A Filipino factory worker was recently honored by the Philippine government for his selfless efforts in helping his countrymen working in Korea.

Rebenson B. Recana recently received the 2009 Bagong Bayani (New Hero) award for community and social service from Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a ceremony at Malacanang Palace, Manila last week.

The award pays tribute to outstanding overseas Filipino workers ``for their significant efforts in fostering goodwill among peoples of the world, enhancing and promoting the image of the Filipino as a competent, responsible and dignified worker.''

Recana founded the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA), an organization for workers under the employment permit system (EPS). These workers usually hold jobs that are commonly referred to as the 3Ds ― dirty, dangerous and difficult.

Seoul-based Catholic priest Fr. Alvin B. Parantar nominated Recana for the Bagong Bayani award. ``If there is someone who will stand for migrant workers' rights in South Korea, that person undoubtedly will be Rebenson Recana,'' said Parantar.

Recana, who currently works in a factory in Goesan, North Chungcheong Province, knows firsthand about the conditions of Filipino workers in Korea. He arrived here in July 2005 to become a factory worker.

Despite his heavy work load, Recana became involved in helping fellow employees with the challenges they were facing in Korea. He would listen to their problems, give them advice and even help negotiate better conditions with employers.

``On three occasions, he requested a 'release' from his employer who would not allow him a day off on Sundays, the only days of the week Reeve had allotted to serve distressed workers and attend mass at Hyewa-dong church,'' Parantar said.

Many Filipino workers endure physical and verbal abuse, discrimination, unpaid wages and contract violations in Korea. Aware of these challengers, Recana founded the Filipino EPS Workers Association in July 2006 to raise awareness among Filipino workers about their rights under Korean law.

Under his leadership, FEWA has conducted labor education seminars, training and symposiums in various workers' communities in Korea. He also established the Sulyapinoy newsletter and its Web site www.sulyapinoy.org, serving as tools to inform and educate workers. Both are run by workers themselves.