Migrante Canada is deeply saddened by the death of four Filipino migrant workers caused by tragic vehicular mishap in Innisfail, Alberta.
The migrant workers were on-board a van late Sunday night, March 4, when an SUV travelling in the opposite direction hit the van head-on, killing driver Anthony Castillon, 35, and three passengers - Joey Mangonon, 35, Josefina Velarde, 52, and still-unnamed 39-year-old Filipina.
Another female victim, a 28-year-old Josephine Tamondong who suffered serious injuries, was brought to a local hospital, and is now reportedly out of danger.
The SUV driver, Tyler James Stevens, 29, of Cochrane, Alberta, was unhurt, and is now facing multiple charges including four counts of impaired driving causing death.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims. We know how sad it is to lose someone in the family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time,” said Migrante Canada Secretary General Christopher Sorio.
Many Filipino migrant workers in Alberta are employed under the Government of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program [TFWP]. According to reports, Castillon, Mangonon, Velarde, and Tamondong had worked at Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. The unnamed victim had worked in a local cleaning agency.
“We call on the Philippine Embassy and Consulate officials in Canada to provide all necessary support to the victims’ families in the Philippines, including repatriation of the bodies and administering what’s due to them under the provisions of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration [OWWA] and the Magna Carta for Overseas Filipino Workers [OFWs],” said Sorio.
“It’s the responsibility of the Philippine government to provide full support to all Filipino nationals particularly in this kind of circumstances.”
Press Release
March 7, 2012
Reference:
Christopher Sorio
Phone: 416-828-0441
Email: secgenmigrantecanada@gmail.com
MIGRANTE CANADA STATEMENT On the occasion of International Women’s Day
Migrante Canada extends its warm solidarity greetings to all Sisters in struggle as we commemorate the International Women’s Day to honour the day of working class women.
One hundred years ago, on 8 March 1908, around 15,000 women marched through New York City to demand shorter work hours, just pay and the right to vote. In the same year in Europe, women also set up strikes, protested against welfare cuts and campaigned for equal pay and unionization.
Today, working class women from across the globe carry on the struggle at a time of worsening global economic and political.
Migrante Canada joins progressive organizations like Bayan Canada and other migrant and women's organizations from host countries that advocate for genuine social change and fight for the rights and welfare of migrant workers, who mostly are women.
Since the introduction of the Labour Export Policy (LEP) in the 1970's—the principal dollar earner to prop up the Philippines’ backward, semi-feudal and semi-colonial system of rule—more than 3,000 Filipinos leave the country everyday to search better opportunities abroad.
Canada has become one of the top destinations of Filipino migrant workers. In 2006, Canada welcomed 171,844 temporary foreign workers and live-in caregivers. More than half of them are women.
Many OFWs in Canada have been subject to utter neglect and abuses, sexual harassment, discrimination, contract violation or substitution, lack of basic services, among others. In most cases, the Philippine government in Canada has miserably failed and refused to address these issues.
The Philippines, which ranked fourth in the top remittance-receiving countries in 2010, earned some $6 billion in 2000 and almost $20 billion in 2009. In the 2010 data, the Philippines earned $21.3 billion from its human exports.
Despite being hailed as “modern heroes” for helping the otherwise weak and foreign-exchange dependent economy, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are one of the most neglected sectors in the country.
The Philippine government recently reduced the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) and Assistance to Nationals (ATN) for OFWs. As a result, it becomes more difficult for Filipinos who are in death row and to those who are currently stranded in war-torn countries to avail of much-needed legal and financial assistance. Adding insult to injury, OFWs are also forced to pay unnecessary and excessive fees such as mandatory PAG-IBIG contribution, OWWA fees, overpriced e-Passport, PhilHealth and NBI documents.
Furthermore, the labor export policy legitimizes the trafficking of our women and children to precarious and exploitative situations in host countries. Without decent jobs and livelihood both in the urban and rural areas, Filipino women are lured, deceived and facilitated by profit-hungry syndicate recruiters and even government officials with promises of different jobs, good compensation, high wages and benefits.
In the face of intensified economic and political repression, we must remember the historic struggle and victory of the women’s movement as our own contribution to the intensifying struggle of the Filipino people. We will unleash a strong mass struggle of women against dire poverty, corruption and tyranny of the Aquino regime.
It is important that we must continue to strengthen our solidarity globally as we intensify our struggles against the labour-export policy that institutionalizes and legalizes the exploitation of Filipino migrant workers particularly women workers. We must put our strength together to end labor exploitation and violence against women here and abroad. We must stand united in our cause towards a strong Filipino militant movement here and abroad.
Sulong kababaihan, sulong!
Mabuhay ang migranteng kababaihang Pilipino!
Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!
8 March 2012
Reference:
Maru Maesa
ofwcmaru@yahoo.com
One hundred years ago, on 8 March 1908, around 15,000 women marched through New York City to demand shorter work hours, just pay and the right to vote. In the same year in Europe, women also set up strikes, protested against welfare cuts and campaigned for equal pay and unionization.
Today, working class women from across the globe carry on the struggle at a time of worsening global economic and political.
Migrante Canada joins progressive organizations like Bayan Canada and other migrant and women's organizations from host countries that advocate for genuine social change and fight for the rights and welfare of migrant workers, who mostly are women.
Since the introduction of the Labour Export Policy (LEP) in the 1970's—the principal dollar earner to prop up the Philippines’ backward, semi-feudal and semi-colonial system of rule—more than 3,000 Filipinos leave the country everyday to search better opportunities abroad.
Canada has become one of the top destinations of Filipino migrant workers. In 2006, Canada welcomed 171,844 temporary foreign workers and live-in caregivers. More than half of them are women.
Many OFWs in Canada have been subject to utter neglect and abuses, sexual harassment, discrimination, contract violation or substitution, lack of basic services, among others. In most cases, the Philippine government in Canada has miserably failed and refused to address these issues.
The Philippines, which ranked fourth in the top remittance-receiving countries in 2010, earned some $6 billion in 2000 and almost $20 billion in 2009. In the 2010 data, the Philippines earned $21.3 billion from its human exports.
Despite being hailed as “modern heroes” for helping the otherwise weak and foreign-exchange dependent economy, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are one of the most neglected sectors in the country.
The Philippine government recently reduced the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) and Assistance to Nationals (ATN) for OFWs. As a result, it becomes more difficult for Filipinos who are in death row and to those who are currently stranded in war-torn countries to avail of much-needed legal and financial assistance. Adding insult to injury, OFWs are also forced to pay unnecessary and excessive fees such as mandatory PAG-IBIG contribution, OWWA fees, overpriced e-Passport, PhilHealth and NBI documents.
Furthermore, the labor export policy legitimizes the trafficking of our women and children to precarious and exploitative situations in host countries. Without decent jobs and livelihood both in the urban and rural areas, Filipino women are lured, deceived and facilitated by profit-hungry syndicate recruiters and even government officials with promises of different jobs, good compensation, high wages and benefits.
In the face of intensified economic and political repression, we must remember the historic struggle and victory of the women’s movement as our own contribution to the intensifying struggle of the Filipino people. We will unleash a strong mass struggle of women against dire poverty, corruption and tyranny of the Aquino regime.
It is important that we must continue to strengthen our solidarity globally as we intensify our struggles against the labour-export policy that institutionalizes and legalizes the exploitation of Filipino migrant workers particularly women workers. We must put our strength together to end labor exploitation and violence against women here and abroad. We must stand united in our cause towards a strong Filipino militant movement here and abroad.
Sulong kababaihan, sulong!
Mabuhay ang migranteng kababaihang Pilipino!
Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!
