A large gathering of Filipinos took place at the Philippine Embassy on Saturday, August 20, 2011 for the occasion dubbed, “Isang Gabi ng Salu-salo Tungo sa Pagbabago.”  The event fostered camaraderie among the members of the  Filipino community through  a number of  well organized series of entertaining yet informative program of activities.  

Her Excellency Ambassador Helen Barber  led the induction ceremony for the Pilipin@s.mm  newly elected set officers  and appointed committee chairpersons for 2011-2012. Dr. Mel Capistrano (President), Olive Orate (Vice President), Bro. Mandy Dujunco (Secretary), Annamae Francisco (Treasurer),  Mario Libid (Auditor), Oliver  Gomez ( Sports Committee), Marissa Tan Khaing (Socio –Civic Committee), Patrick Nebre (Ways  and Means Committee), Cloudio de la Cruz (Culture and Values Formation Committee) and Rose Curato (Documentation Committee) took their oath of office  as their humble beginning to serve the members of the Filipino community in Myanmar.  Currently, there are 345 Filipinos registered at the Philippine Embassy in Myanmar, on which 124 live outside Yangon .

Vice Consul Bryan Baguio believes that there are more unaccounted OFWs, so he stressed the importance of registering at the Embassy with in 1-2 weeks after arrival. Other matters announced were the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) registration which will start in October 2011, and the Bagong Bayani Nominee  in Myanmar for Culture and Arts Category is Patrick Nebre. He also encouraged everyone to vote Palawan as one of the new 7 wonders of the world, just log on at http://www.new7wonders.com.

To address several issues faced by OFWs in Myanmar which were raised  during the various sectoral meetings held with the spouses of Myanmar nationals and the following groups namely  manufacturing, entertainment, private, INGOs and UN agencies, education and religious sector,  Pilipin@s.mm President Dr.  Mel Capistrano stressed the following points: (a) all OFWs could not leave the Philippines without proper and complete  documents from the POEA; (b) POEA fee is charged in pesos, not in USD and this is  allocated for processing fee;  (c) the government of Myanmar does not issue permanent residence to any foreigners; (d) Filipino language and culture course will be available to children born in Myanmar and will be taught by volunteer teachers at the Philippine Embassy; and (e) OFWs must  have the pertinent documents on hand to protect them against  pre-terminated contract.

Her Excellency Ambassador Helen Barber greatly emphasized on respecting and following the rules and regulations of the host country . She also counselled especially for the ‘balik manggagawa’ to have their employment contracts authenticated by the Philippine Embassy in Myanmar and to have proper POEA documents ready to avoid problems in the immigration in the Philippines.  Moreover, she said that Filipinos can obtain a copy of the Embassy Advisory explaining to Philippine Bureau of Investigation and POEA Myanmar's unique situation. To secure a copy, the following are requirements: (a) personal appearance ( individuals are required to acknowledge receipt of the Advisory); (b) must be registered with the Embassy and (c) valid employment contract (for the Embassy to verify that the employment is in Myanmar).

Pilipin@s.mm Vice President  Olive Orate cited the list of activities for the whole year. Below is the calendar of events for 2011-2012

• September – Bingo Social/Christian Life Program
• October –      Red October Sportsfest/Concert for a Cause
• November -  Launching of Cultural and Language Learning Sessions for kids in Myanmar
• December -  Christmas Party and  Celebration of International Migrants’ Day ;

                Gift giving for Children with Cancer in collaboration with ‘Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko”

                (in the Philippines)

• January -       Salu-salu event (Boodle fight),  Videoke King and Queen and Food festival
• February -     Pasayaw with Pilipin@s.mm Got Talent
• March -        Summer Fun Run (for a cause) / Spiritual Retreat/Recollection
• April -           Break (no scheduled activity)
• May -           Santacruzan
• June -           Independence day, Rizal Day and Election

The event kicked off with the awarding of 6 gifts to those who arrived early and the program ended  with a feast of sumptuous Filipino food prepared by our kababayan. Pilipin@s.mm would like to acknowledge the Philippine Embassy in Myanmar for the venue and support and to the fellow Filipinos  who helped in making this event a success. It is the hope of Pilipin@s.mm  that every Filipino in Myanmar would embody what P’Noy mentioned in his SONA 2011 which  Pilipin@s.mm President Dr. Mel Capistrano had reiterated in  his insightful speech, “Iangat natin ang kapwa Pilipino sa bawat pagkakataon.”

See you in the upcoming activities!