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AUGUST 2016

Generosity Beyond Boundaries

OFW families live a life of giving

o matter where they are in the world, Filipinos leave a mark because of their remarkable values. Aside from their hard work and resilient spirit, they are also known for their readiness to always lend a helping hand. They carry this heartfelt concern and nurturing spirit wherever they go, caring not only for their kin, but even those they are not related to. Among the most inspiring Filipinos who have made a difference in the lives of their fellowmen are the recipients of the Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA) OFW Family of the Year. They include the Duque family based in London, and the Villa-Wilcox and Gange families, both from California. Despite being away from home, they stay true to their roots and continue to make it their missions to uplift those who are in need.

Kindness that spans continents The Duque family, headed by dad Michael, established the Philippine Nurses Association of the United Kingdom (PNAUK) to address the challenges Filipino nurses there. The organization helped develop the Overseas Nursing Program (ONP), which provides Pinoy nurses with workshops and trainings that tackle immigration and fair labor practices, finance and investment issues, and employment opportunities. After receiving the award in 2013, the Duque family continued their advocacies. “The first thing we did with the prize was invest it in projects that are sustainable, realistic and efficient to the needs of the wider community,” said Michael. Another awardee is the Villa-Wilcox family, who founded Project PEARLS (Peace, Educa-

tion, Aspiration, Respect, Love, Smiles) in 2008. Led by mom Melissa, the family provides educational, scholarship and feeding programs to underprivileged children in various areas, including Bulacan, Manila, Caloocan, Guimaras, and Zamboanga. Receiving the award “validates our humble mission,” said Melissa. “We are a small and volunteer-run organization and with the JFVA, we have widened our reach not only in the Philippines, but worldwide.” She added that it also helped their advocacy, the resulting press coverage bringing about more inquiries on volunteering and sponsorship.” Uplifting the lives of the less fortunate through rondalla music, the Gange family established

Pagyamanin Likas Musika (PLM) in 2010. They used the gift of music as a means to help victims of various calamities, serenading and entertaining residents of a nursing facility in California to raise funds. They also worked with rondalla groups in the US and the Philippines to produce a music CD, aptly titled Pamanang Pinoy, to raise funds for beneficiaries. The recognition “made a tremendous impact on our family’s personal relationships,” said dad George Gange. “We became much closer with one another as our work with PLM got more diversified.” The family also received additional support from equally generous individuals and organizations, helping widen their reach. Find out more stories of kindness and compassion, and nominate the Filipino families you admire in the 6th JFVA. To know more about the awards, see posters at any Jollibee store nationwide or log on to www.jollibee. com.ph/familyvaluesawards. (with full attribution from material earlier published from Manila Bulletin)

AUGUST 2016

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AUGUST 2016

UK trade deal coming sooner or later despite “Brexit” THE Philippines is guaranteed of securing preferential trade arrangements with the United Kingdom (UK) even after the latter’s June 23 vote to leave the European Union (EU), the British envoy said.

peaking at a forum in Makati City, British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad said the Philippines will also see increased investment from the UK, which identified the Southeast Asian nation among the world’s “emerging powers” as early as five years ago. “There is a natural connection one can make when we are drawing our priorities beyond the United States, New Zealand, other EU countries and Japan [on] which countries will be natural for [a free trade arrangement]. It automatically follows that we will be drawing from that list of emerging powers,” Mr. Ahmad said. The transition will be easier if the Philippines obtains an FTA (free trade arrangement) with the EU, Mr. Ahmad said, noting that it will be “increasingly difficult when you get into a country where there are

zero arrangements. “We now have a race of two trains. The EU train has left and if it agrees to an FTA and if that is completed before the UK completes its exit from the EU, then that will be in existence and we then, as an independent country, have to decide how we will incorporate that into our own national arrangement,” the ambassador said. “If for any reason the EU FTA comes later then the UK, independently, right now is working on a list of countries which really starts with the biggest economies while working its way through to what I can describe to be the Philippines to be a part of the emerging powers subset, we have to begin the process of individual FTAs with these countries,” he said. So far, the first part of the FTA process has been completed with the European Parliament ratifying last June the

partnership and cooperation agreement between the EU and its member states and the Philippines. Both parties are now negotiating the specific details of the deal, which will need the approval of both governments. There is no timetable to complete discussions, Mr. Ahmad said. Likewise, the UK has an “option” to carry over the Philippines’ trade arrangements with the EU on the generalized system of preferences (EU GSP+), but “no one really has thought that far just yet,” he said. The GSP scheme allows developing-country exporters to pay lower duties on their exports to the EU giving them vital access to EU market. The GSP+ enhanced preference status means full removal of tariffs on essentially the same product categories as those covered by

