PASUGUAN NG PILIPINAS SA LEBANON January-June 2017

DIWA Digital Newsletter

Philippine Embassy in Lebanon

January-June 2017

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN LEBANON DIGITAL NEWSLETTER IN THIS ISSUE : JANUARY - JUNE 2017

Mga kababayan at mga kasamahan sa Pasuguan ng Pilipinas,

It is with great pride that we present this first ever newsletter of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, “DIWA” ,an initiative of the Embassy’s Cultural Section under the direction of Vice Consul Mary Grace Perpetua.

Our aim in launching this publication is to keep the Filipino community and other stakeholders informed and updated on the various initiatives, activities and projects of the Embassy, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), as we untiringly pursue our mandate to uphold and protect the interests of the Filipino nation and people.

We are also utilizing this space to highlight the steadfast partnership and cooperation between the Embassy and the estimated 28,000-strong Filipino community in Lebanon. We are honored

to feature how we have successfully displayed the best of our traditions and culture through the various activities that we have jointly organized.

By naming the newsletter “DIWA” we seek to evoke images of the unassailable Filipino spirit – the spirit reflected by the industry, resourcefulness and determination of our migrant workers in Lebanon, as well as by the Embassy, POLO and OWWA personnel who assist them.

It is my hope that as we have wrapped up a colorful and productive first half of 2017, all Filipinos in Lebanon will continue to exemplify our common “DIWA” – working hand-in-hand and combining our efforts and talents, in order to propel the Embassy and Community to achieving even more triumphs for the rest of the year and beyond.

Maraming salamat at mabuhay tayong lahat!

PHL EMBASSY IN LEBANON CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH FILIPINO COMMUNITY

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon and the Filipino community held a grand Cultural Festival on 11 June 2017 at the Collège du Sacré-Coeur, Gemmayze to celebrate the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence. The festival was made possible with the partnership of Collège du Sacré…

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PHL EMBASSY FACILITATES REPATRIATION OF 36 OVERSEAS FILIPINOS

A total of 36 overseas Filipinos, including four minors, with irregular immigration status in Lebanon were reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines after...

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MESSAGE

ENRIK FORT E. REVILLAS Chargé d’Affaires,a.i.

Philippine Embassy Lebanon

Please consider the Environment before printing this Newsletter

DIWA DIGITAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 2

MESSAGES

I admirably congratulate the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon for coming up with an idea of publishing a newsletter, as this will serve as our direct link not only to our Filipino nationals in Lebanon, but also with their employers as well. This paper chronicles all our concerted efforts as we perform our respective mandates to serve our stakeholders in this part of the world. The Philippine Overseas

Labor Office (POLO) is optimistic that through this initiative, our kababayans will have a clear, reliable and first-hand information on the programs, projects, services and activities of the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon. Given the right information, their concerns will be addressed accordingly, so they can make the right decisions that will propel their lives to greater heights. Your informed choices will serve as a springboard for your progress and success in the future.

Time and again we have proven that our dedication toward work and professionalism makes us one of the most preferred workers globally. Always carry the Filipino values within you and take pride of our color, heritage and culture, as these cuts us above the rest. Inside the pages of this newsletter, you will also find a good mix of news articles and feature stories about the life and plight of our workers here, something all of us can relate to and be inspired with, as we face the saga and challenges of being an Overseas Filipino Worker. Rest assured that your Philippine Overseas Labor Office is here to serve you. We hope you will enjoy reading this maiden issue. END

My warm felicitations to the men and women of the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon who tirelessly pulled their efforts together to come up with the maiden issue of this newsletter.

This publication will serve as a good venue where OWWA-Lebanon can foster its ties with migrant workers, making OWWA programs and services relevant and accessible to all. These programs and services are nothing without the support and cooperation from our most-valued partner, the Filipino Community in Lebanon.

Let us all carry the passion for excellence, determination and solidarity as we positively influence the lives of our fellow Filipinos through the social and welfare benefits, scholarship and training grants, livelihood assistance packages and reintegration preparedness programs we provide to empower our OFWs and their families.

May this newsletter be a symbol of unity among Filipinos in Lebanon in our common pursuit to earn a decent living for our families back home. We count on you to walk hand-in-hand with us as we aspire to improve the quality of life and provide a better future of our workers. END

VIOLETA D. ILLESCAS Labor Attaché

Philippine Overseas Labor Office Philippine Embassy Lebanon

by Name Style

ALLAN BABAN

Welfare Officer Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Office

Philippine Embassy Lebanon

DIWA DIGITAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 3

THE CHANCERY

Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines

The Philippines and Lebanon established diplomatic relations on 24 October 1946, almost three years after the independence of Lebanon. From 1946 to 1996, the resident Philippine Embassy in Egypt and thereafter the resident Philippine Embassy in Jordan exercised concurrent jurisdiction over Lebanon. The Philippines opened its resident embassy in Lebanon on 26 October 1996, with the following as Ambassadors: 1. H.E. Fortunato Oblena, from 24 October 1996 to 14 September 2003; 2. H.E. Ramoncito S. Mariño, from 21 September 2003 to 19 August 2004; 3. H.E. Al Francis C. Bichara, from 28 February 2006 to 15 December 2006; 4. H.E. Gilberto G.B. Asuque, from 03 January 2009 to 30 June 2011; and 5. H.E. Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz from 24 November 2011 to 30 June 2016. The Embassy is currently being headed by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Enrik Fort E. Revillas since July 2016 up to the present.

Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Enrik Fort E. Revillas

Filipinos in Lebanon are estimated to be around 28,207, with most of them working in the household service sector.

The Filipino Community is highly organized, with approximately sixty-two active organizations. They support the Embassy’s cultural, labor, and assistance-to-nationals’ initiatives.

FAST FACTS

90% The majority of Filipinos in Lebanon are working in the household service sector.

98% Out of the total number of Filipinos in Lebanon 98% of them are composed of Women.

2% And only 2% of the total number of Filipinos in Lebanon are Men.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Website: beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph Email: beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeirutPE

Telephone No.: +961 05 953 520 Fax No.: +961 05 953 521

Embassy Address: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, W Building, Rue Mar Geries Hadath, Baabda, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon

Operating Times: 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Monday to Friday (except during Philippine and Lebanese Holidays).

Emergency line:

03-859 430 For emergency (requiring police intervention) cases only:

Note: Please call the emergency hotline number of the Embassy ONLY if it is for the stated purpose so as to keep it open for emergency calls.

POLO Hotline:

71-178 241 (for work-related complaints requiring immediate assistance)

DIWA DIGITAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 4

PHL EMBASSY IN LEBANON HOSTS DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION TO

CELEBRATE119TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHL INDEPENDENCE

The Embassy of the Philippines in Lebanon successfully hosted a reception on the occasion of the 119th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12 at the Levante Ballroom of Mövenpick Hotel and Resort, Generale de Gaulle, Beirut. The reception was attended by members of the diplomatic and consular corps led by the Papal Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps H.E. Monsignor Gabriele Caccia, Lebanese government officials and businessmen, representatives of non-government organizations and leaders and members of Filipino community organizations in Lebanon. Prominent Lebanese politicians and leaders graced the occasion: Guests of Honor H.E. Pierre Bouassi, Minister of Social Affairs officially representing President of Lebanese Republic H.E. General Michel Aoun and H.E. Jamal El Jarrah, Minister of Telecommunications officially representing the President of Council of Ministers H.E. Saad Hariri. The heads of Lebanon’s security agencies (Lebanese Armed Forces, General Security, and Internal Security Forces) also sent their respective representatives. In his message, Chargé d'Affaires,a.i. Enrik Fort Revillas hailed the steadfast friendship between the Philippines and Lebanon, highlighted by a long tradition of people-to-people ties. He also touted the country’s steady economic progress, while also emphasizing the campaign against extremism and terrorism as a shared objective between the Philippines and Lebanon. Guests were invited to taste the bestselling Philippine dalandan and calamansi cocktail drinks and were also entertained with the rendition of Philippine original music by the Embassy personnel, Philippine Overseas Labor Office, and Office of Workers Welfare Administration.

PHL EMBASSY IN BEIRUT CONDUCTS

PROTOCOL REFRESHER SEMINAR

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon held a Protocol refresher seminar for its personnel including the attached agencies and their dependents at the Chancery’s Showroom on Sunday, 04 June 2017. The refresher course is in line with the Embassy’s commitment to enhance and update the existing knowledge and skills of its personnel on the best protocol practices and to familiarize them with the essentials of business and social etiquette practices of the host country. The protocol refresher seminar is part of the Embassy’s preparations for the Cultural Festival with the Filipino Community and the National Day Diplomatic Reception on June 11 and 12.

Mr. Junaid Ali opens the session by discussing the basic protocol of hosting along with the interesting topic of the Lebanese formal and informal customs, etiquette and practices. The second part was conducted by Finance Officer Lourdes Morallos, mainly focusing on the dress code and official engagements, followed by Vice Consul Grace Perpetua on the topic of social graces. Lastly, Consular Officer Geranfel Abrillo discussed about practical protocol and shared his experiences and useful tips as seasoned Protocol Officer of the Department since 1991. The participants engaged in a simple simulation on dining etiquette and welcoming of guests as well as discussions on possible scenarios and usual mistakes committed during National Day receptions.

PHL EMBASSY IN LEBANON HOLDS INDEPENDENCE DAY CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2017 WITH FILIPINO

COMMUNITY

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon and the Filipino community held a grand Cultural Festival on June 11 at the Collège du Sacré-Coeur, Gemmayze to celebrate the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence. The festival was made possible with the partnership of Collège du Sacré-Coeur who provided the venue as well

as the sponsorship of BOB Finance Western Union. The festival attracted more than a thousand guests.

