NEWSFLASH

GREEK DEFINITION OF FILIPINA UNACCEPTABLE -- ERAP

Manila, Aug. 8, 1998 - A Greek-English dictionary's inaccurate definition of a Filipina as a housemaid is "totally unacceptable" and an affront to the dignity of Filipino women, said a visibly upset President Estrada.

"I wish to point out that this definition is severely inaccurate and lacking in academic research. As much as it is offensive, its negative connotation downgrades the positive contribution of Filipino women to the economic and social development of the Philippines and of Greece," the President said.

Reiterating the position taken by the Philippine Embassy in Athens, the President stressed that the definition in a modern Greek dictionary of the word `Filipineza' or Filipino woman to mean "domestic helper" should be corrected as soon as possible "in view of the cordial relations between the Philippines and Greece."

The President said Filipino women have distinguished themselves not only at home, but also in the international community. Filipinas, he added, have occupied not only high positions in Congress but the presidency of the Philippines as well. They have also been recognized as leaders in the academe and business, the President added.

"It is therefore an affront to the dignity and person of the Filipino woman to confine her description within the limited definition of a domestic helper. The author's definition is totally unacceptable and not based on fact," the President said.

Mr. Estrada asked the Greek government to call the author's attention to the serious error so that the latter could immediately make the necessary corrections.

Philippine Ambassador to Greece Norberto Basilio earlier filed an official protest before the government in Athens questioning the inaccurate definition.

Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi