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Monday, April 10, 2017

Duterte Vows to Bring Home With Him Some OFWs on Death Row in the Middle East On His Return

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte left for the Middle East on Monday for a state visit in three Gulf Countries which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, with a promise that he will bring some of the OFWs who had been on death row in the said countries, except Qatar, where there are no recorded OFWs on death row. "They've been given the clearance. I will fly them home. When I return, I'll be bringing some of them home, " he said during a pre-departure press briefing in Davao City.  Records on OFWs on death row, according to  Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana, is only 31 in Saudi Arabia and one in Bahrain.   The President will be visiting Saudi Arabia on April 10 -12,  Qatar on April 14-16 and Bahrain on April 12-14. The different OFW communities in the said countries are excitedly preparing for the President's visit to their host country. Preparations are underway and the Filcom leaders are organizing the venue and the crowd prior to the much awaited visit of President Duterte.   During last week's briefing DFA Assistant Secretary Quintana, said that cases of the OFWs in risk of execution are relatively complex and  different in levels and that the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs are studying each case to determine which one's are ready for clemency or pardon.   The Office of the President have been informed  about the cases of the OFWs on death row, according to Quintana. However the DFA official explained that it would depend on what the victims and the family to decide depending on what is being stated in the Sharia Law. The Middle east is largely a follower of the Islamic faith where Sharia Law is strictly followed. Source: GMA,     Recommended: "We would like to find out exactly how many OFWs have been convicted or undergoing trial, the nature of their cases, the penalty they are facing, what can be done to help them," Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo  said. Castelo called for complete inventory of the OFWs facing jail term and their corresponding court cases in their host country from OWWA and DFA so that the House of Representatives can draft a comprehensive legal assistance program to prevent future executions.         On the case of Jakatia Pawa, Castelo claimed the DFA was informed of Pawa's fate only on January 24, a day before her execution, saying the DFA and OWWA would have saved the life of Pawa if they were informed earlier.   "If the DFA and OWWA had been on their toes, the notice would not have come too late," he said.  Castelo said that these two agencies should have a different plan and approach to address various cases OFWs are facing. He also asked OWWA and the DFA to present their ongoing program, if any, that aims to prevent OFWs from being involved on criminal acts or being victimized  by abuse of their employer that may have pushed them to  commit crimes.      The Congressman even said that The two agencies may tell the Congress if they lack or short of funds so that the House can make the appropriation for a legal defense fund for OFWs. "We would like to find out exactly how many OFWs have been convicted or undergoing trial, the nature of their cases, the penalty they are facing, what can be done to help them," Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo  said.Castelo called for complete inventory of the OFWs facing jail term and their corresponding court cases in their host country from OWWA and DFA so that the House of Representatives can draft a comprehensive legal assistance program to prevent future executions. President Rodrigo Duterte's compassion to the OFW sector is evident in his actions that's why OFWs around the globe love him. From the creation of OFW one-stop-shop to dissolution of tanim-bala and bukas-balikbayan box, he even told the OFWs to slap anyone who may attempt to extort money from them at the NAIA.   The President even told the OFWs that he wants that the OFW diaspora will end in this generation and come home to the Philippines for good. He never fail to address OFW concerns whenever he visit a country and with government programs for the OFWs, the sector that has been neglected by the previous administration has found their president, indeed.   President Duterte  will be visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia soon and here are the reasons why:  1. To express gratitude to the overseas Filipinos for their support. During the last presidential election, the OFWs and their families supported the then Davao Mayor Duterte with the largest OAV turnout in the last 10 years. In UAE alone, Duterte got 51,879 or 83.5 % of the total 62,103 actual votes cast. Duterte got 58% of the total votes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and 64% total votes in Riyadh. According to the data released by Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, Duterte got the most number of votes with 313,346 total votes from OFWs abroad.   2.Listen to OFW concerns.  “The trip is not something for other reasons. We are coming here to address specific problems. He could not himself fully understand why Filipinos would much rather want to remain here. He would like to make sure that he fully understands this,” DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said.  “He will not only go to Saudi or UAE and go back home. No, he will stay here for a few days, talk to the leaders and see what kinds of agreement can be signed,” he added.  The OFWS are close to the heart of the President  because he understand them, like a father knows and understand his children.     3. For bilateral agreements that will benefit the OFWs.   According to Sec. Yasay,senior Philippine officials “are now engaging our counterparts in these countries for the purpose of entering into agreements to strengthen our bilateral agreements” prior to President Duterte’s trip.  4. To formulate policies for the benefit of our modern heroes--the OFWs.    Among President Duterte’s flagship programs for OFWs are the creation of a separate department for OFWs, the creation of an OFW bank and the abolition of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).  The Middle East-specific policies will be implemented based on the president’s assessment on his visit to the region.   5. To sustain Philippines' economic growth by forging trade ties with the Middle east counterparts and generate jobs back home. “It is the hope of President Duterte that before his six year term is over, those who apply for jobs abroad will simply be doing so on the basis of choice rather than forced to do so,” Yasay said.  6. To address the largest OFW community in Saudi Arabia. Currently, there are 872,000 OFWs in Saudi and half of this population is in Riyadh. The other half is spread across the eastern and western regions.  