Duterte Provides Assistance to Wounded Soldiers During Encounter with Abu Sayyaf

Image from cdodev.com
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was in Cagayan de Oro late Friday to visit the wake of two soldiers killed in recent encounters with the New Peoples Army in Misamis Oriental.

JOLO, Sulu --- President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Sulu Friday to extend financial assistance to soldiers who were injured during an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). 

The President arrived in Jolo around 3 p.m. and proceeded to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital to visit the soldiers and personally hand over financial support. Duterte pinned the Wounded Personnel medal to each of the 11 wounded-in-action troopers confined here in Camp Teodulfo Bautista. 

Last Wednesday, soldiers from the Philippine Army clashed with members of the Abu Sayyaf in a firefight at around 4:30 p.m. in Indanan, Sulu, wounding 11 government troopers. Among the wounded infantrymen during Wednesday's clash include Sgt. Marvin Oliveros, Pfc. Mac Allen Balderama, Pfc. Antonio Agliam Jr. Cpl. Julios Dupagan, Cpl. Robert Esperon, Cpl. Camilo Vertido, Pfc. Willam Reboya, Cpl. Erlie Gallebo, Sgt. Renato Geverola, Pfc. Joselito Begnalen, and Cpl. David Mark Antonly Leyno. 

Few hours before the President's arrival in Jolo, another group of soldiers had an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu, injuring 16 from the government side. 

They are 2nd Lt. Rupert Cariaga, Pfc. Jayson Pendon, Cpl. Igzel Mercado, Cpl. Rogelio Bacnat, Pfc. Urselito Villarito, Pvt. Ruben Mutia, Pvt. Jerry Selgas, Pfc. Rolando Gamueta Jr., Cpl. Benjie Albarracin, Cpl. Al-Rashid Tiamwat, Jr., Pvt. Christian Leopoldo, Pvt. Morris Perez, Pvt. Julius Castillion, Pfc. Arvin Langi, Cpl. Bernardo Ortiz, Jr., and Pvt. Mark April Asistin. While the President is visiting the wounded soldiers, two more wounded soldiers arrived from Patikul encounter, making the total wounded soldiers to 18. They are Pfc. Reynaldo Falcasantos and Pfc. Stephen Flores.

  ©2017Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

DEPT OF HEALTH STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF DR. DREYFUSS PERLAS, OF BARRIO's DOCTOR VOLUNTEER

Dreyfuss Bolivar Perlas M. D, MPM

“I see my own improvement as a citizen and a doctor as a contribution to the betterment of the country. I participate in community work and medical missions and I always feel a sense of accomplishment when imparting knowledge on the essentials of health care and offering solutions that alleviate the difficulties of the people.”

The Department of Health (DOH) is saddened by the news on the heinous death of its former Doctors to the Barrios Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas, the Municipal Health Officer of Sapad, province of Lanao del Norte. He was killed yesterday evening by an unidentified assailant in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. He is 31 years old. The DOH deplores this act of violence. We lost a worthy public servant at a time when there is greater need for their unselfish dedication to duty. The DOH is extending its condolences to Perlas’ family and vows to support efforts until justice is served.

Statement from Dept of Health FB page

Dreyfuss Bolivar Perlas M. D, MPM was born from a middle class family in Batan, Aklan on November 10, 1985. Despite the financial challenges, he was a consistent achiever. 

Primary education: Batan Elementary School, 1998, third honor 

Secondary education: University of the Philippines High School Iloilo, with honors 

Bachelor of Science in Biology/ Zoology: University of the Philippines Los Banos 

Doctor of Medicine: West Visayas State University College of Medicine 

Post- graduate internship (PGI): Air Force General Hospital 

Passed his physician licensure examination: 2012 

Completed Master in Public Management - Major in Health System & Development: Development Academy of the Philippines, 2014 

Other information: 

Medicine Class president and member of the Medicine Student Council 

Due to financial constraints during his medical education, he entered the Bagong Doktor para sa Bayan of the First Gentleman Foundation, awarded as one of the top ten students in Family and Community Medicine 

He joined the Department of Health’s Doctors to the Barrio Program to fulfill his return to service agreement for his medical education scholarship. He had the option to stay in his hometown but chose to be deployed in the marginalized and underserved area of Sapad, Lanao del Norte for two years. 

