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ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
ISSUE 10 News, Views and Analysis from Migrante Melbourne
BATINGAW; BELL; HERALD; The Voice of Progressive Filipino Migrants in Australia
In this Edition
ISSUE
10
November-December‘07
Lafayette link to Rapu-Rapu fish kills OFWs in Perth form union
Open letter to the Australian Labour Unions ILPS: On the Emergency Rule in Pakistan Helpful Tips for a Debt Free Christmas
A tribute to a beloved comrade and friend Danny
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ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
Editorial
A Time for Every Season
W
e mourn the passing of our dear friend and comrade Danny Fernandez. Throughout the history of Migrante Melbourne, Danny has been instrumental and a key player in building and strengthening the group as its Deputy Chairperson. We will truly miss Danny - his memory will remain with us and we pledge in our hearts to continue on with his work in bringing a better and just life for humankind. This issue of Batingaw is our tribute to our beloved comrade Danny. See more about his life and our joys of being with him at Migrante Melbourne on page 10. December is the month when we commemorate the International Human Rights day. Year after year, we have been reminding ourselves of the sanctity of human life and rights on every tenth day of the month. We do this alongside with our joint gathering with fraternal and solidarity groups, Gabriela Australia and the Philippines Australia Solidarity Association (PASA). We also welcome the newly formed chapter of International League of People’s Struggle-Australia (ILPS Australia); an alliance of antiimperialist organisations in Australia. Migrante Melbourne is one of the founding organisations of the alliance. During these celebratory times, we also herald the coming holidays and share the blessings and the joy of the festive seasons. End of year is also the time to reflect on the happenings of the past and look forward to the future of what has become one of the most challenging years in the life of our political history in Australia and in the Philippines. On the sanctity of human rights, one of the most striking development that have occurred recently is about the formal report of Philip Alston - the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extra judicial killings in the Philippines clearly pinpointing the bloody role of state apparatus and the Philippine military as the primary masterminds behind the many political killings and murders that occurred in the country. More than 800 lives taken and 200 disappeared - every one of them counts, every single one of them we mourn in our hearts and we clamour for justice - just how we know the feeling of losing a beloved friend and comrade Danny. This barbaric regime will sooner or later have to pay - the time for reckoning is getting near - as the surge and strength of Filipino people’s resistance is gathering in pace and momentum.
This is also the year when we finally saw the end of 11 year conservative era of the Liberal government in Australia under rule of John Howard. The Australian people have clearly spoken - they want to institute genuine CHANGE. We in Migrante Melbourne are optimistic yet vigilant of the election promises made by the Australian Labor Party to abolish the unjust policy of WorkChoices, the signing of Kyoto Protocol, the withdrawal of Australian troops in Iraq and finally their pledge to recognise and reverse the injustices inflicted upon the aboriginal people - the most oppressed people of this land. There’s a time for every season –a time to dance and a time to mourn, a time to reap and a time to sow. Patience is the key to a fruitful harvest. We look forward to more meaningful changes in the coming year - we will continue on with our fight for a just and lasting peace for oppressed people all over the world.
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Issues
ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
Lafayette link to Rapu-Rapu fish kills, cyanide presence should be probed By Trixie Concepcion
D
efend Patrimony, an alliance against mining liberalization in the Philippines, urged government officials and independent groups alike to examine if Australian-owned mining firm Lafayette was the cause of cyanide found by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in waters affected by fish kills in Rapu-Rapu island, Albay last October 26 to 28. “An independent and credible probe tracing the path ways of the fish kills must be conducted. All angles as to the causes of the fish kill must be pursued, including the possibility that the fish kills may be related to Lafayette’s mining operations in Rapu-Rapu,” said Trixie Concepcion, Spokesperson for Defend Patrimony alliance. Lafayette Spokesperson Bayani H. Agabin yesterday claimed that cyanide could not have come from them since their plant is 10 kilometers away from where the fish kills took place. Agabin was quoted in media reports as saying there were no dead fish in the shoreline close to Lafayette’s mine. However, Lafayette’s claim is inconsistent with earlier reports of fish kills in the villages of Pagcolbon, which is located within a one kilometer radius of the mining site, said Concepcion. Officials of Sagip Isla Sagip Kapwa (SISK) and the Save Rapu-Rapu Alliance (SARA) received field reports of fish kills from villages directly affected by the mining operations, such as Pagcolbon and Malobago, on October 28. Fish kills were later on sighted in other farther barangays such as Poblacion.
