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NEW SLETTER FFOR

NEWSLETTER OR THE FILIPINO COMMUNIT
COMMUNITYY IN GENEVA
GENEVA
Vol. 4 No. 2 Geneva, Switzerland June- July 2003

Second Steering Committee Excursion

FILIPINO
COMMUNITY
IN GENEVA HOLDS
FREEDOM DAY
ACTIVITIES
On the occassion of the 105th Anniversary of
the Independence of the Republic of the Philip-
pines, the Philippine Permanent Representative to
the United Nations Office and other International
Participants of the Steering Committee Excursion pose in front of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Organizations in Geneva and to the World Trade
Organization held a reception at the WHO Restau-
Independence Day Excursion- rant last 12 June 2003.
Members of the foreign diplomatic corps, the
Celebrating History as one people Secretary of Labor, Patricia Sto.Tomas , Congress-
by Linda B. Cacdac man Ruben Torres, and other members of the
The 2nd excursion organized by the Steering Committee of the Filipino Community in Geneva was Philippine Congress, together with members of
a visit to the caves of Vallorbe and the underground river Orbe. This was one of the activities of the Steering the Steering Committee of the Filipino Commu-
Committee in celebration of the 105th Philippine Independence in Geneva. Vallorbe is one of the most nity in Geneva attended the traditional yearly cock-
important tourist attractions of Switzerland located in the Canton de Vaud. tails.
Around 80 persons participated in the excursion – most of whom are members of the Filipino The Steering Committee for the Filipino Com-
Catholic Community in Geneva (FCCG), headed by their Chairwoman, Tess Baarde. Mother Olivia munity in Geneva, on the other hand organized a
Racinez, Mother Superior of the Christ the Worker Congregation in the Philippines and Sister Luzviminda, simple Araw ng Kalayaan “merienda-salu-salo” at
who is based in Geneva, were the guest of honors. Smiling faces filled the two air-conditioned buses hired the John XXIII Parish Center last 14 June 2003.
for the occasion, that left Geneva at about 9:00 a.m. of June 15. Rody de Guzman, Chairman of the Steering
Upon arrival at Vallorbe, the participants gathered together and sung the Philippine National Anthem. Committee welcomed the Filipino community,
Blessings was said by Mother Olivia for good weather and camaraderie to reign during the duration of the while Ambassador Edsel Custudio read the tradi-
tour. Croissants and welcome drinks were offered to everybody. Majority of the group visited the caves tional Independence Day message of President
which some jokingly noted that the caves were well lighted by the flush of cameras from the group trying Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
to catch on film the wonders of the magnificent rock formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as Members of the community brought tradi-
the emerald waters of the underground river Orbe. tional Filipino food like pansit, lumpia, adobo, and
Lunch was served “en vitesse” at the bank of Lake Joux (Lac de Joux) to avoid risk of “eating in the dinuguan. The “merienda”- “salu-salo” was fol-
rain”. Everybody brought sumptuous food shared by all. As soon as the last piece of “pakwan” was eaten, lowed by a celebration of a mass that was officiated
the rain started to pour that made the group scamper back to the buses. by Father Guy Pineda, a Filipino Catholic priest
On the way back to Geneva, the group decided to make an impromptu visit to the Olympic Museum based in Lausanne.
in Lausanne. Picture taking and discovery of the place ensued during the next two hours. The visit was a The next day 15 June, some 80 persons joined
bonus for those who have been in Switzerland for over two decades and yet never had the chance to see this the Steering Committee excursion in a visit to the
sports museum. caves of Vallorbe and the underground river Orbe.
The trip back to Geneva was stirred by the singing of Tagalog hits led by Sister Luzviminda. An added side trip was a visit to the Olympic mu-
All the children were admirably well behaved and their parents should be congratulated. Exhausted but seum in Lausanne.
elated – the group had an unforgettable fun-filled day, loaded with good memories and souvenirs. The The independence day celebrations were capped
day was a good respite from the daily routine of a migrant worker’s life. Kudos to the FCCG group for by a bowling tournament last 29 June at Thonex
patronizing this activity of the Steering Committee and Nikki Flores for organizing this event. Special Lanes. Raul Aseron won the 1st place in the mens
thanks to Linda Balawag, Marie Ilao of the Philippine Mission, Presy Andrews, Rudy Guacena and Linda event, while Dindo Quero and Fred Flores, took
Cacdac of the Steering Committee. the 2nd and 3rd places. In the women’s event,
Celebration of traditions and history like this truly unites Filipinos into – one group, one family, one Kathleen Bauer took the top spot followed by Boc
people. Formento and Myrna Alcantara.
 EDITORIAL
Filipinos, Freedom and Fatherland
We can indeed be grateful that we can continue to cel-
ebrate the independence of our country. And even as a com-
munity in the Geneva region, we express our attachment to
