Davao City hosts conference on the role of migrants and their remittances in sustainable development

Advance Information

DAVAO CITY – September 22, 2014 - PhilSmile, Wimler Foundation Philippines,  Ateneo Migration Center (AMC) and MinCode are organizing a conference in Davao on the "Role of Migrants and their remittances in Sustainable Development" on December 6, 2014. The conference will be held at F213 Auditorium, Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto Campus, Davao City. Around 100 experts and practitioners from diverse sectors are expected to attend the conference. A Roundtable Discussion attended by 35 experts and practitioners will be conducted the following day.

The main objective of the conference is to understand the link between migration, remittances and sustainable development. So much money is sent back to the Philippines, US$25 billion in 2013 according to the World Bank, making the Philippines, the 3rd largest recipient country in the world, but where is all the remittances going?

Specifically, the conference aims to:

• Analyze and understand the factors explaining why Filipinos migrate. What is their migration goal?
• Understand the global dynamics of migrant remittances, especially in the context of sustainable development.
•  Identify ways and means to help migrants and their families achieve their migration goals;
• Gather existing initiatives and good practices on harnessing the development potentials of migrants’ remittances;
• Discuss how migrant workers from Mindanao and their families, microfinance institutions, academes, local government, private sector, and other stakeholders can contribute to sustainable development;
•  Learn from examples of good practices that can be possibly replicated

We hope through this conference we are able to map strategies on how we can support our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families make their lives better. We also hope that we can encourage various stakeholders to find ways and means how harness potentials of migration to contribute to sustainable development.

For more information about the conference, please check 

http://leilarispens-noel.wix.com/confabmigdev

Conference Website

To attend the conference, please contact:

MIGUEL LISBONA

Telephone:  (+63) 920 967 5082

Email: jmlisbona@gmail

Organizers:

PhilSmile is a new payment facility, enabling Overseas Filipinos (OFW) to pay directly the school of their relatives back in the Philippines, securing the key goal of OFW, Makapagpatapos (have their children graduate). By paying directly the school, PhilSmile reduces remittances costs and reconnects parents and their children left behind. 9m children under 18 grow up with one or both parents living and working abroad (UNICEF, 2009).

Contact:

Camille "Cam" Krejci

CEO PhilSmile

47 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Metro Manila

+63 (02) 512 2144 / +63 918 282 5776

camille@philsmile.com

The WIMLER Partnership for Social Progress, Inc. The WIMLER Partnership for Social Progress, Inc. is a small non-profit and nongovernmental organisation which aims to contribute to the development. WIMLER supports the education of poor children, capacity building of grassroots community. WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong is the sister organization of WIMLER Philippines. WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong Ltd. supports the capacity building and empowerment of migrant communities regardless of nationalities and to promote cultural diversity.

Contact:

Leila Rispens-Noel

President and Co-founder

WIMLER Foundation Philippines, Inc.

leila.rispens-noel@wimler.org

www.wimler.org

http://wimler.blogspot.com

 The Ateneo de Davao University (Ateneo Migration Center) is run by the Society of Jesus in Davao City in the Philippines. It is also known by the acronym AdDU. Ateneo Migration Center (AMC) is a center that utilizes the three-fold function of the University towards generation of appropriate responses to migration concerns confronting Mindanao. It is preferable that said responses to migration concerns are informed by perspectives that are right-based, gender and culture responsive, pluralist, ecologically sound and trans- disciplinary and were arrived at through collaborative and participatory processes. AMC conducts relevant research studies and craft policy recommendations, capacity building, resource mobilization and builds partnership with relevant organizations. AMC organized Financial Literacy, Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (FLSE) in Davao City for OFW families in partnership with Ateneo de Manila University School of Government and other partner organizations.

