done."

In its announcement of Coronel's award, the Columbia Journalism School presented the following summary of her journalism career in the Philippines:

"Coronel launched her reporting career in the Philippines in 1982 and won renown with her insightful coverage of the human rights abuses that marked the end of the Marcos regime and the democratic movement that led to the election of Corazon Aquino. In 1989, she co-founded the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism to promote investigative reporting and train journalists. Coronel led the PCIJ to become one of the most trusted news sources in the region, with important reporting on poverty, corruption, and political intrigue.

A recipient of numerous awards and extensive recognition, Coronel is the author or editor of over a dozen books, and a graduate of the University of the Philippines and the London School of Economics."

Coronel received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2003, shortly after the PCIJ's investigative work helped hasten the downfall of President Joseph Estrada. - GMA News

...the teachers in Khmer country

Pinoy teachers shine in Cambodia




 05/01/2011

THEIR primary goal when they left the country for Cambodia may have been to earn more money. But in the end, Filipino teachers end up giving their best to that country.

Take the case of Jayson Umaquing, who left the Philippines six years ago for a teaching job that was to give him higher pay in US dollars, part of which he could send back home to his parents and two sisters. He also wanted to embark on an adventure and a life of independence from his family.

His mother would not let him leave at first, fearing for his safety, but he grabbed the opportunity after being accepted for a teaching job in a private school in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.

It was for him a a completely new world where he met people from different parts of the globe. He was able to visit the famous heritage destination Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and other places of nature. The exchange rate at the time was at least P47 to a dollar and that went a long way in sending his sister and some relatives to school.

He went through the stage of being lonely, doing all the work at home and in school, and facing a language barrier in a country where only a few speak English. But after learning the Khmer language, he was able to mingle with the local population and found that “they are a friendly and enthusiastic” people. He said he has adapted to the Khmer culture, which he described as “very rich and interesting.”

In his six years of teaching Math and English to Grades 9 and 10 pupils of the Pannasastra International School, and Business and English subjects to college students of the Pannasastra University and the Western University of Cambodia, he observed that students “easily give up and get stressed.”

But Filipino teachers are “patient and hardworking,” he observed.

New heaven

Another teacher, Joyce Ira Yarza, 28, first taught in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam in 2005, but transferred to an advertising firm in Phnom Penh in 2007 on the invitation of a friend. She enjoyed the teaching job for two years, but felt she needed change. She went back to teaching and “found a new heaven” in the Cambodia International Academy in Phnom Penh.

Joyce brought her children to Cambodia so she wouldn’t miss them. Together with her husband and children, she said she has “found a new home that will satisfy our needs.”

She has not had any problem with the locals, as she has adapted to their nature and culture. She teaches algebra, science and English for middle level students. The pay and work conditions are “not as much as I get in Vietnam” but the “best thing” she likes in the city is the “simple way of life.”

She works Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and spends her weekends with the family. “I am not stressed here,” she added.

Most teachers in Cambodia accept tutorial services in the evenings, Joyce said, something she cannot do because she has her hands full with her own family.

Working in a multicultural community makes teaching so much fun, she added. “Every day, you learn many things from your colleagues and students. If there is one thing I consider a challenge, it’s how to improve myself and my teaching to give the best for my students,” Joyce said.

Another teacher, Jennifer, (not her real name), who requested anonymity, said she went to Cambodia to apply for the job that she is currently holding. For three years, she has been teaching all subjects at the primary level of a Christian school.

Exposure and involvement in a multicultural community are some of the benefits of teaching in Cambodia, Jennifer said. “Each year, I have at least five nationalities in a class. I not only teach but also get to learn and appreciate my kids’ culture. I get more interested about foreign news and information, particularly about my students’ countries,” she explained.

There were 257 Filipino teachers in Cambodia as of Dec. 31, 2010, the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh said.

“Most of them work for private schools and universities at levels ranging from pre-school to post-graduate studies,” according to Ambassador Noe A. Wong in his reply to an e-mailed questionnaire from the Inquirer.

Some Filipino teachers also occupy academic supervisory posts like principal or dean, he said. Their salaries vary depending on the school and teaching level, the embassy said.

Memorable

Jayson said he has had memorable experiences, one of which was when he had a Christmas lunch with his students and they gave him a gift and numerous Christmas cards with heartfelt messages. He was so happy to know his students appreciated his work, he said.

But as Cambodia develops, things will not always be the same for migrant professionals in that country. Jayson realizes that for the past few years, companies and organizations in Cambodia have started to localize their work force because of the lower cost of hiring personnel.

“The wages we get here are not as big as those being given in First World countries,” he said in an emailed reply to an interview. “Although sometimes, we don’t get benefits,” he added without elaborating.

Thus, he plans to go back home this year to explore other employment opportunities in other countries, or to finish his Master’s degree.

For Joyce, she will never forget being described by her students as the “Best Science Teacher” they ever had.

She and her husband have not made plans to move to another country in the next years. But Joyce said she would come back to the Philippines only when she retires.

She said her school was being accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges so she expected the students would get quality education. “If every school here is accredited by international school-governing bodies and quality education is assured, I believe that intellectually-inclined students will be the product of our hard work,” she said.

Joyce believes Cambodia still welcomes more individuals who can contribute to the welfare of their people.

Jennifer added that even though Filipino teachers’ main purpose in working in Cambodia is a better financial position, they “give their best” in their work.

I think it’s in our culture to be patient and resilient. Moreover, Cambodians treat Filipinos with respect,” she said.

She has seen some improvement with the educational system in that country, with the influx of outside help and foreigners who volunteer to help improve education in Cambodia.