The event started with a Holy Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Sacré-Coeur, with Bishop Cesar Essayan as the main celebrant, and with Fr. Elie Daou and Rev. Fr. Binoi Mandalphati, C.Ss.R., as co-celebrants. It was followed by a Food Festival at 11:30 a.m. held at the grounds of the Collège du Sacré-Coeur. Twelve (12) Filipino Community groups contributed one Filipino dish to the event, with each dish representing a specific regional Filipino cuisine. Meanwhile, other Filipino community groups also contributed by sending their own members as Marshalls for the event.

The highlight of the Festival was the cultural program which began at 1:00 p.m. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Enrik Fort Revillas delivered his remarks to the guests, and also read out President Rodrigo Duterte’s message to the overseas Filipinos worldwide.

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Grace Perpetua read the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, while Labor Attaché Violeta Illescas read the message of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.

Twelve Filipino community groups entertained the audience with a variety of original Filipino songs and ethnic dances which are as follows: “Isang Awit, Isang Mundo” performed by the Couples for Christ (CFC); “Pagasayawan” performed by Filipino Evangelical Churches; Violin Solo by Irish Mae Mariano; “Binuyugan Dance” performed by Sarbah Parish Group; “Bulaklakan Dance” performed by Ballounel Group; “Lawiswis Kawayan” performed by AIMpower Club International; “Dakilang Lahi” and “Bayan Ko” performed by OFW Magbaysay—X Factor Winners; “Salakot Folk Dance” performed by Pagkakaisa ng Ilokano at Tagalog; “Piliin mo ang Pilipinas” performed by IPSRG; “Itik-Itik Dance” performed by OFW Global Movement for Empowerment; “Magkaisa” and “Tagumpay Nating Lahat” performed by Team Duterte Lebanon: The Majors; and finally “Dayang-Dayang Music” performed by Dabarkads sa Lebanon.

A raffle draw capped the afternoon program. LTC Cargo awarded five lucky Filipinos with a free shipment of a balikbayan box from Lebanon to any point in the Philippines. The second raffle draw was sponsored by BOB Finance Western Union. Mr. Ziad Rouhana, head of the sales and marketing section of the BOB Finance Western Union, awarded ten lucky winners with cash prizes. END

PHL EMBASSY IN BEIRUT JOINS

MAYFLOWER FESTIVITIES

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon joined the Mayflower Festivities in Beirut on May 28 by sending representatives and participants to various parishes in Beirut. Mayflower Festivities, or Santacruzan (as popularly referred to in the Philippines), is a long-standing tradition upheld by the Catholic Churches in Beirut in partnership with the migrant communities in Lebanon. It is traditionally celebrated with a

community rosary, a holy mass, a procession of Mother Mary's statue, and a parade of Santacruzan characters.

Embassy representatives were dispatched to witness and participated in the festivities in these churches, as well as to invite the Filipino community to join the upcoming Cultural Festival on June 11 to celebrate the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

The Embassy, as well as various Filipino community groups, put up tents on the church grounds and offered Filipino food and drinks to guests.

Meanwhile, Protocol Officer Joel Ramirez and Assistance-to-Nationals Officer Julie Pasco represented the Embassy in the Santacruzan festivities in the Sassine Church. Third Secretary and Vice Consul

Grace Perpetua was also sent to deliver the Embassy's message to the St. Francis Church in Hamra. The Embassy acknowledged the efforts made by the Filipino community in keeping alive our Filipino traditions, and supports the churches in their ministry to all migrants. END

EDITORIAL TEAM

Bautista, Loremie

Perpetua, Mary Grace

Contributors:

Ali, Junaid

De Castro, Genevieve

Revillas, Angelica Elaine

Adviser: Chargé d'Affaires,a.i. Enrik Fort Revillas

DIWA DIGITAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 5

MWOFRC LEBANON CONDUCTS TRAINING ON BREAD MAKING By: Genevieve De Castro

Twenty-Five Filipinas who are temporarily sheltered at the Migrant Workers and other Overseas Filipino Resource Center of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office - Lebanon successfully marked the completion of the technical skills training on Bread Making - Leading to Bread and Pastry Production NC II on June 14. In a simple graduation ceremony held at the MWOFRC, the wards received their certificates of completion for the 6-day training session.

Addressing the graduates during the ceremony, Philippine Embassy – Lebanon Chargé d’Affaires Enrik Fort E. Revillas said, “We want to assure you of the end-to-end care and services while you are here, starting off when you arrived at the Embassy as a distressed worker seeking temporary shelter, until you are fully reintegrated in the Philippines after your repatriation. While we are processing the request for your exit clearances at the General Security, we make use of your time to attend practical training such us this, to help you start a better life ahead. With this knowledge, you will have a better choice at life, whether you choose to put up your business back home or work as a skilled worker in your next contract overseas. Either way, life will be better for you now that you have learned something new.”