8 March 2012
Reference:
Maru Maesa
ofwcmaru@yahoo.com
Open Letter to All Electoral Candidates
April 20, 2011
Dear Candidates,
RE: Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Policies
Migrante-Canada, a Canada-wide organization comprised of Filipino TFWs, established immigrants and citizens would like to inform our membership and the public about your position regarding the plight of TFWs across the country.
- A recent Auditor General’s report found that Canada’s TFW program leaves migrant workers vulnerable to a range of abuses. Examples include TFWs having to pay thousands of dollars to unscrupulous recruiters; not being the promised wages by employers; and being subject to inhumane living and working conditions.
- In 2007, the Philippines was Canada’s largest source country for immigrants and TFWs combined. Apart from the Americans, Filipinos comprise the majority of TFWs coming to Canada. A recent article came out from the Globe and Mail (March 11, 2011) citing the Philippines as the new “top source” of immigrants to Canada.
- The number of TFWs in Canada has increased dramatically in the last several years. In 2008, there were an estimated 250,000 TFWs in the country compared to 100,000 in 2002.
1. Do you support the continued use and expansion of Temporary Foreign Workers to address Canada’s labour shortage?
2. Given that many TFWs are unable to access Employment Insurance because their SIN is co-terminus with their work permit or their work permit “prevents them from being available for work” – how will you and your party ensure that unemployed TFWs receive the EI benefits they have been contributing into?
3. There are now little or no federal services for unemployed TFWs. How do you propose to address this?
4. Although TFWs technically are able to receive a reimbursement for their CPP contributions when they leave Canada – many are unaware of this. Do you believe it’s necessary to collect CPP from TFWs even when by nature, they will not be staying in Canada long enough to collect this pension?
5. How does your party propose to monitor the situation of TFWs to ensure their protection?
6. Do you support eliminating the 4 year cap and 4 year ban for Temporary Foreign Workerss?
7. Please comment on the proposal for an industry specific, instead of an employer specific work permit.
8. What are your proposals regarding errant employers? How can they be made more accountable and / or be penalized for the violation of a TFWs rights and welfare?
Thank you for your attention to this important issue. All responses will be made public and posted on our website to assist voters in deciding which candidate and party is most capable of protecting the interests of TFWs.
For more information, please contact:
Jane Ordinario for British Columbia: 604-961-7794
Aubrey Makilan Delacruz for Alberta: 403-392-8286
Jomay Amora-Mercado for Manitoba: 204-509-2491
Christopher Sorio for Ontario: 416-752-1210
Sid De Guzman for Quebec: 514-735-8012
Jonathan Almocera for New Brunswick: eathan25@hotmail.com
Sincerely,
Christopher Sorio
Secretary General, Migrante Canada
-----------------------------------------------
Migrante Canada Member Organizations: Migrante-BC, Migrante-Alberta, Damayan (Manitoba), Migrante Manitoba, Fiipino Migrant Workers Movment (Ontario), iWworkers (Ontario), Pilipinong Migrante Sa Barrie (Ontario), Migrante Youth (Ontario), Philippine Migrant Society of Canada – Ottawa (Ontario), PINAY (Quebec), Filipino Workers Support Group (Quebec), Parents Support Group (Quebec), Domestic Workers Association of Quebec, Aklan Association of Quebec, BIBAK Organizing Committee (Quebec), Filipino Migrants Organizing Committee (New Brunswick)
Execution of 3 Pinoys underscores crisis of PH labor export policy
Migrante International expressess its deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of Sally Ordinario, Ramon Credo and Elizabeth Batain on this fateful day. The entire Filipino nation grieves with them and comes together in indignation with the Philippine government's failure to save their lives.
The execution of Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth highlights how Filipinos are victimized many times over by a system that continues to drive them towards life and death situations.
Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth were victims of large drug syndicates who took advantage of their unawareness, vulnerability and desperation to earn a living for their families. If anything, their plight and deaths have made the government and the Filipino people aware that for as long as masterminds, operators and coddlers of international drug trafficking syndicates remain scot-free, there will be more victims like them who will be trapped in the unjust situation of being drug mules. To date, there are more than 70 Filipinos on death row in China alone for the same offense.
Indeed, no Filipino goes out of the country with a death wish. When Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth went to China, when the 122 others on death row and more than 7,000 in jails abroad left, they were full of hopes and dreams to provide a better future for their families, especially for their children. Our 15 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), likewise, were compelled to leave the country to seek so-called greener pastures abroad in the absence of jobs, livelihood and decent living conditions in the Philippines. Unfortunately, this crisis of forced migration continues to be aggravated by the Philippine government's promotion and advancement of a labor export policy that has become more systematic and sophisticated over the decades.
These last few months have been grueling times for OFWs and their families -- the execution in China, civil wars and wars of aggression in Libya and looming elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa region, the earthquake in New Zealand and most recently the multiple disasters that hit Japan. Combined with the continuing onslaught of a global economic crisis that is translated into unending spates of price hikes and the Aquino administration’s intensification of privatization, liberalization and deregulation policies in favor of foreign interests, these are arguably the worst of times for our 15 million OFWs and their families.
Through these all, it has become more apparent that the Aquino administration is no different from previous regimes with regard its adherence to the policy of labor export. The Aquino government’s consequent actions and overall economic and political programs bare the sad fact of how our OFWs are being treated as cheap commodities for export. The present predicament of our OFWs are glaring examples of just how insincere, insensitive and inept the Aquino government is in upholding and securing the protection and welfare of our workers overseas, while ironically also showcasing a more blatant and unapologetic labor export policy that exploits our OFWs’ cheap labor and influx of remittances but sadly offers them nothing in return, especially in times of need.
Instead of addressing the root causes of forced migration through genuine land reform and national industrialization, Aquino had further opened up the national economy to abuse and exploitation of our workers’ cheap labor by foreign capital and interests through his so-called flagship program, the PPP (public-private partnership). Migrante International strongly believes that for as long as the labor export policy is in force, there can be no genuine protection for our OFWs. Government programs and policies, through the continuance of the labor export policy, will not serve to protect and uphold OFWs’ rights but only exist to further exploit and abuse.
What our OFWs and their families need during these hard times are actions and programs from the government that would enforce the creation of jobs at home and ease the onslaught of price hikes in order to curb, if not stop, forced migration. What our OFWs and their families need from the government during these hard times are fundamental and radical reforms that would deviate from the government's continued implementation of the labor export policy.
The deaths of Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth and the sacrifices of their families should serve as a potent slap on the face of the Philippine government to work and push for the building of a self-reliant economy to stop labor export and promote social equity and justice for the advancement of genuine national development.
March 30, 2011
PRESS STATEMENT
Reference: Garry Martinez, Chairperson, 0939-3914418
The execution of Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth highlights how Filipinos are victimized many times over by a system that continues to drive them towards life and death situations.
Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth were victims of large drug syndicates who took advantage of their unawareness, vulnerability and desperation to earn a living for their families. If anything, their plight and deaths have made the government and the Filipino people aware that for as long as masterminds, operators and coddlers of international drug trafficking syndicates remain scot-free, there will be more victims like them who will be trapped in the unjust situation of being drug mules. To date, there are more than 70 Filipinos on death row in China alone for the same offense.
Indeed, no Filipino goes out of the country with a death wish. When Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth went to China, when the 122 others on death row and more than 7,000 in jails abroad left, they were full of hopes and dreams to provide a better future for their families, especially for their children. Our 15 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), likewise, were compelled to leave the country to seek so-called greener pastures abroad in the absence of jobs, livelihood and decent living conditions in the Philippines. Unfortunately, this crisis of forced migration continues to be aggravated by the Philippine government's promotion and advancement of a labor export policy that has become more systematic and sophisticated over the decades.
