NEW OFFICERS OF EPS WORKERS GROUP INDUCTED IN SEOUL

By: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Seoul

Incoming FEWA President Marianeto Raro thanked Ambassador Hernandez and Labor Attaché Felicitas Q. Bay for their support and called on his fellow officers and all the members to continuously adhere to the mission of the organization in advocating workers' rights.

The other newly inducted officers for 2015-2016 are: Vice President Richard Corpuz, and Board Members Roderick dela Cruz, Cherry Lyn Tolentino, Alfie Raul Dapanas, Robin Leo Maglalang, Alwyin Casiño, Joel Badulis and Troy James Pinon.

FEWA was established in 2006, two years after the establishment of the EPS through the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Philippines and Korea that allows mainly SMEs that fail to attract Korean laborers to resort to the hiring of Filipino workers in the country.

The organization aims to assist EPS workers thru counseling on labor-related issues in coordination with the Embassy's Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), outreach programs of hospitalized EPS workers and intervene on migrant related issues that affect the welfare of the Filipinos.

Through the years, FEWA has conducted labor education orientation seminars in coordination together with the POLO, Ministry of Employment and Labor, Human Resources Development Service of Korea, Seoul Global Center and other worker-focused organizations.

In its 밄alik Tanaw Project, FEWA raises funds to purchase computers, furniture and school supplies for donation to various schools in the Philippines by collecting 10 Korean won coins put aside in piggy banks throughout the year. It has also come to the aid of victims of natural disasters in the Philippines and has provided assistance to ailing or distressed Filipino workers in collaboration with other Filipino community organizations.

As of June 2015, there are 19,628 registered Filipino EPS workers in South Korea working in 6,692 workplaces located in 17 provinces.

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