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"To avoid problems resulting
from unpaid debts, OFWs should exercise care and caution
before they lend
money to friends and acquaintances in Hong Kong," this was
the key message given by Vice Consul Val Simon Roque to more
than 80 OFWs who attended a recent PAOS at the Philippine
consulate's office in Admiralty.
He said disagreements resulting from borrowings and unpaid debts rank among the most frequent type of problem brought to consulate officials for resolution.
He said staff of the consulate's Assistance to Nationals (ATN) section often resorts to mediation to try and solve disputes involving borrowings and unpaid debts. In the case of Filipinos who violate Hong Kong's immigration laws by overstaying here, Roque said that consulate often request Hong Kong authorities for leniency on humanitarian grounds.
Roque was the first among a host of speakers who gave presentations to a recent Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) organized jointly by Passi City (Iloilo) Association Hong Kong (PCIAHK) with the Philippine Consulate.
Officials of the Philippine Bankers' Club Hong Kong (PBCHK) and several Philippine agencies, including the Social Security System also participated in the seminar.
PBCHK chairman and PNB general manager Rolando Cruz underscored the need for Filipinos in Hong Kong to set aside a portion of their monthly salary for savings which could help secure their financial security or fund the establishment of small businesses when they return for good to the Philippines one day in the future.
"OFWs should give priority in saving money. Money is a good servant but a very bad master," he said. He also gave pieces of advice on how to attain financial freedom and independence. According to him, in financial management, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. OFWs should practice the principle of commitment and planning. They should live within their means because economic and financial issue and to be able to improve the quality of life of their families and loved ones were the reasons why they are here in Hong Kong. They should know how to control their money with commitment and have a priority in their plans in life. They should always remember that in financial management, the main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing. "Kung kayo ay may pangarap sa buhay, don't let this dreams go away from your heart for dreams are tiny seeds from which beautiful tomorrows grow", he said.
Meanwhile, PCIAHK adviser Jun Concepcion, warned OFWs against falling victims to different kinds of fraudulent practices and offers by dishonest individual, companies and recruitment agencies. He said, OFWs should do proper research or gather the necessary information from the Philippine Consulate officials or knowledgeable Filipinos in Hong Kong so they can avoid being victimized by fraudsters. Fraudulent practices come in different forms such as promising large amount of monies in exchange for a sum that is borrowed. Some fraudsters ask OFWs to put monies into highly questionable investments like net working and pyramid companies which promise high interest rate or returns on investments, but which fail to on their promises. He also warned OFWs against buying products and services from Filipino tourists on visit to Hong Kong and who may not be able to deliver those products and services which they promised to provide to OFWs costumers.
Asst. Labor Attaché, Leonida Romulo talk about the new hiring policies of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). She said that for those OFWs who will renew their contracts should complete the necessary requirements before submitting otherwise their document will be returned to them by the cashier and will not be processed. She also announced the changes in issuance of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Monday to Thursday the issuance of OEC is in the Philippine Consulate at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. During Fridays and Saturdays, the issuance is in FWRC, Sheung Sha Wan at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and on Sundays at the Bayanihan Center, Kennedy Town, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. There is no issuance of OEC during public holidays in Philippines and Hong Kong.
OWWA Officer, Elenita Cleofas discussed the importance of being an OWWA member. She said that once you are an OWWA member, you are already insured of P100, 000.00 and will receive an insurance policy. Members could avail OWWA services such as Free Cultures and Training Seminar, Microsoft Training Program and Basic Cantonese Lesson and the graduates will be given a certificate upon completion. They also provide airport assistance for those OFWs who encountered problems here in Hong Kong. They are also performing hospital visits to give comfort and assistance to Filipinos who are hospitalized for different reasons. She said that OWWA provide a scholarship program for the children of OFWs. The children should have an average of not less than 80% in their 4th year report card. They should take an examination from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for them to qualify for the scholarship but for those who'll not pass the exam, they can take vocational courses and skills for requirements program. The child can choose any course they want and entitled of P30, 000.00 per semester.
Others speakers during the said seminar were Mrs. Angelina Narvaez who discussed about Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and its functions, Mr. Francis Raymund Ramos, explained about the programs of PAG-IBIG and Mr. Roberto "Bobby" Roldan, talked about the programs of SSS (Flexi Fund).
Officers and members of Passi City (Iloilo) Association Hong Kong would like to say thank you to all persons who made the said PAOS possible and a successful event especially to all PCG Officials headed by Vice Consul Val Simon Roque, ATN Officer, Mrs. Linda Albay, ALA Nida Romulo, OWWA Officer Leny Cleofas, Mrs Angelina Narvaez of POLO, Mr. Francis Raymund Ramos of PAG-IBIG, Mr. Bobby Roldan of SSS, Mr. Abner and Mr. Edmound Cortez, IT personnel of PCG-HK.
A millions thanks too to the Philippine Bankers Club HK, headed by Mr. Rolly Cruz of PNB, Mr. Val Miquibas of First Metro, Mr. Voltair Medina of BPI and Mr. Roy Agus of RCBC and most importantly to all participants who came to attend the said seminar.