These last few months have been grueling times for OFWs and their families -- the execution in China, civil wars and wars of aggression in Libya and looming elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa region, the earthquake in New Zealand and most recently the multiple disasters that hit Japan. Combined with the continuing onslaught of a global economic crisis that is translated into unending spates of price hikes and the Aquino administration’s intensification of privatization, liberalization and deregulation policies in favor of foreign interests, these are arguably the worst of times for our 15 million OFWs and their families.
Through these all, it has become more apparent that the Aquino administration is no different from previous regimes with regard its adherence to the policy of labor export. The Aquino government’s consequent actions and overall economic and political programs bare the sad fact of how our OFWs are being treated as cheap commodities for export. The present predicament of our OFWs are glaring examples of just how insincere, insensitive and inept the Aquino government is in upholding and securing the protection and welfare of our workers overseas, while ironically also showcasing a more blatant and unapologetic labor export policy that exploits our OFWs’ cheap labor and influx of remittances but sadly offers them nothing in return, especially in times of need.
Instead of addressing the root causes of forced migration through genuine land reform and national industrialization, Aquino had further opened up the national economy to abuse and exploitation of our workers’ cheap labor by foreign capital and interests through his so-called flagship program, the PPP (public-private partnership). Migrante International strongly believes that for as long as the labor export policy is in force, there can be no genuine protection for our OFWs. Government programs and policies, through the continuance of the labor export policy, will not serve to protect and uphold OFWs’ rights but only exist to further exploit and abuse.
What our OFWs and their families need during these hard times are actions and programs from the government that would enforce the creation of jobs at home and ease the onslaught of price hikes in order to curb, if not stop, forced migration. What our OFWs and their families need from the government during these hard times are fundamental and radical reforms that would deviate from the government's continued implementation of the labor export policy.
The deaths of Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth and the sacrifices of their families should serve as a potent slap on the face of the Philippine government to work and push for the building of a self-reliant economy to stop labor export and promote social equity and justice for the advancement of genuine national development.
March 30, 2011
PRESS STATEMENT
Reference: Garry Martinez, Chairperson, 0939-3914418
Migrante-Alberta’s Solidarity Message to the AFL Conference on Equity
The Filipino migrant organization Migrante-Alberta expresses its support for Alberta Federation of Labour’s 2011 Equity Conference with the theme, “Diversity and Inclusion: Equality vs. Equity.”
We join the AFL, and the growing number of people of colors, in their struggle to make Alberta a fair and just place for all cultures and races of society.
According to AFL, the number of visible minorities in Alberta had increased by close to 40 percent from 2001 to 2006 alone.
It is not surprising that Filipino workers and immigrants are part of this growing visible minorities. Because of the deteriorating economic conditions in the Philippines, many of our fellow Filipinos are forced to seek employment across the globe. This puts them at risk for abuses, discriminations and false promise of better future.
In Canada, the Philippines ranked 5th among countries that export workers in 2009, sending as many as over 29,000 workers to this country. And for many of us, although having already earned university-level education, work as low-skilled labourers in fastfood restaurants, meat processing facilities or in farms as seasonal workers. Immigrants from the Philippines to Alberta placed second, next to China, in a 2006 survey by Census Canada.
We hope that through a thorough examination of the biases and stereotypes that form the bases for prejudice and discrimination in our society, the conference succeeds to develop strategies to improve workplace conditions.
Be assured that Migrante-Alberta will stand beside you in your endeavour to achieve a fair and just society for all workers.
26 Feb 2011
*Migrante-Alberta is a chapter of Migrante-Canada, an alliance of progressive Filipino migrant/immigrant organizations from B.C. to New Bruinswick.
We join the AFL, and the growing number of people of colors, in their struggle to make Alberta a fair and just place for all cultures and races of society.
According to AFL, the number of visible minorities in Alberta had increased by close to 40 percent from 2001 to 2006 alone.
It is not surprising that Filipino workers and immigrants are part of this growing visible minorities. Because of the deteriorating economic conditions in the Philippines, many of our fellow Filipinos are forced to seek employment across the globe. This puts them at risk for abuses, discriminations and false promise of better future.
In Canada, the Philippines ranked 5th among countries that export workers in 2009, sending as many as over 29,000 workers to this country. And for many of us, although having already earned university-level education, work as low-skilled labourers in fastfood restaurants, meat processing facilities or in farms as seasonal workers. Immigrants from the Philippines to Alberta placed second, next to China, in a 2006 survey by Census Canada.
We hope that through a thorough examination of the biases and stereotypes that form the bases for prejudice and discrimination in our society, the conference succeeds to develop strategies to improve workplace conditions.
Be assured that Migrante-Alberta will stand beside you in your endeavour to achieve a fair and just society for all workers.
26 Feb 2011
*Migrante-Alberta is a chapter of Migrante-Canada, an alliance of progressive Filipino migrant/immigrant organizations from B.C. to New Bruinswick.
Save Our Seniors Homes! Save Our Jobs!
We, in Migrante-Alberta, support the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees’ “Save Our Seniors Homes” campaign against the closures of Red Deer Nursing Home and Valley Park Manor.
As an organization for Filipinos in Central Alberta, Migrante-Alberta believes the closures of these two public nursing homes will affect the secured jobs of its respective employees, which include many Filipinos. In only less than two months before the closure, many employees of the two nursing homes are still uncertain of their life after the reported closure. On the other hand, many of them, who have worked for these two nursing homes for decades, have already accepted lower-paying jobs in fear of unemployment.
Also, the shift to new continuing care and assisted living facilities will also cost the health system more money, without addressing the need for long-term care facilities. According to AUPE, “Central Alberta is home to 230 of those Albertans who have been forced to wait for long-term care, and more than 50 of them are in Red Deer.” Despite this, AUPE said that the government is giving the new Michener Extendicare “$21.5 million and only getting four additional long-term care beds out of it.” The closure of 216 beds is clearly a disservice to Albertans who need long-term care.
We call the attention of Central Alberta`s Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Red Deer MLAs Mary-Anne Jablonski and Cal Dallas, to listen to their constituents and intervene in the forthcoming closure this fall. We also urge all Albertans to be vigilant and act against anti-people moves like these. If officials will not heed our call, we should make sure that in the next elections, we will only put those who will genuinely represent our voice.
Save Our Seniors Homes!
Save our jobs!
MIGRANTE-ALBERTA
Aug. 10, 2010
As an organization for Filipinos in Central Alberta, Migrante-Alberta believes the closures of these two public nursing homes will affect the secured jobs of its respective employees, which include many Filipinos. In only less than two months before the closure, many employees of the two nursing homes are still uncertain of their life after the reported closure. On the other hand, many of them, who have worked for these two nursing homes for decades, have already accepted lower-paying jobs in fear of unemployment.
Also, the shift to new continuing care and assisted living facilities will also cost the health system more money, without addressing the need for long-term care facilities. According to AUPE, “Central Alberta is home to 230 of those Albertans who have been forced to wait for long-term care, and more than 50 of them are in Red Deer.” Despite this, AUPE said that the government is giving the new Michener Extendicare “$21.5 million and only getting four additional long-term care beds out of it.” The closure of 216 beds is clearly a disservice to Albertans who need long-term care.
We call the attention of Central Alberta`s Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Red Deer MLAs Mary-Anne Jablonski and Cal Dallas, to listen to their constituents and intervene in the forthcoming closure this fall. We also urge all Albertans to be vigilant and act against anti-people moves like these. If officials will not heed our call, we should make sure that in the next elections, we will only put those who will genuinely represent our voice.
Save Our Seniors Homes!
Save our jobs!
MIGRANTE-ALBERTA
Aug. 10, 2010
Migrante-Alberta demands assistance to dead OFW, family
Filipina caregiver's body to arrive in Manila With no help from RP Gov`t
A Filipina caregiver`s remains is soon to arrive in Manila on Jan. 14 without the help of the Philippine government.