For his dedication and commitment to public health, he was appointed as the Municipal Health Officer of Sapad, Lanao del Norte soon after his DTTB program 

He was active in various medical missions and emergency response teams at the DOH Regional Office X. He was one of the early responders to care for patients affected by typhoon Pablo in Boston, Davao Oriental, the Nunungan Ambush in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, and the MILF Standoff in Zamboanga City 

We deeply mourn the loss of Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas, who was one of the few doctors who dared to work in difficult and underserved communities. The Philippines lost not only a doctor but a dedicated and exceptional true Doctor of the Barrio."

©2017 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

WHY IT IS BETTER FOR SOME FILIPINO'S TO MOVE ABROAD?

Do you have a plans of working overseas, become an Overseas Filipino, work abroad from Philippines, or finally moving abroad, to start a new life in other country? It is not going to be that easy if this would be your first time to work and live outside the Philippines. You have to leave your family, friends, you are going to miss the foods and other stuffs. But living abroad is not a bad idea. It brings endless opportunities and despite the cons, there are still lot of reasons why you should consider the thought of moving abroad. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. You will develop a sense of independency. 

We Filipinos are known to have a close family ties and many families still follow the extended family structure wherein children still live with their parents even after marriage. It will be different when you move abroad, you will have to live on your own and figure lot things out on your own, without the help from your parents or other people who are close to you.

2. It will take you out of your comfort zone.

Because you are in other place, you have to do things different from your usual daily routines. You will be having lot of first time experiences. You have to deal with a different culture. But once you step out of your comfort zone, take the risk and make the most out of every experiences, you will one day realize that you are capable of doing lot of things because you try.

3. You will meet persons with amazing stories.

You will never know who are you going to meet when you live abroad. You might meet a person with a unique life perspective which can alter your mind and change your life for the better. Meeting new persons can give you the opportunity to look at life through others eyes and that's how you'll grow as a person. 

4. You will appreciate simple things more.

Appreciating the beauty of the new country you are in or just by talking to your new found friend and having a cup of coffee with this person can bring you so much joy. You will realize that happiness in life is not only gained by having expensive things but it also comes through the little things. 

5. You will always be a tourist.

When you have free time, you will have the opportunity to explore the new country you're in and you will have the chance to discover beautiful places and sceneries. It always feels so good to just appreciate the nature and the beauty of God's creations.

"Settling into a new country is like getting used to a new pair of shoes. At first they pinch a little, but you like the way they look so you carry on. The longer you have them, the more comfortable they become."

-Tahir Shah, In Arabian Nights

Again, living outside the Philippines will never be that easy, you will have to find Filipino jobs, or companies hiring Filipino workers and do OFW work but it will always be worth it. So when you'll have the opportunity, take it!

©2016 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

Most In-Demand Jobs in the Philippines in 2015

ACCORDING TO JOBSTREET.COM, THESE ARE THE MOST IN-DEMAND JOBS LAST YEAR IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Jobstreet.com's 2015 Salary Report

©2016 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

Good News OFWS: Philhealth and Pag-ibig not MANDATORY ANYMORE!

This is good news to all OFWs. 

We sent an email inquiry to POEA confirming this matter and here is the reply:

PEBA: "Pag kukuha po ba kami ng OEC ngayon starting April 1, MANDATORY pa rin po ba na hahanapan o pababayarin kami ng PHILHEALTH and PAG-IBIG or pwede na makakuha ng OEC lang without paying ng mga ito?"

POEA:  "Yes we are no longer requiring Philhealth and Pag-Ibig contribution payments in the process of securing OECs. The OWWA contribution, however, will still have to be paid."

So it means those who wants to pay only OEC and OWWA will only pay around P1,000 - P1300 in order to SECURE OEC o Balik Manggagawa Certificate


***********

From Philhealth

Starting April 1, vacationing and
re-hired overseas Filipino workers will have to pay their premium contributions
to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) separately from
their payments to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for
their Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs).

This development is in line with the
decision of the POEA to implement a single collection policy starting on the
same date. The POEA will only be collecting fees for OEC and no longer for
PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG Fund.

image by R. Llanda

The collection counters of
PhilHealth and other government agencies, however, will be retained at POEA in
Mandaluyong City and in the one-stop shops of POEA nationwide.

“We call on our OFW-members to pay
their PhilHealth premium contributions first before going to the POEA for their
OECs. This will secure their social health insurance coverage, as well as that
of their legal dependents, for their peace of mind,” said PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla.

Padilla added that “OFW-members may still pay
their premium contributions at the designated PhilHealth counters at the
Balik-Manggagawa Center at the POEA in Mandaluyong City, as well as through any
of the 27 accredited collecting partners that we have earlier authorized for
local collection from OFW-members. They may also pay at our Local Health
Insurance Offices nationwide.”

Overseas Filipinos pay P2,400.00
annually for their premium contribution to PhilHealth. The amount includes
coverage for all qualified legal dependents of a migrant worker such as legal
spouse who is not a PhilHealth member; legitimate and illegitimate children
below 21 years old, unmarried and unemployed; and parents who are below 60
years old but are suffering from permanent disability which renders them
totally dependent on the member for support.

Parents who are 60 years old and
above and are not yet PhilHealth members may enrol under the Senior Citizen
category.

PhilHealth pays for overseas
hospitalization of migrant workers, as well as for the confinement of their
legal dependents in the Philippines, through a reimbursement mechanism. Migrant
workers have 180 calendar days from the date of discharge to file their claim
documents through any of PhilHealth’s 17 Regional Offices in the Philippines. All
refunds are paid for in Philippine peso equivalent. (END)

PAYMENT OF PREMIUM CONTRIBUTIONS
OF MIGRANT WORKERS 

EFFECTIVE
APRIL 1, 2015 

Starting April 1, vacationing OFWs or balik-manggagawa returning to their
destinations overseas, must proceed to the PhilHealth counters at the POEA
in Ortigas EDSA, Mandaluyong City to pay their premium contributions. 

Upon recent advice by the POEA, payments for Overseas Employment
Certificates (OECs) will no longer include PhilHealth premium contributions.
To avoid the long queue, OFWs should pay their PhilHealth premiums first
before going to POEA to get their OECs.
Premium payments may be made at designated PhilHealth Counters at
the Balik-Manggagawa Center, or through any of our accredited collecting
partners nationwide. 

The list of ACAs authorized to collect OFW premium
contributions can be found on www.philhealth.gov.ph/advisories/2014/
adv12-03-2014.pdf.
Further inquiries regarding this matter may be referred to the Overseas
Filipinos Program Office at (+63917) 5129149, (+632) 441-7444 ext. 7416
or through ofp@philhealth.gov.ph. 

by ALEXANDER A. PADILLA

Philhealth President

©2014 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

BALIK MANGGAGAWA OEC APPLY ONLINE

According to Administrator of POEA, Hans Cacdac, 

"We are soft-launching our Balik Manggagawa (BM) Online System, which aims to streamline processing of overseas employment certificates (OECs). The idea is to provide access to an appointment facility or an OEC self-print out system at the BM's convenience.

The URL address to visit is: bmonline.poea.gov.ph ... Kindly read and follow the instructions.

Please note that some previously-issued OECs by PHL Overseas Labor Offices have still not been enrolled with the system, in which case the BM will be guided to the appointment system.

There will be a 100 PHP POEA fee and a 19.50 PHP service fee for use of the e-payment portal.

Comments and queries are welcome during this soft launch."

So we tried to log-in and follow the step by step process of applying for OEC online. You can also verify along the way if your current OEC is still valid.



FIRST CLICK THIS LINK OR GO TO http://bmonline.poea.gov.ph/

Step 1.

Register or Sign up by filling the blanks at the "NEW USER"

Step 2:

Go to your email to click the confirmation link.

Step 3:

Try to log-in using the newly confirmed account EMAIL ADDRESS and PASSWORD

Step 4:

A pop up will appear to VERIFY your current OEC number.

You can check the VALIDITY.

TO REMOVE THE POP UP

If you don't have OEC or you can't remember, click OK and ESC to escape the pop-up.

