The coming years even decades hereafter offer Filipinos a much better future. As a line ibn a popular song goes, "the best has yet to come." Because, in the past, while other countries have embrassed birth control and contraceptives, the average Filipino has remained steadfast in their faith and fear in God despite the threats of over population, hunger and poverty.

     Now, in this world of aging populations and zero birth rates, who will stroke the engines of industry? Who will drive the agricultural tractors? Who will take care of the sick in the hospital? Who will cook food in the Kitchens? etc. No one but the younger generationsof Filipinos who were not meant to be born, who survived the abortions and the condoms, who had classrooms under trees, who sometimes ate only once a day, etc.

     The world realizes this phenomenon and shows its appreciation and acceptance. The Pope, the leder of one of the world's largest religion, in his message for the 2004 World Day of the immigrant and the Refugee, said "When the differences begin to integrate, they give life to the coexistence of differences. Values are thus rediscovered that are common to all cultures, capable oif uniting and not dividing, values that sink their roots in one same human humus. This helps the establishment of a fruitful dialogue to construct a path of reciprocal, realistic and respectful tolerance of each one's peculiarities."

     He continues, "This is what happens when immigrants are treated with respect due to the dignity of every person; when the culture of acceptance and the culture of peace, which harmonizes differences and seeks dialogue, is favored with all means, without falling into forms of indifferencewhen values are in question."

     The Pope adds, "If a gradual integration of all immigrants fostered, respecting their identity, maintaining at the same timethe cultural patrimony of the peoples who recieve them, there is less of a risk that they will come together to form a real and proper ghettos..."

     The beloved leader of the Catholic church is talking prcisely about Fiipino immigrants and workers for they have shown that they are the least inclined to form ghettos in foreign countries unlike other nationalities. And annately, most of YOU Filipinos have, like your native bamboo, the flexibility to adapt to the cultural and social differences of the new country where YOU are given new opportunities.

     YOU have, through your performance and positive attitude, the convincing yet tacit power to be accepted into the host countries' families and their circle of friends so that you become permanent fixtures in their lives.

     Pioneers of UPAK ha always recognized your contribution to make life a better world to live in more specifically here in Korea. That's why we have set up UPAK to show this recognition and appreciation of your efforts. Therefore, let us unite, under the guidance and assistance of UPAK, so that we can, like brothers, help each other in marching towards a brighter and more prosperous future.