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Pag-IBIG Fund launches HEAL offering additional funds through home equity

Pag-IBIG Fund continues to support members through the Pag-IBIG Home Equity Appreciation Loan (Pag-IBIG HEAL), providing housing loan borrowers affordable and convenient access to ready cash for home improvement, expansion, or other family expenses.

Pag-IBIG HEAL allows borrowers with existing Pag-IBIG Housing Loans in good standing to tap into the increased value of their homes. The program provides additional cash at affordable rates and easy repayment terms, enabling members to conveniently fund home improvements or address other important family expenses without financial stress.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta explained how Pag-IBIG HEAL empowers borrowers to leverage the growing equity in their homes. “Pag-IBIG HEAL offers our borrowers practical and affordable access to additional cash. As their homes grow in value, Pag-IBIG HEAL lets them tap into this appreciation to make improvements, expansions, or even address other financial needs without causing strain on their finances,” Ms. Acosta said.

Eligible borrowers for Pag-IBIG HEAL must have an existing Pag-IBIG Housing Loan maintained in good standing for at least five years, with monthly payments consistently updated during the 12 months prior to application. Borrowers must also be active Pag-IBIG Fund members not older than 65 at the time of application and have the financial capacity to repay the additional loan.

The maximum loan amount through Pag-IBIG HEAL depends primarily on the increased appraised value of the borrower’s property and their ability to repay. The combined balance of the existing Pag-IBIG Housing Loan and the Pag-IBIG HEAL should not exceed 60% of the property’s latest appraised value, with a maximum total loanable amount of P6 million.

For more information and to apply for Pag-IBIG HEAL, you may visit any Pag-IBIG Fund branch or click this link: https://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/ItsTimetoHEAL/.

 

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Tariff war shows Asian nations need new trade partners: ADB head

Containers sit next to gantry cranes at a shipping terminal in Yokohama, Japan, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. — BLOOMBERG

Asian countries should diversify their trading partners and boost domestic demand to ensure they can ride out the current global trade war, the head of the Asian Development Bank said.

The export-driven economies of countries in the region are stronger than in the past, but there is no room for complacency as the US persists with its strategy of high tariffs on almost every country in the world, Masato Kanda, the ADB’s president, said in an interview on Bloomberg TV on Tuesday.

Asian economies are exposed to the global market, “not only trade but also the financial capital markets and decreased confidence,” Mr. Kanda said.

“This is a time for Asia to boost domestic demand, pursue sound economic policies and diversify industries and trade partners,” he said.

In addition to tariffs on China that have more than doubled the cost of Chinese imports into the US, other Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand that rely on exports have been hit with some of the highest US tariffs.

Meanwhile, a “sell US” trend that has taken hold since the Trump administration launched its tariff offensive has resulted in gains in Asian currencies, further hurting the competitiveness of exporters in the region.

Mr. Kanda, who was formerly Japan’s top currency official, said wild swings in markets were another reason for countries in the region to diversify their economic bases. 

“What we can do is to protect the regional economies against external shocks and build resilience to future shocks,” he said.

Mr. Kanda also said that, as the US raises concerns about other countries artificially lowering the value of their currencies to help exporters, Japan’s approach of separating discussion about currencies and financial markets from negotiations over tariffs was appropriate.

“All are inter-related, but trade and currencies are quite different animals,” Mr. Kanda said. “They need to be negotiated from their professional points of view, respectively.” — Bloomberg

Pioneering healthcare education: Fujifilm and UP join hands

Representatives from FUJIFILM Healthcare Asia Pacific, FUJIFILM Philippines Inc., and the University of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the MoU signing ceremony at University of the Philippines Manila on March 27, 2025.

FUJIFILM Healthcare Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. and University of the Philippines (UP) have recently established the UP- FUJIFILM Asia Pacific Healthcare Learning Academy (UP-FAHLA) Center for Advanced Healthcare Informatics, a premier regional hub dedicated to equipping healthcare and IT professionals with the skills needed to drive digital transformation in modern healthcare.

As the latest addition to Fujifilm’s successful FAHLA network—spanning Malaysia and Thailand since 2019—the UP-FAHLA Center is committed on delivering advanced training and education in healthcare informatics. It aims to empower clinician, healthcare and IT professionals to master emerging medical technologies through specialized courses in Basic Healthcare Informatics, Medical Imaging Informatics, Enterprise Imaging, and AI-driven tools like Digital Pathology and 3D Pre-Surgical Planning.

“This is part of our response to President Marcos’ instruction during last November [Private Sector Advisory Council] meeting to offer undergraduate program for radiation technology in UP Manila and other state universities and colleges,” UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee said.