our country and its people, even from a distance. We join in
celebrations that keep noteworthy traditions, values, charac-
ter and ideals alive.
Nonetheless, at a time like this, some wonder and pose
the question – Are we really independent? Are we truly free?
Certainly, we can consider that our country is politically in-
dependent as it is not under the yoke of a colonial power.
However, is it another matter for us as a people to be truly
free, particularly in socio-economic terms?
These are some of the questions that call for reflection.
Freedom can be expressed in terms of one’s exercise of
choice and ability to lead a meaningful life, in the pursuit of
happiness. In this connection, a particular set of people who
has a special situation, even a precarious one, is the so-called
migrant workers. Many, with the encouragement of the gov-
ernment, venture out of the shores of the country in a search
for what is hoped to be is a better quality of life. While remit-
tances assist distant families and the country’s economy, there
are also social costs that are being painfully paid – even the
tearing asunder of families which are the primary reasons
for being a migrant worker in the first place.
Let us join those who raise their voices and issue a clarion
call for the enhancement of the life of the Filipino migrant
workers, that they may truly have freedom even as they are
away from the fatherland. (Rody de Guzman)
Buklod Kabayan
Published by the Steering Committee
of the Filipino Community in Geneva
EDITORIAL BOARD
Maria Theresa ALMIROL, Rodolfo de GUZMAN,
Marian Victoria VILLANUEVA-HERNANDEZ,
Erwin POLICAR, Ricardo ROMEA, Joseph SYCIP
STAFF
Lea BIASON, Nep CASTILLO, Che-Che DADIVAS,
Dennis DE GUZMAN, Raymond FLORES, Bambi GUACENA
CONTRIBUTORS
Linda CACDAC, Genevieve GENCIANOS
Articles, opinions, letters to the Editors, and other manuscripts
should be in Pilipino or English, typed in MS Word and sent to :
mailbox@buklodkabayan.ch
The views and opinions expressed by the authors are solely
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the
Steering Committee of the Filipino Community in Geneva
2 Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003
MALACAÑAN PALACE
Manila
INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE
Malugod kong binabati ang buong sambayanang Pilipino
kabilang ang ating mga world-class Filipino workers sa iba’t-
ibang panig ng daigdig sa pagdiriwang ng ating Ika-105 (isang
daan at limang) Araw ng Kasarinlan.
Sa paggunita sa proklamasyon ng ating kasarinlan at
pagkatatag ng ating Republika noong Hunyo 12, 1898, isaalala
natin ang katapangan, kabayanihan at pagbubuwis ng buhay
ng ating mga kababayan upang matamo ang kalayaang tinatmasa
natin ngayon. Sa gayon, higit nating pagpapahalagahan at pag-
iibayuhin ang pagganap sa ating tungkuling itaguyod ang isang
matatag at masiglang Republika.
Today, 105 years after, we face diverse challenges and threats
to our democracy that seek to undermine the freedom won for us
by our forebears. These are the threats and challenges posed by
terrorism, mass poverty, ignorance, graft and corruption, apathy
and lack of opportunity for every Filipino to live a life of certainty,
prosperity and dignity. We are now called upon to band together
as a people to confront these obstacles and move our country
forward towards its rightful places in the community of nations.
The struggle that won for us our independence must not and
did not end in 1898. The country’s independence, and potential
for greatness, can only be fully realized if we do our part in
continuing the fight to achieve our national aspirations. In
celebrating this important occasion, let us thus exhibit the same
unity, perseverance and sacrifice as those of our forebears in
building a strong Republic, able to succeed amidst the challenges
and opportunities of the 21st century and beyond.
Let us all, in our individual and collective capacities,
contribute to national good.
Mabuhay ang Pilipino! Mabuhay aang matatag na
Republika ng Pilipinas!
Sgd:
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Help educate and empower!
Donate-a-Book
Donate books! If you have English and Pilipino books you have been
planning to dispose of, please email us at mailbox@buklodkabayan.ch,
we will gladly pick up these books from your home.
The campaign, Help educate and empower! Donate-a-Book, has
been launched by the Ugnayan Bayan, the Secretariat of the Steer-
ing Committee of the Filipino Community in Geneva. It aims to
solicit English and Pilipino books, educational magazines or mate-
rials, encyclopaedias and others from the community to be do-
nated to several public school libraries and community centers in
the Philippines in order to provide and assist our compatriots with
materials and tools needed for their education and empowerment.
The books that we will be receiving will be indexed, categorized
and posted in our website. These will be compiled together until
batches are ready for shipment to the Philippines.
 NEWSBRIEFS
GARY V. CONCERT
IN GENEVA
Philippine megastar and pop idol Gary
“Pure Energy” Valenciano performed on
stage for the Filipino community in Geneva
at the Palladium last April 5, 2003. Organ-
ized by Buklod Kabayan, the dinner-con-
cert drew a crowd of more than 600 people
filling up the concert hall.
The multi-faceted performer captivated
the audience with his dance and hit songs
from most of his numerous music albums
which almost always end up in Platinum
record citation.
Scores of fans lined up the stage offer-
ing roses to the megastar. Later, Gary com-
mented that it was the first time he has re-
ceived that many roses in his entire life.
The party continued till the wee hours of the
night with Europe’s No. 1 Filipino showband
“Speed Limit” taking over the stage.
TAGALOG LESSONS’
SECOND YEAR
A SUCCESS
The Steering Committee’s “Tagalog Les-
sons” project has finished another school
year. According to project coordinator Ms.
Godie Bhend, this year has been a great
success. The first batch of students were
not only taught the Filipino language, but
also Filipino culture and values were pro-
moted and inculcated among them.
While the project seem to be a success,
Ms. Bhend encourages support from the
community in terms of financial support,
and also in terms of volunteer teachers, re-
sources and teaching materials. For those
interested in supporting this project, please
contact Ms. Godie Bhend at 022-796.02-48
or send an e-mail at godiebh@yahoo.fr
Balik-Aral turns 3
The Balik-Aral Volunteers Association,
an organization of volunteers offering free
computer, French and accounting courses
to Filipino migrants in Geneva, held a Barn
Dance Party at the Salle Communale de
Chambésy last June 21, in celebration of its
3rd year anniversary. More than 300 peo-
ple attended the event.
The organizers raised funds by selling
tombola tickets, food and drinks. The funds
generated by this event will go mainly into
securing Balik-Aral’s new headquarters and
classroom which will be opened very soon.
Gary V.’s pure energy unleashes
at the the Palladium in Geneva
International Call for
Universal Ratification of
the Migrant Workers
Convention
The UN Migrant Workers Convention
enters into force on July 1st after a strug-
gle of more than 10 years by migrants
rights activists from across the world.
Welcoming this important event, 290 mi-
grants rights organisations, unions,
NGOs, and other civil society actors are
calling upon their governments to imple-
ment this new UN Convention or if they
have not yet done so, to ratify this inter-
national human rights instrument. (please
see statement on page 7)
Among the more than 300 signatories
are Swiss-based NGO’s and civil society
groups that include ARIS (Anti-Racism
Information Service), Association contre
le racisme ACOR, SOS Racisme, Collectif
de soutien aux Sans-papiers de Genève,
Collectif de soutien des Sans-Papiers du
canton de Neuchâtel, Solidarité sans fron-
tiers, Kakkampi and the Geneva Forum
for Philippine Concerns.
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE
VOTING REGISTRATION
MOVED
The Overseas Absentee Voting registra-
tion which was supposed to have started last 5
May to 4 August 2003 as announced, has been
moved to 1st August to 30th of September.
All qualified Filipino citizens who are not
registered as a voter under Republic Act No.
8189, otherwise known as “The Voter Registra-
tion Act of 1996,” are called upon to file an
application for registration from 1st August up
to 30th September 2003 at the Philippine Con-
sulate. The Filipino community in Geneva is
encouraged to register and vote during the
May 2004 elections.
Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003
FCCG “Barrio Fiesta”
Food Sale
The Filipino Catholic Community in Ge-
neva (FCCG) held a fundraising “Barrio Fi-
esta” Food sale last 22 June at the John XXIII
Parish Center at 35, Chemin Dr. Adolphe Pas-
teur, Petit-Saconnex, Geneva.
The food sale featured Filipino and Asian
delicacies like pork barbecue, spring rolls,
chow mein, and native sweets.
Members of the FCCG pose for a photo
at the Barrio Fiesta Food Sale
Led by its president, Sister Merlyn
Arsolon, WCW and its chairperson, Tess
Baarde the proceeds of this FCCG fund rais-
ing event will go to the following projects:
‘Bahay Pari’ chapel construction
(Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines) Work-
ers of Christ the Worker (WCW) Outreach
Projects (Pangasinan, Phil.) FCCG Spiritual
Activity Program (e.g., Monthly Recollec-
tion, annual Retreat).
Those interested to be part of FCCG’s
activities which include Bible studies,
monthly recollections and annual retreats,
may get in touch with Sister Merlyn Arsolon
by phone at 079 7910803 or with Tess Baarde
at 079 34968 24.
CFC holds 9th CLP
The Couples for Christ (CFC) -Geneva Chap-
ter held its 9th Christian Life Program (CLP) Semi-
nar at the Ste. Nicholas de Flue and John XXIII
Parish Center from the 27th of April to 15th of
June.
The seminar ran for 5 Sundays from 1:30 p.m.
till 5:30 p.m. and interesting talks were given on the
following topics: God’s Love, Who is Jesus
Christ?, To be a Christian, Faith and Repentance,
Loving God, Loving Thy Neighbor, The Christian
Family, Life in the Holy Spirit, Receiving the Holy
Spirit, and Growing in the Spirit.
Some 42 participants, including the first non-
Filipino member (an Indian national) completed
the CLP and were welcomed to the fold of the
CFC.
3
Glimpse – to our history, the places, the people and the events.
by Erwin Gabriel