Contact:

Mildred Megarbio-Estanda

Director

B/F Finster Bldg., Ateneo de Davao University

Jacinto Street, Davao City, Philippines 8000

Telefax no. 2242955

Email: migration@addu.edu.ph

MINCODE is a coalition of twelve (12) networks of NGOs based in Mindanao.It was organized in 1991 and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1992. MINCODE was established as a coalition in 1991 with 11 participating development NGO networks.  The coalition was formed by Mindanao NGOs and POs in response to the need to unify on a common perspective after two decades of working for people’s development.  Through its activities, the members found common ground to address the issues affecting the people particularly the poor in Mindanao.

The coalition serves as the forum for discussion, dialogue and coordination among Mindanao networks and NGOs concerning development programs and its impact to the Mindanao community.  It also serves as advocacy center of NGOs in Mindanao on issues related to development of tripeoples - Lumad, Moro and Christian settlers. It facilitates and promotes Mindanao consciousness and greater tripeople awareness among Mindanawons and Mindanao NGOs.

Contact:

Patricia Sarenas

Chairperson

No. 3 Juna Avenue corner Camia Streets, Juna Subdivision

Matina, Davao City 8000

Phone:(082) 299 0625
pmsarenas@yahoo.com

Twenty Fisherfolks in Bantayan, Cebu receive non-motorized fishing boats

Report from Joy Tadios-Arenas, one of the directors of WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong who flew to Cebu last April to coordinate the distribution of the fishing boats to 20 victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Bantayan.

"Last April 6, my flight to Cebu left Hong Kong around 9am for the boat turnover and relief distribution on Bantayan Island. By 1pm on that day, Doc Karen Seville Fernan, her 80 year old mom,  and I were on our way to Hagnaya Port in northern Cebu. From Hagnaya Port, we boarded the 5:30 pm ferry to Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. Our contact from a local NGO, DAMGO Inc (the NGO who launched the Bantayan Back to Sea Project), fetched us around 7pm and brought us to Bantayan Island Nature Park where the NGO is based. The plan for the turnover the following day was fairly simple, with us hopping from one barangay to another, as beneficiaries were located in various communities.

On April 7, together with the Head Dreamer Mr Allan Monreal of DAMGO Inc, we left the nature park around 7:30am to start the turnover. The first stop was Barangay Bantigue where 3 new boats were turned over. The next stops were Barangays Suba (2 newly repaired boats), Talisay (3 new boats) and Okoy (2 new boats). We missed the last barangay because the ferry going back to the mainland was about to leave. The number of boats and list/profiles of the beneficiaries will be updated by DAMGO Inc and it would probably help more than 20 families as boats to be delivered now include repaired and newly constructed boats. Doc Karen and I were able to distribute more than 200 packages of goods, mostly from the donations of migrant workers in HK, friends of WIMLER HK (from the expat community and from City University of Hong Kong) and other donations from Karen’s sister in the US. Last December, the first tranche of relief goods and other items were distributed, toiletries (from Peachy Viniegra-Lin), laminated sacks (for roofing) and blankets were brought by Karen and friends for distribution.

The transparent set-up that DAMGO Inc has in their ‘back to sea‘ project encouraged us, the Directors in WIMLER HK, to collaborate with them. From the detailed cost of the boats, operational expenses to the quarterly reports, DAMGO Inc ensured that we know where the donations will be spent. The trainings they conduct are also in line with WIMLER’s advocacy of strengthening the capacities of the grassroots organisations like the fisherfolks’ associations. With WIMLER HK being accountable to the donors who generously gave money for the typhoon victims, the trip was an assurance that needs were validated and that donations reached the community through the help of an efficient and grounded local NGO.

To my WIMLER-HK Co-Directors: Leila Rispens-Noel Anna Martinez Katherine De Guzman Emilie Veringa-Tobias Luz Tan-Sanchez Sonia Soosot Nisa Zerrudo and the rest... grateful for this opportunity. Thankful that we were able to help the community."

- Joy Tadios-Arenas

You can view the complete list of beneficiaries here

WIMLER Holds Annual Charity Event: Flower Power

We cordially invite you to join FLOWER POWER - "WIMLER Foundation Charity Disco Event", net proceeds for this charity event will support the "Send a Child to School" project of WIMLER Foundation.