Labor Attaché Violeta D. Illescas said, “our government

POLO LEBANON TEACHES MIGRANT WORKERS TO BE FINANCIALLY LITERATE

By: Genevieve De Castro

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in partnership with the Philippine Embassy–B is at the forefront in the conduct of Financial Literacy and Reintegration Preparedness seminars to interested migrant workers in Lebanon. To date, there are 800 migrant workers who have already attended the said seminar from January to mid-July 2017 and many more are still awaiting their turn for the rest of 2017.

“As we take the lead at educating our workers towards financial freedom and reintegration preparedness for the past three years now, we are humbled by the level of interest the migrant workers have shown in response to the seminars we have given them,” said Labor Attaché Violeta D. Illescas of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.

POLO and OWWA did not expect that migrant workers will be keen on reintegration preparedness. The growing demand for additional schedule for the rest of the year is overwhelming. “This is a welcome development as this signals the readiness of our workers to start preparing for their productive return to the Philippines, Labor Attaché Illescas added.

The seminar comes in three parts, the first topic about financial literacy, outlines the pitfalls why a worker fails to save, it also addresses where the difficulty lies and suggests step by step measures to make savings a forcible habit. “Most workers

recognizes the need to provide our migrant workers with access to skills development and enhancement program as it is the most effective tool for empowering our distressed workers.” This she said as the participants learned the basic and core principles of Bread Making following the TESDA module to assure they acquire the needed competency requirements the industry demands.

“The knowledge you acquired here is likened to a stagnant water inside the faucet that needs to continuously flow-out to keep the water running fresh and clean, otherwise it will get contaminated with rust, overtime. In the same manner that if you are not going to use this knowledge you just acquired, it will get rusted. Continue to harness the skills and knowledge you have now to sharpen and master the art of bread making and make the most out of it,” Welfare Officer Neil Allan R. Baban advised the participants during the graduation ceremony.

Towards the end of the ceremony, the graduates received their certificates of completion, and were subsequently advised that they can take these certificates to the nearest TESDA office in the Philippines for an assessment or to enroll in a full course on bread and pastry production as a starting point in obtaining a National Certificate.

They were also advised to seek a livelihood assistance package from the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) for those who want to make it as a business venture. NRCO is the government office under the

would delay their savings, thinking that they still have next month’s earnings to start with. But when the following month comes, still they ran short of cash for savings as everything is all sent home. With the monthly salary, the savings should be deducted first, and what is left should be the only amount to be spent,” Welfare Officer Neil Allan R. Baban stressed during one of his lectures.

Investment and entrepreneurial undertakings are also discussed to guide OFWs where to safely lodged their hard-earned money. Business ideas are also presented to them so they’ll have a wide array of choices depending on what suits or interests them. Above all, it guides them as to where to source out the much needed additional capital should an OFW decide to put up his own business.

Second topic on reintegration preparedness introduces them to the programs and services of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO). The latest addition to the government agencies under the Department of Labor and Employment which is mandated to enable OFWs and their families to work and live with entrepreneurial mindset, primarily through the creation of awareness on the value of saving, and empowering them to plan for investment, business, or local employment upon their return, while at the same time responding to the reintegration needs of displaced OFWs and OFWs in distressful situations.

Third topic about OWWA programs and services stresses the importance of being an active OWWA member for the social protection of its members. With a membership fee of $ 25.00 for two years, a worker and his dependents are entitled to numerous benefits such as insurance and health care, education and training assistance for its members and

Department of Labor and Employment that addresses the needs of our migrant workers and their families to a more productive return to the Philippines.

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration cost shared this skills training program for the wards at the MWOFRC. POLO and OWWA tapped the expertise of Miss Ana Marie O. Lim, who has been a resident trainer of MWOFRC for Cake and Bread Making over the years. END

The graduates are flanked by Beirut PE and POLO-OWWA Beirut personnel in the middle row. From left to right, ATN Officer Julie Rose

D. Pasco, Welfare Officer Neil Allan R. Baban, Vice-Consul Grace L. Perpetua, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Enrik Fort E. Revillas, Labor Attaché

Violeta D. Illescas, Administrative Officer Carmelita Duarte, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Venus P. Libres, Senior LEO

Genevieve T. De Castro and OWWA staff Joselito F. Sunga

dependents, scholarship for dependents, are entitled to numerous benefits such as insurance and health care, education and training assistance for its members and dependents, scholarship for dependents, social services, workers welfare assistance and family welfare services among others.

Results from the quarterly survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed an increase in the number of OFW households that utilize their remittances for savings. The percentage of OFW households using remittances to save as of the second quarter of 2017 was more than six times the 7.2 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2007, ten years ago.