7. Biggest OFW remittances next to USA is coming from Saudi, Arabia.  Without a doubt, OFW remittances make the Philippine economy afloat. The OFWs send remittances to their family back home  which their family are spending in malls, restaurants, and others which keeps the economy alive.  8. Saudi Arabia is the biggest potential trade partner from Arab region. In terms of trade, Saudi Arabia was among the top 10 partners of the Philippines in 2012. One of the key agendas on Duterte’s visit is to initiate talks with Saudi for bilateral collaborations in a number of sectors like agriculture, travel and tourism, culture, labour, trade and investment.   9.The largest number of OFWs in distress are in the Middle East particularly in Saudi Arabia.   Thousands of  distressed OFW are in Saudi Arabia, some of them are already been repatriated through the effort of the Duterte Administration and has been given assistance by OWWA and DOLE and through the programs of other government agencies like TESDA.  10. Saudi arabia and the UAE was last visited by the Philippine Pres on 2009. The last visit made by a Philippine President  to Saudi Arabia  was during  former Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's visit in 2009. The president who succeeded her never visited the middle east in his entire term.  President Rodrigo Duterte is set to visit the Middle East on February to talk and listen to the OFWs personally and to give hope to them that he will fix the country, generate more jobs and business opportunities, and make it peaceful for them to come home for good. President Rodrigo Duterte's compassion to the OFW sector is evident in his actions that's why OFWs around the globe love him.From the creation of OFW one-stop-shop to dissolution of tanim-bala and bukas-balikbayan box, he even told the OFWs to slap anyone who may attempt to extort money from them at the NAIA. The President even told the OFWs that he wants that the OFW diaspora will end in this generation and come home to the Philippines for good. He never fail to address OFW concerns whenever he visit a country and with government programs for the OFWs, the sector that has been neglected by the previous administration has found their president, indeed.    Whether you are planning to start a small business, purchase a new car or raising funds to  buy a new house or do a major house renovation, it may not take forever to raise it just from the savings you get from your salary. Many people resort to availing  loans from banks, financing companies or even a close friend.  To avail a loan, you can always apply anywhere but there will be no guarantee that your loan application will be approved instantly. Why do loan applications are declined?  There are various reasons  why loan applications are being disapproved.   Here are the 10 main reasons that might cause your loan application  to be declined:     Failure to submit pre-qualifying requirements. In applying for any loans, you need to provide the needed requirements. Failure to do so can surely compromise the transaction and may lead to disapproval of your loan application.    Not resolving bad credit.  Bad credits reflects bad paying habits. Nobody will ever lend any amount without the assurance that you will be able to pay it on time.    Not doing enough research.   Doing a research about the company background and some information about people who already had their loan approved in a certain financing companies may help you get a positive result.    Error in credit report. Not declaring or not disclosing about your credit history may lead to denial of loan. The finance companies has a wide network and they are using every bit of information to check if you are really worth they trust. If you fail to provide the information they needed, your loan application could be declined.    Thinness of credit file. Good credit records can be useful in dealing with loan applications. The more good credit transactions you have, the  better. It will speak for you and get the loan you wish if you have enough good transactions from various credit or loan company.    Having too much debt. One thing lenders look at when they’re reviewing loan applications is your debt-to-income ratio. If your monthly salary could not balance well with your debts, you are most likely to be declined of your loan application.  OFWs who are availing loans can be disapproved due to the following reasons:         In order to have a successful loan application, you need to consider the above-mentioned points to make sure that you would get the approval for your loan. Sources: Smart Asset, Loan Solutions  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. The Department of Health expressed concern  over possible mental illness among the young people due to the alarming amount of time they spend on social media.  According to DOH spokesman, Eric Tayag, while social media is a way to connect to other people, it also has adverse effects.  Tayag also said that most juveniles that are fond of social media are also involved in bullying, angst and depression.  Bullying and depression can start with issues about love, relationship with the same sex, unplanned pregnancy, problems at school, at home and health problems.  Common symptoms that a person is experiencing depression is that  they do not do daily activities normally like taking a bath, skipping meals, always sad and not engaging in conversations.   {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPHS HERE} {INSERT ANOTHER 5 {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPH   The severe depression that burdened the young people through social media results to bullying. even social media creates a connection, people with mental health issues perceive it differently.  DOH step is a response to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that from 2005 to 2015, the number of people who suffer depression that leads to committing suicide has increased to 18%.  WHO celebrated  World health Day that focused on how to cure depression problems. It can be cured by means of counselling.  In 2005, 280 million people suffered from depression and has increased to 332 Million in 2015. This is a serious threat to all the young people around the world including the Filipino youth.  In the records of the DOH HOPE Line, they have received 3,479 depression  related phone calls in 2016. Most number of calls are recorded on November and December last year and on February this year.  Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial said that the DOH has allocated P100 million funds to address the said problem in mental illness . Source: Philstar Recommended: Facebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.    A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.   The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLISFacebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS




President Rodrigo Roa Duterte left for the Middle East on Monday for a state visit in three Gulf Countries which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, with a promise that he will bring some of the OFWs who had been on death row in the said countries, except Qatar, where there are no recorded OFWs on death row.President Rodrigo Roa Duterte left for the Middle East on Monday for a state visit in three Gulf Countries which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, with a promise that he will bring some of the OFWs who had been on death row in the said countries, except Qatar, where there are no recorded OFWs on death row. "They've been given the clearance. I will fly them home. When I return, I'll be bringing some of them home, " he said during a pre-departure press briefing in Davao City.  Records on OFWs on death row, according to  Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana, is only 31 in Saudi Arabia and one in Bahrain.   The President will be visiting Saudi Arabia on April 10 -12,  Qatar on April 14-16 and Bahrain on April 12-14. The different OFW communities in the said countries are excitedly preparing for the President's visit to their host country. Preparations are underway and the Filcom leaders are organizing the venue and the crowd prior to the much awaited visit of President Duterte.   During last week's briefing DFA Assistant Secretary Quintana, said that cases of the OFWs in risk of execution are relatively complex and  different in levels and that the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs are studying each case to determine which one's are ready for clemency or pardon.   The Office of the President have been informed  about the cases of the OFWs on death row, according to Quintana. However the DFA official explained that it would depend on what the victims and the family to decide depending on what is being stated in the Sharia Law. The Middle east is largely a follower of the Islamic faith where Sharia Law is strictly followed. Source: GMA,     Recommended: "We would like to find out exactly how many OFWs have been convicted or undergoing trial, the nature of their cases, the penalty they are facing, what can be done to help them," Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo  said. Castelo called for complete inventory of the OFWs facing jail term and their corresponding court cases in their host country from OWWA and DFA so that the House of Representatives can draft a comprehensive legal assistance program to prevent future executions.         On the case of Jakatia Pawa, Castelo claimed the DFA was informed of Pawa's fate only on January 24, a day before her execution, saying the DFA and OWWA would have saved the life of Pawa if they were informed earlier.   "If the DFA and OWWA had been on their toes, the notice would not have come too late," he said.  Castelo said that these two agencies should have a different plan and approach to address various cases OFWs are facing. He also asked OWWA and the DFA to present their ongoing program, if any, that aims to prevent OFWs from being involved on criminal acts or being victimized  by abuse of their employer that may have pushed them to  commit crimes.      The Congressman even said that The two agencies may tell the Congress if they lack or short of funds so that the House can make the appropriation for a legal defense fund for OFWs. "We would like to find out exactly how many OFWs have been convicted or undergoing trial, the nature of their cases, the penalty they are facing, what can be done to help them," Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo  said.Castelo called for complete inventory of the OFWs facing jail term and their corresponding court cases in their host country from OWWA and DFA so that the House of Representatives can draft a comprehensive legal assistance program to prevent future executions. President Rodrigo Duterte's compassion to the OFW sector is evident in his actions that's why OFWs around the globe love him. From the creation of OFW one-stop-shop to dissolution of tanim-bala and bukas-balikbayan box, he even told the OFWs to slap anyone who may attempt to extort money from them at the NAIA.   The President even told the OFWs that he wants that the OFW diaspora will end in this generation and come home to the Philippines for good. He never fail to address OFW concerns whenever he visit a country and with government programs for the OFWs, the sector that has been neglected by the previous administration has found their president, indeed.   President Duterte  will be visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia soon and here are the reasons why:  1. To express gratitude to the overseas Filipinos for their support. During the last presidential election, the OFWs and their families supported the then Davao Mayor Duterte with the largest OAV turnout in the last 10 years. In UAE alone, Duterte got 51,879 or 83.5 % of the total 62,103 actual votes cast. Duterte got 58% of the total votes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and 64% total votes in Riyadh. According to the data released by Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, Duterte got the most number of votes with 313,346 total votes from OFWs abroad.   2.Listen to OFW concerns.  “The trip is not something for other reasons. We are coming here to address specific problems. He could not himself fully understand why Filipinos would much rather want to remain here. He would like to make sure that he fully understands this,” DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said.  “He will not only go to Saudi or UAE and go back home. No, he will stay here for a few days, talk to the leaders and see what kinds of agreement can be signed,” he added.  The OFWS are close to the heart of the President  because he understand them, like a father knows and understand his children.     3. For bilateral agreements that will benefit the OFWs.   According to Sec. Yasay,senior Philippine officials “are now engaging our counterparts in these countries for the purpose of entering into agreements to strengthen our bilateral agreements” prior to President Duterte’s trip.  4. To formulate policies for the benefit of our modern heroes--the OFWs.    Among President Duterte’s flagship programs for OFWs are the creation of a separate department for OFWs, the creation of an OFW bank and the abolition of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).  The Middle East-specific policies will be implemented based on the president’s assessment on his visit to the region.   5. To sustain Philippines' economic growth by forging trade ties with the Middle east counterparts and generate jobs back home. “It is the hope of President Duterte that before his six year term is over, those who apply for jobs abroad will simply be doing so on the basis of choice rather than forced to do so,” Yasay said.  6. To address the largest OFW community in Saudi Arabia. Currently, there are 872,000 OFWs in Saudi and half of this population is in Riyadh. The other half is spread across the eastern and western regions.  7. Biggest OFW remittances next to USA is coming from Saudi, Arabia.  