by Maynardo Valdez

Nueva Ecija (4 October) -- A modern version of intelligence, information dissemination and new information education and communication (IEC) materials are needed in this age of complexity. Or a systemic combination of them to cope with rising security concerns.

This seems to be an emerging issue concerning migration, intermarriage and policies directed against illegal recruitment, documentations, fraud, human traffickingas well as terrorism security awareness.

Meanwhile, U.S. President George Bush has proposed a temporary guest-worker program that would in part, provide safe passage for migrants who hold down jobs and become productive members of American society. At present, three major proposals have also been floated in American Congress which are versions of guest worker programs.

As part of community education program on migration, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) held an inter-agency education and information campaign program to assist prospective migrants in making informed decisions.

In the province of Nueva Ecija, Emigrant Services Officers Francel Tingga and Dominic Ramos of the CFO conducted cine forums, radio interviews, interaction with community members and public assemblies to help local residents who have relatives abroad.

"More and more professional Filipino workers are going abroad though they should be guarded against nefarious elements: human and drug traffickers,criminals and potentially, terrorsts," said the two government officials while handing info materials.

Printed in the handouts are pervading implications. Today's reality of undocumented migrants becomes a problem for the host country. As such means of prevention have to be implemented in the country of origin to make a dent in the growing immigration problem worldwide.

The long cherished reputation of hard-working Filipinos who are doing sacrifice for their love of family, caring for others in their noble cause to provide education and help their relatives become good members of society must not be shamed by dangerous activities.

People always have to be reminded that although most Filipinos are poor, they are not terrorists or criminals but people aiming to get out of poverty through hard work and determination.