WHEN: Saturday, 10 May at 18:00 - 23:55 hours

WHERE: The Harbourview Hong Kong, 4 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

Since 2011, WIMLER FOUNDATION HONG KONG has been supporting the education of the less privileged children in the Philippines. We cannot do this without your generous support. Where did your donation go? 152 pupils and high school students are able to go to school this year:

40 pupils in Mlang Pilot Elementary School (North Cotabato)

35 pupils in Dugong Elementary School

17 high school students in Mlang, North Cotabato

40 pupils who are victims of typhoon Pablo in Coog Elementary School (Davao Oriental)

20 pupils in M.V. Duque Elementary School (Nueva Vizcaya)

With your support for this year's fundraising, we hope to send more kids to school this upcoming school year 2014-2015. Come and take part in the exciting event we are offering this year and experience first-hand the pride we take in supporting our cause.

For ticket reservation, please contact:

Emilie Veringa: +852 51 91 0902
Myrna Hill: + 852 9803 8089
Luz Tan: + 852 96309311

Whatsapp or Viber: + 852 5660 7706

Financial Literacy, Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (FLSE) Training Program in Davao City

For OFWs and their families from Davao City and nearby areas

An empowerment program for families of overseas Filipinos, the Financial Literacy, Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (FLSE) training program, will start its training on Saturday, April 26, at Ateneo de Davao University. The local organizers of this event are led by Ateneo Migration Center (AMC) of Ateneo de Davao University. 

The FLSE program is a joint initiative of the Migration and Development Consortium composed of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) of Ateneo de Manila University, Overseas Filipinos Society for the Promotion of Economic Security (OFSPES), Social Enterprises Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI), Ugat Foundation, and WIMLER Foundation Philippines.

Participation fee is Php 3,000 for the whole course which can be paid in staggered means.

April 16, 2014 is the deadline for registration.

Mode of Payment:

Course fee is payable in CASH on the following terms:

a) First Payment:  Php1,000.00 on or before April 16, 2014

b) Balance of Php 2,000.00 on two installments:

                                          Php1,000.00 on or before May 17, 2014

                                          Php 1,000.00 on or before June 14, 2014 

Admission to the course is on “first come, first served basis” and those who have paid full or partial payment before April 23, 2014 will be assured of slots.

Inquiries on the program and submission of application forms should be directed to:

ATENEO MIGRATION CENTER

Basement Finster Building,Ateneo de Davao University,

E. Jacinto St., Davao City

Contact person in Davao:

Ms. Dalsa P. Maamo (Ateneo Migration Center) (082)224-2955 or (0933)133-9434

Mr. Akeem Jade G. Fabila (International Studies Dept.) (0923)843-1596

Financial Literacy, Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (FLSE) Training Program in Cabatuan, Iloilo

For OFWs and families in Cabatuan, Iloilo and nearby areas

An empowerment program for families of overseas Filipinos, the Financial Literacy, Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (FLSE) training program, will start its training on May 4, Sunday, at the Cabatuan Multi-purpose Hall on May 4. The training is organized in Cabatuan by the Cabatuan Overseas Worker's Association in Hong Kong (COWAH) and their families in Cabatuan with support from the Local Government Unit of Cabatuan, Iloilo.

The FLSE program is a joint initiative of Migration and Development Consortium composed of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), Overseas Filipinos Society for the Promotion of Economic Security (OFSPES), Social Enterprises Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI), Ugat Foundation, and WIMLER Foundation Philippines.

The Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) program was first conducted in Rome, Italy in 2008 and has since reached out to other overseas Filipinos (OFs) in Naples, Milan, Florence, Turin, Dubai, Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels. By April 2013, over 700 had graduated from 21 batches. LSE 22 in Hong Kong, which will start on March 9, follows the successful holding of LSE 12, 15 and 16. Also launched in October 2012 was the first FLSE program designed for the families of OFs held in the Baclaran area.

