Filipino fishermen rescued by Japanese vessel

Two Filipino fishermen were rescued by a Japanese vessel after being cast away for 59 days.

Toto Feliciano and Resty Dabon were spotted drifting aimlessly in the ocean by Japanese vessel Tokiwa Maru No. 18 last October 14. The Japanese vessel was headed to Pohnpei, Federated State of Micronesia. Read more

Pinoy finalist on CNN’s ‘Hero of the Year’

Through ingenious pushcart classes, Efren Penaflorida Jr, a native of Cavite, is transforming the lives of poor children in the Philippines. His noble efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Filipino is among the top 10 finalists on Cable News Network’s (CNN) “Hero of the Year.”

“Efren has proven that one person, with his determination and selflessness, can touch the lives of many and make a difference in the world,” said Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C Gaa, according to news from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). “I exhort the Filipino community in the United States to aid in furthering Efren’s cause by casting your votes online in support of him.” To vote for Efren, see end of article. Read more

Remove remittance tax — TUCP

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) appeals for the removal of the documentary stamp tax (DST) imposed on remittances sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through the banking system.

This is also a way for government to lighten the burden of OFWs and their families who are suffering from the effects of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, said Ernesto Herrera, Secretary General of TUCP, the biggest confederation of labor federations in the Philippines. Read more

New Australian citizenship test begins

The new Australian citizenship test which assesses applicants on their understanding of Australian civics and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship began last Monday.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the new test is based on the pledge of commitment that new Australians make when becoming citizens. Read more

Housekeeper wanted

The United States (US) Ambassador to Taiwan is looking for a housekeeper, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) web site. ... Read more

DFA warns against drug smuggling

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated its warning against engaging in drug smuggling activities after two Filipinos were arrested by Iranian Authorities for attempting to bring in illegal drugs to the Middle Eastern country.

The Filipinos, who are not based in Iran, were duped by unscrupulous individuals who may be connected to a network of international drug smugglers into traveling to Iran supposedly to secure employment. Read more

More funds raised in US for typhoon victims

More than US$100,000 (PhP46 million pesos) has been raised for typhoon victims by the Filipino Community under the consular jurisdiction of the embassy in Washington, DC.

Efforts of Filipinos in the United States (US) capital included two events featuring Tony award winner Lea Salonga, which raised more than $19,000, according to news from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Salonga made a special appearance at a “Solidarity Mass” at the Cathedral of St Matthew the Apostle and at the reception for donors at the Philippine Ambassador’s Residence. Read more

Naval architect, marine eng exam results released

Results of the Naval Architect and Marine Engineer Licensure Examination show that eight out of 41 examinees passed.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the results on October 9. The exam was given by the Board of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in Manila early this month. Read more

2009 remittances now at $11.3 B

August registered a total of US$1.4 billion remittances coursed through banks, bringing the total to $11.3 billion from January to August 2009.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), remittances grew by 2.8% in August. Total remittances for the past eight months is higher by 3.7% from the level recorded during the same period in 2008. Read more

UK to introduce “earned citizenship”

By Charles Kelly

The United Kingdom (UK) will now reform settlement by introducing the principle of “earned citizenship” following major reforms to the immigration system to control migration by way of the points-based system.

A public consultation, open for 12 weeks from August 3, 2009, available on the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website is seeking views on the following: Read more

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