Our 105th independence day is but a fitting event for us to take

a glimpse of our history. Distance can never lead us astray in
celebrating our culture, our history and our people.
The Vallorbe trip, is truly reminiscing our country’s
independence day. Reading the excerpt of the fun-filled day trip
written by Linda, brings me back in time to relive and experience, in
a unique Swiss way, the legendary trip of the Katipuneros of the
Magdiwang Council. They maneuvered their escape from the
overwhelming and fully armed Spanish colonial forces by passing
through the underground tunnel stretching from Kawit, Cavite
where the Aguinaldo Shrine is located, traversing through the
Wakas church and legend has it, even up to the site of the Tejeros celebrate this great event in the country’s history. Above is a
Convention which are kilometers away. A visit to these historical glimpse of the Aguinaldo Shrine today.
places in Cavite, can still give a glimpse of the entrance to these The shrine is located in Kawit, a tagalog word which means
underground tunnels, truly remembering how our great heroes hook. Transportation in this area includes commuting with the
threaded the path to our independence that we celebrate today. locally assembled mini buses and our ubiquitous jeepney which
Back to the present day, being a native of Cavite, I would seize has been part of our tradition together with fiesta, karakol, Flores
this opportunity to introduce to you our historical province. Cavite de Mayo and of course, the favorite “adobo”.
is the birthplace of our Independence Day, which was first celebrated Equally historical, rich in traditions and home of many of our
more than a century ago, when our first national anthem was played, great heroes, Batangas is our next stop. For us to take a glimpse,
and our national flag first raised. Since then it has been a local of its people, places and events, ala eh, abangan na lang ninyo
tradition to gather in the home of General Emilio Aguinaldo to sa susunod na isyu ng Buklod Kabayan.

The Steering Committee of the Filipino

Filipino Republic of the Philippines
Community in Geneva invites you to an COMMISION ON ELECTIONS
ALL FILIPINO BILLIARD TOURNAMENT MANILA
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION AND ELECTION TO ALL
FILIPINO CITIZENS
Notice is hereby given that under Republic Act No. 9189,
otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003”,
all citizens of the Philippines abroad, not otherwise disqualified by
law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the election,
and who are registered overseas absentee voters with approved appli-
cation to vote In absentia, may vote for President, Vice-President,
Senators and Party-List Representatives.
All qualified Filipino citizens not registered as voters under Re-
public Act No. 8189, otherwise known as “The Voters Registration
Filipino pool players from Bern, Basel, Zurich Act of 1996”, (the system of continuing registration) shall file an
and other parts of Switzerland are most welcome application for registration while those who are already registered un-
der the said Act shall file an application for certification.
For purposes of the May 10, 2004 elections, the filing of applica-
When: 8 ball event 7 pm, 9 August 2003 Sat.
tions shall be from August 1, 2003 to September 30, 2003 at the
and 9 ball event 7 pm, 16 August 2003 Sat. Philippine Mission located at 47 Avenue Blanc, 1202 Geneva, Swit-
zerland.
Where: Sphere Academie, The voting period will be from April 11, 2004 to May 10,
82 Rue deLausanne, 2004, except for duly qualified Filipino seafarers who may vote
(Behind Mr. Pickwick) from March 12, 2004 to May 10, 2004.
Fee: 20 CHF per participant per For details, please contact the PHILIPPINE MISSION
tournament at telephone number or the following websites:

Prizes: Trophies for 1 st, 2nd, and 3rd places (Post):

Department of Foreign Affairs (Manila): Commission on Elec-
For reservations, please send your full name (SMS) to tions (Manila):
@uncc.ch.
Rodolfo Guacena at 079/279-8186 or at rguacena@
Maxim um number of par ticipants is set at 32. www.dfa.gov.ph www.comelec.gov.ph

Hotline: Philippine Mission 022-716-19-30

4 Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003

 MABUHAY KA, GINANG HELEN
ni Lorimla
MABUHAY!!! Ang sigaw ng bawa’t Pilipino kapag nakararanas
ng tagumpay.
MABUHAY!!! Ang ating bungad sa mga dayuhan kapag sila
ay napapadpad sa Pilipinas.
MABUHAY!!! Ang sinasambit kapag ibig mong itaas ang
pagkatao ng isang Pilipino.
MABUHAY!!! Ang pangalan ng isang pamilihan dito sa Geneva
na sinimulan ni Ginang Helen Donin.
Nguni’t bago ko isalaysay sa inyo ang simula ng pamilihang
ito, ibig kong ibahagi sa inyo ang munting pangarap ni Gng Helen
nung siya ay makatungtong dito sa Geneva. Isa siyang
lisensiyadong beterinaryo sa ating bansa. Sa katunayan, dati siya
ay isang Livestock Inspector sa Tarlac, isang Assistant Farm
Veterinarian at Resident Veterinarian sa Quezon City. Noong siya
ay dumating dito sa Switzerland noong taong 1988, ibig niyang
ibahagi ang kanyang napag-aralan sa pamamagitan ng pagsisimula
ng isang livestock production tulad ng piggery at cattle farm.
Nguni’t dahil sa dayuhang salita at kakaibang kultura dito sa
Geneva, napag-isip-isip ni Gng Helen na imposible ang kanyang
binabalak. Nguni’t hindi ito ang nagpigil sa kanya upang mag-
umpisa ng buhay dito. Inumpisahang magtrabaho bilang isang
femme de menage at naranasang kumita ng Swiss Francs. Hindi
nagtagal, makalipas ang isang taon, siya ay nakapag-asawa at
naging residente ng bansang ito. Tumigil sa pagtatrabaho sa bahay
at nagsubok na maghanap ng veterinarian clinic upang mag-
apply bilang isang aide veterinarian. Taglay ni Gng Helen ang
lahat ng katangian at karunungan ng isang aide veterinarian
maliban sa pagsasalita ng linguwaheng French. Isa na namang
balakid sa kanyang pangarap. Sa dahilang hindi siya dalubhasa sa
linguwaheng ito, isinang-tabi ang kanyang pag-apply.
Nang minsang umuwi ng Pilipinas para magbakasyon,
nakahiligan niyang mag-record ng mga TV shows sa video
tape upang dalhin dito sa Geneva para sa kanyang personal
na panonood. Nalaman ito ng kanyang mga kaibigan at ito
ay inumpisahan nilang hiramin. Sinubok din niya na magdala
ng dried fish at naibenta niya rin ito kaagad. Dito nalaman ni
Helen na sabik ang ating kababayan sa mga produkto ng
ating bansa. Kaya’t nung Pebrero 1993, sinimulan niya ang
Mabuhay Asian Store sa Rue dela Faucille upang maghatid
ng kaligayahan sa ating mga kababayan. At sa taon ding ito,
inumpisahan na rin niya ang ‘balikbayan boxes‘. At dito nagsimula
ang katuparan ng isang pangarap na hindi niya akalaing
magtatagumpay.
Sa kasalukuyan, marami na ang nilalaman ng pamilihang ito. Sa
dahilang lumaki ang demand ng ating mga kabayayan, inilipat niya
sa mas malaking lugar ang Mabuhay. Hindi rin naman ito kalayuan
sa dating kinatatayuan. At sa paglipat na ito, naglagay siya ng
computers para sa internet services at ang video tape rentals ay
nadagdagan na ng VCD at Tagalog pocket books. Marami pang
naidagdag sa mga pamilihin na ito. Ang Mabuhay ay hindi lamang
bukas para sa mga Pilipino nguni’t para rin sa ibang lahi. Sa
katunayan, ang pamilihang ito ay naging simbolo na ng ating
kultura. Kaya’t kapag ikaw ay na-homesick, magpunta ka lang sa
Mabuhay at para ka na ring nasa ating bansa.
Marami ring pagsubok ang dinanas ni Gng Helen sa sampung
taong operasyon ng Mabuhay.
Ang tangi niyang naging sandata ay tiyaga, lakas ng loob at
pananampalataya sa Diyos na hindi siya pababayaan nito. Ang
Mabuhay ay nakakapagdudulot ng kaligayahan sa bawa’t isa sa
atin. Minsan, kahit wala kang bibilhin, kung ibig mo lang mapaligiran
ng ating mga kababayan, ang pagtigil dito ay nagdudulot na ng
kagalakan. Dito nagkakasalu-salo ang magkakapamilya,
magkakaibigan at ang mga magkakabayan. Ang Mabuhay ay hindi
lamang pamilihan ng ating pagkain kundi ito ay naging tahanan na
rin ng bawa’t isa.
Hindi man natupad ang unang pangarap ni Gng Helen na
maipagpatuloy ang kanyang pagka-beterinaryo dito sa Geneva,
nakamit naman niya ang tunay niyang kalayaan sa pamamagitan
ng Mabuhay. Ang isang mensahe ng pangyayaring ito kay Gng
Helen ay hindi man matupad ang ating pangunahing pangarap,
malaya pa rin tayong makapagbago ng plano at bumuo ng ibang
layunin sa buhay. Isang tunay na Mabuhay Ka Gng Helen, ang
aming bati.
Kung ibig niyong bumisita sa Mabuhay, ito ay matatagpuan sa
21 rue du Fort-Barreau, 1201 Geneva. Ang telepono ay (022) 740 25
10. Bukas mula alas-11 ng umaga hanggang alas-8 ng gabi mula