the general arrangement in exchange for implementing international conventions on human and labor rights, among others. “The fundamental reason for offering the Philippines the special treatment hasn’t gone away,” Mr. Ahmad said. Mr. Ahmad expressed his support for President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s 10-point socio-economic agenda, particularly the plan to amend the Constitution. This will set the stage for the easing of restrictions on foreign ownership, translating to “stronger” investments in the tourism, agriculture and manufacturing sectors from the UK, Mr. Ahmad said. “You will hear, during the course of 2016, big announcements of UK investors coming here in manufacturing,” he said. The UK is the biggest European investor in the Philippines, with a net foreign direct investment of over $5 billion, Mr. Ahmad said. Bilateral trade between the two countries is worth around $1.8 billion annually. Likewise, more Philippine companies are following the footsteps of Emperador, Inc. and Monde Nissin Corp. and looking at opportunities in the UK in light of “Brexit,” which has resulted in the depreciation of the pound. “We’ll see more going forward. At the moment, property and food seem to be the popular ones,” Mr. Ahmad said. (with full attribution from material earlier published by Krista Montealegre from Business World Online)

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AUGUST 2016

Pound-earners feel Brexit crunch

elfa Segovia, a Filipino nurse who immigrated to Oxford, England 15 years ago, feels the piggy bank getting slimmer everyday with the erosion of the British pound’s purchasing power since the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU). She regularly wires money to the Philippines to support her two college-aged children and her mother. “Because of the lower exchange rate, I have to send a bigger amount to offset the loss,” said Segovia. In just a few years, the Filipino nurse who is currently working at the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system National Health Service, would also be retiring. On June 23, the British sterling sunk more than 10 percent against the US dollar as Brexit votes dominated the UK referendum. In just a day, it hit its lowest level in over three decades. It continues to be under pressure up to this day. It turned out Segovia, who became a British citizen in 2006, was among the 53.4 percent of voters who favored a Brexit, an amalgamation of the words “British” and “exit.” “I voted for exit because most of the laws here are regulated by the EU. There is no border control [such] that anyone from the EU can come and work. And because the UK has a good benefits system and as an EU member, they can avail of the free health and education and also help from government. The UK pays millions of British pounds to fund other EU members when the country itself is in need of funds,” Segovia said. Tim Catacutan-Bathan, a chef who immigrated five years ago with her two boys to join her Filipino husband in London, echoed the same. “It feels bad to send [smaller] money to the Philippines,” she said. The Bathan family is also now bracing for a slowdown in the

UK economy. “We just purchased a house at a very high cost,” noting the market value of the property is expected to fall. “Interest rates, we hope, will not rise,” she said. During the Brexit referendum, Bathan abstained. “Most of my questions have no answers yet,” she said, admitting she shares the skepticism of most British citizens on EU’s abuse-prone border controls. Segovia and Bathan are among the estimated 250,000 Filipino migrants and workers in the UK. Last year, they wired to the Philippines about $1.4 billion or about 5.6 percent of the remittances that flowed into the country. Filipinos in the UK were split over the recent Brexit vote, both women reckoned, when asked about the sentiment of the Filipino-British community. “Although there is a strong move toward another referendum, it’s not widely discussed in our community here. They are more concerned [as to] when the pound will pull itself up and when there will be a new prime minister,” Segovia said. Headwinds for PH? The Brexit impact is being transmitted to the Philippines through four channels: Trade, investment, financing and remittance flows. Philippine exports to the

UK accounted for less than 1 percent of total shipments in January to April this year, while imports from the UK also accounted for less than 1 percent. “Lack of sizeable trade flows with the UK easily dismisses Brexit risk implications on trade,” Citigroup economist for the Philippines Jun Trinidad said in a research note. However, he noted the Philippines might still have opportunity losses as EU’s generalized system of preferences in trade and other investment schemes/ benefits, particularly for those applicable to UK market access, could get downgraded in a Brexit scenario. Frederic Neumann, an economist from British bank HSBC, said Asian economies’ trade exposure to the UK was minimal. He said risks to direct bank financing from UK financial institutions appeared manageable. Remittance effect Segovia and Bathan said the foreign exchange effect related to Brexit jitters was now being felt by other Filipinos who are earning pounds and sending a fixed peso equivalent to the Philippines. While it remains to be seen whether Brexit would batter the UK and EU economies enough to cut jobs, migrant labor simply have to bear the burden for now. “Our market remains

