EXCHANGE. Gov. Pineda and South Korean Ambassador Lee exchange tokens in a simple ceremony.
Photo by Joey Pavia
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Gov. Lilia Pineda on Monday said the provincial government is committed to helping more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for South Korea and Canada, stressing that the two countries offer “decent, high-paying jobs” to her constituents.
Pineda issued the statements after the recent visits of a Canadian parliament member followed by the newly-assigned South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Hyuk.
The governor expressed elation over the preference of the South Korean and Canadian governments and investors to OFWs based in Pampanga considered as the regional center and main business hub of Central Luzon.
“What I like most about the two countries is that they treat well Filipinos, especially Kapampangans. Other countries are also nice,” said Pineda in the dialect.
She disclosed that there are more than 6,000 OFWs from Pampanga alone in South Korea, most of whom are skilled workers in factories. This marked a “dramatic increase” from the 2,000 workers when she assumed her post.
Lee, in his courtesy call on the governor at the Capitol, told Pineda that Korean investors preferred Kapampangan workers because they are “kind, hardworking and reliable.”
“Indeed, our greatest assets are our people who are beautiful inside and out,” said Pineda. “The Kapampangans are not just talented but are passionate in everything they do. They are trustworthy and compassionate.”
Pineda said that with help of her two children – former three-term Lubao Mayor Dennis Pineda and incumbent Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab – she was able to assist OFWs for Canada and South Korea, most of whom are from their hometown.
“It’s a collective effort. My children and I play but a small part in helping get quality jobs for Pampanga residents,” Pineda said.
In an earlier chance interview in Sta. Rita town, former Mayor Pineda said “it’s in bringing more livelihood opportunities here and abroad that I will focus in helping the province .”
He is a candidate for vice governor in tandem with his mother, who also served as Lubao mayor for three terms.
“I just came here to thank the governor for the workers from Pampanga,” said Lee, arriving on schedule for the one-hour meeting and ceremonial exchange of tokens with Pineda and Pampanga Board Members Cris Garbo, Trina Dizon, Monz Laus, Jun Dimson and Fritzie David-Dizon.
Lee said his visit to the province would include meetings with leaders of the South Korean associations in Pampanga. There are some 13,000 Korean nationals in the province, principally based in Angeles City and the Clark Freeport, he said.
DOMINANT IN CANADA
“Pampanga workers are dominant in our country, particularly in Winnipeg,” Kevin Lamoureux, member of the Parliament for Winnipeg, Canada, told Punto during his visit at the Capitol.
He added that that there are some 750,000 OFWs in Canada, the third largest country in the world in land area with a population of at some 34 million.
Lamoureux said there are “between 60,000 to 70,000” OFWs in Winnipeg and at least 10 percent of them are from Pampanga.
“Everytime I am invited by the Filipino communities, I say most of the time I end up with Pampanga groups compared to other provinces,” said Lamoureux, who was hosted in the province by Butil Farmers Party Rep. Agapito Guanlao.
He said the Filipinos dominated the hospitality and tourism industries and heath care service in Canada.