Martes hanggang araw ng Linggo. Ang email nila ay :
mabuhay_gva@yahoo.com.
Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003 5
 International Law on Migrants’ Rights Protection Enters Into Force
Contribution from Migrants Rights International
On 1 July 2003, the United Nations International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families will enter into force as an instrument of international law that
will ensure protection and respect for the human rights of all migrants.
Adopted on 18 December 1990 by the United Nations General
Assembly, the Convention is a commendable effort by the international
community to respect and protect the human rights of this vulnerable
group of people. However, despite the universal involvement of UN
Member States in the drafting process beginning in 1990, it had to take
more than a decade for the Convention to obtain the minimum of 20
State ratifications necessary for it to enter into force and become part of
international law. The Philippines is among the first few countries that
became State Parties to the Convention, ratifying it in 1995.
In March of this year, Guatemala ratified the Convention as the 20th
ratifying State, thus leading to its entry into force on the 1st of July 2003. To
date, there are now 22 State Parties to the Convention, with El Salvador
and Mali ratifying after Guatemala. In addition, 10 more States have signed
it as the preliminary step towards ratification.
“It took almost thirteen years for this important instrument to become
part of international law. And these years involved a lot of campaigning
from among civil society organizations worldwide, actively promoting
and popularizing the Convention and urging their governments to ratify,”
says Genevieve Gencianos, International Coordinator of Migrants Rights
International (MRI). MRI is a global civil society network of migrant
associations, human rights advocates, labour and church-based groups,
and experts, promoting the human rights of migrants. The organization,
through its network of non-governmental organizations, has been
instrumental in launching the global campaign for ratification of the
Convention in the different countries and at the Geneva level.
Philippine domestic workers in Hong Kong are joined by other migrants’ rights NGOs
from Asia, Latin America, and the USA in standing up for their rights.
Vulnerability of Migrants as Non-nationals in the State
Migrants, because of their status as non-nationals, are automatically
excluded from certain rights and privileges accorded to nationals of the
state. Moreover, in the case of undocumented migrants, the situation is
worse because they are highly vulnerable to exploitation, oppressive
conditions at work and without any social security.
“The Convention’s entry into force as part of international law
strengthens fundamental human rights norms and principles, including
non-discrimination, in the treatment of migrants regardless of their
immigration status. It sets the framework for cooperation that States can
use in dealing with international migration,” adds Gencianos.
“By the Convention’s coming into force, due recognition is given to
the role of migrant workers. They are a dynamic yet vulnerable group of
persons who play a significant role in the development of host and sending
countries. They allow individuals in host countries to be more gainfully
employed by assuming for them the 3D jobs, i.e. dirty, dangerous, and
demeaning, while at the same time contributing to the growth of their
home countries’ economies through their remittances,” emphasizes William
Gois, the regional coordinator of Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA). MFA is
an umbrella organization of non-governmental organizations defending
the dignity and human rights of migrants in Asia.
6 Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003
Gois also stresses that, “we must not forget that the Convention
also recognizes the protection of the rights of the families of migrant
workers. The social costs of migration have unfortunately been starkly
reflected in the families of migrant workers. The Convention aims to
help nations draw up policies that address and redress the social costs
of migration which eats into the very institutions that sustain human
communities.”
The case of women migrant workers
Currently, there are 175 million international migrants worldwide,
about half of whom are women. Many of these female migrants are
migrant domestic workers coming from the least developed and
developing countries.
“Women migrant domestic workers are highly vulnerable and are
always in danger of exploitation and several forms of abuses by reason
