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VP Binay meets OFWs in Sokor

08/04/2010

Vice President Jejomar Binay held yesterday a dialog with the overseas Filipino community at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, South Korea.

Binay sought to learn about the living and employment conditions of the Filipinos working in Korea and how the Philippine government could help them.

Binay assured the Filipino community that the Aquino administration, through appropriate government agencies, will intensify efforts to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. He also mentioned that the government is keen on creating new jobs that will give Filipinos an opportunity to decide whether to work abroad or not.

While at the Philippine Embassy, the Vice President also awarded Certificates of Appreciation to 11 Filipino community members for giving donations to victims of typhoon “Ondoy.” He also donned Medals of Excellence to Jomar Marco, Jayson Ibarra, Felix Jumarang, Benjamin Vinluan, Larry Bayasen and Rizalino Tawagen who helped rescue a Korean high school student from being raped.

The Vice President is also expected to meet with ranking South Korean government officials led by Prime Minister Chung Un-Chan and attend the 27th Asia-Pacific Jamboree and 3rd International Patrol Jamboree in Suncheon City.

Binay said he hopes to discuss with the South Korean government issues that will help strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries, especially in terms of trade and investments and labor.

The Philippine Embassy recorded 46,738 professional and non-professional Filipino workers in South Korea. It stated that while working conditions in the professional/high skilled sector and of domestic helpers are fairly satisfactory, those of blue collar workers are found wanting.

Most Filipinos in the construction and manufacturing sectors entered Korea through the Employment Permit System (EPS). Under EPS, deployed migrant Filipino workers are assured of labor rights such as minimum wage and working hour conditions, insurance benefits and support programs.

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