UP-FAHLA Center is poised to drive innovation, boost expertise in digital healthcare transformation, redefine education, research, and innovation for the region. “This upskilling program will help ensure that our future faculty are kept abreast with cutting- edge technology,” Dr. Tee added.

The establishment of the UP-FAHLA Center, supported by FUJIFILM Philippines, underscores Fujifilm’s ongoing dedication to healthcare education and innovation. This initiative positions the Philippines as a key player in bridging technology and healthcare across Asia-Pacific region. Fujifilm as a one-stop, total solutions in medical imaging and diagnostics offers a comprehensive portfolio of advanced medical systems from CT, MRI, Digital X-ray, and Digital Mammography to Endoscopy, Ultrasound, IVD, AI-powered solutions and Medical Informatics.

About FAHLA

FUJIFILM Asia-Pacific Healthcare Learning Academy (FAHLA) is one of the educational initiatives founded by FUJIFILM Healthcare Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. The Academy aims to bring together prestigious universities within the Asia-Pacific region to collaboratively develop and deliver structured medical educational workshops.

 

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From the ground up: Joel Carmona rises as general manager of Global Dominion’s Truck Financing Division

Joel Carmona, Global Dominion Truck Financing Division General Manager

By Jay Ann Bonghanoy

In the ever-evolving world of financing, leadership is rarely about titles—it’s about transformation. For Joel Carmona, the newly appointed General Manager of Global Dominion’s Truck Financing Division, the road to leadership was built on consistency, credibility, and care for people.

What makes Mr. Carmona’s story powerful isn’t just his professional ascent, but how he grew through the ranks—from the grassroots to the helm—fueled by purpose, resilience, and a clear vision to uplift the lives of Filipino entrepreneurs.

Mr. Carmona started his career in 2008 as an account officer under Forbes AO, later assigned to Tanay Rural Bank’s head office. By 2009, he was in Pangasinan, serving clients directly—an early exposure that rooted him in the realities of community lending and the importance of access to financing in far-flung areas.

In 2010, he officially joined Global Dominion as an account officer in Dagupan Branch. His work quickly stood out—not just in numbers, but in building relationships, earning the trust of clients, and raising service standards. In 2013, he was recognized as Best Account Officer of the Year, a recognition that validated his hard work and heart for service.

From there, his journey was one of steady and meaningful progress:

  • 2014 – AO Supervisor for North Luzon
  • 2015 – Branch Manager, Global Dominion Dagupan
  • 2021 – Team Leader, North Luzon
  • 2022 – Regional Manager for Financing North Luzon Area

Through every promotion, Mr. Carmona remained grounded. He led with humility, built high-performing teams, and embodied the values of service and leadership that Global Dominion holds dear.

In June 2023, Mr. Carmona became Deputy General Manager of the Truck Financing Division, working alongside then-General Manager Arvin Antonio. Together, they led a period of transformation—streamlining operations, expanding reach, and driving growth.

Their leadership elevated the division’s performance, setting new benchmarks within Global Dominion. In 2025, Mr. Antonio was appointed as President and CEO of Wisefund Finance Corp., while Mr. Carmona continued the momentum.

Under their leadership and with the support of dedicated officers and staff, the division accomplished several transformative milestones:

  • Launched 4 Centralized Processing Offices (CPOs) and five Satellite Offices, building a stronger nationwide team to deliver more responsive and efficient service to clients across the country.
  • Reduced loan processing time by nearly 50%, enabling faster loan approvals and dramatically improving customer experience.
  • Expanded partner dealership programs by over 40%, making truck ownership and commercial mobility more accessible to thousands of Filipinos.
  • Achieved a 35% year-on-year growth in loan disbursements as of Q1 2025, marking the Truck Financing Division’s strongest performance to date.

By last February, Mr. Carmona was officially appointed General Manager—a title well-earned, built on results, trust, and 15+ years of hard work.

Now leading the Truck Financing Division, Mr. Carmona brings a clear mission: to make truck ownership more accessible, to support small businesses and logistics operators, and to lead with integrity in every transaction.

“This role is not just a promotion—it’s a responsibility,” he said. “I know where I started, and I know how important it is to give people a chance—just like the company once gave me.”

Mr. Carmona’s story mirrors Global Dominion’s own values: empowerment from within, purpose-driven leadership, and service that starts from the ground up. As the company continues to expand its footprint across the country, leaders like Mr. Carmona—molded by real work and real people— will continue to move Global Dominion forward.

 

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Quezon City reports unsafe air quality, urges residents to wear face masks

UNSPLASH

The Quezon City government reported on Monday that air quality in some areas of the city was deemed unsafe, urging residents to wear face masks.