Without a doubt, OFW remittances make the Philippine economy afloat. The OFWs send remittances to their family back home  which their family are spending in malls, restaurants, and others which keeps the economy alive.  8. Saudi Arabia is the biggest potential trade partner from Arab region. In terms of trade, Saudi Arabia was among the top 10 partners of the Philippines in 2012. One of the key agendas on Duterte’s visit is to initiate talks with Saudi for bilateral collaborations in a number of sectors like agriculture, travel and tourism, culture, labour, trade and investment.   9.The largest number of OFWs in distress are in the Middle East particularly in Saudi Arabia.   Thousands of  distressed OFW are in Saudi Arabia, some of them are already been repatriated through the effort of the Duterte Administration and has been given assistance by OWWA and DOLE and through the programs of other government agencies like TESDA.  10. Saudi arabia and the UAE was last visited by the Philippine Pres on 2009. The last visit made by a Philippine President  to Saudi Arabia  was during  former Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's visit in 2009. The president who succeeded her never visited the middle east in his entire term.  President Rodrigo Duterte is set to visit the Middle East on February to talk and listen to the OFWs personally and to give hope to them that he will fix the country, generate more jobs and business opportunities, and make it peaceful for them to come home for good. President Rodrigo Duterte's compassion to the OFW sector is evident in his actions that's why OFWs around the globe love him.From the creation of OFW one-stop-shop to dissolution of tanim-bala and bukas-balikbayan box, he even told the OFWs to slap anyone who may attempt to extort money from them at the NAIA. The President even told the OFWs that he wants that the OFW diaspora will end in this generation and come home to the Philippines for good. He never fail to address OFW concerns whenever he visit a country and with government programs for the OFWs, the sector that has been neglected by the previous administration has found their president, indeed.    Whether you are planning to start a small business, purchase a new car or raising funds to  buy a new house or do a major house renovation, it may not take forever to raise it just from the savings you get from your salary. Many people resort to availing  loans from banks, financing companies or even a close friend.  To avail a loan, you can always apply anywhere but there will be no guarantee that your loan application will be approved instantly. Why do loan applications are declined?  There are various reasons  why loan applications are being disapproved.   Here are the 10 main reasons that might cause your loan application  to be declined:     Failure to submit pre-qualifying requirements. In applying for any loans, you need to provide the needed requirements. Failure to do so can surely compromise the transaction and may lead to disapproval of your loan application.    Not resolving bad credit.  Bad credits reflects bad paying habits. Nobody will ever lend any amount without the assurance that you will be able to pay it on time.    Not doing enough research.   Doing a research about the company background and some information about people who already had their loan approved in a certain financing companies may help you get a positive result.    Error in credit report. Not declaring or not disclosing about your credit history may lead to denial of loan. The finance companies has a wide network and they are using every bit of information to check if you are really worth they trust. If you fail to provide the information they needed, your loan application could be declined.    Thinness of credit file. Good credit records can be useful in dealing with loan applications. The more good credit transactions you have, the  better. It will speak for you and get the loan you wish if you have enough good transactions from various credit or loan company.    Having too much debt. One thing lenders look at when they’re reviewing loan applications is your debt-to-income ratio. If your monthly salary could not balance well with your debts, you are most likely to be declined of your loan application.  OFWs who are availing loans can be disapproved due to the following reasons:         In order to have a successful loan application, you need to consider the above-mentioned points to make sure that you would get the approval for your loan. Sources: Smart Asset, Loan Solutions  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. The Department of Health expressed concern  over possible mental illness among the young people due to the alarming amount of time they spend on social media.  According to DOH spokesman, Eric Tayag, while social media is a way to connect to other people, it also has adverse effects.  Tayag also said that most juveniles that are fond of social media are also involved in bullying, angst and depression.  Bullying and depression can start with issues about love, relationship with the same sex, unplanned pregnancy, problems at school, at home and health problems.  Common symptoms that a person is experiencing depression is that  they do not do daily activities normally like taking a bath, skipping meals, always sad and not engaging in conversations.   {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPHS HERE} {INSERT ANOTHER 5 {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPH   The severe depression that burdened the young people through social media results to bullying. even social media creates a connection, people with mental health issues perceive it differently.  DOH step is a response to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that from 2005 to 2015, the number of people who suffer depression that leads to committing suicide has increased to 18%.  WHO celebrated  World health Day that focused on how to cure depression problems. It can be cured by means of counselling.  In 2005, 280 million people suffered from depression and has increased to 332 Million in 2015. This is a serious threat to all the young people around the world including the Filipino youth.  In the records of the DOH HOPE Line, they have received 3,479 depression  related phone calls in 2016. Most number of calls are recorded on November and December last year and on February this year.  Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial said that the DOH has allocated P100 million funds to address the said problem in mental illness . Source: Philstar Recommended: Facebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.    A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.   The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLISFacebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS
"They've been given the clearance. I will fly them home. When I return, I'll be bringing some of them home, " he said during a pre-departure press briefing in Davao City.