You are confirmed and you can input other data's and info's like

Passport Number

Expiration Date

Visa Number

Address

SSS Number

Philhealth Number

Pag-ibig number

Contact number

Beneficiaries

Employer Details

and hit the SAVE button

NOTE: THE COMPANY AND YOUR PROFESSION/POSITION IS AUTOMATICALLY AVAILABLE WHEN YOU INPUT THE NAME OF YOUR EMPLOYER/COMPANY

COMMENTS regarding the OEC online system:


1) VISA VALIDITY DATE is a requirement. Hindi ka makapag-input ng ibang details kasi hindi nasasave hanggat di ka nakapag-input ng VISA VALIDITY. My suggestion? Why not separate it so we, like me, who just arrive from vacation and there is no visa yet, but just wanted to register ay makapagupdate ng details ng passport, expiration, birth date and address. 

2. As Admin Hans, since I applied for OEC here abroad, my OEC Number is not yet found in the system.



PARA NAMAN PO SA BM APPOINTMENT APPLICANT ITO ANG MGA DAPAT IHANDA

  Documentation

Here are the documents to prepare:

For appointments applicant must prepare the following:

BMs Bound to Watchlisted Principal/Employer

1. Notarized Undertaking/Affidavit

2. Personal Letter REquest addressed to ADMINISTRATOR HANS LEO J. CACDAC

3. Photo Copy of Valid Work Visa, Passport details and Date of Arrival

4. OFW Record (6th Floor, Records Div.)

5. Watchlisted Principal/Employer Master Record, Notice Order, Copy of Complain (3rd Floor, Docket & Enforcement Div. Adjudication Office)

6. EMployment Contract/Company ID/ any Proof of Employment (if No Record Per Database)

7. Airline Ticket (If Available)

BM BOUND TO COUNTRIES W/ RESTRICTED LABOR MARKETS

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

1. PErsonal Letter addressed to ADMINISTRATOR HANS LEO J. CACDAC

2. Valid Passport

3. Valid Work Visa/Work Permit

4. Employment Contract

5. Employment Certificate

6. Previous records of POEA (6th Floor, Records Division)

7. Proof of arrival/exit from the jobsite stamped on passport

8. Copy of E-Ticket

BM BOUND TO AFGHANISTAN

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

1. Personal Letter addressed to ADMINISTRATOR HANS LEO J. CACDAC

2. Valid Passport (Copies of First Page and Date of Arrival)

3. Valid Work Visa/Work Permit/Transit Visa

4. Employment Contract

5. Employment Certificate

6. Letter of Authorization (LOA) / Contractors Certificate of Registration / ISAF / NATO

7. Badge/Company ID

8. Company Profile w/ International Operations

9. Payslip

10. Copy of E-Ticket

REQUIREMENTS FOR BM PROCESSING

(For OFWs bound to IRAQ)

1. Passport valid at least six (6) months from date of intended return to jobsite

2. Valid work visa or equivalent document (colored PINK)

3. Employment contract providing among others, the exact address/location of jobsite; telephone number and email address of employer.

4. Certification of employment indicating the period of employment with the company.

5. Undertaking from the employer on the following:

a. protection and safety of the worker

b. that the worker will not be deployed/assigned to identified no-go zones;

c. to report to the Philippine Embassy and/or Philippine Overseas Labor Office significant incidents affecting the employment, safety and welfare of the worker

d. immediate evacuation/repatriation of the worker as may be warranted.

©2014 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

Watch VIDEO: "Domestic Help"[er]

There was a dinner party hosted by an Asian family with a Filipina Household Service Worker or a domestic helper. The  madam is feisty, pretentious, and unkind to the domestic helper. 

"An intimate dinner party comes alive as the night takes an unexpected turn. The inhabitants become the imprisoned, and the only way to break free is to confront the lies they have told themselves. A walk through the dark history of the household becomes a desperate struggle for survival, but by dawn it becomes clear that redemption is out of reach."

Watch Other Asian Short Films at www.viddsee.com

©2014 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

Ellen Degeneres: Some of the best singers are from the Philippines!

