RP Cabinet official meets Filipinos, Fitial

A key official of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was here on Saipan for a two-day visit during which he met and heard some of the grievances of overseas Filipino workers and immigrants.

The meeting was originally scheduled at the Multi-Purpose Center Wednesday night but because of the power outage, the meeting was moved to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration office at the Nauru Building instead.

Dr. Dante Ang, who is chairman of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, also called on Gov. Benigno R. Fitial yesterday.

Fitial said he is honored to meet a member of the Philippine government’s Cabinet. He said, “Dr. Ang is a very knowledgeable and an interesting man.”

Finance Secretary Eloy Inos joined Fitial in meeting Ang and discussing a wide range of topics, including education, alternative energy, health care, business, and the CNMI economy.

Ang told the Governor that he likes the CNMI and plans to return for future visits. He left the islands yesterday.

Dr. Carmen Fernandez also joined Fitial and Inos in meeting the Philippine Cabinet member.

During the open forum with less than 50 Filipinos—mostly from the United Filipinos Organization—Ang said he is glad to relay Arroyo’s message, saying that the President wants to thank the hard work of OFWs for keeping the economy afloat and maintaining social stability.

Ang, who is best known for being the publisher, president and chairman of The Manila Times, the oldest newspaper in the Philippines, advised them to be thankful to the government of Saipan for being a host country to them and keeping their dreams.

“Saipan has been good to you. Be loyal to Saipan for it embraces your dreams. This is your house and it houses your dreams. But don’t forget that the Philippines is still your home,” Ang told his enthusiastic audience, who aired some of their grievances such as social security payment processes, travel procedures, social benefits, immigration issues and other things.

Ang promised to relay to Arroyo some of their complaints but he explained that his mandate is primarily Filipinos who migrate to other countries not as contract workers but those who become citizens of host nations like the United States.

Ang has been to the Middle East, Europe and other parts of Asia for similar official visits.

He was invited by the UFO for this particular visit. Close to 15,000 Filipinos are living or working in the CNMI. UFO has 34 member-organizations.

Ang said Filipinos worldwide contribute heavily to the Philippine economy with a total of $12 billion remittances in 2007. This, he said, would reach an estimated $13 billion by the end of 2008.

“Every single Filipino I’ve met around the world talks about the success they achieve and how their employers respect their sacrifices,” Ang said.

Ang was joined by Consul General Wilfredo DL. Maximo and UFO president Flor Miranda.