Records on OFWs on death row, according to 
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana, is only 31 in Saudi Arabia and one in Bahrain.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte left for the Middle East on Monday for a state visit in three Gulf Countries which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, with a promise that he will bring some of the OFWs who had been on death row in the said countries, except Qatar, where there are no recorded OFWs on death row. "They've been given the clearance. I will fly them home. When I return, I'll be bringing some of them home, " he said during a pre-departure press briefing in Davao City.  Records on OFWs on death row, according to  Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana, is only 31 in Saudi Arabia and one in Bahrain.   The President will be visiting Saudi Arabia on April 10 -12,  Qatar on April 14-16 and Bahrain on April 12-14. The different OFW communities in the said countries are excitedly preparing for the President's visit to their host country. Preparations are underway and the Filcom leaders are organizing the venue and the crowd prior to the much awaited visit of President Duterte.   During last week's briefing DFA Assistant Secretary Quintana, said that cases of the OFWs in risk of execution are relatively complex and  different in levels and that the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs are studying each case to determine which one's are ready for clemency or pardon.   The Office of the President have been informed  about the cases of the OFWs on death row, according to Quintana. However the DFA official explained that it would depend on what the victims and the family to decide depending on what is being stated in the Sharia Law. The Middle east is largely a follower of the Islamic faith where Sharia Law is strictly followed. Source: GMA,     Recommended: "We would like to find out exactly how many OFWs have been convicted or undergoing trial, the nature of their cases, the penalty they are facing, what can be done to help them," Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo  said. Castelo called for complete inventory of the OFWs facing jail term and their corresponding court cases in their host country from OWWA and DFA so that the House of Representatives can draft a comprehensive legal assistance program to prevent future executions.         On the case of Jakatia Pawa, Castelo claimed the DFA was informed of Pawa's fate only on January 24, a day before her execution, saying the DFA and OWWA would have saved the life of Pawa if they were informed earlier.   "If the DFA and OWWA had been on their toes, the notice would not have come too late," he said.  Castelo said that these two agencies should have a different plan and approach to address various cases OFWs are facing. He also asked OWWA and the DFA to present their ongoing program, if any, that aims to prevent OFWs from being involved on criminal acts or being victimized  by abuse of their employer that may have pushed them to  commit crimes.      The Congressman even said that The two agencies may tell the Congress if they lack or short of funds so that the House can make the appropriation for a legal defense fund for OFWs. "We would like to find out exactly how many OFWs have been convicted or undergoing trial, the nature of their cases, the penalty they are facing, what can be done to help them," Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo  said.Castelo called for complete inventory of the OFWs facing jail term and their corresponding court cases in their host country from OWWA and DFA so that the House of Representatives can draft a comprehensive legal assistance program to prevent future executions. President Rodrigo Duterte's compassion to the OFW sector is evident in his actions that's why OFWs around the globe love him. From the creation of OFW one-stop-shop to dissolution of tanim-bala and bukas-balikbayan box, he even told the OFWs to slap anyone who may attempt to extort money from them at the NAIA.   The President even told the OFWs that he wants that the OFW diaspora will end in this generation and come home to the Philippines for good. He never fail to address OFW concerns whenever he visit a country and with government programs for the OFWs, the sector that has been neglected by the previous administration has found their president, indeed.   President Duterte  will be visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia soon and here are the reasons why:  1. To express gratitude to the overseas Filipinos for their support. During the last presidential election, the OFWs and their families supported the then Davao Mayor Duterte with the largest OAV turnout in the last 10 years. In UAE alone, Duterte got 51,879 or 83.5 % of the total 62,103 actual votes cast. Duterte got 58% of the total votes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and 64% total votes in Riyadh. According to the data released by Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, Duterte got the most number of votes with 313,346 total votes from OFWs abroad.   2.Listen to OFW concerns.  “The trip is not something for other reasons. We are coming here to address specific problems. He could not himself fully understand why Filipinos would much rather want to remain here. He would like to make sure that he fully understands this,” DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said.  “He will not only go to Saudi or UAE and go back home. No, he will stay here for a few days, talk to the leaders and see what kinds of agreement can be signed,” he added.  The OFWS are close to the heart of the President  because he understand them, like a father knows and understand his children.     3. For bilateral agreements that will benefit the OFWs.   According to Sec. Yasay,senior Philippine officials “are now engaging our counterparts in these countries for the purpose of entering into agreements to strengthen our bilateral agreements” prior to President Duterte’s trip.  4. To formulate policies for the benefit of our modern heroes--the OFWs.    Among President Duterte’s flagship programs for OFWs are the creation of a separate department for OFWs, the creation of an OFW bank and the abolition of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).  The Middle East-specific policies will be implemented based on the president’s assessment on his visit to the region.   5. To sustain Philippines' economic growth by forging trade ties with the Middle east counterparts and generate jobs back home. “It is the hope of President Duterte that before his six year term is over, those who apply for jobs abroad will simply be doing so on the basis of choice rather than forced to do so,” Yasay said.  6. To address the largest OFW community in Saudi Arabia. Currently, there are 872,000 OFWs in Saudi and half of this population is in Riyadh. The other half is spread across the eastern and western regions.  7. Biggest OFW remittances next to USA is coming from Saudi, Arabia.  