Antonio Casitas, Spokesperson of SISK noted that the heavy waves hitting Poblacion’s shores during the time of the fish kills came from the direction of Pagcolbon. “Mula Brgy. Pagcolbon ang malalakas na alon na papuntang Brgy. Poblacion (The heavy waves moving towards Brgy. Poblacion come from Brgy. Pagcolbon),” Casitas said. As for the presence of cyanide observed by the BFAR, Lafayette’s Agabin denied that the mine was the cyanide source, saying that naturally occurring cyanide can also happen. “It’s very improbable that naturally-occurring cyanide could cause the fish kills of these proportions. A look at RapuRapu island’s geophysical profile and ecological history has never noted any particular build-up of naturally-occurring cyanide that caused fish kills,” Concepcion said. “The probability that cyanide naturally occurs in the area is almost nil, so most likely the cyanide would have to come from outside sources. This includes nearby mining operations. Take note that the Lafayette mine has also incurred cyanide spills that caused fish kills, it’s the only entity with a recent history of cyanide use that we are aware of. On October 11, 2005, about 20 tons of tailings that overflowed from Lafayette’s processing plant were discharged, contaminating the Alma and Pagcolbon creeks with cyanide and probably other heavy metals,” Concepcion said. The US$42-million (P2.2. billion) Rapu- Rapu Polymetallic Mining Project owned by Lafayette is intended to produce gold, silver, copper and zinc. Its operation will last six to seven years, from 2005 to 2011/2012.
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ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
OFWs in Perth form union
Local News
By Anibeth Disierto
The establishment of the Filipino Metalworkers within the Australian Manufacturing Workers Unions (AMWU) in WA which is giving a voice to workers on temporary visas within the union is the first of its kind in Australian unionism. OFW members of the AMWU in the Filipino Metalworkers intend to run for positions in the union’s State Council and State Conference which gives OFWs a temporary visa holder voice in the union’s decision-making bodies. Of 700 OFW metal tradesmen in Perth, the AMWU (WA) has recruited 218 in only 10 months in 31 enterprises including those within fabrication, heavy engineering, plastic manufacturing, shipbuilding and factory maintenance.
Filipino metal workers in Perth with Australian Manufacturing Workers Union
“Instead of a workplace approach during which we visit worksites to address workers’ grievances, we’ve taken a more community-oriented approach, literally living with the community – visiting houses and their social events, even playing basketball with them,” AMWU organizer Joel Asphar says. “We’ve been agitating around one issue only which has been the deportation threats against the S457s/OFWs and because we’ve been able to stop these deportations and the guys now know what their rights are, our campaign focus has now changed to the issue of residency for our OFW members.” On investigation of complaints received from their Australian members and from some Filipino workers, the AMWU found out that OFWs thought they had no rights at all, could not question their working conditions nor join a union
and believed employers could deport S457 visa workers whenever they wished to. The US State Department has said the Australian government’s S457 visa scheme has led to sex trafficking, debt bondage and slavery of migrants in Australia – in its ‘2007 Trafficking in Person Report’. Many of the OFWs ‘ grievances have been successfully resolved by the AMWU, winning disputes with employers and finding jobs for sacked OFWs. “Australia has a proud tradition of migration and it is only this generation that has had to go through this temporary visa arrangement but despite this, our members will continue in their campaign to obtain permanent residency and continue this proud Australian tradition of migration,” Ashpar says. #
MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM MIGRANTE Visit us on the web at
www.migrante.org.au
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ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
Solidarity