strongly insulated against Brexit although we might see a possible dip in OFW remittances in the region if the UK plunges into recession,” said Victor Felix, an analyst at local stock brokerage AB Capital. “Unless UK jobs and income prospects worsen, Brexit risk need not disrupt remittance flows,” Trinidad said. For immigrants like Segovia and Bathan, optimism still runs high. Segovia could only hope EU’s ice-cold treatment of UK would be temporary. She reckoned it is part of the “bullying tactics” to dissuade other countries in Europe from following the UK’s move. “We are still part of Europe. But it seems they are pushing that we don’t want to be in Europe. But, we are, geographically, and will continue having business with the rest of Europe and the world,” she said. Within the Filipino community, Segovia said “everyone wants to get on with life and to deal with it.” Like many others, Bathan lamented the uncertainty and the lack of any clear information or platform on the Brexit terms. “We are not as worried as EU nationals because most of us have legal British-issued papers to start with. We went through very strict immigration screening. Until the divorce paper starts to take shape within the next two years, we won’t know [what will happen]. It will be wait and see,” Bathan said. “But Filipinos are resilient. We’ve seen worse. Life goes on. We’re hopeful that the negotiations will be for Britain’s best interest,” she added. For Segovia, there were a lot of things the UK government could to do make lives better for its citizens. “I guess the Brexit [result] shook them a bit. We are hopeful for the future for better governance and the UK government won’t have the excuse that it (blunder) was the EU’s fault.” (with full attribution from material earlier published by Doris Dumlao-Abadilla from Inquirer)

AUGUST 2016

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How will Brexit affect the NHS? The English trusts that depend most on EU nurses In one London NHS trust, one in five nurses are from the European Economic Area. Rachel Marangozov and Matthew Williams explain why some parts of the NHS have become increasingly dependent on the EU migrant workforce and look at the implications of Brexit on recruitment. With ongoing shortages and so many nurses due to retire over the next decade, the government needs to act now to ensure we have enough nursing staff.

College of Nurses has already called on the government to secure the future of all EU nurses working in the UK. New data analysis by the Institute for Employment Studies reveals that NHS Trusts in the London, Thames Valley and the East of England regions are most likely to be affected by Brexit because they are the most dependent on the recruitment pipeline from Europe. The map of England below show the locations of trusts that have the largest stock of EEA nurses during the period 2009 to 2015, with circles proportional to the total number of EEA nurses. The figures show that the concentrations of EEA nurses are highest in trusts located in the

dation Trust and North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust. But how much of a problem is this, and what are the alternative sources of nurses available to the NHS? The answer to the first question came from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) in March 2016, when they reported that nursing vacancies in some Trusts were as high as 10 per cent and recommended that the government issue 15,000 visas over the next three years to nurses from outside of Europe to ease the current workforce pressures. Since then, further research has highlighted the longer-term nature of nursing shortages, reveal-

he composition of the overseas nursing workforce has shifted dramatically in recent years; nurses from the European Economic Area (EEA)[1] are now increasingly prevalent, reflecting a change in recruitment practices due to tighter immigration rules, fewer employment opportunities across the Eurozone and health sector employers seeking to bring in more migrant nurses in general to alleviate shortages. Nurses from the European Economic Area currently make up 4.5 per cent of the total nursing workforce in England. That may not sound like a lot, but it masks huge geographic differences between NHS Trusts, with some much more reliant on this recruitment pipeline from Europe than others because of current nursing shortages. Brexit threatens this labour supply because of the continuing uncertainty surrounding the status of EU workers in England, which makes it harder for Trusts to recruit from Europe as well as to retain current EEA nurses already working here who might well be questioning their future prospects in the UK. The Royal

Czech student nurses in 2006. South East of the country, and particularly those located in London. The data shows that particular NHS Trusts are likely to feel the ‘pinch’ more than others. For example, in Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, 20 per cent of their nurses are from the EEA; similarly in Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, 18 per cent of their nurses are from the EEA. Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn also saw the largest increase in the use of EEA nurses, with the proportion increasing from just 1.3 per cent in 2009. Other trusts that experienced large increases in their proportions of EEA nurses are Papworth Hospital NHS Foun-

ing that one in three nurses in England are due to retire in the next ten years and that demand for nurses (and healthcare services more generally) are only due to increase over this period.[2] Arguably, then, Brexit couldn’t have come at a worse time, potentially restricting the supply of European nurses when many NHS Trusts need them the most. Of course it is possible to recruit more nurses from outside the EEA. International nurses, from countries like India and the Philippines have always played an important role in the NHS, and continue to do so, making up eight per cent of the total nursing workforce in England. In March of this year, the MAC put nursing on the