Without a doubt, OFW remittances make the Philippine economy afloat. The OFWs send remittances to their family back home  which their family are spending in malls, restaurants, and others which keeps the economy alive.  8. Saudi Arabia is the biggest potential trade partner from Arab region. In terms of trade, Saudi Arabia was among the top 10 partners of the Philippines in 2012. One of the key agendas on Duterte’s visit is to initiate talks with Saudi for bilateral collaborations in a number of sectors like agriculture, travel and tourism, culture, labour, trade and investment.   9.The largest number of OFWs in distress are in the Middle East particularly in Saudi Arabia.   Thousands of  distressed OFW are in Saudi Arabia, some of them are already been repatriated through the effort of the Duterte Administration and has been given assistance by OWWA and DOLE and through the programs of other government agencies like TESDA.  10. Saudi arabia and the UAE was last visited by the Philippine Pres on 2009. The last visit made by a Philippine President  to Saudi Arabia  was during  former Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's visit in 2009. The president who succeeded her never visited the middle east in his entire term.  President Rodrigo Duterte is set to visit the Middle East on February to talk and listen to the OFWs personally and to give hope to them that he will fix the country, generate more jobs and business opportunities, and make it peaceful for them to come home for good. President Rodrigo Duterte's compassion to the OFW sector is evident in his actions that's why OFWs around the globe love him.From the creation of OFW one-stop-shop to dissolution of tanim-bala and bukas-balikbayan box, he even told the OFWs to slap anyone who may attempt to extort money from them at the NAIA. The President even told the OFWs that he wants that the OFW diaspora will end in this generation and come home to the Philippines for good. He never fail to address OFW concerns whenever he visit a country and with government programs for the OFWs, the sector that has been neglected by the previous administration has found their president, indeed.    Whether you are planning to start a small business, purchase a new car or raising funds to  buy a new house or do a major house renovation, it may not take forever to raise it just from the savings you get from your salary. Many people resort to availing  loans from banks, financing companies or even a close friend.  To avail a loan, you can always apply anywhere but there will be no guarantee that your loan application will be approved instantly. Why do loan applications are declined?  There are various reasons  why loan applications are being disapproved.   Here are the 10 main reasons that might cause your loan application  to be declined:     Failure to submit pre-qualifying requirements. In applying for any loans, you need to provide the needed requirements. Failure to do so can surely compromise the transaction and may lead to disapproval of your loan application.    Not resolving bad credit.  Bad credits reflects bad paying habits. Nobody will ever lend any amount without the assurance that you will be able to pay it on time.    Not doing enough research.   Doing a research about the company background and some information about people who already had their loan approved in a certain financing companies may help you get a positive result.    Error in credit report. Not declaring or not disclosing about your credit history may lead to denial of loan. The finance companies has a wide network and they are using every bit of information to check if you are really worth they trust. If you fail to provide the information they needed, your loan application could be declined.    Thinness of credit file. Good credit records can be useful in dealing with loan applications. The more good credit transactions you have, the  better. It will speak for you and get the loan you wish if you have enough good transactions from various credit or loan company.    Having too much debt. One thing lenders look at when they’re reviewing loan applications is your debt-to-income ratio. If your monthly salary could not balance well with your debts, you are most likely to be declined of your loan application.  OFWs who are availing loans can be disapproved due to the following reasons:         In order to have a successful loan application, you need to consider the above-mentioned points to make sure that you would get the approval for your loan. Sources: Smart Asset, Loan Solutions  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. The Department of Health expressed concern  over possible mental illness among the young people due to the alarming amount of time they spend on social media.  According to DOH spokesman, Eric Tayag, while social media is a way to connect to other people, it also has adverse effects.  Tayag also said that most juveniles that are fond of social media are also involved in bullying, angst and depression.  Bullying and depression can start with issues about love, relationship with the same sex, unplanned pregnancy, problems at school, at home and health problems.  Common symptoms that a person is experiencing depression is that  they do not do daily activities normally like taking a bath, skipping meals, always sad and not engaging in conversations.   {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPHS HERE} {INSERT ANOTHER 5 {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPH   The severe depression that burdened the young people through social media results to bullying. even social media creates a connection, people with mental health issues perceive it differently.  DOH step is a response to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that from 2005 to 2015, the number of people who suffer depression that leads to committing suicide has increased to 18%.  WHO celebrated  World health Day that focused on how to cure depression problems. It can be cured by means of counselling.  In 2005, 280 million people suffered from depression and has increased to 332 Million in 2015. This is a serious threat to all the young people around the world including the Filipino youth.  In the records of the DOH HOPE Line, they have received 3,479 depression  related phone calls in 2016. Most number of calls are recorded on November and December last year and on February this year.  Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial said that the DOH has allocated P100 million funds to address the said problem in mental illness . Source: Philstar Recommended: Facebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.    A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.   The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLISFacebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS
The President will be visiting Saudi Arabia on April 10 -12,  Qatar on April 14-16 and Bahrain on April 12-14.
The different OFW communities in the said countries are excitedly preparing for the President's visit to their host country. Preparations are underway and the Filcom leaders are organizing the venue and the crowd prior to the much awaited visit of President Duterte. 