Open letter to the Australian Labour Unions Dear Comrades, The last 11 years has seen the massive erosion of not only the working rights of average Australians but also the frightening loss of the most basic of our human rights traditionally entrenched in the Constitution and our judicial system with the almost unobstructed passage of new laws in a Coalition-dominated Senate. This demise of civil society and democracy has been accompanied with the squeezing of average workers from Workchoices, inflation and the GST. It has become difficult for many to afford reasonable housing, education and health care. The costs to the economy, the environment and society of the war in Iraq, global warming and in future, Australia’s participation in the WTO pro-multinational provisions – arguably mostly ignored by government – are only now beginning to be felt and acknowledged. The lack of avenue for the real public and workers to express what they truly feel on these issues have hardly been heard via a media generally sympathetic to government and big business views. The landslide electoral swing against the Liberal-National Coalition which has overseen these 11 years of regime as above confirms that the democratic and social justice heart of Australians still beats, and that workers know the reality on the ground against the government and media rhetoric. $65billion of electoral pledges for example by the Coalition and its usual fear campaign of scapegoating either
Get Involved! Name: Address: Tel: Email: I would like to: become a member of Migrante Melbourne be updated with information from Migrante Melbourne donate to Migrante Melbourne
refugees, migrants, those of Middle Eastern origins, or unions as in this year’s elections– a tactic which many say helped it to win in previous elections – have failed to fool the workers of Australia. Labour’s decisive and historic win in these elections rode on the back of the massive effort of Australian unions to inform the public and confirm to them what they are already experiencing on the ground – the true effects of the government’s draconian Workchoices laws. The unions have also assisted many guest workers suffering abuses by employers and agents under the S457 visa scheme. We thank you for this great effort and the efforts of those who work with us in solidarity– which have given Australians and all of us a measure of democratic space to continue to fight for an Australia that is ruled on principles of justice, fairness and true democracy. We continue to campaign for the abolition of Workchoices, the abusive practices under the S457 visa scheme and continue to join with you in your struggle for the workers of Australia. From all of us at Migrante Australia, the warmest congratulations! Long live all fighters for justice and democracy! Long live unions of Australia! Long live workers of Australia! Migrante Perth Migrante Melbourne Migrante Sydney
Migrante Melbourne is a voluntary community organisation of Filipino and Filipino-Australian migrants and workers promoting and upholding their welfare, human rights and workers’ rights. It also deepens members’ awareness of the root reasons of the Filipino hegira to over 180 countries and settlement issues in their adopted homelands. Visit us on the web at www.migrante.org.au
SEND TO PO BOX 606, LAVERTON VIC 3028 or
CALL US on 1300 3666 74 Migrante Melbourne, Eastern Ricky Salamanes – 0401 315305 Migrante Melbourne, Western Reyvi Marinas - 0421 119776 Migrante Perth: Mel Baltazar 0414 247154 Anibeth Desierto 0402 941935 Lingap Migrante, Sydney: Edwin Subijano – 0409 461600 Bong Andres – 0410 632707
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ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
Analysis
ON PAKISTAN
ILPS condemns Musharraf’s declaration of emergency rule and supports the just struggle of the people of Pakistan Thousands Protest in Pakistan
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison Chairperson, International Coordinating Committee International League of Peoples’ Struggle 20 November 2007
The International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) condemns the declaration of emergency rule by Pakistan’s military ruler Gen. Pervez Musharraf and the further entrenchment of barefaced fascist dictatorship on the people of Pakistan. We support the just struggle of the people of Pakistan for national and social liberation against the Musharraf fascist regime and its US imperialist master. Gen. Musharraf has faced strong opposition the past months with a broad array of forces ranged against him. He has been able to weather past challenges to his rule only because of his control over the military and because of US support. George W. Bush considers Musharraf a key ally in the US global “war on terror” and continues to praise him as his partner in spreading “freedom”.
