29 July 2013 - Philippine Ambassador to Laos Maria Lumen B. Isleta visited more than 200 Filipino workers at the Hydro Electric Power (HEP) Project in Xayaburi Province (northern Laos) from June 30 to July 03.
Ambassador Isleta was joined by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Analyn D. Ratonel, Attaché Sarah Erer and Thailand-based Father Doroteo Reyes of Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI).
Upon the arrival of the team, a holy mass was celebrated by Fr. Reyes. Ambassador Isleta addressed the Filipino workers and acknowledged their efforts and sacrifices to provide better future for their families. A fellowship dinner with Filipino community members and management of Whessoe company, led by its Contracts Manager, Joe Salmon, followed. The Embassy team then distributed registration forms for the issuance of Embassy ID.
Ambassador Isleta met with the Filipino workers after their weekly meeting with Whessoe management. She updated community members on developments both in the Philippines and with respect to its relations with Laos. Ambassador Isleta also apprised them of the Embassy’s programs and projects and reminded them of the consular polices particularly passport validity and renewal.
The team was given a tour of the work site (fabrication site and dam construction) while Father Reyes blessed the work site including the machines and equipment.
Filipinos in Xayaburi dam project work as engineers, human resource officers, supervisors and skilled workers. Many of them have experienced working in similar or related areas in other regions such as Asia, Middle East and Africa.
In Whessoe, the Filipino employees enjoy monthly meal allowance, free accommodation, free transportation from Site to Plant Site, trainings and career advancement opportunities. The management also has provided them with entertainment facilities for leisure and relaxation.
The foreign management of Whessoe - a UK-Malaysian company, praised the Filipino workers for their hard work, dedication and for continuously performing beyond the satisfaction level required for their respective positions. More Filipino workers are expected to join the project in the next months with their numbers expected to reach as high as 700. END