During last week's briefing DFA Assistant Secretary Quintana, said that cases of the OFWs in risk of execution are relatively complex and  different in levels and that the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs are studying each case to determine which one's are ready for clemency or pardon.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte left for the Middle East on Monday for a state visit in three Gulf Countries which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, with a promise that he will bring some of the OFWs who had been on death row in the said countries, except Qatar, where there are no recorded OFWs on death row. "They've been given the clearance. I will fly them home. When I return, I'll be bringing some of them home, " he said during a pre-departure press briefing in Davao City.  Records on OFWs on death row, according to  Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana, is only 31 in Saudi Arabia and one in Bahrain.   The President will be visiting Saudi Arabia on April 10 -12,  Qatar on April 14-16 and Bahrain on April 12-14. The different OFW communities in the said countries are excitedly preparing for the President's visit to their host country. Preparations are underway and the Filcom leaders are organizing the venue and the crowd prior to the much awaited visit of President Duterte.   During last week's briefing DFA Assistant Secretary Quintana, said that cases of the OFWs in risk of execution are relatively complex and  different in levels and that the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs are studying each case to determine which one's are ready for clemency or pardon.   The Office of the President have been informed  about the cases of the OFWs on death row, according to Quintana. However the DFA official explained that it would depend on what the victims and the family to decide depending on what is being stated in the Sharia Law. The Middle east is largely a follower of the Islamic faith where Sharia Law is strictly followed. Source: GMA,     Recommended: "We would like to find out exactly how many OFWs have been convicted or undergoing trial, the nature of their cases, the penalty they are facing, what can be done to help them," Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo  said. Castelo called for complete inventory of the OFWs facing jail term and their corresponding court cases in their host country from OWWA and DFA so that the House of Representatives can draft a comprehensive legal assistance program to prevent future executions.         On the case of Jakatia Pawa, Castelo claimed the DFA was informed of Pawa's fate only on January 24, a day before her execution, saying the DFA and OWWA would have saved the life of Pawa if they were informed earlier.   "If the DFA and OWWA had been on their toes, the notice would not have come too late," he said.  Castelo said that these two agencies should have a different plan and approach to address various cases OFWs are facing. He also asked OWWA and the DFA to present their ongoing program, if any, that aims to prevent OFWs from being involved on criminal acts or being victimized  by abuse of their employer that may have pushed them to  commit crimes.      The Congressman even said that The two agencies may tell the Congress if they lack or short of funds so that the House can make the appropriation for a legal defense fund for OFWs. "We would like to find out exactly how many OFWs have been convicted or undergoing trial, the nature of their cases, the penalty they are facing, what can be done to help them," Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo  said.Castelo called for complete inventory of the OFWs facing jail term and their corresponding court cases in their host country from OWWA and DFA so that the House of Representatives can draft a comprehensive legal assistance program to prevent future executions. President Rodrigo Duterte's compassion to the OFW sector is evident in his actions that's why OFWs around the globe love him. From the creation of OFW one-stop-shop to dissolution of tanim-bala and bukas-balikbayan box, he even told the OFWs to slap anyone who may attempt to extort money from them at the NAIA.   The President even told the OFWs that he wants that the OFW diaspora will end in this generation and come home to the Philippines for good. He never fail to address OFW concerns whenever he visit a country and with government programs for the OFWs, the sector that has been neglected by the previous administration has found their president, indeed.   President Duterte  will be visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia soon and here are the reasons why:  1. To express gratitude to the overseas Filipinos for their support. During the last presidential election, the OFWs and their families supported the then Davao Mayor Duterte with the largest OAV turnout in the last 10 years. In UAE alone, Duterte got 51,879 or 83.5 % of the total 62,103 actual votes cast. Duterte got 58% of the total votes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and 64% total votes in Riyadh. According to the data released by Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, Duterte got the most number of votes with 313,346 total votes from OFWs abroad.   2.Listen to OFW concerns.  “The trip is not something for other reasons. We are coming here to address specific problems. He could not himself fully understand why Filipinos would much rather want to remain here. He would like to make sure that he fully understands this,” DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said.  “He will not only go to Saudi or UAE and go back home. No, he will stay here for a few days, talk to the leaders and see what kinds of agreement can be signed,” he added.  The OFWS are close to the heart of the President  because he understand them, like a father knows and understand his children.     3. For bilateral agreements that will benefit the OFWs.   According to Sec. Yasay,senior Philippine officials “are now engaging our counterparts in these countries for the purpose of entering into agreements to strengthen our bilateral agreements” prior to President Duterte’s trip.  4. To formulate policies for the benefit of our modern heroes--the OFWs.    Among President Duterte’s flagship programs for OFWs are the creation of a separate department for OFWs, the creation of an OFW bank and the abolition of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).  The Middle East-specific policies will be implemented based on the president’s assessment on his visit to the region.   5. To sustain Philippines' economic growth by forging trade ties with the Middle east counterparts and generate jobs back home. “It is the hope of President Duterte that before his six year term is over, those who apply for jobs abroad will simply be doing so on the basis of choice rather than forced to do so,” Yasay said.  6. To address the largest OFW community in Saudi Arabia. Currently, there are 872,000 OFWs in Saudi and half of this population is in Riyadh. The other half is spread across the eastern and western regions.  7. Biggest OFW remittances next to USA is coming from Saudi, Arabia.  