Migrante-Alberta insists that it is the responsibility of the Philippine government to assist Filipinos in and out of the Philippines, dead or alive. Thus, the migrant group believes it should help in the repatriation of a Filipina caregiver`s remains and provide assistance to her two children.
``The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should help repatriate Merlinda Agus` remains back to her family through the agency`s repatriation fund, without any alibi,`` said Migrante Alberta coordinator in Edmonton Gina Martirez Doblado after the Philippine officials in Canada refused to assist in the repatriation of Agus’ remains. She cited the case of slain caregiver Jocelyn Dulnuan in Ontario which the DFA, upon pressure from migrant groups, helped repatriate in October 2007.
Agus, a 49 year-old nanny in Haddow Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, collapsed on Jan. 3 at a retail store where she was sending money to her family in Cabangcalan, Negros Occidental, a western Philippine province south of Manila. She was sent to the University of Alberta Hospital and was diagnosed with brain aneurysm, a condition where blood vessels going to the brain bulge and rupture.
Maria Cristina Mangulabnan, a fellow nanny, said that Agus was already in a state of comatose when she and some friends arrived at the hospital. Agus succumbed to death past 11 p.m. of the same day after her family in the Philippines, in a phone conversation with the doctor, decided that the respirator supporting Agus’s life could already be removed.
Mangulabnan also said that Philippine representatives in Canada refused to provide assistance for Agus’ repatriation. On January 5, Agus’ case was brought to the attention of Philippine embassy in Vancouver by her third employer. The employer was referred to the local consulate based in Edmonton. But Agus’ employer was told that since her benefit membership with the [Philippine] government was expired, it is now the employer’s responsibility to send her body to the Philippines. Mangulabnan and fellow nannies sought the help of Migrante Alberta, a non-profit group for Filipino migrants, in exposing the Philippine representatives’neglect of OFWs in need.
Repatriation is one of the services overseas Filipino workers subscribe to through a membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). A $25.00 (US) is paid upon processing of contract and repaid when a new contract is entered into by a Filipino overseas worker.
“Agus worked as a domestic helper in Taiwan before going to Canada. Like her, to the surprise of her fellow nannies, none of them is an OWWA member because they were not informed about this when they moved working to Canada,” said Doblado. “The OFWs have been kept uninformed, and now, in the case of Agus, victim of the Philippine officials’ negligence!”
Present and previous employers and the Agbuloy Christian ministry contributed to cover the cost of repatriation of Agus’ remains that amounts to CAD $7,800. Agus’ friends also solicited from their employers and fellow nannies.
“This is an insult to her and to many overseas Filipino workers who are doing service to our country through our remittances,” Mangulabnan said, lambasting the inaction by the Edmonton consulate official Esmeralda Agbulos.
“Our group also demands that assistance to Agus’ family in Negros should be provided by the government,” Doblado said. “Even if we pay our OWWA membership, we actually get nothing in return in times we most needed it. They have refused to help the dead OFW, and now they will do the same to her children, saying that her OWWA membership already lapsed for her family to avail such benefits.”
”We have been sacrificing for the Philippine economy and yet we still get this kind of disservice,” said Doblado. Canada has been among the top 5 source countries of dollar remittances in the past few years. Of the more than US$16 B total remittances in 2008, more than US$1B was from Canada.
“With or without membership or any form of payment, OFWs and families deserve the assistance they needed, anytime, anywhere and from anyone in the government,” ended Doblado. #
Migrante –Alberta
Press Release
Jan. 11, 2010
Reference:
Gina Martirez Doblado, 780-2245456
migrantealberta@yahoo.com
aubreymakilan@gmail.com
A Filipina caregiver`s remains is soon to arrive in Manila on Jan. 14 without the help of the Philippine government.
Migrante-Alberta insists that it is the responsibility of the Philippine government to assist Filipinos in and out of the Philippines, dead or alive. Thus, the migrant group believes it should help in the repatriation of a Filipina caregiver`s remains and provide assistance to her two children.
``The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should help repatriate Merlinda Agus` remains back to her family through the agency`s repatriation fund, without any alibi,`` said Migrante Alberta coordinator in Edmonton Gina Martirez Doblado after the Philippine officials in Canada refused to assist in the repatriation of Agus’ remains. She cited the case of slain caregiver Jocelyn Dulnuan in Ontario which the DFA, upon pressure from migrant groups, helped repatriate in October 2007.
Agus, a 49 year-old nanny in Haddow Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, collapsed on Jan. 3 at a retail store where she was sending money to her family in Cabangcalan, Negros Occidental, a western Philippine province south of Manila. She was sent to the University of Alberta Hospital and was diagnosed with brain aneurysm, a condition where blood vessels going to the brain bulge and rupture.
Maria Cristina Mangulabnan, a fellow nanny, said that Agus was already in a state of comatose when she and some friends arrived at the hospital. Agus succumbed to death past 11 p.m. of the same day after her family in the Philippines, in a phone conversation with the doctor, decided that the respirator supporting Agus’s life could already be removed.
Mangulabnan also said that Philippine representatives in Canada refused to provide assistance for Agus’ repatriation. On January 5, Agus’ case was brought to the attention of Philippine embassy in Vancouver by her third employer. The employer was referred to the local consulate based in Edmonton. But Agus’ employer was told that since her benefit membership with the [Philippine] government was expired, it is now the employer’s responsibility to send her body to the Philippines. Mangulabnan and fellow nannies sought the help of Migrante Alberta, a non-profit group for Filipino migrants, in exposing the Philippine representatives’neglect of OFWs in need.
Repatriation is one of the services overseas Filipino workers subscribe to through a membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). A $25.00 (US) is paid upon processing of contract and repaid when a new contract is entered into by a Filipino overseas worker.
“Agus worked as a domestic helper in Taiwan before going to Canada. Like her, to the surprise of her fellow nannies, none of them is an OWWA member because they were not informed about this when they moved working to Canada,” said Doblado. “The OFWs have been kept uninformed, and now, in the case of Agus, victim of the Philippine officials’ negligence!”
Present and previous employers and the Agbuloy Christian ministry contributed to cover the cost of repatriation of Agus’ remains that amounts to CAD $7,800. Agus’ friends also solicited from their employers and fellow nannies.
“This is an insult to her and to many overseas Filipino workers who are doing service to our country through our remittances,” Mangulabnan said, lambasting the inaction by the Edmonton consulate official Esmeralda Agbulos.
“Our group also demands that assistance to Agus’ family in Negros should be provided by the government,” Doblado said. “Even if we pay our OWWA membership, we actually get nothing in return in times we most needed it. They have refused to help the dead OFW, and now they will do the same to her children, saying that her OWWA membership already lapsed for her family to avail such benefits.”
”We have been sacrificing for the Philippine economy and yet we still get this kind of disservice,” said Doblado. Canada has been among the top 5 source countries of dollar remittances in the past few years. Of the more than US$16 B total remittances in 2008, more than US$1B was from Canada.
“With or without membership or any form of payment, OFWs and families deserve the assistance they needed, anytime, anywhere and from anyone in the government,” ended Doblado. #
Migrante –Alberta
Press Release
Jan. 11, 2010
Reference:
Gina Martirez Doblado, 780-2245456
migrantealberta@yahoo.com
aubreymakilan@gmail.com
Caregivers’ group lauds Juana Tejada Law implementation
Toronto, Ontario, December 16, 2009 – When Citizenship and Immigration Canada finally granted Juana Tejada’s dying wish of permanent residence on humanitarian grounds in 2008, it acknowledged an injustice that had befallen her. While she had otherwise met all the requirements for permanent residence under the Live-in Caregiver Program (“LCP”), being stricken with terminal cancer rendered her medically inadmissible to Canada, her application was initially refused, and she told by an immigration officer to leave Canada immediately.