P
akistan’s 610,000-member military is the eighth largest in the world. It has an annual expenditure of $2.435 billion, nearly 3% of Pakistan’s GDP. In the three years after 9/11, US military aid to Pakistan soared to $4.2 billion, compared to $9.1 million in the three years before the attacks. The total value of all American aid, including military, economic, and development assistance, to Pakistan since 9/11 is estimated at more than $10 billion. Pakistan now ranks third after Israel and Egypt among the biggest recipients of US aid. The Bush-Musharraf tandem has meant the malicious use of the anti-terrorism slogan in order to justify the worst kinds of terrorism: the US-NATO war of aggression in Afghanistan and substantial parts of Pakistan and the state terrorism of the Musharraf regime against the Pakistani people. Gen. Musharraf has allowed the U.S. to use Pakistan’s bases in anti-terrorism operations and to attack Pakistani communities, shared intelligence, helped identify and arrest suspected terrorists, and tightened the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan by deploying up to 80,000 Pakistani troops. Among the broad masses of the people, there is widespread sentiment against and opposition to Musharraf’s puppetry to US imperialism particularly in connection with the US “war on terror”. This has served to stimulate the rise of a broad range of opposition forces, including the Islamic, the bourgeois democratic and the revolutionary. Since the 1999 coup that put him in power, Musharraf has ruled with an iron fist. He has constantly tormented the bourgeois opposition. He has put many of them behind bars without charges where they are maltreated and tortured. Journalists critical of the government have been harassed, threatened, arrested and detained. The government has banned and disrupted anti-government rallies and demonstrations since October 2000.
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Analysis
ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
ON PAKISTAN
ILPS condemns Musharraf’s declaration of emergency rule... (continued...) More than one-third of the Pakistani population of 160 million live below the poverty line —13 percent survive on less than $1 a day. Many people in the rural areas are impoverished peasants living in mud houses. Because of their dire economic situation and the political repression, the masses have grown very restive. The social unrest has emboldened the broad range of opposition to challenge his authoritarian rule. In March 2007, Musharraf removed chief justice Iftakar Mohammed Chaudhry from office. He took punitive action against Chaudhry for deciding to hear cases involving disappearances of people detained by the notorious intelligence agencies, as well as constitutional challenges to Musharraf’s rule. Street demonstrations protesting Chaudry’s ouster led to Chaudhry’s reinstatement in July. Wishing to reverse the ever worsening internal political turmoil in the whole of Pakistan, coincident with the resurgence of the Taliban and the anti-imperialist forces in the AfghanPakistani border areas, the US has pushed the formula of keeping Musharraf as “civilian” president, making him resign from the position of chief of staff of the armed forces, holding parliamentary elections in January next year and making Benazir Bhutto his prime minister. But like any puppet Musharraf has relative autonomy from his imperialist master and wants to secure his autocratic power against his actual and potential rivals and uses to his advantage the increasingly difficult position of the US in Iraq and Afghanistan and its desperate need for a brutal
ST
P
puppet like him. It is all a matter of hypocrisy for the US government to pretend being for a democratic Pakistan while in fact the US needs state terrorism in Pakistan to support the US war of aggression, especially in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. The declaration of emergency rule shows Musharraf’s determination to keep his despotic power at all costs. The illusion of democracy that the US wishes to conjure in Pakistan is dispelled by continuing martial rule, the suspension of the constitution and the replacement of the Supreme Court by a set of Musharaff appointees. These aggravate the political oppression and economic exploitation of the broad masses of the people. But these also result in favorable conditions for the people’s struggle for national and social revolution and the rise of revolutionary forces against US imperialism and the local reactionary forces. All freedom-loving peoples of the world must condemn the unbridled state terrorism and barefaced fascist dictatorship of Musharraf as well as the continuing policy of the US to prop up the widely detested Musharraf regime and condone all its fascist crimes in line with the overriding US policy of aggression and plunder in South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. The people of Pakistan deserve all possible moral and political support for their just revolutionary resistance for national liberation and democracy against US imperialism and the Musharraf fascist regime.###
STOP THE KILLINGS IN THE PHILIPPINES
From 2001 when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the Philippine presidency, Karapatan (Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights) has documented more than 858 political killings and 198 disappeared.