of their being women and migrants at the same time,” says Yenny
Hurtado, President of the Sindicato de las Trabajadoras del Servicio
Domestico (Domestic Workers Union) in Colombia.
Yet despite the vulnerabilities that they face, women are forced to
work abroad in order to provide food, housing, healthcare and other
basic needs for their families back home. They are valuable “economic
and social change actors” and should be given proper protection. Ms.
Hurtado’s group campaigned for the Convention and got their
government to ratify.
“With the Convention ensuring the economic, social and cultural
rights of migrants, including women migrants, State parties hold the
obligation to protect and fulfill these rights, towards improving the
lives of migrant women,” emphasized Ms. Hurtado.
National security measures and rising racist and xenophobic
sentiments
The entry into force of the Convention comes at a time when
international human rights protection for non-nationals in host
countries is urgently needed. Particularly in the backlash of September
11th, the implementation of national security measures undertaken by
States to fight terrorism are likewise posing a threat to the rights of
immigrants, refugees and communities of colour.
In the US, for example, the National Network for Immigrant and
Refugee Rights (NNIRR), an alliance of immigrant and refugee rights
groups and activists, warns that domestic measures to protect national
security and tighten immigration controls portend a dangerous
escalation of the domestic war on the rights of immigrants, refugees,
and communities of colour, thereby increasing militarism and racism
against these communities. “The entry into force of the Convention
as an international law reiterates fundamental respect and protection
of human rights, which is imperative in any State effort towards
strengthening real human security, “declared Catherine Tactaquin,
Director of NNIRR.
International Migration as a Development Issue
Meanwhile, reports continue to come in daily of migrants dying at
land borders or drowning at sea. But instead of understanding the
causes of these deaths, States, particularly the rich developed countries
in the North, are responding with more strict immigration policies
and border control measures that can only lead to more deaths and
dangers to migrants.
In view of this, migrants’ rights advocates call the attention of these
countries to start understanding that people leave their homelands for
reasons of survival. “The disparity in wealth distribution, with poor
countries becoming poorer as exacerbated by the failure of prevailing
economic models of globalization, results in the forced migration of
people,” cautions Mayan Villalba, Director of Unladkabayan Migrant
Services Foundation, a grassroots organization mobilizing migrants’
savings into local economic investments in the Philippines. “In order to
address the phenomenon of international migration, we have to
understand its complex links with globalization, so we can embark on a
rights-based approach to development that will create the conditions for
people to stay, instead of leave, “emphasized Ms. Villalba.
Continued Campaign for Universalization of the Convention
Thus, given the trends, the phenomenon of international migration INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR
will continue to increase and the issues brought by it. But with an
international human rights instrument on their side, civil society UNIVERSAL RATIFICATION OF
organizations are confident that they now have an internationally-recognized THE UN CONVENTION ON THE
instrument in defending migrants’ human rights.
“For while we celebrate the entry into force of the Convention on July PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF
1st, we acknowledge the crucial role of migrant communities and campaigns ALL MIGRANT WORKERS AND
in the ratification process,” says Nonoi Hacbang, Director of the
Commission for Filipino Migrant Workers (CFMW), a network of Filipino MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES
migrant communities in Europe.
“We welcome July 1 as a historic turning point for migrants rights and On July 1, 2003, the Convention on the Protection of the
we see it as an enhancement of the universal respect for human rights. July
Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families
1 is a new beginning, and as migrant communities, we commit ourselves
to actively participate in the on-going ratification campaign and towards will finally enter into force.
ensuring that the Convention becomes a universal instrument for the There is abundant evidence that worldwide documented
