Filipinos in Penang, Malaysia holds founding assembly of migrants’ rights group

About 25 Filipino migrant workers gathered last Sunday, December 8 at Tanjung beach in Penang, Malaysia to conduct the founding assembly of Karamay ng Migranteng Filipino sa Penang or KARAMAY, under the theme “Build our unity; Advance the rights and welfare of migrant Filipinos in Malaysia!”

In its newly-approved constitution, KARAMAY, committed itself to promote the cultural, social, political and economic well-being of all its members; protect and uphold the individual and collective rights of all its members; and pursue progressive and mutually beneficial relations with organizations of Filipinos, migrant workers of other nationalities and other sectors with whom it shares similar visions and aspirations.

The KARAMAY assembly also approved a 2-year General Program of Action which includes among others, the following: Launching and promotion of information campaigns on the protection of rights and welfare of migrants and workers. Establishing linkages with other organizations, centers and institutions who can provide the necessary trainings and seminars, logistics, and other services on welfare assistance to members. Initiating the study of home front, local and global problems and issues affecting migrants and their families; and promoting fraternal relations with compatriots, migrants and locals with similar positions and views.

The assembly ended with the election of its Executive Committee, namely:  Alelyn Rose (Chairperson), Nick Delfin (Vice Chairperson), Camille Hilario (Secretary General), Lei Covero (Treasurer), Marvic Sales (Auditor) and Adhelle Magsino (International Solidarity Officer).

In her closing remarks, newly-elected Chairperson Alelyn Rose exhorted KARAMAY members: “We need the active participation and support of all members to ensure that the leadership is going in the right direction. We are all in this together. We will accomplish many things if we work together as a group”!