Sa Tweet ng sikat na TV Host na si Ellen DeGeneres, she said, "I’ve learned 2 things about TV. It’s always easier with vodka & some of the best singers are from the Philippines. http://bit.ly/crDytN"

Here are the samples why:
Who would forget the General Santos based duo, Aldrich Talonding and his cousin, James Walter Bucong singing the social media hit, Dance with my Father. 

Jhong, the "Air Supply Boy" with cover rendition of 'Having You Near Me' and video originally uploaded by.Zacky



Another Pinoy Talent in Singing "The Prayer" at the Glorietta Activity Center with the unusual dual voice,  singing male and female at the same time. Video Originally uploaded by Annabelle



And the 'Rapper Nurse' named Fatima of EAMC  as uploaded by Daff




At sinong nakakaalala sa isang Random Girl na nagpataob ng karaoke machine sa SM Mall?

©2014 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

Iskolar ng Bayan Act of 2014: Free Tuition and Allowances to College for Top 10 High School Students

This is the screenshot of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's FB Page

The “Iskolar ng Bayan Act of 2014,” or the Senate Bill 2275 was approved! Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano authored the bill while his sister Senator Pia Cayetano sponsored it. Pia Cayetano is the chairperson of the Senate education, culture and arts committee. 

This bill grants scholarships or free tuition and allowances of the TOP 10 BEST PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. Under this bill, the top 10 students will be automatically enrolled at the nearby state university of his choice.

A news from Manila Bulletin quoted Senate President Franklin Drilon saying:

“Binilisan natin ang pagpasa nito, upang sa susunod na pasukan ay maging ganap na batas ito at mapakinabangan ng ating mga kabataan. Sa batas na ito, kahit mahirap ka basta magaling ka, ikaw ay may laban na makapasok nang libre sa mga state universities and colleges 

[We fast-tracked the passage of this measure so that in the next school year, our youth can take advantage of this scheme. Under this measure, even if you are poor but you are bright, you have the right to enroll for free education at SUCs],’’ 

The Bill says automatic admission to state colleges and universities shall be accorded and scholarship granted to the top ten (10) public high school students of their graduating class, subject to such reasonable rules and regulations of the state universities and colleges aimed at maintaining schools' standards, policies and requirements.

SECTION 3. Form of Scholarship Grants. - Scholarship grants are hereby granted in the form of:

a. Free tuition fee and other school fees to the top ten (10) public high school students of their graduating class in all state colleges and universities;

b. Exemption from payment of entrance exam fees for a maximum of three (3) of his/her chosen state college/university;

c. Textbook allowance of Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000) per academic year;

d. Monthly living allowance of Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000) for Full Scholarship.

©2014 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

Philippines, No. 8 all over the world as Terrorist HotSpot!?

Padami daw ng padami ang bilang ng mga namamatay dahil sa mga pag-aatake ng mga terorista, ayun sa ranking report na isinagawa ng Maplecroft.

Ang mga bansa na extreme risk ayun sa kanila ay ang mga sumusunod:Iraq
Afghanistan
Pakistan
Somalia
Yemen
Syria
Philippines
Lebanon
Libya
Colombia
Kenya

Image from marketwatch.com

Maplecroft's Terrorism and Security Dashboard found:

• Twelve countries are classed as "extreme risk"; Iraq topped the list, followed by Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Libya.
• It also includes the growth economies of Nigeria, the Philippines, Colombia and Kenya.
• Iraq, rated as the highest risk country, recorded more than three times as many acts of terrorism as Pakistan with 3,158 attacks resulting in 5,929 deaths - an increase of 2,188 on the previous year.
• In Nigeria, the campaign of violence by Islamic militant group Boko Haram saw the country record the highest number of fatalities per attack, resulting in 3,477 killed - an average of 24 people killed per attack, compared to two deaths per attack in Iraq.

“Investor confidence in key sectors, including tourism and oil and gas, has been hurt,” Jordan Perry, a political risk analyst at Maplecroft, said in a statement, referring to turmoil in Libya, Kenya and Egypt. “When faced with rising security costs and decreasing safety for their personnel, companies can, and do, reconsider their country-level commitments.”

The report says investors may also want to monitor activity in Nigeria, the Philippines, Colombia and Kenya, all high-growth economies that fall into the “extreme risk” category.

Source: here

©2014 THOUGHTSKOTO