In a Facebook advisory on Monday morning, Quezon City said that air quality in some areas had reached “very unhealthy” levels, with pollution concentrations ranging from 45.1 to 55 micrograms per cubic meter.

These areas include the northern parts of the city, such as Susano Road, Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility, Maligaya and Kaligayan Elementary Schools, and Lagro High School. 

At this level, the government advised residents to limit car use and outdoor activities, and to avoid areas with heavy traffic, especially those with heart and respiratory conditions 

Going to some lower areas of the city, “unhealthy” air quality levels were also reported, with pollution levels ranging from 35.1 to 45.0 micrograms per cubic meter. 

These included areas such as Novaliches Wet and Dry Market, Pearl Drive Footbridge, Payatas Super Health Center, Jose Rizal High School, FEU Diliman, Quirino Highway corner Mindanao Avenue, and Korphil Quezon City University. 

People with heart and respiratory conditions in these areas are advised not to go outside. 

Prior the advisory, at around 6:00 am on Monday, a smog-like atmosphere with a burning smell was reported in parts of Districts 2 and 5, Carl Oliver M. Luces, City’s Operations Center Manager said in a phone interview. 

Due to the unusually high unsafe air quality levels, Mr. Luces said they initially suspected the fire that broke out in Sitio Lukutan, Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal on Sunday and the fire in Barangay Commonwealth on Monday morning, both of which have already been put out.  

“Pero sa report na nakuha namin sa aming weather specialist, hindi po ganoon din kalakas ang hangin na na-experience ng Quezon City this morning for it to be conclusive proof na ito ay galing sa San Isidro. We are considering na mali po, but it’s possible na sa Commonwealth galing. Sa ibang district, ang experience nila ay it’s coming from San Isidro [Based on the report we received from our weather specialist, the wind experienced by Quezon City this morning was not strong enough to conclusively prove that it came from San Isidro. We are considering that it might be incorrect, but it’s possible that it came from Commonwealth. In other districts, their experience was that it was coming from San Isidro],” Mr. Luces said.  

Mr. Luces said the area affected by the fire that broke out in Barangay Commonwealth was relatively small, but the presence of chemicals made the fire appear larger. 

He added that they are still awaiting the final report from the City’s Bureau of Fire Protection to confirm the cause of the smog. 

Mr. Luces said it is still unclear how long the air quality hazard in the city will persist, but advised residents, especially those with comorbidities, to take necessary precautions.  

“Pinapayuhan sila na magkaroon ng pag-iingat, lalo na ang mga may respiratory illness tulad ng hika. Iwasan munang lumabas ng bahay, at kung hindi maiwasan at kailangan umalis, magsuot ng face mask [They are advised to take precautions, especially those with respiratory illnesses like asthma. It is best to avoid going outside, but if it’s unavoidable and they need to leave, they should wear a face mask],” Mr. Luces said.  – Edg Adrian A. Eva

Amazon launches first Kuiper internet satellites, taking on Starlink

REUTERS

WASHINGTON – The first 27 satellites for Amazon’s Kuiper broadband internet constellation were launched into space from Florida on Monday, kicking off the long-delayed deployment of an internet-from-space network that will rival SpaceX’s Starlink.

The satellites are the first of 3,236 that Amazon plans to send into low-Earth orbit for Project Kuiper, a $10 billion effort unveiled in 2019 to beam broadband internet globally for consumers, businesses and governments – customers that SpaceX has courted for years with its powerful Starlink business.

Sitting atop an Atlas V rocket from the Boeing and Lockheed Martin joint-venture United Launch Alliance, the batch of 27 satellites was lofted into space at 7 p.m. EDT pm from the rocket company’s launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Bad weather scrubbed an initial launch attempt on April 9.

Kuiper is arguably Amazon’s biggest bet under way, pitting it against Starlink as well as global telecommunications providers like AT&T and T-Mobile. The company has positioned the service as a boon to rural areas where connectivity is sparse or nonexistent.

The mission to deploy the first operational satellites has been delayed more than a year – Amazon once hoped it could launch the inaugural batch in early 2024. The company faces a deadline set by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to deploy half its constellation, 1,618 satellites, by mid-2026, but its slower start means Amazon is likely to seek an extension, analysts say.

Hours or possibly days after the launch, Amazon is expected to publicly confirm initial contact with all of the satellites from its mission operations center in Redmond, Washington. If all goes as planned, the company said it expects to “begin delivering service to customers later this year.”

ULA could launch up to five more Kuiper missions this year, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told Reuters in an interview this month. Amazon said in a 2020 FCC filing that it could begin service in some northern and southern regions at 578 satellites, with coverage expanding toward Earth’s equator as the company launches more satellites.