Join Us in Demanding Justice for the victims and the end of killings, abduction and harassment of human rights and community activists in the Philippines
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ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
Community
Christmas Carols to raise fund for Shelter
Migrante Melbourne will continuously run fundraising events to support the maintenance of Migrante Shelter in the Philippines for the distressed OFWs. Migrante Cultural Group will hold its Christmas Carolling 2007 in December. The carolling is a fund raising project of Migrante Melbourne for the maintenance of Migrante Shelter for distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families in the Philippines and also aims to share the spirit of yuletide season. The group will sing Filipino and non-Filipino Christmas songs to the household of family members, friends and supporters of the organisations. This will provide a good opportunity for the families to enjoy the long-held Filipino tradition. Migrante International, the peak body of Migrante organisation, acknowledged on its letter to Migrante Melbourne on 29 August 2007, the group’s “continuous financial support and its growing commitment in arousing, organising and mobilising their compatriots in Melbourne towards national democratic struggle”. The maintenance of Migrante Shelter gives hope to distressed migrant workers and their families as it provides crisis intervention, awareness building, legal support, temporary accommodation and advocacy for migrant worker’s and well being. Migrante Melbourne can share and discuss many issues and cases of abuses met by the OFW’s. These unsung and modern day heroes received poor assistance from the Philippine government to address the various abuses and difficulties they have encountered overseas despite of their contribution to keep the Philippine economy afloat. There are an estimated ten 10 million Filipinos working and living in more than 180 countries around the world. Almost 3,000 Filipinos are leaving the country each day to seek greener pasture due to lack of job opportunities in the country, unemployment and underemployment, lack of basic social services, and so on that would sustain the basic needs of the family. This condition shows that Philippine government itself forces Filipino people to leave the country to be its milking cow for the ailing economy of the country. Migrante Melbourne will continuously run fundraising events to support the maintenance of Migrante Shelter in the Philippines for the distressed OFWs.
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ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
Community
Helpful Tips for a Debt Free Christmas
C
hristmas is right around the corner and everyone is itching to get to the malls and spend every penny earned this year plus more. Most people even if they are not compulsive buyers will fall into this trap. Here are some helpful tips to stay away from extravagant Christmas spendings that remove us from the real essence of “Christmas spirit”: 1. “Give love on Christmas day”. I know this may sound corny, but it will keep you from having to seek debt relief in 2008. Most people make mistake by trying to please everyone they know. Christmas is not about how expensive the gifts you give are. Christmas is about spending time with family members you have not seen or talked to in quite some time. Why not give the best gift of all, give everyone you care about your love or simply give Christmas card. It is the thought that counts. 2. Think of ways to give inexpensive, but meaningful gifts. If you are good with your hands and have a skill, why not put it to good use, like create your own Christmas card or prepare nice Filipino delicacies (eg puto, biko or leche flan)? Trust me, you will be remembered for your efforts. 3. Create a budget. Your children (or your friends’ child or children if you do not have one yet) do not need toys or games that are going to end up in the closet as soon as the holidays are over. Better yet, why not invest in their future and buy some savings bonds for them or children’s books at the simplest. In this way, you get a head-on start on their
Migrante Melbourne Inc Publisher of ABN: 77 394 429 368
by Reyvi Mariñas
education. Think of the children’s future, education is a far better cause to spend your money on. 4. Keep the credit cards under lock and key this holiday season. Going back to the budget, if you must use your credit cards, stick within your financial plans. Many people fall behind on their credit card payments not because they are bad people, but usually an event in their life changes the way they pay. Save your money, in case something happens you always have something to fall back on. 5. In the event you overspend this year and something does happen to change your life, what’s next? Debt relief that is next. Many Australians overspend every holiday season without giving it a single thought. If you believe you fall on this situation, seek immediate help. There are financial counsellors and agencies that are available in Melbourne that provides legal and financial advice such as Financial and Consumer Rights Council, Victoria Legal Aid, Federation of Community Legal Centres. Remember this holiday season could be a reason to celebrate. Celebrate a debt-free Christmas by starting-out not spending the money you do not have. Do not fall into the trap. Your family will still love you and, most of all, you do not have to go out of your way to get yourself into credit debt simply because you want to save face. Have a wonderful and safe Christmas! A member of Migrante International PO Box 606, Laverton, VIC 3028 Local Call: 1300 3666 74 Email: melbourne@migrante.org.au Internet: www.migrante.org.au
About Batingaw Batingaw is a bi-monthly newsletter expressing views, news and analysis from Migrante Melbourne. An important aspect of developing this newsletter is an intimate knowledge of and close involvement in all aspects of the Philippine and Australian struggles for justice, democracy and fair-go.
Contributing to Batingaw: Articles, photographs, cartoons, clippings, comments or a few lines are all very welcome. All material should be sent electronically to: melbourne@migrante.org.au. Readers are encouraged to contribute whatever they can by sending donations to the above address.