The objective of FLSE is similar to LSE but the emphasis is on the experience of the families left behind.  FLSE helps OFW families to acquire skills and knowledge to help their relatives working abroad to achieve their migration goals and prepare for their return and reintegration. It also develops and enhances their leadership skills to become active participants in the community and nation-building.

FLSE covers 13 sessions each, two Saturdays per month, over a six-month period. Sessions last from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The program covers three modules: financial literacy, leadership and social entrepreneurship. FLSE aims to develop the leadership skills and potentials among overseas Filipinos and their families, provide knowledge and skills in savings and investments and other financial matters and develop and/or enhance their entrepreneurial skills.

At the end of the course, a certificate is awarded at a graduation ceremony by the ASoG and other partners to trainees who attend all the sessions.

Participation fee is Ph 3,000 for the whole course.

April 20, 2014 is the deadline for registration.

Mode of Payment:

Course fee is payable in CASH on the following terms:

a) First Payment:  Ph 500.000 on or before April 20, 2014

b) Balance of Ph 2,500 on three installments:

·         Ph 500.00 on or before May 4, 2014

·         Ph 1,000 on or before July 13, 2014  

·         Ph 1,000 on or before September 14, 2014  

Admission to the course is on “first come, first served basis” and those who have paid full or partial payment before May 3, 2014.

Inquiries on the program and submission of application forms should be directed to:

Cabatuan FLSE Secretariat (Iloilo)

MAT Commercial Center

Rizal Ilawod and Molinos Streets

Cabatuan, Iloilo

Franklin Caspe, 9092906458

Leonyrose Monarca, 9394435494

Carmie Mina, 5227036

Contact Persons in Hong Kong:

Maria Andes Tejereso-Caspe

Mobile number: +852 65952584

Please download application form here

Financial Literacy, Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (FLSE) Training Program in Passi City, Iloilo

For OFWs and their families from Passi City, Iloilo and nearby areas

An empowerment program for families of overseas Filipinos, the Financial Literacy, Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (FLSE) training program, will start its training on Saturday, May 3, at the Department of Tourism Conference Room in Passi City. The local organizers of this event are led by Passi City (Iloilo) Association Hong Kong and Passi City Balik sa Bayan, Inc., with support from the local government of Passi City. 

The FLSE program is a joint initiative of the Migration and Development Consortium composed of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), Overseas Filipinos Society for the Promotion of Economic Security (OFSPES), Social Enterprises Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI), Ugat Foundation, and WIMLER Foundation Philippines.

The Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) program was first conducted in Rome, Italy in 2008 and has since reached out to other overseas Filipinos (OFs) in Naples, Milan, Florence, Turin, Dubai, Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels. By April 2013, over 700 had graduated from 21 batches. LSE 22 in Hong Kong, which will start on March 9, follows the successful holding of LSE 12, 15 and 16. Also launched in October 2012 was the first FLSE program designed for the families of OFs held in the Baclaran area.

The objective of FLSE is similar to LSE but the emphasis is on the experience of the families left behind.  FLSE helps OFW families to acquire skills and knowledge to help their relatives working abroad to achieve their migration goals and prepare for their return and reintegration. It also develops and enhances their leadership skills to become active participants in the community and nation-building.

FLSE covers 13 sessions each, two Saturdays per month, over a six-month period. Sessions last from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The program covers three modules: financial literacy, leadership and social entrepreneurship. FLSE aims to develop the leadership skills and potentials among overseas Filipinos and their families, provide knowledge and skills in savings and investments and other financial matters and develop and/or enhance their entrepreneurial skills.

At the end of the course, a certificate is awarded at a graduation ceremony by the ASoG and other partners to trainees who attend all the sessions.

Participation fee is Ph 3,000 for the whole course.

April 20, 2014 is the deadline for registration.