“We feel we are part of such positive development happening in the lives of our OFWs and their families. The efforts we pour out conducting the seminars mostly on Sundays and the OWWA fund spent for these seminars all paid out with such positive results”, said Welfare Officer Neil Allan R. Baban of

OWWA-Lebanon.END

DIWA DIGITAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 6

BEIRUT PE CELEBRATES NATIONAL

WOMEN’S MONTH WITH LECTURE

ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT LAWS

In celebration of the National Women's

Month and in line with the Department of

Foreign Affairs' Gender and Development

(GAD) Program to continuously provide

information on the protection of Filipino

migrants especially women, the Philippine

Embassy in Lebanon’s Assistance-to-

Nationals Section, in cooperation with POLO

and OWWA, conducted lectures on two

landmark pieces of legislation on the

empowerment of women.

Mr. Junaid C. Ali, Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) and Legal Officer, and Ms. Julie Rose Pasco, ATN Officer, conducted presentations on the salient provisions of Republic Act 9710 (“Magna Carta for Women Act of 2009”) and Republic Act 9262 (“Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004”) to an audience of distressed female Filipino workers sheltered in the Migrant Workers and other Overseas Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC), as well as Embassy, POLO and OWWA officers and staff, totaling fifty-four (54) participants.

PHL EMBASSY CO-HOSTS FOLLOW UP TRAINING ON CONSULAR CONTINGENCY

PLANNING

The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), hosted a follow up training on consular contingency planning for members of the diplomatic and consular corps in Lebanon at the Chancery Showroom from 29 February to 01 March 2017. Diplomats from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United States and the European Union (EU), as well representatives from international organizations and the Lebanese government, participated in the training, which was a follow up to an earlier seminar on the same subject held from 04 to 06 October 2016.

Women make up around 98% of Lebanon’s Filipino migrant population. The vast majority are employed in the household service sector, necessitating the continued advocacy to raise awareness on labor and women’s rights and the means to uphold them. END

PHL EMBASSY FACILITATES

REPATRIATION OF 36 OVERSEAS FILIPINOS

A total of 36 overseas Filipinos, including four minors, with irregular immigration status in Lebanon were reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines after their repatriation was facilitated by the Philippine Embassy in Beirut on May 16, 2017. The Embassy facilitated the issuance of the undocumented Filipinos’ exit clearances in coordination with the Directorate General of the General Security (Lebanese Immigration), and arranged for airport transfer on the day of their repatriation. The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi provided assistance during the repatriates’ layover in the United Arab Emirates.END

Ambassador Fortunato Oblena (ret.), former Philippine envoy to UAE, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, served as expert in facilitating the two-day training, assisted by Ms. Ivy Miravalles, Emigrant Services Officer of the CFO. The training featured workshops and multi-stakeholder panel discussions which aimed to build the crisis preparedness and contingency planning capacities of embassy staff members, especially from migrant-sending countries. The event, funded by the EU and implemented by the ICMPD in partnership with the CFO, is part of a series of six regional capacity building seminars under the framework of the Migrants in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) Initiative, which is co-chaired by the Philippines and the United States. END

Photo: (Seated, left to right) Ambassador Fortunato Oblena (Ret.), Ms. Megan Pilli of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Mr. Enrik Fort Revillas, Chargé d’affaires, a.i. of the Philippine Embassy and Mr. Thomas Valetas of the European Union together with participants from Lebanon’s diplomatic and consular corps.

REPATRIATIONS

JANUARY TO JUNE 2017

The Embassy’s ATN Office (Assistance to Nationals) and Labor Office (POLO-OWWA) are working together to help and protect our kababayans in Lebanon. The matrix below shows the number of Filipinos assisted by the Philippine Embassy Team in Lebanon, who were reunited with their families:

Photo: The 36 Overseas Filipino workers pose in front of the Chancery with Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i. Enrik Fort E. Revillas (leftmost), and ATN Officers: Junaid Ali (rightmost) and Julie Rose Pasco (3rd from right)

DIWA DIGITAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 7

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES

CLARIFICATION ON THE

DEPLOYMENT BAN IN

LEBANON The Philippine Embassy wishes to clarify the deployment ban of Filipino workers in Lebanon. Upon the recommendation of a Philippine government Task Force on Lebanon, a total ban on the deployment of OFWs to Lebanon was imposed on 18 June 2007 under the Philippines Department of Labor and Employment, Department Order No. 84, Series of 2007 and instructed to maintain the total ban on the processing and deployment of Filipino workers bound for Lebanon in the POEA Governing Board of Resolution No.08 Series of 2007 dated17 December 2007, due to the unstable peace and order situation in this country and with commitment to the States policy to afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, to protect the rights of workers and to promote their welfare. This deployment ban was revised by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) as follows:

• Governing Board Resolution No. 06,

Series of 2008 – Declaring a

temporary lifting of the ban to

Lebanon for the Christmas season

of 2008 and to allow the processing

and deployment of returning

Filipino workers who are on

vacation and are going back with

same employer in the same site.

• Governing Board Resolution No. 02,

Series of 2009 – Allowing the

processing and deployment as

Balik-Manggagawa of Filipino

workers from Lebanon who are

coming home to attend the

graduation ceremonies of their

children starting March 2009 and

returning to the same employer not

later than May 15 2009.

