Binay assures Pinoys in SKorea of govt support

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday assured the Filipinos working and residing in South Korea that they can rely on the help of the new administration. "Ang kapakanan ninyo at ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay ay pangunahing prayoridad ng ating bagong administrasyon (Your and your loved ones' welfare are the priority of the new administration)," Binay told the Filipino community in Seoul, South Korea on Tuesday. He said that he went to Korea to "learn" about the living and employment conditions of the Filipinos there and how the Philippine government can help them. He said the Aquino administration, through "appropriate" government agencies, will intensify its efforts to help these overseas Filipinos and their families. Binay, however, said the government still hopes to create new jobs that would give Filipinos a choice whether to work abroad or not. Meanwhile, Binay awarded certificates of appreciation to 11 Filipinos who gave donations to victims of typhoon Ondoy while he was at the Philippine Embassy in Korea. He also awarded medals of excellence to Filipinos Jomar Marco, Jayson Ibarra, Felix Jumarang, Benjamin Vinluan, Larry Bayasen and Rizalino Tawagen, who helped rescue a Korean high school student from being raped. “Ang inyong ginawa ay patunay na kahit saan man tayo naroroon, tayong mga Pilipino ay hindi lang likas na matulungin kundi kumikilala ng ating mga tungkulin bilang mamamayan (What you've done is proof that Filipinos are naturally helpful and good citizens wherever they may be)," he said. Binay is expected to meet with Korean government officials led by Prime Minister Chung Un-Chan and attend the 27th Asia Pacific Jamboree and 3rd International Patrol Jamboree in Suncheon City. He said he hopes to discuss with the officials issues that will help "strengthen" the bilateral ties between the two countries, especially in terms of trade and investments and labor. According to the Philippine Embassy, about 46,738 professional and non-professional Filipino workers are currently residing in South Korea. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMANews.TV