Filipino expats' intl. confab restructured into a round table consultative discussion

The round table discussion on unified strategies and programs for Filipino expatriates held at the Recto and Laurel Halls of the Philippine Senate yesterday,  was originally planned as a three-day international conference on “Empowering and Ennobling Filipino Expatriates through Participative Strategies and Programs”, to be held supposedly between Jan. 4-6, 2005 at the same venue. It was organized and hosted by the Global Filipinos Coalition headed by Victor S. Barrios as chairman.

The conference, according to its organizers, was slated to focus on issues that will make Filipino Expatriates substantive stakeholders in mainstream activities in the country. Importantly, the conference intended to address issues uppermost in the minds of Filipino Expatriates, such as: (a) how they can engage in entrepreneurial activities that could support their families so that they can return to the country; (b) how can they can actively exercise their suffrage rights in future national elections and attain meaningful representation in Congress; and (c) how they can effectively cope with social problems associated with being away from one’s family.

The clamor, however, of a number of Filipino expatriates from different parts of the world who wanted to attend the conference, for their inputs to be included in the different components of the agenda of the conference prompted the organizers to restructure it into a one-day round table consultative discussion 

From OCWs, to OFWs, and now Filipino Expatriates...

The organizers proposed to discuss timely and relevant issues concerning the security and welfare of Filipino Expatriates, in general, and those relating to political, economic and social issues, in particular. According to the Global Filipinos Coalition, they prefer to use the all-inclusive term “Filipino Expatriates” to refer to overseas Filipino workers, professionals and businessmen. A lot of people also find it more appropriate and politically correct than the commonly accepted, and now much-abused, term OFW (overseas Filipino workers).

Global leaders meet local experts

Yesterday's round table discussions was attended by leaders and representatives of overseas Filipino organizations worldwide, most of them on Holiday vacation in the country. It is a prelude to a full-blown International Conference; inputs of the round table discussions would include the determination of the conference's most convenient timing, the organizers announced earlier.

The Participants were welcomed and introduced by Jing Espiritu, chairman of the round table consultative discussion, who acted as its moderator. They were treated to a wide array of topics presented by a well selected group of experts.

The presenters were prominent personalities  noted in their respective fields of endeavor, who enlightened the participants in the various topics assigned to them. Among the topics and the speakers were the following: Family Financial Management (Buhay), by noted financial consultant and author Francisco Colayco; The Family Dream (Bahay), by Vince Avena; Franchising, by Ms. Alegria Limjoco; Entrepreneurship (Hanapbuhay), by Patrick Caoile; Continuing Voters Registration, by Victor S. Barrios, Global Filipinos chair; Party List, by Jun Aguilar, member Global Filipinos global council; and Social Issues in Migration by Fr. Nilo Tanalega, SJ of the UGAT Foundation.

The participants agreed to replicate yesterday's lectures and consultative  process  in the different countries where they stay and work. (Excalibur News)

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

OFFICE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT

PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER

CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES COMPLEX

PASAY CITY

Message

My warmest welcome to the participants in the International Conference on "Empowering and Ennobling Filipino Expatriates through Participative Strategies and Programs" to be held in Manila on January 4-6, 2005.

The conference, organized by Global Filipinos Coalition, will unite local, national and international efforts on the different issues affecting the security and welfare of Filipino Expatriates. Emphasis will be given on the interrelated subjects of bahay, buhay and hanapbuhay, the key concerns in the economic agenda which we aim to address. It brings together key stakeholders to strengthen cooperation among them and develop joint strategies and concrete plans of action.

As senator, I showed my support to our OFWs by working for the passage of the Balikbayan Law of 2002. Among the features of this law is the Kabuhayan Program that encourages them to enter into worthwhile livelihood pursuits. Now, as Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers, I continue to have only your interest in mind. Together, we can formulate plans and programs that would benefit you and the country as well.

I welcome the holding of events such as this that educates contemporary issues to make Filipino Expatriates substantive stakeholders in mainstream activities. I am also positive that the focused approach of this gathering will reinforce linkages among the participants and inspire them towards collective participation in future events.

May the new ideas generated by this event inspire you to undertake endeavors that will redound to the over-all progress and development of our country.

MABUHAY KAYONG LAHAT!

NOLI "KABAYAN" L. DE CASTRO

Manila, 12 November 2004

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           PASAY CITY

Message

TO THE FILIPINO EXPATRIATES OF THE WORLD:

Subject:  International Conference on       

                 "Empowering and  Ennobling Filipino

                 Expatriates through Participative

                 Strategies and Programs"

At a time when the country's leaders are engrossed with the resolution of the issue of a so-called fiscal crisis, overseas Filipinos, or Filipino Expatriates as they are now appropriately referred to, are taking center stage in helping steer the economy toward safer waters. Providentially, Filipino Expatriates are insulated from the vulnerabilities of the economy, specially in relation to the foreign exchange rate. Be that as it may, there are key issues impacting the future of Filipino Expatriates, issues concerning their economic and social welfare, as well modes for deepening their participation in the political life of the country.

The international conference on "Empowering and Ennobling Filipino Expatriates through Participative Strategies and Programs", to be held in Manila on January 4-6, 2005, is a timely and significant event. As special interest features, the conference will discus the implementation of the Overseas Absentee Voting Law, a piece of legislation that will enhance the influence of Filipino Expatriates on the country's political landscape. I urge you, as leaders in the overseas Filipino community, to join the forthcoming conference.

AQUILINO Q. PIMENTEL JR.

(PDP-LABAN)

Minority Leader

October 26, 2004