Shortage Occupation List for three years, making it easier for NHS Trusts to recruit from outside of Europe. The MAC’s recommended 15,000 visas will undoubtedly ease the immediate to short-term pressures on the NHS but this will not be enough to make up for the loss of a third of the nursing workforce to retirement over the next ten years. The most sensible solution now, particularly post Brexit, would be for the government to act now to ensure that we have a ‘homegrown’ domestic supply of nurses. This will require adequate and sustained investment in workforce planning to address the potentially gaping hole in our future nursing workforce. For too long now, there has been a lack of long-term, strategic workforce planning that offers oversight, coordination and alignment of the different dimensions of the nursing workforce (financial, education, employment and international recruitment). For example, workforce planners have known for several years now that the ageing nursing workforce is a problem, and yet very little, if anything, has been done about it; and in recent years there has been a lack of student nursing training places despite demand for nursing courses outstripping supply. In 2014, some 30,000 applicants, or more than 60 per cent of total applicants, were not successful in obtaining a funded place on pre-registration courses, so we are not short of people interested in becoming nurses! It is time that workforce planners in the government make the most of this potential and avoid using overseas recruitment as a ‘quick fix’ to nursing shortages in the UK, while ignoring more systemic workforce planning issues. (with full attribution from material earlier published from LSE BrexitVote)

AUGUST 2016

AVAO CITY (MindaNews/ 01 August) – The road to peace is “always rocky” and even if his declaration of unilateral ceasefire was not reciprocated, peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF) will continue, President Rodrigo Duterte said at the mass oathtaking of undersecretaries at the Rizal Hall in Malacanang. “There is no negotiation that comes easy to us especially given the turmoil of our country. We are hoping that we could just talk, maybe we did not understand each other. And so, the best way is really, is to talk again and find out whether (peace) is reachable or beyond our reach,” he told the appointees. At 7 p.m. on July 30, Duterte lifted his July 25 order for a unilateral ceasefire when the NDF did not reciprocate it by 5 p.m. Duterte gave the NDF 24 hours or up to 5 p.m. on July 30 to also declare its unilateral ceasefire following the ambush by the New Peoples Army (NPA) on July 27 that killed a Cafgu member and injured four others in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, Duterte specifically addressed the CPP/NPA/NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front): “ let us end these decades of ambuscades and skirmishes. We are going nowhere. And it is getting bloodier by the day.” He declared a unilateral ceasefire “to immediately stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities and provide enabling environment conducive to the resumption of the peace talks” and called on the NDF and its forces “to respond accordingly.”

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Duterte: road to peace is “always rocky” but talks with NDF will continue

President Rodrigo R. Duterte answers queries from members of the media after administering the oath of office for the newlyappointed undersecretaries of different government agencies at the Rizal Hall of the Malacanang Palace on August 1, 2016. ACE MORANDANTE /PPD Filipinos killing Filipinos for nearly half a century of conflict is “always a despicable thought to me but I hope that we can proceed with the talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines,” he said. He also said he would spend “about 10 days after tomorrow” to firm up the framework on convergence of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the 1996

Final Peace Agreement (FPA) with the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF). In a press conference after the mass oath-taking, Duterte said he would not comment on the claims by the NDF that they were going to declare their unilateral ceasefire at 8 p.m. last Saturday, or three hours after Duterte’s deadline. “Hindi ko papatulan iyan eh. I am not an ideological poltergeist. I am the President talking properly to you to have

peace in this land,” Duterte said, adding, “hindi naman ako insecure. Eh syempre, I got 16 million, a margin of (6) million plus. Eh sila hindi nga sila makahawak ng isang barangay” (they can’t even control one barangay), Duterte said. But Duterte said he “cannot stop talking about peace.” (with full attribution from material earlier published by Carolyn O. Arguillas from MindaNews)

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AUGUST 2016

SONA 2016: What are Duterte’s priorities? P

resident Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday echoed his election campaign promises and his inaugural address — law and order, economic development, and improved government service. At the outset, Duterte pointed out that all three leaders facing Congress and the nation — Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and the President himself — are all from Mindanao. That is a sign of fresh efforts to address the decades-long neglect of the southern Philippine region while it tries to deal with festering armed conflicts and underdevelopment.