Inspired by Juana’s struggle for justice, the Independent Workers Association (“iWorkers”) launched a public campaign for The Juana Tejada Law in August 2008, calling for the elimination of the required medical examination for live-in caregivers applying for permanent residence. The iWorkers, in consultation with Juana’s lawyer, Rafael Fabregas, presented this campaign to the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism in April 2009, and to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (“Standing Committee”) in May 2009.
The Standing Committee quickly responded by unanimously recommending that the Canadian Government implement The Juana Tejada Law, and on Saturday, December 12, 2009, the Canadian Government announced that it would adopt this recommendation among other proposed changes to the LCP. Bernarda Salonga, Juana’s sister who is also in Canada working as a live-in caregiver, was moved by these developments. “Thank you Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney for honouring Juana and all caregivers. Juana would have been very happy to hear this news. I am so proud of her,” she said. Unfortunately, Juana did not live to see the fruits of her labour. She passed away this past March 2009.
The iWorkers applaud and express their sincerest gratitude to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and to the Government of Canada for its full support of The Juana Tejada Law, and for its other proposed reforms to the LCP. Minister Kenney, in particular, has proven his leadership on this issue. “Minister Kenney's announcement adopting this recommendation has become a watershed moment for all foreign workers coming to Canada under the LCP, past, present and future” said Wayne Fraser, United Steelworkers (District 6) Director. “It is the result of many years of lobbying efforts with various federal governments.”
As an organization committed to improving the conditions of the workers, “iWorkers will continue its call for changes to the LCP not yet addressed with this announcement”, said Maru Maesa, a caregiver and an iWorkers organizer. “The iWorkers believe that no level of abuse and exploitation is acceptable. We reiterate our call for open work permits; for a ‘live-in’ component that is optional; for mandatory information sessions for caregivers and employers; for the extension of Interim Federal Health coverage to caregivers; for a moratorium on deportations of victimized caregivers; for application processing times to be reduced; for family members to be with the caregiver in Canada and allowed to work or study; for giving credit to work performed outside Canada towards the 2-year requirement; and for the monitoring of our wage rates”, Maru continued.
The iWorkers is an organization of foreign live-in caregivers, personal support workers and home care providers. It was formed in June 2008 as a joint initiative between the United Steelworkers (District 6) and Migrante-Ontario to protect and promote the rights and welfare of caregivers and home care providers and lobby for reforms that will improve the lives of these workers.
Contact Information:
Rafael Fabregas, Barrister & Solicitor
Mamann, Sandaluk, Immigration Lawyers
82 Richmond Street East
Toronto, ON M5C 1P1
Direct Tel: 416-548-9075 416-548-9075
E-mail: rfabregas@migrationlaw.com
Connie Sorio, Interim Spokesperson
Independent Workers Association
Cell: 647-200-2839 647-200-2839
E-mail: connie_sorio@yahoo.ca
Inspired by Juana’s struggle for justice, the Independent Workers Association (“iWorkers”) launched a public campaign for The Juana Tejada Law in August 2008, calling for the elimination of the required medical examination for live-in caregivers applying for permanent residence. The iWorkers, in consultation with Juana’s lawyer, Rafael Fabregas, presented this campaign to the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism in April 2009, and to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (“Standing Committee”) in May 2009.
The Standing Committee quickly responded by unanimously recommending that the Canadian Government implement The Juana Tejada Law, and on Saturday, December 12, 2009, the Canadian Government announced that it would adopt this recommendation among other proposed changes to the LCP. Bernarda Salonga, Juana’s sister who is also in Canada working as a live-in caregiver, was moved by these developments. “Thank you Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney for honouring Juana and all caregivers. Juana would have been very happy to hear this news. I am so proud of her,” she said. Unfortunately, Juana did not live to see the fruits of her labour. She passed away this past March 2009.
The iWorkers applaud and express their sincerest gratitude to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and to the Government of Canada for its full support of The Juana Tejada Law, and for its other proposed reforms to the LCP. Minister Kenney, in particular, has proven his leadership on this issue. “Minister Kenney's announcement adopting this recommendation has become a watershed moment for all foreign workers coming to Canada under the LCP, past, present and future” said Wayne Fraser, United Steelworkers (District 6) Director. “It is the result of many years of lobbying efforts with various federal governments.”
As an organization committed to improving the conditions of the workers, “iWorkers will continue its call for changes to the LCP not yet addressed with this announcement”, said Maru Maesa, a caregiver and an iWorkers organizer. “The iWorkers believe that no level of abuse and exploitation is acceptable. We reiterate our call for open work permits; for a ‘live-in’ component that is optional; for mandatory information sessions for caregivers and employers; for the extension of Interim Federal Health coverage to caregivers; for a moratorium on deportations of victimized caregivers; for application processing times to be reduced; for family members to be with the caregiver in Canada and allowed to work or study; for giving credit to work performed outside Canada towards the 2-year requirement; and for the monitoring of our wage rates”, Maru continued.
The iWorkers is an organization of foreign live-in caregivers, personal support workers and home care providers. It was formed in June 2008 as a joint initiative between the United Steelworkers (District 6) and Migrante-Ontario to protect and promote the rights and welfare of caregivers and home care providers and lobby for reforms that will improve the lives of these workers.
Contact Information:
Rafael Fabregas, Barrister & Solicitor
Mamann, Sandaluk, Immigration Lawyers
82 Richmond Street East
Toronto, ON M5C 1P1
Direct Tel: 416-548-9075 416-548-9075
E-mail: rfabregas@migrationlaw.com
Connie Sorio, Interim Spokesperson
Independent Workers Association
Cell: 647-200-2839 647-200-2839
E-mail: connie_sorio@yahoo.ca
In the face of global economic crisis, migrants have no other choice but to organize
Migrante Canada
December 18, 2009
Migrante organizations in Canada join migrants around the world in celebrating International Migrants’ Day and renewing our commitment to struggle for the rights and welfare of all migrants. As the Canadian state grapples with its own economic and political crises, migrants along with the Canadian working people persevere in their resistance to attacks on their rights.
Canada is one of the major destinations of Filipino migrants. It is also one of the countries with the worst track record in terms of labour and immigration policies. Labour and immigration rights especially those of migrants have been eroded and continue to be eroded. This year alone was marked by a series of US-style immigration raids, deportation of the undocumented and the sick, curtailment of migrants’ rights to organize through their anti migrant labour policies. Canada continues to do this while expanding its Temporary Foreign Workers Program, one that is designed to import cheap foreign labour without protection and without access to permanent residency.
The Philippine government, on the other hand, claims with pride that deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in 2008 increased by 14% from the previous year – what with the incessant and vigorous marketing efforts of its personnel abroad. It has also been very active in forging bilateral labour agreements to ensure the smooth outflow and bigger deployment of Filipino migrants. The Arroyo regime sent over a million workers abroad in the past year. Rather than addressing the root causes of poverty at home, this ruling clique like its predecessors would rather export Filipinos abroad.
Sending and receiving countries will continue to peddle “free market” globalization and force those conditions on the sending countries that will push workers to migrate, submit to even lower wages and acquiesce to even the most oppressive conditions. Gatherings backed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) such as the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) will continue to become a tool of imperialist globalization to rationalize the systematic commodification of migrants.
There is no better response to such attacks on migrants’ rights and welfare than organized action. Filipino migrants in Canada recently scored victories but only after a persistent and still continuing campaign to win changes to the Live-In Caregiver Program. On Saturday, December 12, 2009, the Canadian Government announced that it would adopt the Juana Tejada Law, calling for the elimination of the required medical examination for live-in caregivers applying for permanent residence.