• Governing Board Resolution No. 07,

Series of 2009 - Filipino workers in

Lebanon, who are legally deployed

before the imposition of the total

deployment ban on 18 June 2007,

are allowed to visit their families (to

celebrate the yuletide season,

participate and attend the

graduation ceremonies of their

children and next-of-kin, visit ill

immediate family member, attend

to the burial/wake of an immediate

family member, and other

extremely urgent concerns) in the

Philippines until the end of 2009

was imposed through the letter of

the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon

dated 08 May 2009 as requested by

Ambassador Gilberto G.B. Asuque.

• Governing Board Resolution No. 01,

Series of 2010 – Overseas Filipino

Workers (OFWs) in Lebanon who

will be coming home to attend the

graduation ceremonies of their

children shall be allowed to process

their documents as Balik-

Manggagawa or returning workers

under Temporary Pass to enable

them to return to their employment

in Lebanon, subject to the following

conditions:

1. The worker has a valid and existing employment contract that is compliant with the provision of the HSW Reform Package on the US $400.00 salary and is returning to the current employer in Lebanon; 2. That the worker has a confirmed return airline ticket within the period of the 2010 Graduation Pass. This shall be effective and applicable only to OFWs arriving from Lebanon to witness the graduation ceremonies of their children, starting 1 March 2010 and returning to the same employer not later than 15 May 2010.

• Governing Board Resolution No. 01,

Series of 2011 - Approval of the

request of the Philippine Embassy

on Lebanon to process returning

workers from Lebanon as Balik-

manggagawa, subject to the

following conditions:

1. The worker was processed by the POEA prior to June 18, 2007; 2. The worker is returning to the same employer in Lebanon with a valid existing employment contract verifies and authenticated by the POLO/Philippine Embassy; and 3. Household Service Workers (HSWs) must possess an employment contract that is fully compliant with the provisions of the HSW Reform Package.

• Governing Board Resolution No. 10,

Series of 2012 - Inclusion of

Lebanon in the list of compliant

countries, without prejudice to

negotiations for the protection of

the rights of household service

workers and/or other categories of

worker, therefore lifting the ban on

the deployment of OFWs bound for

Lebanon except for newly hired

HSWs pending agreement of the

Philippine and Lebanese

governments on a Standard

Employment Contract for HSWs.

The inclusion of Lebanon in the list

of compliant countries was made

possible by the Certification issued

by the Philippine Embassy in the

Republic of Lebanon, citing that it

partially complies with the

requirements under subparagraphs

(a) and (c) of Philippines Republic

Act of 10022 and that the Republic

of Lebanon is taking positive and

concrete measures to protect the

migrant workers in the country,

particularly women migrant

domestic workers (WMDM). The

Philippine Embassy also cited the

signing of the Memorandum of

Understanding and Protocols and

Controls on the Recruitment and

Employment of Filipino Domestic

Workers in Lebanon by the

Philippine and Lebanese

governments dated 01 February

2012, as well as the ongoing

negotiation for a Standard

Employment Contract for Domestic

Workers in Lebanon.

The Philippine Embassy encourage the public to report to the Embassy any person or private agencies, facilitating employment of Filipino workers to Lebanon in exchange of money or claiming to have a license to do these transactions from the Embassy. The Embassy also takes this opportunity to clarify that it is not affiliated with any individual or private recruitment agencies, local or foreign, facilitating deployment of Filipino workers to Lebanon. All information and inquiries regarding procedures and requirements on the deployment of Filipino workers in Lebanon shall be directed only through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), inside the Embassy of the Philippines, W Building, Mar Geries Street, Hadath, Baabda, Mount Lebanon, with Telephone Numbers: 05-953523, 05-953524, 71-178241 and 03-988207.

DIWA DIGITAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 8

DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS

The DSAL Bangladesh Coffee Morning

As part of its cultural diplomacy efforts and its solidarity with the wider diplomatic community in Lebanon, the Philippine Embassy has actively participated in the initiatives of the Diplomatic Spouses’ Association of Lebanon (DSAL) covering September 2016 to July 2017.

The DSAL is an organization of the spouses of diplomatic personnel in Lebanon, counting 74 members from 28 different countries. Over the past year, it lined up an impressive array of activities promoting cultural exchange among diplomatic representations as well as charitable work for various noteworthy causes in the country.

The Philippine Embassy joins the DSAL Annual Charity Bazaar

Among the highlights of DSAL’s past year were the International Charity Bazaar held in December 2016 at the Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut, where the Philippine Embassy set up a booth for the display and sale of Philippine native bags and handicrafts, and the International Brunch in March 2017 at the Les Grandes

Arcades in Bikfaya, which was attended by Mrs. Angelica Revillas, spouse of Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Enrik Fort Revillas. Proceeds from the activities contributed to the charitable work of the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa Sisters) and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, respectively.