Unilateral ceasefire with Reds To loud applause, the President declared a unilateral ceasefire with the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has been waging a 47-year-old insurgency. “I expect and call on our fellow Filipinos in the National Democratic Front and its forces to respond accordingly,” Duterte added. The NDF, the political arm of the CPP, represents the rebels in peace negotiations to end Asia’s longest-running insurgency. NDF representatives have indicated they were open to a ceasefire while holding negotiations with the Duterte government, a departure from their previous firm stand of not agreeing to a truce until a final peace deal has been signed. Formal peace talks are

scheduled to resume in Oslo, Norway, next month. ‘Relentless’ fight vs. corruption, crime Recalling his promises during the election campaign, Duterte said his administration’s fight against crime, illegal drugs, and corruption “will be relentless and sustained.” “We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, and the last [drug] pusher have surrendered or [have been] put behind bars — or below the ground if they so wish,” he said. He also warned police officers and government officials involved in crime. “Abuse your authority, and there will be hell to pay — for you would have become worse than criminality itself,” he said. Duterte ordered the National Police Commission to speed up the investigation of cases of officers linked to crime. He also directed the Napolcom to suggest policies for making lifestyle checks on the police. Inter-agency fight vs. drugs Duterte said his administration will create an inter-agency committee to deal with illegal drugs and integrate efforts and strengthen partnerships of all “stakeholders.” He said the armed forces will prepare military camps to be used for drug rehabilitation. Military reservists will be mobilized for an information campaign against drug use, and dissemination of information regarding the drug rehabilitation program. Duterte said the government will prioritize the rehabilitation of drug users as residential treatment and rehabilitation facilities are established all over the country. ‘Full force’ vs. Abu Sayyaf Duterte said the “full force” of the AFP will be applied “to crush” the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group, whom he de-

scribed as “criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor.” Among other things, he plans to increase coordination with Malaysia and Indonesia and strengthen the government’s counter-terrorism program by amending various laws on terrorism, terrorism financing and cyber crime. He did not specify the amendments. Maritime row with China Duterte also stood by the Arbitral Tribunal’s decision that favored the Philippines in its arbitration against China’s claims to virtually all of the South China Sea. “We strongly affirm and respect the outcome of the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration as an important contribution to the ongoing efforts to pursue a peaceful resolution and management of our disputes,” Duterte said. The five-member Arbitral Tribunal upheld the Manila’s position that China’s “ninedash line” maritime claim is excessive and encroached into the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Duterte has appointed former President Fidel V. Ramos to stand as the country’s special envoy to China in talks over the maritime dispute. ‘Social justice will be pursued’ Duterte said his administration will pursue a “human” approach for development with improvements in health, social welfare, education, food and housing. He said addressing global warming will be a “top priority.” “But upon a fair and equitable equation. It must not stymie our industrialization,” he added. Duterte also promised to reform the tax system and continue sound economic policies. “We will lower personal

and corporate income tax, and relax the bank secrecy law,” he said to the cheers of the people that packed the House of Representatives session hall and gallery. The president also vowed protection for women’s rights, calling abuses against women “unacceptable.” Reduced bureaucracy The President called for streamlined processes and better government services. He promised to increase train speed and the number of trains in Metro Manila as well as extended operating hours. The validity of a driver’s licenses will be extended from three to five years, while passport will be made valid for 10 years from the current five. Duterte said the newly created Department of Information and Communications Technology will formulate a plan o accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables to improve internet speed. He also said there will be free WiFi in selected public places. Different SONA The SONA was revised several times, according to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. He said the SONA was personally written by Duterte, who instructed members of his Cabinet to submit their inputs to the speech, including targets and deliverables for the next six years. This year’s SONA was a change from those of Duterte’s predecessors. Among the most visible changes was the prescribed business dress code to do away with opulent attire. (with full attribution from material earlier published from CNN Philippines)

AUGUST 2016

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Star Cinema’s “How To Be Yours,” screening worldwide this August