Still Migrante Canada as one of the organizations at the helm of this struggle must continue to strengthen and expand its ranks. With organizations in BC, Alberta, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, it must persist in building a strong countrywide alliance, unite with migrants of other nationalities and engage in solidarity with the Canadian working people if it is to carry such initial hard-won gains forward. Only through the strengthening of the grassroots migrants’ movement will the struggle for the rights and well being of migrant workers advance. «
For reference:
Marco Luciano - 647.205.5908
migrantecanada@gmail.com
migrante.ca
December 18, 2009
Migrante organizations in Canada join migrants around the world in celebrating International Migrants’ Day and renewing our commitment to struggle for the rights and welfare of all migrants. As the Canadian state grapples with its own economic and political crises, migrants along with the Canadian working people persevere in their resistance to attacks on their rights.
Canada is one of the major destinations of Filipino migrants. It is also one of the countries with the worst track record in terms of labour and immigration policies. Labour and immigration rights especially those of migrants have been eroded and continue to be eroded. This year alone was marked by a series of US-style immigration raids, deportation of the undocumented and the sick, curtailment of migrants’ rights to organize through their anti migrant labour policies. Canada continues to do this while expanding its Temporary Foreign Workers Program, one that is designed to import cheap foreign labour without protection and without access to permanent residency.
The Philippine government, on the other hand, claims with pride that deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in 2008 increased by 14% from the previous year – what with the incessant and vigorous marketing efforts of its personnel abroad. It has also been very active in forging bilateral labour agreements to ensure the smooth outflow and bigger deployment of Filipino migrants. The Arroyo regime sent over a million workers abroad in the past year. Rather than addressing the root causes of poverty at home, this ruling clique like its predecessors would rather export Filipinos abroad.
Sending and receiving countries will continue to peddle “free market” globalization and force those conditions on the sending countries that will push workers to migrate, submit to even lower wages and acquiesce to even the most oppressive conditions. Gatherings backed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) such as the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) will continue to become a tool of imperialist globalization to rationalize the systematic commodification of migrants.
There is no better response to such attacks on migrants’ rights and welfare than organized action. Filipino migrants in Canada recently scored victories but only after a persistent and still continuing campaign to win changes to the Live-In Caregiver Program. On Saturday, December 12, 2009, the Canadian Government announced that it would adopt the Juana Tejada Law, calling for the elimination of the required medical examination for live-in caregivers applying for permanent residence.
Still Migrante Canada as one of the organizations at the helm of this struggle must continue to strengthen and expand its ranks. With organizations in BC, Alberta, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, it must persist in building a strong countrywide alliance, unite with migrants of other nationalities and engage in solidarity with the Canadian working people if it is to carry such initial hard-won gains forward. Only through the strengthening of the grassroots migrants’ movement will the struggle for the rights and well being of migrant workers advance. «
For reference:
Marco Luciano - 647.205.5908
migrantecanada@gmail.com
migrante.ca
Genuine Protection for Migrant Workers!
Scrap amendments to the TFW program
We, in Migrante Alberta Chapter in Canada, join the Coalition for Change, a broad community organization representing a diverse cross section of national, regional, and local organizations fighting for migrant workers rights, in its campaign for the scrapping of the proposed amendments to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The regulatory changes would limit migrant workers’ time in Canada to four years and bar them from reentering Canada for the next six years.
It is undeniable that migrant workers have been and are among the significant pillars in building a nation, be it a superpower like Canada. In this light, it is only just to give the rights due them. In order to do this, we call for genuine laws or changes to Canada`s laws that genuinely address the issues of temporary foreign workers.
Thus, we echo the calls of the Coalition for Change:
``Real protection means enforcing standards on employers and agencies hiring migrant workers.
Real protection means allowing migrant workers to bargain collectively, with full coverage under labour legislation.
Real protection means access to citizenship benefits and responsibilities.
Real protection means permanent residence on arrival.
Real protection means regularization for all.
Real protection means prohibiting fees migrant workers are forced to pay to find work, a fair appeals process for repatriations and an end to deportation.``
Thus, we call for the scrapping of the said amendments to the TFW program.#
Statement
MIGRANTE ALBERTA
Dec. 2, 2009
We, in Migrante Alberta Chapter in Canada, join the Coalition for Change, a broad community organization representing a diverse cross section of national, regional, and local organizations fighting for migrant workers rights, in its campaign for the scrapping of the proposed amendments to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The regulatory changes would limit migrant workers’ time in Canada to four years and bar them from reentering Canada for the next six years.
It is undeniable that migrant workers have been and are among the significant pillars in building a nation, be it a superpower like Canada. In this light, it is only just to give the rights due them. In order to do this, we call for genuine laws or changes to Canada`s laws that genuinely address the issues of temporary foreign workers.
Thus, we echo the calls of the Coalition for Change:
``Real protection means enforcing standards on employers and agencies hiring migrant workers.
Real protection means allowing migrant workers to bargain collectively, with full coverage under labour legislation.
Real protection means access to citizenship benefits and responsibilities.
Real protection means permanent residence on arrival.
Real protection means regularization for all.
Real protection means prohibiting fees migrant workers are forced to pay to find work, a fair appeals process for repatriations and an end to deportation.``
Thus, we call for the scrapping of the said amendments to the TFW program.#
Statement
MIGRANTE ALBERTA
Dec. 2, 2009
MSP Disenfranchisement in 2010 Elections: Violation against Migrant Rights!
by MIGRANTE ALBERTA
We in Migrante Alberta Chapter in Canada are denouncing the anti-people strategy of the Macapagal-Arroyo government to de-list Migrante Sectoral Party (MSP) in the 2010 national elections. This is a blatant violation of the rights of millions of sacrificing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose remittances have kept the same inutile government afloat.
There are over 10 million OFWs worldwide, and increasing. Most of them face inhumane treatment in their destination countries daily. Yet, Philippine officials in these countries play deaf to their miserable plights. Even in the home front, families and dependents of OFWs are facing the same difficulties in claiming benefits due them.
Truth is, millions of OFWs are already disenfranchised due to inaccessibility of Philippine posts in host countries where they need to be personally present before they could register. Despite this, Philippine officials do not exert effort to resolve this problem in their respective posts or even back home. Instead of sincere registration of OFWs-for-deployment as absentee voters while they are still processing their papers back home, Philippine officials only think of how they could exact more and more fees from the already indebted Filipinos.
In the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) data as of Sept. 9, it has reported only 600,469 overseas absentee voters. Despite this, the registration period for overseas absentee voters was shortened from one year to seven months. Worse, Migrante International learned that this was due to the diversion of the OAV funds to the DFA which the commissioners conspicuously conceal from public knowledge.
And to complete its anti-migrant, anti-people scheme, the Commission on Elections delisted Migrante Sectoral Party from participating party list groups in the 2010 elections.
We have been robbed of jobs, money, and families. Many of us have lost limbs and lives.
We will not allow the corrupt, inutile and murderer Macapagal-Arroyo government to silence us!
It is high time that the lifeblood of the Philippine government be genuinely represented in the Congress.
Since this puppet and parasitic Macapagal –Arroyo regime
is cheating us using our own blood and money...
is selling us like commodities...
is neglecting us from the very start...
WE will speak for ourselves!
Allow Migrante Sectoral Party to run in 2010 elections!
We in Migrante Alberta Chapter in Canada are denouncing the anti-people strategy of the Macapagal-Arroyo government to de-list Migrante Sectoral Party (MSP) in the 2010 national elections. This is a blatant violation of the rights of millions of sacrificing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose remittances have kept the same inutile government afloat.
There are over 10 million OFWs worldwide, and increasing. Most of them face inhumane treatment in their destination countries daily. Yet, Philippine officials in these countries play deaf to their miserable plights. Even in the home front, families and dependents of OFWs are facing the same difficulties in claiming benefits due them.
