In China, thousands of Filipinos arrive each year in hope of landing a well-paying job. Domestic helpers, teachers, architects, designers, oil workers and many other Filipino workers come here, hoping to land a job that would give them a higher income and better opportunities.
Shenzhen is one of the top destinations for overseas Filipino workers. Many say that after Hong Kong, it is the place nearest to home. As a result of the increasing number of Filipinos coming to Shenzhen, an organization was launched in 1999 in Shekou, Shenzhen, for the primary purpose of getting members of the Filipino community help each other. Pinoys in Shekou Society or PISSO, is a self-help organization for Filipinos in Shenzhen, and is the only group recognized by the Philippine Consulate in Guangzhou. Members all come from different professions and different places in the Philippines. The organization's aims are : to strengthen ties within the Filipino community by planning activities, to have effective communication between the organization and the Philippine Consulate, and to provide financial assistance to members. In line with these objective, the group led by its president, Mel Caraan, organized various activities this year, including a Valentines Day get-together held at Huayang Hotel. The group also collaborates with the Guangzhou Consulate in organizing activities that could get together Filipinos throughout Guangdong Province, and is the first to know about upcoming events or news that affect the community. PISSO has also been instrumental in providing relief or help to Filipinos in distress. According to Peter Uy, external affairs officer of PISSO, "Whenever a Pinoy from Shenzhen asks help from the Consulate he is directly referred to us." He cites one incident where three Filipinas who were recruited as teachers from the Philippines learned on arrival in Shenzhen that they were expected to do domestic work. The three were referred to PISSO and were given assistance in going back home. In another case, a musician approached PISSO for help after his Cantonese boss refused to pay him any salary after months of playing with a band. PISSO group members, together with the Shenzhen Police, confronted the employer, and were successful in getting the musician out of his misery. The organization, with the help of the Philippine Consulate in Guangzhou, is connecting Filipinos in China. The group hopes to promote camaraderie among Filipinos here and also provide them with services. | 