NOWN FOR putting together the most exciting combinations in film, Star Cinema is bringing new excitement as it reunites This Generation’s Movie Queen Bea Alonzo and Kapamilya Heartthrob Gerald Anderson this time on the silver screen via “How To Be Yours,” showing worldwide via TFC@theMovies this August. Instrumental for the birth of various generation’s most thrilling love teams, Star Cinema is set to unveil a teamup that’s not been tested but is putting in real thrills as it brings together former flames Alonzo and Anderson. Even Anderson cannot, to this day, believe that the movie is happening. “Wala pang 20 minutes ang meeting tinanggap ko na ang pelikula. Sobrang saya. Para sa akin napakasurreal. Parang hindi totoo na makakasama ko siya sa isang movie,” Anderson says. In “How To Be Yours,” written by Hyro Aguinaldo and Patrick Valencia and directed

by Dan Villegas, Alonzo and Anderson play two individuals who may be exact opposites but find many reasons to love each other, including a simple shared dream. Alonzo is Anj, a self-taught cook who dreams of making it to a high-end restaurant someday. Anderson is Nino, a sales agent who only wants stability in life. When Anj finds herself succeeding, Nino cannot keep pace. Could the very reason why they

were brought together be the reasons for them to fall apart? Just like in real life, Alonzo and Anderson are different but found love within a short-lived romance, which as members of the press revealed in the media launch, is wanting of a second chance. According to Alonzo she is not closing her doors. “Hindi ko po masabi. Hindi ko alam. Sa ngayon parang ngayon hindi iyon ang inisip namin. We’re working on a project together na sobrang nag-eenjoy kami. I admit naman, naglo-look forward ako to go to the set and see him. Hindi ko pa kayang pumunta roon. We are just enjoying the moment right now,” Alonzo adds. Together, film audiences and movie fans can see the reel and perhaps, also see real-life events unfold as the movie starts screening August 6 in Europe. For more information, visit tfc-usa.com/htby and tfccan.com/htby, emea.kapamilya.com, and TFC’S facebook pages worldwide.

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Items you’re not allowed to send in a balikbayan box

t could be because of colonial mentality that overseas Filipinos are just as excited to fill up and send a balikbayan box home as those receiving it back in the Philippines. “Balikbayan” means returning to one’s country, and I guess sending balikbayan box is the Filipino way of staying connected to friends and families back home. It’s the simple tradition of giving pasalubongs — gifts — only that it has been raised to unprecedented levels because of the sheer number of Filipinos now living and/or working overseas. In the early days, only the very rich could go abroad.

•

What not to send Senders should keep in mind that since the shipping of a balikbayan box is consolidated, it means that one prohibited item caught will affect ALL the packages inside the shipping container. In the past, a lot of individuals have abused the tax-free privilege by smuggling commercial items or contrabands.

*Please check with your trusted balikbayan cargo company for other items that may not be on the list.

For this reason, cargo companies, as well as US and Philippine Customs offices always inform senders not to send the following prohibited items: • • • •

Alcohol/alcoholic drinks Automobile/motorcycle, parts or whole Ceramic tableware Cultural artifacts and pottery

•

• • • •

• •

Defense articles or items with military or proliferation applications Products containing dog or cat fur, as well as animal hide Drug paraphernalia (unless prescribed for medical conditions) Firearms, explosives (including parts) Cheese, Meat, fruits and vegetables (unless canned) Pets, plants, seeds, soil Used clothing of commercial quantity (ukay-ukay or in bales) Pornographic materials Fluids and perisable food items

the 1987 tax-exempt value of only up to P10,000 (about $200). Many lawmakers feel that it would be unfair to tax overseas Filipinos since the amount has not been adjusted according to inflation and increasing commodity rates. With the new law in place, Filipinos can now send up to three P150,000-worth (about $3,500) of tax- and duty-free balikbayan boxes in a year, given that the goods are not in commercial quantities or intended for barter, sale or for

The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) In May of this year, President Benigno Aquino III signed into law the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) or Republic Act 10863 in response to the growing concern of overseas Filipinos about the continued corruption, and additional taxes and duties being planned by the Bureau of Customs on all balikbayan boxes. Prior to signing R.A 10863, the existing law was outdated because it was still following

Photo from LBC hire. On top of the tax- and duty-free balikbayan boxes, Filipinos, who have stayed in a foreign country for at least 10 years and are returning to the Philippines, will also be granted tax exemption for the personal and household effects, not exceeding P350,000, they will be bringing with them when they

return to the country. As for Filipinos who have lived overseas for at least five years, they would be entitled to tax- and duty-free personal and household effects amounting to P250,000, while those who have stayed abroad for less than five years could enjoy P150,000 taxfree ceiling. As someone who has been on both the sending and receiving side, I know that the balikbayan box is more than a piece of corrugated box filled with clothes, canned goods and chocolates, or that whiff of the “stateside” scent — it is a symbol of the hard work, generosity and love for family. It’s true that our families back home could probably buy most of the items in the Philippines, but I believe it’s the anticipation of what’s coming to their doorsteps and the idea that every item has been carefully chosen and packed are what make them appreciate the box more. (with full attribution from material earlier published by Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe from Inquirer)

