We believe that the plight of the Filipino
migrant workers in Korea, and in other parts of the
world is a reflection of the concrete reality existing
in Philippine society today. Unemployment and poverty
has driven us to migrate and in the process, be commodified
under the labor export program of the government.
We are progressive Filipino organizations abroad and in the
country fighting for the rights and welfare of our overseas compatriots. We have decided to
unite and join in an international alliance to carry out further our task and to contribute
our share in the struggle of the Filipino people for national freedom and democracy.
HISTORY:
KASAMMAKO is an alliance of overseas Filipino
organizations in Korea. KASAMMAKO is "My companion, my comrade, my friend" in the Filipino
language. KASAMMAKO held its founding Congress in February 1998. But as early as 1987, the
need to organize overseas Filipinos in Korea was seen through the formation of the
Cordinating Body of migrants communities in Korea. The KASAMMAKO was established out of the
struggle and determination of Filipino migrants to defend their rights. Subsequently,
KASAMMAKO was formed after the member organizations of the coordinating body decided to
formalize the coordination body. During the Coordinating body's assessment and consultation
the same year, the need for a united alliance of overseas Filipino organizations in Korea
resulted in the Coordinating Body transformation into KASAMMAKO. Currently, KASAMMAKO has 10
member organizations in different areas all over Korea.
1. Strengthen unity among organizations
of overseas Filipinos & their families in
the Philippines.
2. Organize
and mobilize overseas Filipinos and their families
on migrants' and people's issues.
3. Uphold
and defend the rights and welfare of overseas
Filipinos.
4. Launch
education campaigns aimed at raising the political
consciousness of overseas Filipinos and their
families.
5. Strengthen
cooperation and solidarity with migrant organizations
of other nationalities and peoples of the host
countries.
6. Support
and participate in the struggle of the Filipino
people for genuine freedom and
democracy.
We also produce
monthly, KASAMMAKO NEWSLETTER (our newsletter)
and Migrant Monitor of the Migrante Intrnational
and AsiaPacific Mission for Migrants (APMM),
which focuses on human rights issues related
to overseas Filipinos and their families.
SERVICES
KASAMMA-KO provides services to migrant workers
and other overseas Filipinos who seek justice for abuses
committed against them. We offer para-legal support and
legal referrals for those seeking intervention and other
judicial action for the redress of their cases. We also
conduct dialogues with government agencies on issues concerning
overseas Filipinos.
KASAMMA-KO provides psycho-social counseling
to address common problems encountered by overseas Filipino
workers and their families.
NETWORKING
and ALLIANCES:
KASAMMA-KO coordinates with Migrante International
and other non-government and people's organizations, the
church community, media organizations and individuals who
uphold and promote the rights and welfare of migrants and
their families. We offer seminars and orientation sessions
on migrants' issues to networks and allies.
International works for the development and
strengthening of active working relations among overseas
Filipino organizations in various ountries around the world.
Through its activities and programs, it unites them on its
aims and objectives.
MIGRANTS and PEOPLES CAMPAIGN:
KASAMMA-KO launches campaigns and initiates
activities depicting the struggles of overseas Filipinos
and link these with other people's issues such as:
policies and regulations that exploit and oppress migrant
workers; economic concerns (i.e. wage cuts, state
exaction, Employment Permit System-EPS, Trainee System
) human rights issues (i.e. mysterious deaths, deportations,
stranded workers) political issues (i.e. Gulf War,
crackdowns, raids, racial profiling, terrorist-branding
of progressive individuals and organizations, Extrajudicial
killings) national issues (i.e. Purchased Power Adjustment,
oil price hike, privatization, total war policy, militarization,
Anti-Terrorism Bill) solidarity activities for the
struggles of migrants of other nationalities.
ORGANIZING
and EDUCATION
KASAMMA-KO organizes overseas Filipinos in different
parts of the world and their families in the Philippines.
We also provide educational materials that would raise
the awareness of our members and their families on
issues and concerns that affect them, both in the
host countries and at the homefront.:
PUBLICATIONS
KASAMMA-KO produces informative materials such as analyses
on the multisectoral and sectoral issues that impact
overseas Filipinos and their families.KASAMMA-KO coordinates
with migrante international, and with different non-government
and people's organizations, the church community, media
organizations and individuals who uphold and promote
the rights and welfare of migrants
and their families. We offer seminars and orientation
sessions on migrants' issues to networks and
allies.