Without a doubt, OFW remittances make the Philippine economy afloat. The OFWs send remittances to their family back home  which their family are spending in malls, restaurants, and others which keeps the economy alive.  8. Saudi Arabia is the biggest potential trade partner from Arab region. In terms of trade, Saudi Arabia was among the top 10 partners of the Philippines in 2012. One of the key agendas on Duterte’s visit is to initiate talks with Saudi for bilateral collaborations in a number of sectors like agriculture, travel and tourism, culture, labour, trade and investment.   9.The largest number of OFWs in distress are in the Middle East particularly in Saudi Arabia.   Thousands of  distressed OFW are in Saudi Arabia, some of them are already been repatriated through the effort of the Duterte Administration and has been given assistance by OWWA and DOLE and through the programs of other government agencies like TESDA.  10. Saudi arabia and the UAE was last visited by the Philippine Pres on 2009. The last visit made by a Philippine President  to Saudi Arabia  was during  former Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's visit in 2009. The president who succeeded her never visited the middle east in his entire term.  President Rodrigo Duterte is set to visit the Middle East on February to talk and listen to the OFWs personally and to give hope to them that he will fix the country, generate more jobs and business opportunities, and make it peaceful for them to come home for good. President Rodrigo Duterte's compassion to the OFW sector is evident in his actions that's why OFWs around the globe love him.From the creation of OFW one-stop-shop to dissolution of tanim-bala and bukas-balikbayan box, he even told the OFWs to slap anyone who may attempt to extort money from them at the NAIA. The President even told the OFWs that he wants that the OFW diaspora will end in this generation and come home to the Philippines for good. He never fail to address OFW concerns whenever he visit a country and with government programs for the OFWs, the sector that has been neglected by the previous administration has found their president, indeed.    Whether you are planning to start a small business, purchase a new car or raising funds to  buy a new house or do a major house renovation, it may not take forever to raise it just from the savings you get from your salary. Many people resort to availing  loans from banks, financing companies or even a close friend.  To avail a loan, you can always apply anywhere but there will be no guarantee that your loan application will be approved instantly. Why do loan applications are declined?  There are various reasons  why loan applications are being disapproved.   Here are the 10 main reasons that might cause your loan application  to be declined:     Failure to submit pre-qualifying requirements. In applying for any loans, you need to provide the needed requirements. Failure to do so can surely compromise the transaction and may lead to disapproval of your loan application.    Not resolving bad credit.  Bad credits reflects bad paying habits. Nobody will ever lend any amount without the assurance that you will be able to pay it on time.    Not doing enough research.   Doing a research about the company background and some information about people who already had their loan approved in a certain financing companies may help you get a positive result.    Error in credit report. Not declaring or not disclosing about your credit history may lead to denial of loan. The finance companies has a wide network and they are using every bit of information to check if you are really worth they trust. If you fail to provide the information they needed, your loan application could be declined.    Thinness of credit file. Good credit records can be useful in dealing with loan applications. The more good credit transactions you have, the  better. It will speak for you and get the loan you wish if you have enough good transactions from various credit or loan company.    Having too much debt. One thing lenders look at when they’re reviewing loan applications is your debt-to-income ratio. If your monthly salary could not balance well with your debts, you are most likely to be declined of your loan application.  OFWs who are availing loans can be disapproved due to the following reasons:         In order to have a successful loan application, you need to consider the above-mentioned points to make sure that you would get the approval for your loan. Sources: Smart Asset, Loan Solutions  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. The Department of Health expressed concern  over possible mental illness among the young people due to the alarming amount of time they spend on social media.  According to DOH spokesman, Eric Tayag, while social media is a way to connect to other people, it also has adverse effects.  Tayag also said that most juveniles that are fond of social media are also involved in bullying, angst and depression.  Bullying and depression can start with issues about love, relationship with the same sex, unplanned pregnancy, problems at school, at home and health problems.  Common symptoms that a person is experiencing depression is that  they do not do daily activities normally like taking a bath, skipping meals, always sad and not engaging in conversations.   {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPHS HERE} {INSERT ANOTHER 5 {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPH   The severe depression that burdened the young people through social media results to bullying. even social media creates a connection, people with mental health issues perceive it differently.  DOH step is a response to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that from 2005 to 2015, the number of people who suffer depression that leads to committing suicide has increased to 18%.  WHO celebrated  World health Day that focused on how to cure depression problems. It can be cured by means of counselling.  In 2005, 280 million people suffered from depression and has increased to 332 Million in 2015. This is a serious threat to all the young people around the world including the Filipino youth.  In the records of the DOH HOPE Line, they have received 3,479 depression  related phone calls in 2016. Most number of calls are recorded on November and December last year and on February this year.  Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial said that the DOH has allocated P100 million funds to address the said problem in mental illness . Source: Philstar Recommended: Facebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.    A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.   The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLISFacebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS

The Office of the President have been informed  about the cases of the OFWs on death row, according to Quintana.
However the DFA official explained that it would depend on what the victims and the family to decide depending on what is being stated in the Sharia Law.
The Middle east is largely a follower of the Islamic faith where Sharia Law is strictly followed.

UPDATE: President Duterte arrived in Saudi Arabia.

Source: GMA


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