Editorial Team: George Kotsakis, Labrador Cojuanco, Dinggin Dalisay, Reyvi Marinas Contributors: Charo Pompa Stephanie Rabusa, Shiela Galacio, Katrina Kotsakis, Dinggin Dalisay, Malen Ang, Malou Logan, Gino Lopez, Fe Nina Reyes, Anibeth Disierto, Caesar Barona, A. Reyes Circulation and Advertising: Jun Cabanos and Ricky Salamanes. For membership, advertising and subscription please call Migrante Melbourne on 1300 3666 74
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ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
Community
A tribute to a beloved comrade and friend
D
anilo Fernandez is one of the founding members of Migrante Melbourne. From its inception, Danny as we fondly call him has been involved with Migrante and he never resiled from the nitty-gritty of interminable discussions, plans and actions for the organisation. Danny had many incisive questions then, questions like what will happen if the US relinquished its control over the Philippines? Or, why does the government of the Philippines willingly allow itself to be a puppet? Or how do many Filipinos live with income far less than half the cost to decently sustain their families? Then he would be so amazed to learn that there are 3,000 Filipinos leaving daily to work overseas. Or that there are 35 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in death row and over 2,000 OFW’s languishing in jails in other countries. Danny would crinkle his nose and more creases would appear on his forehead as the enormity of such injustices dawned on him. We sometimes would tease him and said that we can no longer see our reflection on his shiny forehead as his worry wrinkles have taken over. But in time, after many fulfilling discussions and education sessions and with Danny’s enthusiasm to learn, Danny began to fully comprehend the situation in the Philippines and in Australia. Danny, along with other members of Migrante Melbourne, vigorously acted on his growing understanding of why many Filipinos are poor and suffering; why many Filipinos opt to work overseas despite numerous tales of abuses and hardships OFW’s met and bearing the painful separation from their family and friends. This understanding boosted Danny’s resolve to do something, to help raise the many issues affecting the lives of our kababayans, to help in our campaigns and advocacy work. He did this while ignoring the pains of his debilitating illness and the daily inconvenience of sessions with his diabetic tests and dialysis. Danny would sigh in frustration when he missed a meeting or an activity because he was in the hospital or he has to see the doctor. For as long as his health permits, he would always be there. If he cannot drive especially at the time that his eyesight was affected by his illness, he would asked to be picked-up just to be present and participate in the lively deliberations during Migrante meetings and activities. We will always remember Danny. I will miss his calls following up the details for a flyer or a ticket that he would be designing for Migrante, Gabriela or PASA’s activity. I will miss him calling me “bosschief” every time he answered the phone and recognized my voice. We will miss him arguing on the format
By May Kotsakis
of an activity. He would suggest that we include a karaoke session in “Tipanan” and when nobody had the courage to start the singing, Danny would start the fun with his beautiful husky voice. We will remember his creativity, always picking up the popular trend of the day, like designing the flyer for Migrante’s Tipanan with his picture wearing a Guy Sebastian wig. This was just after the very first Australian Idol declared Guy Sebastian the winner. Or, a flyer with dancing penguin, he labeled “Migrante’s happy feet – come and join us have fun, bring your happy feet and dancing shoes”. His initiative to join the lantern contest at the Philippine Fiesta and helped construct the lanterns was a winner. This enthusiastic initiative of Danny won the hearts of the members of Gabriela and delighted them because the lantern won first prize.
D
anny would always offer to be the documentor of our activities, be it a rally, a march, a forum, a party, a fun night or an education session. He would always have his camera with him and capture many happy moments. One time we were studying the history of the Philippine economy and politics. It happened to be the birthday of Migrante’s secretary, Reyvi so we organized a small cake and during the break, we had some fun. We were mocking around and Butch was teasing Reyvi and trying to beat him in blowing the candle first. Danny captured that very moment with his camera when Butch and Reyvi were like children with their mouth pointed towards the cake and pushing each other. Danny circulated this picture of 2 big boys and a small cake to Migrante members with a caption saying “me first” and made everyone laugh. Many of our solidarity friends will also remember Danny. When we celebrated the International Human Rights day in Dec 2003 Danny entertained the participants by singing and impersonating Elvis Presley. That surprised some of our Australian friends. They question us for singing an Elvis Presley song in a political event, missing the logic of Filipino humor then personified by Danny and our capacity to still have fun in the midst of hardship and poverty. After that though they would always invite Migrante and Gabriela to perform at their activities and one of the regular activities is the yearly Mayday multi-cultural event and they would tease us “not Elvis song please”. Danny was always one of our main performers on these activities. At the assessment meetings after each event, Danny would sometimes be so frustrated that none of the people he invited turned up. Especially on our forums, he would complain and say, how will they understand, if they do not attend this kind of activity? Why can’t Filipinos here in Melbourne spare even just 2 to 3 hours to discuss and raise issues affecting their families and friends in the Philippines or affecting them here in Australia? Then his forehead will be pale again with the wrinkles we lovingly called Danny’s pleats.