Truth is, millions of OFWs are already disenfranchised due to inaccessibility of Philippine posts in host countries where they need to be personally present before they could register. Despite this, Philippine officials do not exert effort to resolve this problem in their respective posts or even back home. Instead of sincere registration of OFWs-for-deployment as absentee voters while they are still processing their papers back home, Philippine officials only think of how they could exact more and more fees from the already indebted Filipinos.
In the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) data as of Sept. 9, it has reported only 600,469 overseas absentee voters. Despite this, the registration period for overseas absentee voters was shortened from one year to seven months. Worse, Migrante International learned that this was due to the diversion of the OAV funds to the DFA which the commissioners conspicuously conceal from public knowledge.
And to complete its anti-migrant, anti-people scheme, the Commission on Elections delisted Migrante Sectoral Party from participating party list groups in the 2010 elections.
We have been robbed of jobs, money, and families. Many of us have lost limbs and lives.
We will not allow the corrupt, inutile and murderer Macapagal-Arroyo government to silence us!
It is high time that the lifeblood of the Philippine government be genuinely represented in the Congress.
Since this puppet and parasitic Macapagal –Arroyo regime
is cheating us using our own blood and money...
is selling us like commodities...
is neglecting us from the very start...
WE will speak for ourselves!
Allow Migrante Sectoral Party to run in 2010 elections!
BAYAN Canada appeals for help for Typhoon Ondoy victims
BAYAN Canada and all its allied organizations appeals to the Filipino-Canadian community to join “Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan” (Peoples Cooperation for People) relief efforts for tropical storm “Ondoy” victims, which battered Metro Manila and nearby provinces on September 26 and left over 140 people dead and thousands of submerged houses and damages properties.
Member organizations of BAYAN Canada have begun with its BALSA or “Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan” efforts by collecting financial support for the relief efforts in the Philippines. BALSA is a BAYAN-initiated network put up more than 10 years ago to concentrate on relief for victims of natural and man-made disasters in the Philippines.
Filipino-Canadian elected officials from Winnipeg to Vancouver have already solicited the support of their provincial governments and are now preparing to mobilize broader Canadian support for the victims of Ondoy. Meanwhile, Filipino-Canadian church people have also called on their communities to donate what they can.
Migrante International on the other hand, calls for the “bayanihan” (cooperation and unity) spirit of all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Administered by the Migrante Sectoral Partylist (MSP), operation "Sagip-Migrante" (migrant rescue) is helping to facilitate the smooth remittance of the relief funds and goods to the right people. OFWs are called modern-day heroes for the billions of dollars they remit to their homeland in support of their families. The ability of OFW’s to collect donations for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy will go a long way in combating the disease, hunger and displacement due to the aftermath of the floods.
Unlike the Philippine government’s slow response to the disaster, Filipinos in Canada are getting organized while material support for the flood victims have begun to flow as fast as the flood waters rose.
Receding flood waters expose more than the dead
Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) brought rains of 341 millimetres (mm) in the first six hours that it struck Metropolitan Manila on Saturday, breaking the highest 24-hour rainfall of 334 mm in Metropolitan Manila in June 1967, according to the Philippines’ weather forecasting bureau. In comparison, Hurricane Katina dumped 250 mm or ran on New Orleans in 2007.
North American reports say that at least 140 persons were killed and nearly 450,000 families were displaced by massive flooding, but these numbers are rising while the storm flood itself begins to recede. The receding waters are also exposing the inadequacy of the Philippine government in its capacity to respond to these natural and man-made disasters.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has only thirteen rubber boats to respond to the thousands of cries for help from people who were stuck on rooftops for over twelve hours under the cold and rain, without food. The Philippine government doesn’t even have radar for the weather bureau to accurately indicate the amount of rainfall of the said typhoon.
The tens of thousands of US dollars spent on Arroyo’s dinner forays with her entourage in Washington DC and New York earlier this summer could have been more wisely spent on much needed rescue equipment.
Where to give help
You can connect your local church effort with the churches in the Philippines, particularly through the National Council of Churches of the Philippines (http://www.nccphilippines.org/) who have been consistent in ensuring that help gets to those who need it the most.
The Philippine Solidarity Network in Canada has been a long-time partner of the NCCP and other Philippine organizations, especially in its work around Human Rights in the Philippines. The PSNC national coordinator, Malcolm Guy, can be reached in Montreal at (514) 574-9906 or email him at capcpc@web.ca.
People can get in touch with the following BAYAN Canada and Migrante organizations through the following contacts:
BAYAN Canada at bayan.canada.noc@gmail.com
Migarante International Canadian chapter at migrantecanada@gmail.com
Migrante Sectoral Party coordinator in Canada, Jonathan Canchela at (647) 833-1023 or email at migrantepartylist.toronto@gmail.com
BAYAN Canada contacts in major Canadian cities:
Montreal
Joey Calugay, cell (514) 947-3662
Ottawa
Yasmeen Maryam, cell (613) 558-1625
Toronto
Diwa Marcelino, cell (416) 809-3492
Winnipeg
Jomay Amora-Mercado, cell (204) 509-2491
Vancouver
Beth Dollaga, (604) 320-0285
Alberta
Aubrey dela Cruz, cell (403) 392-7178
BAYAN Canada launches awareness campaign
"Never again to Martial Law in the Philippines"
To mark the 37th anniversary declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Canada member organizations are holding rallies, study sessions, coffee house discussions, public fora and photo exhibits in different cities in Canada.
Throughout the week, BAYAN Canada member organizations will be holding events in different cities under the theme “Never again to Martial Law in the Philippines.”
In Toronto, BAYAN Canada organizations marked the day by holding a rally at a busy intersection where many Filipino-owned businesses are situated. As a tribute, the demonstrators held up enlarged photos of victims of extra-judicial killings under the Macapagal-Arroyo regime. Many of those who joined the rally was made aware of the activity through an advisory in a local community paper by BAYAN Canada groups. A cultural night of short films, songs and music, highlighted by the sharing of stories from those who experienced first-hand Martial Law, concluded the activity.
In Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, an ongoing “Peace Tour” with National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) leader and peace negotiator Coni Ledesma aims at informing the public regarding alternatives being put forward to end the armed conflict in the Philippines. The peace negotiation was again recently stalled when the Arroyo government pronounced its withdrawal, a decision which according to BAYAN-Canada was largely influenced by those in the upper echelon in the military. The event also stresses on unabated humans rights abuses in the Philippines and the upcoming 2010 elections, among other issues.
Meanwhile in Montreal, BAYAN groups are holding educational discussions on the history and basic problems of the Philippines and the National Democratic alternative to the current conditions in the country. A coffee house discussion is also being organized about the possibility of another Martial Law under the Arroyo regime. The coffee house discussion will be held in Sablo Kafé where a photo exhibit entitled “Movements in Manila” which features scenes in Tondo as well as portraits of activists from people’s organizations is taking place. The photos were taken during the 2004 mid-term elections by Montreal independent journalist Stefan Christoff.
“BAYAN allied organizations are doing the important work of educating mass members, friends, allies and their communities in Canada to remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that Martial Law or other Marcosian rule in the Philippines never happens again,” says BAYAN Chairperson Dr. Chandu Claver.
The dictatorship was a dark period in Philippine history when the US-backed Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, upon declaring Martial Law on Sept. 21, 1972, spawned reign of terror that committed mass abductions, arrests, torture and detention of political opponents and activists.
There was an estimated 70,000 accounts for the victims of extra-judicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearance during this period. Of this figure, 3,257 involved executions and 769 disappearances.
In less than a decade in the Philippines, there have been more than 1,000 cases of extra-judicial killings, 202 enforced disappearances, 1,036 torture, and 223 political prisoners under the US-Macapagal-Arroyo regime according to Philippine-based human rights watchdog Karapatan. "Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a new dictator, who along with her cohorts has put the nation under an undeclared martial law for almost a decade," the rights group said.