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PLDT opens Philippines’ P biggest data center hilippine service provider PLDT has opened the country’s biggest data center at major business district Makati City. The new facility has been built to serve a wide range of organizations, particularly those handling vital data such as banks, business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, IT and content providers and government institutions. Set up by PLDT subsidiary ePLDT, the newest VITRO Data Center sits on a nearly twohectare property with 3,600rack capacity. It is equipped with systems and facilities to guarantee continuous operations, ensuring that businesses can utilize robust and scalable digital infrastructure, as well as world-class 24/7 technical support capabilities. “PLDT is investing heavily in our VITRO data centers as we believe that these facilities are one of the basic building blocks of the country’s digital economy. This data center will be a vital resource for companies as they ramp up their own digital services,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. The new earthquake-resistant, purpose-built data cen-

ter in Makati is built on solid ground without seismic faults within its proximity. In addition, special architectural techniques and materials planning were implemented to provide the data center with fire-rated concrete walls and flood-protected design. As a result, VITRO Makati is rated to withstand earthquakes up to intensity eight in the Richter scale. The data center is also compliant with global design standards. “‘PLDT recognizes how vital it is for enterprises to ensure stable operations despite changes in the external environment. The need for scalable and secure hosting facilities to house and manage critical platforms is also growing in importance as the enterprise becomes more data-driven as a result of continuous digital transformation initiatives,” said PLDT executive vice president and ePLDT president and CEO Eric R. Alberto. To address the growing concern over digital security,

VITRO Makati offers one of the most secure and impenetrable structures in the Philippines with an eight-layer security design, guaranteeing that data and applications will always be protected. Each major component of the facility is configured with redundant counterparts in place that seamlessly operate to anticipate adverse events, including power generators and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units, among others. As part of the VITRO network of data centers, VITRO Makati also serves as a carrierneutral Internet Exchange facility that provides numerous IP peering services, enabling access to local and international content. VITRO Makati is also a Nexcenter-certified facility, allowing its clients to use globally standardized Nexcenter services of world leader NTT Com at some 140 locations in 84 cities of 19 countries, in addition to NTT Com’s Arcstar Universal One private-network service,

which is already available in the Philippines and which is largely used by the country’s BPO industry. “As the world becomes even more digitally connected, Filipino enterprises must leverage on new technologies to ensure the security and resilience of their operations. PLDT’s digital platforms can enable enterprises to take advantage of disruptive technologies, secure their operations, and promote growth in their businesses,” said Alberto. The PLDT Group now operates seven data centers all over the country with a total rack capacity of nearly 7,000 to serve the needs of small, medium, and large enterprises across various industries, including banking, financial services, outsourcing, telecoms, and gaming.

(with full attribution from material earlier published from Networks Asia)

AUGUST 2016

Fresh. Latest. Truly. www.planetphilippines.uk.com

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Happy Birthday Mommy, from your loving daughter, 17 SPL Tash!

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A very happy birthday to Greta! From the Gamers AUGUST 2016 Club

AUGUST 2016

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WHAT’S ON

TRAVEL

Miss Universe events to feature top Philippine destinations

WO DESTINATIONS each from the three main geographical divisions of the Philippines will be featured at the 65th Miss Universe pageant. The development was learned after the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that the country will host the pageant

on Jan. 30, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Two of the destinations are the home provinces of the Philippines’s Mindanaoan prides: Davao City of President Rodrigo Duterte and Cagayan de Oro of Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach. The other destinations are Boracay and Cebu,

which are in Visayas, and Vigan and Palawan, which are in Luzon. “We have a president [who] comes from Mindanao and our Miss Universe is from Mindanao, so I think it is the best time for us to do Miss Universe in the Philippines,” said Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo.

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She also assured the public that the government would not shoulder any amount from the $11-million budget for the pageant. Teo said it will be shouldered by private sectors which they will name at another time. (Full attribution from material earlier published from PhilStar)

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EMBASSY NEWS

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EMBASSY OUTREACH - SWANSEA

LONDON

WHAT’S ON

EMBASSY OUTREACH - EDINBURGH

The Embassy will hold its next Consular Outreach Mission for 2016 in:

Date/Time: 03 SEPTEMBER 2016 (Sat), 9AM - 5PM

Date/Time: 24 SEPTEMBER 2016 (Sat), 9AM - 5PM

Venue: Sacred Heart Centre, School Road, Morriston, Swansea SA6 6HX Contact Persons : Beth Boorman 01792280622 / 07984941099 Eby Minoncia 01792426873 / 07980748888 Letty England 07760995945

Venue: Destiny Church Gorgie Centre, 52 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh EH11 2NB

Applicants are advised to check the documentary and other requirements at www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph and to download the application forms in advance from the same website. Please beware of other websites purporting to be the Embassy‘s official website. Applicants are requested to submit an accomplished Consular Service Request Form (click link to download form) by 24 August 2016 (Wednesday) to secure an appointment schedule at the Outreach.

Applicants are advised to check the documentary and other requirements at www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph and to download the application forms in advance from the same website. Please beware of other websites purporting to be the Embassy‘s official website. Applicants are requested to submit an accomplished Consular Service Request Form (click link to download form) by 7 September 2016 (Wednesday) to secure an appointment schedule at the Outreach.

Please send the accomplished form via email to: swanseaoutreachlondonpe@gmail.com Applicants may provide their own self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of their documents. Otherwise, they may pay the appropriate postage cost at the Outreach.

Please send the accomplished form via email to edinburghoutreachlondonpe@gmail.com

The Embassy looks forward to serving you at the Consular Outreach Mission in Swansea.

Contact Persons : Alex and Marjorie Chong 07597102094 scotlandoutreach@yahoo.com

Applicants may provide their own self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of their documents. Otherwise, they may pay the appropriate postage cost at the Outreach. The Embassy looks forward to serving you at the Consular Outreach Mission in Edinburgh.

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Steamship Mutual partners with Sailors’ Society to improve seafarers’ health and fitness Splash ‘Pinas in partnership and support of our Filipino seafarers all over STEAMSHIP MUTUAL, one of the largest and most diverse P&I Clubs in the world, has agreed a one-year sponsorship of the physical wellness module of Sailors’ Society’s Wellness at Sea coaching programme. Wellness at Sea, which was launched in 2015, is a coaching and support programme devised by the international maritime welfare charity to promote health and well-being among the world’s seafarers. The vast majority of incidents occurring at sea are attributable to ‘human error’, a term that disguises a variety of underlying problems. Issues such as fatigue, poor physical health and stress can all compromise the abil-

ity of seafarers to undertake their daily work safely, making the difference between safe transit and a major incident. Sailors’ Society’s Wellness at Sea programme seeks to support the mental and physical health of seafarers in a holistic manner, addressing five specific needs: physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual wellness. Sandra Welch, Sailors’ Society’s deputy chief executive officer,

WHAT’S ON 5 Aug-4 Sept 2016 Marco Polo Musical

2:30 PM / 7:30 PM Shaw Theatre, 100-110 Euston Rd, NW1 2AJ, London Tickets from £40-£80 Contact:

clondon@marcopolonewmusical.com

said: “Sailors’ Society’s Wellness at Sea programme has been well received by the industry and we are pleased to have agreed such a mutually beneficial partnership with Steamship Mutual. We’re looking for-

ward to working together, as well as with Club members participating in the Wellness at Sea programme, to help improve seafarer health and well-being”. Companies who have already undertaken the Wellness at Sea training include Wallem, Univan, Sea Team and Seaspan. More than 400 students have already completed the full and condensed versions of the coaching programme and an additional 600 seafarers are expected to participate in courses this year. Sailors’ Society has also developed a free app for seafarers that is android and iPhone compatible and can be downloaded by searching for Wellness at Sea.

COMMUNITY 17 Sept 2016

Leicester Darterong Pinoy UK 2016 Venue: Notts Oddfellows Club, 9 Humberstone Gate, Leicester, LE1 1WB Time: 10:30AM-8:30PM Register: £30 per player Contact: James Diez 07800815268

2 October 2016

“At Last in London!” Alden Richards in LDN Venue: Troxy, 490 Commercial Rd, London E1 0HX Time: 3 to 5 PM Tickets from £30 - £80 Contact: 07422858223 www.troxy.co.uk

Supporting all good community fiestas and celebrations this Spring and Summer. For more details call us at 02075818100 or send your material details to philservicecorp@aol.com

AUGUST 2016

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