The DSAL also organized monthly Coffee Morning gatherings hosted by different Embassies, along with workshops, trips to tourism sites within Lebanon and

other outreach activities.

The incoming DSAL President is Mme. Sadia Ferdous Sarker, spouse of the Ambassador of Bangladesh, taking over from Mme. Gouri Balachandran, spouse of the Ambassador of Malaysia, who led the organization the past year.

List of Activities

DSAL MONTHLY COFFEE MORNING

HOSTED BY:

JANUARY - Spouse of the Ambassador of Poland, Madam Joanna Kociankowska-Bozek

FEBRUARY - Spouse of the Ambassador of Denmark, Madam Gunilla Waever

MARCH – Mrs. Alice Edde from Eddésands Hotel and Wellness Resort in Byblos, Lebanon.

APRIL - Spouse of the Ambassador of Bangladesh, Madam Sadia Sarker

MAY - Spouse of the Ambassador of Bulgaria, Madam Svetla Mitova

JUNE - Spouse of the Ambassador of Malaysia, Madam Gouri Balachandran

Aside from the regular meeting of the DSAL Members, the following are some of their productive and charitable events:

February

• Yoga Workshop facilitated by Dr. Hisham Nasir

• Candle Making Workshop at the Makhzoumi Foundation

March

• Embroidery Workshop by Mrs Caroline Bahna in her studio in Zalqa

• Medical Aid Project using the Makhzoumi Foundation Mobile Medical Unit ( MMU)

• DSAL International Brunch, for a cause

April

• DSAL Trip to Jezzine

May

• DSAL Trip to Tannourine

• Carpet Workshop by Mrs Nivine

Maktabi, owner and designer of

Oumnia Boutique in Saifi Village

• Autism Awarenes Campaign

DSAL Trip to Tripoli

June

• Soap Workshop by Mrs Yana

Abramovich Abou Dakka

• Talk on Plant Care Workshop

• Trip to Bsous, Taanayel and

Qaraoun

• First DSAL Food Exchange 2017

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY PARTICIPATES IN

DIPLOMATIC SPOUSES’

ASSOCIATION OF LEBANON (DSAL)

ACTIVITIES

DIWA DIGITAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 9

GALLERY PHOTOS: Right Photo - Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Enrik Fort E. Revillas with Bishop César Essayan O.F.M. Conv. during the Cultural Festival with the Filipino Community on 11 June 2017. Bottom Photos – A collage photos of the Filipino Community performers, volunteers and participants during the Cultural Festival in celebration of the 119th Philippine Independence in Lebanon.

DIWA DIGITAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 10

GALLERY PHOTO GALLERY: A collage of the Filipino Community in Lebanon showing unity and cooperation during the celebration of the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

DIWA DIGITAL NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 11

Views from the Filipino Community For this year's celebration of the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in Lebanon envisioned an open and engaged partnership in the preparation for the grand Cultural Festival. The Embassy's Cultural Section sought the views and contributions of Filipino community leaders in aspects such as logistics, preferred cultural presentations, suggested menu and food contributions for the Food Festival, and volunteers for the venue set-up and security. The final result of all the hard work has exceeded everyone's expectations and showcased the diverse offerings and resources from the Filipino community. After the event, several Filipino community leaders shared their thoughts and experiences, and we were gratified to hear their positive responses and assurances of support. The Embassy will continue to look for opportunities to enhance its collaboration with the Filipino Community in showcasing the best of Filipino culture in Lebanon. Couples for Christ Lebanon Chapter Ludy Iriola: CFC Lebanon Chapter participated in the Holy Mass as choir, commentator and psalmist. We also presented a song number “Isang Awit Isang Mundo” during the cultural presentation. Nag-contribute din kami ng pagkain at drinks. Kami ay nakiisa sa pagdiriwang ng Philippine Independence kasama ng mga Filipinos dito sa Lebanon upang ibahagi din ang God's given talent sa pagkanta at pagtugtog. Binabalik at ginagantihan din namin ang suporta ng Philippine Embassy sa aming community at sa lahat ng Filipinos dito sa walang sawang tulong at gabay! Ang pagdiriwang ng cultural festival ay mahalaga para magkaroon ng pagkakaisa ang mga Filipinos dito sa Lebanon at maibahagi ang mga talento nila. Isa rin etong pagkakataon upang maipakita ang suporta sa Philippine Embassy sa pagpapaalala na maging isang proud pinoy tayo!

OFW Magbaysay Group Liza Robredillo: Nais ng aming grupo na makatulong sa mga programa ng Embahada, at ito ay ginagawa namin taon-taon. Napakahalaga ng Cultural Festival sapagkat dito nabibigyan ng pagkakaon ang mga Pilipino na maipakita ang kanilang talento sa pagkanta at pagsayaw. Sa taong ito, 36 sa aming grupo ay nagsilbing marshals, at dalawa naman ay kumanta para sa Cultural Festival. Hindi po naging madali sa iba naming miyembro ang pagsama sa pagdiriwang na ito dahil hindi regular ang kanilang day-off. Ngunit maipagmamalaki ko naman na maayos nilang ginampanan ang kanilang mga tungkulin.