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ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
Community Isang mainit at mayamang pagdakila mula sa mga kaibigan at kasama sa Perth
Kasamang Danny… Patuloy ka sa aming diwa. By Kasamang Danny… Patuloy ka sa aming diwa.
Mahal at yakap Mga ngiti mo at yapak
Maaga at maliwanag sa dako pa duon
Kasama sa piling Liban ka man sa amin.
Sa mga sanga at dahon may malayang ibon.
At sa mundong sinilangan at sa kilos – bayan na tinampukan
Paghanga at tiwala Tatag ng loob at diwa
Kung saan ang pakikibaka sa kalayaan at katarungan ay walang humpay! ‘kamtin ang tagumpay!
Kasama …. Ikaw ay bihira.
Kasamang Danny… Paglilingkod sa bayan Iyong ginampanan Ito ay pamamarisan Lalagi sa isipan.
Dakilang Danny…. Patuloy ka sa aming diwa.
A tribute to a beloved comrade and friend (continued...) Danny’s life and contribution to the community, his cheerful spirit in serving the masses of Filipino migrants and workers, his selfless sacrifices in advancing the cause of our hapless kababayans overseas and the people of the world will always be valued and emulated by many Filipinos and Australians whose lives he touched and enriched. Just like the song “Awit kay Bambi” that was read last Thursday at his tribute, let me just read to you a few lines of that song.
“
Huwag mag-alala mahal na kasama Sa iyong pagkawala makakaasa ka Hindi masasayang alay naming bulaklak Hindi masasayang mga luhang pumatak Hindi masasayang aming awit at tula Ng paghanga at pagdakila Pagka’t bakas na iyong naiwan
Ay aming susundan Buong tatag kaming babangon Sa iyong kinabuwalan Pagka’t bakas na iyong naiwan Ay aming susundan Libo-libo kaming susulong Para sa kinabukasan ng bayan
”
Memories of Danny will inspire many to thread the path he took – that of selflessly devoting one’s self to the service of exploited and oppressed Filipinos and the global communities and of tirelessly working to realize a genuinely free and democratic Philippines and to create a society where families are not torn apart and needlessly thrown to the four corners of the world by the need to survive. We love you Danny, a loving husband, father, brother and uncle, a true friend, and a committed comrade, and we will never forget you. #####
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ISSUE 10: November-December 2007
Events Calendar - Mark your Diary 9 December 2007, Sunday – International Human Rights Day Commemoration & Christmas Party The Church Hall, Hyde Street, Footscray (beside the Maribyrnong Council Building) Organised by Philippines Australia Solidarity Association (PASA); Migrante Melbourne & Gabriela Australia For more information contact May at 0411 406700; Reyvi at 0421 119776 or Malou at 0433 216548 10 December – International Human Rights Day 18 December – International Migrants Day 26 January 2008, Saturday – Migrante Melbourne’s Tipanan 6.00 p.m., Laverton Civic Centre, Cor Railway Ave & Crown St, Laverton A celebration and a venue for the whole family to dance, eat, perform, watch and enjoy together. A fundraising activity for Migrante Shelter Philippines. For further information and tickets contact Danny at 93693158, Reyvi at 0421119776 or Migrante Melbourne at 1300366674. 08 March – International Women’s Day Gabriela Australia’s International Women’s Day and Anniversary Celebration Details will be announced later
Affix Stamp
To:
Migrante Melbourne : : PO Box 606, Laverton, VIC 3028