Mode of Payment:

Course fee is payable in CASH on the following terms:

a) First Payment:  Ph 500.000 on or before April 20, 2014

b) Balance of Ph 2,500 on three installments:

·         Ph 500.00 on or before May 3, 2014

·         Ph 1,000 on or before July 12, 2014  

·         Ph 1,000 on or before September 13, 2014  

Admission to the course is on “first come, first served basis” and those who have paid full or partial payment before May 3, 2014.

Inquiries on the program and submission of application forms should be directed to:

Passi City Balik sa Bayan Inc.,

 2/F, Phase 2, Passi City Public Market

City of Passi, Iloilo

Contact person in Passi:

Noemi Paniza (Vice Chairman, Balik sa Bayan), 09999866202

Marivic Padura (President, Passi City Balik sa Bayan Inc.), 09194364467

Contact Person in Hong Kong:

Ma. Wilma Padura

Tel: (852) 93862514

Email: wpadura@yahoo.com


Please download application form here

Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE 22 HK) Training Program starts on March 9

This blog will be updated regularly. Please check for the latest news on LSE22.

Update No. 3 19/2/2014

LSE 22 brochure is now available. Click here

Update No. 2 2/2014

Schedules of sessions is now available here

Update No. 1, 2/2014

For your convenience, you or your applicants may also pick up your application form at the following address:

Hatari Express Remittance
Shop 303, 3/F
Worlwide House, Center
c/o Emilie Veringa

-------------------------------

An empowerment program for overseas Filipinos, the Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) Training Program spearheaded by the Consortium on Migration and Development Council (MDC) will start its fourth training in Hong Kong on March 9.

The LSE Program is a joint initiative of the Ateneo University School of Government (ASoG) with the Overseas Filipinos Society for the Promotion of Economic Security (OFSPES), the Social Enterprises Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI), Ugat Foundation, the Philippine Consulate, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The course is organized and coordinated in Hong Kong by WIMLER Foundation Hong Kong.

The LSE was first conducted in Rome, Italy in 2008 and has since reached out to other overseas Filipinos (OFs) in Naples, Milan, Florence, Turin, Dubai, Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels. By April 2014, over 700 would have graduated from 21 batches. The LSE22 in Hong Kong is following the successful LSE 12, 15 and 16. Also launched in October 2012 was the first LSE program for the families of OFs based in the Philippines which is called the Financial Literacy, Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Training Program (FLSE). In the first quarter of 2014, plans are underway to conduct the FLSE in Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and two in Iloilo.

The LSE 22 covers 13 sessions each, two Sundays per month over a six-month period starting on March 9. Sessions last from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The first two sessions are scheduled to be conducted at the Bayanihan Center. The program covers three modules: financial literacy, leadership and social entrepreneurship. The LSE aims to develop the leadership skills and potentials among overseas Filipinos and their families, provide knowledge and skills in savings and investments and other financial matters and develop and/or enhance their entrepreneurial skills.

A certificate is awarded by the ASoG and other partners to trainees who attend all the sessions at a graduation ceremony at the end of the course.

Participation fee is HK$ 800 for the whole course for migrant domestic workers and HK$ 1,600 for non-migrant domestic workers payable on the following terms:

23 FEB – deadline for registration and payment of $100.00 non-refundable reservation fee, deductible from the tuition fee for those who will actually follow the course.

Mode of Payment:

Course fee is payable in CASH on the following terms:

a) First Payment: $200.00 on or before 09MAR 2014

b) Balance of $600.00 on three installments:

$200.00 on or before 13 April 2014

$200.00 on or before 11 May 2014

$200.00 on or before 08 June 2014

Admission to the course is on “first come, first served basis” and those who have paid full or partial payment before March 9, 2014 and have met the admission requirements.

Application forms should be sent to lsehk.contact@gmail.com Attn: Leila Rispens-Noel not later than February 23, 2014.

Inquiries on the program can be obtained from the following:

 (LSE HK Secretariat):

Anna Martinez:  Mobile - +852 93062105

Or per email: lsehk.contact@gmail.com

Please download Application Form here