She said she and her husband are open to explore work opportunities in other countries but not in the next two to three years.

...the ex-bases

Ex-US bases thrive in Philippines

05/01/2011

SUBIC, Philippines - Two huge former US military bases have found a new lease on life in post-Cold War Philippines, with budget airlines and cargo ships taking the place of fighter jets and destroyers.

The conversion of Subic Naval Base and Clark Air Base into tax-haven special economic zones nearly two decades ago has drawn a few thousand investors that include shipbuilders, electronic firms, airlines and tour operators.


Subic Naval Base, Zambales

Clark Air Base, Pampanga

The transition, however, has not been smooth and the vast areas, each about the size of Singapore, still do not live up to their potential with parts resembling ghost towns, officials involved in running them acknowledge.

But they now employ around 150,000 people, nearly four times the 42,000 locals when US forces gave up what were then their biggest overseas military facilities in 1992, according to Subic's state-administrator Armand Arreza.

"We're the main economic driver here," Arreza told AFP in an interview at his office at the sheltered deepwater port of Subic.

The US military set up their naval and air presence in 1901 and 1903 respectively as they took colonial control of the Philippines, with Subic becoming the repair and supply yard of the US 7th Fleet that ruled the Pacific.

Clark became the headquarters of the 13th US Air Force and the two bases were among the biggest employers in the Philippines for decades after World War II.

But Clark was forced to close when the nearby Pinatubo volcano erupted in 1991, burying the area under vast amounts of ash.

The following year Subic also closed when, amid rising nationalist sentiment and a dispute over rent, the Philippine Senate refused to renew leases on both bases.

In their place, the government moved quickly to turn the areas -- a couple of hours' drive north of Manila -- into special economic zones that allowed investors to import raw materials, capital and equipment tax free.

The company tax rate in the zones was set at five percent, compared with about 30 percent elsewhere in the Philippines, and foreign businesspeople setting up there were given visa waivers.

Foreign manufacturers -- from makers of electronic chips to door knobs, garments and car parts -- dominated an initial rush in the 1990s.

But some ran into difficulty during the 1998 Asian economic crisis -- a pattern that, most recently, again played out in 2008 with the global financial meltdown.

Arreza and others involved in the process described the post-US withdrawal development as a series of hits and misses.

"There are assets that have been distressed, companies whose business plans have not been as successful," Arreza said.

One major setback came in 2009 when Federal Express moved its regional hub to China, leaving 800 locals without jobs, in what was seen as a symbol of the Philippines' increasing inability to compete with its giant Asian neighbour.

Many manufacturers that initially were attracted to the Philippines had in actual fact shifted operations to China and Vietnam from as early on as the mid-1990s.

Richard Gordon, Subic's first administrator, said one of the key misses was a controversial government decision to strip top Asian port operator Hutchison Whampoa of its winning bid to build a Subic container port in 1995.

"If we'd brought (Hutchison's billionaire owner Li Ka-Shing) to Subic who knows what companies would have come," Gordon told AFP.

The government later borrowed money to build a container port that is now operated by Li's local rival for the original project.

Nevertheless, Clark and Subic have done well compared with the rest of the economy, said John Forbes, investment adviser to the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

"The Philippines has done extremely well at both the bases... of course they are not being maximised but that's because the Philippine economy has not been maximised," Forbes told AFP.

In a country that has fallen further behind many of its Asian neighbours on a range of vital economic and social criteria over recent decades, the bases have provided a crucial source of money.

Total investments in Subic since its conversion into an economic zone reached $7.2 billion last year, with nearly $5 billion of that coming since 2005, according to government data.

Clark, which has more usable space and a bigger runway, has attracted a total amount of $25 billion, official figures show.

Among the biggest recent investors at Clark are chip-makers Texas Instruments of the United States, which arrived in 2009, and South Korean giant Samsung, which set up operations last year.

The two have so far ploughed 860 million dollars and 135 million dollars respectively out of their initial billion-dollar investment pledges.

Japanese tyre manufacturer Yokohoma, which has been one of the most enduring foreign companies at Clark after arriving in 1996, also has expansion plans.

Meanwhile, regional airline AirAsia is due to make Clark its main Philippine hub in September, joining seven other budget carriers already there.

Over at Subic, Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries has built one of the 10 largest yards in the world which has delivered 20 ships over the past five years.

"Shipbuilding has become an emerging sector for us," said Arreza, adding that the Subic port was now second only to Manila in terms of general cargo volume.

In another sign of progress, Guam-based Aviation Concepts moved into Subic in February to provide fuelling and maintenance services for Asia-based aircraft, as well as air ambulance services.

After Federal Express' departure to China, Subic's airport had remained dormant.

One of the government's main priorities now is to drive more traffic into the former bases to boost aviation and leisure facilities, with the huge Chinese market a top focus.

"Tourism, for me, is the sleeping giant," Arreza said.

"Right now we're into domestic tourism, but of course there's a lot of seasonality and you are vulnerable to domestic conditions. So we want to get budget carriers to come here also for the foreign tourists."

Subic, in particular, has rich tourism potential, boasting tropical beaches and some of the most well-preserved rainforests left in the Philippines.

Subic also already hosts international sporting events such as triathlons, mountain bike tours, sailing and kayak races.

Lance Gokongwei, chief executive of Cebu Pacific Air, one of the seven current Clark operators, said the airport there had the potential to attract as much traffic as Manila's international airport.

"It's just a question of making an investment in infrastructure," Gokongwei told AFP.

"There's a large catchment around Clark, within a one-hour radius I think, (where) there's five or six million potential customers."