Dabarkads sa Lebanon Group Nenibeth Boncales: Ang Dabarkads po ay nakiisa sa ating pagdiriwang

sa pamamagitan ng pagsayaw ng ilang miyembro ng Dayang-

dayang. Nagbahagi rin po kami ng tocino at gulaman para sa Food Festival. Ang nag-udyok po sa amin para gawin ito ay upang maipakita ang suporta at pagmamahal sa ating lupang

sinilangan. Nais naming mapanatiling buhay sa lahat ng Pilipino saan mang panig sa mundo ang ating mga tradisyong kinagisnan. Lubos po ang aming kasiyahan dahil simula sa umpisa hanggang sa wakas ay naghihiyawan sa galak ang mga tao sa pagsayaw ng aming grupo.

Rainbow Ladies Group Rosalina Pascua: Ang aming pangkat ay nag ambag ng puto para sa Food Festival. Masaya po kami na nakasama sa pagdiriwang ng anibersaryo ng ating kalayaan kasama ng ating mga kababayan dito sa Lebanon. Sana po sa mga darating pang pagdiriwang ay magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na ipakita natin hindi lang ang ating mga tradisyonal na awit at sayaw kundi pati na rin ang iba’t-ibang katutubong gayak.

Pagkakaisa ng Ilokano at Tagalog Group Nora Empleo: Napagkasunduan po ng munti naming grupo na sa bawat programa ng Embahada kami po ay tutulong. Karamihan sa mga miyembro ng aming grupo ay nagsilbing marshals sa buong pagdiriwang at ang iba naman ay naghandog ng “Sayaw sa Salakot” para sa Cultural Festival. Kami rin po ay nakapag-ambag ng pagkaing Pinoy para sa Food Festival. Mahalaga po para sa amin na magkaroon tayo ng Cultural Festival para maipakita natin sa bansang ito ang ganda ng ating kultura, lalo na ang ating mga katutubong sayaw.

Chopsticks Volleyball Team Group

Bebelyn Carnate: Sa nakaraang pagdiriwang, ang aming grupo ay nagbahagi ng aming lakas bilang marshals sa Food Festival. Tungkulin namin na ipamahagi ang mga naihandang pagkain sa ating mga kababayan at sa lahat ng mga nagsidalo. Nakasalalay rin sa amin na panatilihing maayos ang daloy ng pila papunta sa hapag-kainan. Sa aming pananaw, ang Cultural Festival ay napakalaking bagay sapagkat ipinapakita nito ang pagpapahalaga natin sa ating sariling kultura at ang pakakaisa natin bilang isang kumunidad dito sa Lebanon. Hindi po namin malimutan ang tuwa ng mga Pilipino sa mga lutong Pinoy na inihain para sa kanila, lalo na’t paminsan-minsan lang nila ito nakakain simula nang sila ay nangibang-bansa.

PASUGUAN NG PILIPINAS SA LEBANON January-June 2017

Special thanks to all Filipino Community groups

especially the following:

Association of Filipinos in Lebanon (AFIL)

AIMpowerClub International Group in Lebanon

Ballounel Group

Couples for Christ, Lebanon

Dabarkads sa Lebanon Group

Filipino Workers Association in Metn (FILWAM)

Fil-Leb Association in Lebanon

Lucky 7 Group

OFW Global Movement for Empowerment

OFW Initiative for Progress and Self Reliance Group Inc.

(IPSRG)

OFW Magbaysay

Pagkakaisa ng Ilokano at Tagalog

Philippine Volleyball and Basketball League in Lebanon

(PhilBaLL)

Philippine United Sport Association (PUSO)

Rainbow Ladies Group

RP Eagles

Sally Shop Group

SAMAFIL

Sarba Parish Group

Waka Waka Group

Western Visayas Association in Lebanon (WEVAL)

THANK YOU

H. E. Monsignor Gabriele Giordano Caccia S.T.D., J.C.L. Bishop César Essayan O.F.M. Conv. Rev. Fr. Martin Mcdermott, SJ Rev. Fr. Binoy Mandaphatil, C.Ss.R. Rev. Fr. Theo Vlugt, SJ Rev. Fr. Agustin Advincula, CM Rev. Fr. Francis Koussaifi Rev. Fr. Abdallah Noufayli

Collège du Sacré-Coeur, Lebanon Director Salim

BoB Finance Western Union Mr. Ziad Rouhana

LTC Express Cargo Services

iRemit Global Remittance

St. Joseph Church, Ashrafieh

St. Francis Church, Hamra

St. Elie Church, Antelias

Miraculous Medal Church, Sassine

A heartfelt thank you for all the support and cooperation from the Philippine Embassy, Lebanon

1946-2017 Philippines and Lebanon 70th Anniversary of the establishment

of its Diplomatic Relations