“With the Arroyo regime hell-bent on staying in power beyond the 2010 presidential elections, the people have every right to fear (PWEDE BANG HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO RESIST) a return of Marcosian-type rule in the country,” says Dr. Claver who himself experienced the iron-hand of the Macapagal-Arroyo regime in an ambush in Kalinga, Philippines that killed his wife, Alyce, in 2006.
“We must do everything within our power, whether we are in the Philippines or abroad, Filipinos, as well as all democratic and peace loving people, to frustrate the plans of US imperialism’s most favoured puppet in South-East Asia,” he added.
For more information contact BAYAN Canada at bayan.canada.noc@gmail.com.
To mark the 37th anniversary declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Canada member organizations are holding rallies, study sessions, coffee house discussions, public fora and photo exhibits in different cities in Canada.
Throughout the week, BAYAN Canada member organizations will be holding events in different cities under the theme “Never again to Martial Law in the Philippines.”
In Toronto, BAYAN Canada organizations marked the day by holding a rally at a busy intersection where many Filipino-owned businesses are situated. As a tribute, the demonstrators held up enlarged photos of victims of extra-judicial killings under the Macapagal-Arroyo regime. Many of those who joined the rally was made aware of the activity through an advisory in a local community paper by BAYAN Canada groups. A cultural night of short films, songs and music, highlighted by the sharing of stories from those who experienced first-hand Martial Law, concluded the activity.
In Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, an ongoing “Peace Tour” with National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) leader and peace negotiator Coni Ledesma aims at informing the public regarding alternatives being put forward to end the armed conflict in the Philippines. The peace negotiation was again recently stalled when the Arroyo government pronounced its withdrawal, a decision which according to BAYAN-Canada was largely influenced by those in the upper echelon in the military. The event also stresses on unabated humans rights abuses in the Philippines and the upcoming 2010 elections, among other issues.
Meanwhile in Montreal, BAYAN groups are holding educational discussions on the history and basic problems of the Philippines and the National Democratic alternative to the current conditions in the country. A coffee house discussion is also being organized about the possibility of another Martial Law under the Arroyo regime. The coffee house discussion will be held in Sablo Kafé where a photo exhibit entitled “Movements in Manila” which features scenes in Tondo as well as portraits of activists from people’s organizations is taking place. The photos were taken during the 2004 mid-term elections by Montreal independent journalist Stefan Christoff.
“BAYAN allied organizations are doing the important work of educating mass members, friends, allies and their communities in Canada to remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that Martial Law or other Marcosian rule in the Philippines never happens again,” says BAYAN Chairperson Dr. Chandu Claver.
The dictatorship was a dark period in Philippine history when the US-backed Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, upon declaring Martial Law on Sept. 21, 1972, spawned reign of terror that committed mass abductions, arrests, torture and detention of political opponents and activists.
There was an estimated 70,000 accounts for the victims of extra-judicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearance during this period. Of this figure, 3,257 involved executions and 769 disappearances.
In less than a decade in the Philippines, there have been more than 1,000 cases of extra-judicial killings, 202 enforced disappearances, 1,036 torture, and 223 political prisoners under the US-Macapagal-Arroyo regime according to Philippine-based human rights watchdog Karapatan. "Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a new dictator, who along with her cohorts has put the nation under an undeclared martial law for almost a decade," the rights group said.
“With the Arroyo regime hell-bent on staying in power beyond the 2010 presidential elections, the people have every right to fear (PWEDE BANG HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO RESIST) a return of Marcosian-type rule in the country,” says Dr. Claver who himself experienced the iron-hand of the Macapagal-Arroyo regime in an ambush in Kalinga, Philippines that killed his wife, Alyce, in 2006.
“We must do everything within our power, whether we are in the Philippines or abroad, Filipinos, as well as all democratic and peace loving people, to frustrate the plans of US imperialism’s most favoured puppet in South-East Asia,” he added.
For more information contact BAYAN Canada at bayan.canada.noc@gmail.com.
Nang si Juan, nangibang bayan
Nang si Juan nangibang bayan
Dala ang pangarap umahon sa kahirapan
Sa bansang iniwan wala nang kalutasan
Buhay na kinagisnan wala pa ring kaunlaran
Dumating si Juan sa ibang bayan
Sa akalang makakamtam ang kaginhawaan
Bagkus naging malubha pa ang naging kalagayan
Sa gitnang silangang hirap pala ang mararanasan
Ngunit di nawalan ng pag-asa si Juan
Kesa bumalik sa bayang walang maaasahan
Wala nang ginawa kundi ang mag-iringan
Masa ang ginagamit sa pansariling kapakanan
Kelan ka titigil Juan na mangibang bayan
Manatili na lang sa bayang sinilangan
Kapiling ang pamilya tumulong sa kaunlaran
Ibalik ang Pilipinas perlas ng silangan
Wala ng hihigit pa sa sakripisyo ni Juan
Padalang dolyar para umahon ekonomiya ng bayan
Di alintana mga pulitikong sakim sa kaban ng pamahalaan
Panlinlang sa masa sa susunod na halalan
Gising na kabayang Juan
Sa maling akala sa iyong kalagayan
Bumangon ka na baka ikaw ay maiwan
Sa panibagong bukas kapit bisig tayong makipagsapalaran
Isa lang ako sa mga Pilipinong Juan
Na nangarap mangibang bayan
Hindi dahil ang bayan ko’y iiwan
Kundi ang ipagmalaki lahing pilipino kahit saan maasahan! Posted by Bulatlat
Dala ang pangarap umahon sa kahirapan
Sa bansang iniwan wala nang kalutasan
Buhay na kinagisnan wala pa ring kaunlaran
Dumating si Juan sa ibang bayan
Sa akalang makakamtam ang kaginhawaan
Bagkus naging malubha pa ang naging kalagayan
Sa gitnang silangang hirap pala ang mararanasan
Ngunit di nawalan ng pag-asa si Juan
Kesa bumalik sa bayang walang maaasahan
Wala nang ginawa kundi ang mag-iringan
Masa ang ginagamit sa pansariling kapakanan
Kelan ka titigil Juan na mangibang bayan
Manatili na lang sa bayang sinilangan
Kapiling ang pamilya tumulong sa kaunlaran
Ibalik ang Pilipinas perlas ng silangan
Wala ng hihigit pa sa sakripisyo ni Juan
Padalang dolyar para umahon ekonomiya ng bayan
Di alintana mga pulitikong sakim sa kaban ng pamahalaan
Panlinlang sa masa sa susunod na halalan
Gising na kabayang Juan
Sa maling akala sa iyong kalagayan
Bumangon ka na baka ikaw ay maiwan
Sa panibagong bukas kapit bisig tayong makipagsapalaran
Isa lang ako sa mga Pilipinong Juan
Na nangarap mangibang bayan
Hindi dahil ang bayan ko’y iiwan
Kundi ang ipagmalaki lahing pilipino kahit saan maasahan! Posted by Bulatlat
Noel Malicdem is a migrant worker who, in an email message to Bulatlat, said that he is not much of a poet but was prompted to write in Filipino about his ordeal.
© 2005 Bulatlat ■ Alipato Publications
Migrante sa Alberta
Ikaw ba'y
nalulungkot?
nababagot?
walang makausap?
Inabuso?
naghahanap ng makabuluhang gawain?
At higit sa lahat, nasa bulubunduking Alberta?
Narito na ang Migrante-Alberta!
para sa mga katanungan, mag-email lamang sa migrantealberta@yahoo.com
nalulungkot?
nababagot?
walang makausap?
Inabuso?
naghahanap ng makabuluhang gawain?
Publish Post
At higit sa lahat, nasa bulubunduking Alberta?
Narito na ang Migrante-Alberta!
para sa mga katanungan, mag-email lamang sa migrantealberta@yahoo.com
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