protection of the rights of all migrant workers and their families,” concluded and undocumented migrant workers - including a growing
Mr. Hacbang. number of women - are providing key contributions in such
sectors as agriculture, construction, high tech and (domestic)
For more information, on the work of Migrants Rights International and the Global Campaign services. They are, however, increasingly subject to racism,
for Ratification of the UN Migrants Rights Convention, contact the International Secretariat: discrimination, abuse and violent attacks. We, therefore, wel-
c/o Ms. Geneviève Gencianos, International Coordinator, Migrants Rights International
(MRI), c.p. 135, 15 route des Morillons, 1211 Geneva 20, SWITZERLAND,
come the entry into force of the Convention, although it took
Phone: +41.22.9177817 /+41.22.7882873 Fax: +41.22.7882875 thirteen years to accomplish this.
Email: migrantwatch@vtx.ch Visit us at: www.migrantwatch.org Among the main obstacles for ratification - in particular in
the privileged North - are fears of what this Convention will
bring and a lack of political will to go for something different.
Without efforts to share wealth more evenly, migration will
only increase. Migration is a phenomenon, not a problem. In
this matter, no short term and obvious solutions exist.
Therefore, following the example of UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan, we, the undersigned non-governmental organi-
sations*, call on all political leaders to embrace the potential
migrants represent, to ‘demythologise’ migration, to address
the negative myths and fears and to inform the voters about
the benefits of a migration policy that includes respect and
Migrants’ rights activists from the different parts of the world, including from the Philippines, marched the streets dignity for all migrants.
of Durban, South Africa during the 2001 World Conference Against Racism calling for ratification of the UN
Migrants Rights Convention.
The Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All
Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is not an
open invitation for more migration but an instrument that pro-
vides a necessary universal basic standard to protect the hu-
GENEVA- man rights of both documented and undocumented migrant
workers.
MANILA-EXPRESS It demands that States to prevent and eradicate illegal mi-
Remittance Agency gration - sending and receiving - and inform both migrants
and citizens - including employers - about their rights and
• New address: obligations. As migration is not a one-way ticket without pos-
Rue du Mont Blanc 21, 1st floor (across Café de Paris) sibility to return and without a future, the Convention looks at
CH-1201 Geneva, Tel: 022-731 79 16, Fax: 022-731 79 17 the obligations of both the sending and receiving country,
Email address: genevamanilaexpress@freesurf.ch throughout the full migration process.
• Quick Money Transmission All undersigned non-governmental organisations ask the
UBS bank to bank permanent order service 22 State Parties to the Migrants Right Convention to fulfil
Account name: G.M.E. ch Manila Express
their obligations as required and to start implementing the
Account no. 240-445855.01W or
Post check Acct. No.17-191247-1 Convention as soon as possible.
• Transmission Rates: All other governments, including those that already signed
Below CHF 900.00 - CHF 8.00 and those that indicated their commitment to ratify it through
CHF 1,000.00 - up - CHF 10.00 active participation in its drafting and at the time of its adop-
Every thousand - plus CHF 10.00 tion, are asked to reconsider their priorities and to ratify this
• Affiliate of International Exchange Bank (iBank) 7th International Human Rights Instrument. Respect for the
Philippines human rights of migrants should be an inherent part of every
Open your Philippine savings account government’s migration management policy.
Offers 9% interest in savings
Minimum Account Opening - CHF 150.00.
(as of presstime, more than 300 international NGO’s and civil
• Authorized to accept SSS payments in Switzerland society groups have signed this international call. Please see the list at
through International Exchange Bank (iBank) Philippines www.december18.net)
• Cheapest travel tickets

Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003 7

 FLASHBACK

An Evening with GARY VALENCIANO

Palladium, April 4, 2003

Philippine Independence Day reception

June 12, 2003, WHO restaurant

PHOTOS BY: RIC ROMEA AND NIKKI FLORES

Independence Day Merienda

June 14, 2003, Pope John XXIII Parish

Steering Committee’s Independence Day Excursion

June 15, 2003, Vallorbe

8 Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003