The Web services and e-commerce giant’s Project Kuiper is an ambitious foray into space, with a late start in a market dominated by SpaceX. But Amazon executives see the company’s deep consumer product experience and established cloud computing business that Kuiper will connect with as an edge over Starlink.

Amazon launched two prototype satellites in 2023 in tests it said were successful, before de-orbiting them in 2024. It had been relatively quiet about the program’s development until announcing its first Kuiper launch plans earlier this month.

‘ROOM FOR LOTS OF WINNERS’

Elon Musk’s SpaceX, with a unique edge as both a satellite operator and launch company with its reusable Falcon 9, has put more than 8,000 Starlink satellites in orbit since 2019, marking its 250th dedicated Starlink launch on Monday. Its deployment pace has hastened to at least one Starlink mission per week, each rocket with roughly two-dozen satellites on board to expand the network’s bandwidth and replace outdated satellites.

That quick pace has helped Mr. Musk’s company amass more than 5 million internet users across 125 countries, upend the global satellite communications market and woo military and intelligence agencies that have sought to use Starlink and its manufacturing line for sensitive national security programs.

Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos has voiced confidence that Kuiper can compete with Starlink, telling Reuters in a January interview “there’s insatiable demand” for internet.

“There’s room for lots of winners there. I predict Starlink will continue to be successful, and I predict Kuiper will be successful as well,” he said.

“It will be a primarily commercial system, but there will be defense uses for these LEO constellations, no doubt,” he added, referring to low-Earth orbit.

Amazon in 2023 revealed its Kuiper consumer terminals, an LP vinyl record-sized antenna that communicates with Kuiper satellites overhead, as well as a smaller terminal whose size it compares to its e-book Kindle device. The company expects to make tens of millions of the devices for under $400 each.

Amazon in 2022 booked 83 rocket launches from ULA, France’s Arianespace and Blue Origin, Bezos’ space company, snagging the industry’s biggest-ever launch deal as it prepared to begin Kuiper deployment. — Reuters

Emerging economies lead the way in AI trust, survey shows

REUTERS

LONDON – People in emerging economies are more willing to trust AI than those in advanced economies and are more optimistic and excited about its benefits, a major survey by the University of Melbourne and professional services firm KPMG has found.

The global study showed two-thirds of those surveyed were now using artificial intelligence regularly and even more – 83% – believed it would result in a wide range of benefits.

But 58% of respondents viewed the technology as untrustworthy, an increase in the level found in a previous study before the release of ChatGPT, a groundbreaking generative AI chatbot, in 2022.

“The public’s trust of AI technologies and their safe and secure use is central to sustained acceptance and adoption,” said study leader Nicole Gillespie, chair of trust at Melbourne Business School, on Tuesday.

The survey found a clear split between emerging economies, where three in five people trust AI, and advanced countries, where only two in five do.

Ms. Gillespie attributed the higher adoption and trust of AI in emerging economies to the greater relative benefits and opportunities the technology affords people in these countries and the increasingly important role it plays in economic development.

As AI gains broader use, businesses and governments have been grappling with how to balance innovation with ethical considerations such as job displacement and data privacy.

The study surveyed more than 48,000 people across 47 countries between November 2024 and January 2025. — Reuters

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US Congress wrestles with Trump tax bill, aims to finish by July 4

Image via Architect of the US Capitol

WASHINGTON – Republicans in the U.S. Congress turned in earnest on Monday to their biggest challenge of Donald Trump’s presidency: trying to bridge internal divisions over proposed cuts to Medicaid and popular green energy initiatives to pay for a landmark tax-cut bill they hope to enact by July 4.

After a two-week recess marked by some heated encounters with constituents back home, Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives were due to hold committee votes this week on segments of Trump’s agenda legislation.

“The House is moving things along quickly and the Senate is in lockstep. We think that they are in substantial agreement,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters after a closed-door meeting with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune and tax committee chairs.

“We hope that we can have this tax portion done by the Fourth of July,” he added, referring to legislation that would also fund Mr. Trump’s crackdown on immigration and bolster fossil fuel production and the military.

The top goal for Republicans, who control the House and Senate, is to extend provisions of Mr. Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are due to expire at the end of this year, a move that nonpartisan researchers estimate would cost $4.6 trillion over a decade.

Mr. Bessent said the forthcoming bill would also eliminate taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits, allow for the deductibility of auto loans and include 100% expensing for equipment and factory structures. Those measures would add to the bill’s cost.

Add in hundreds of billions of dollars in new spending for border security, deportations and defense, and the cost to the U.S. budget could skyrocket.

The budget blueprint for Mr. Trump’s agenda could add $5.8 trillion to the current $36 trillion U.S. debt in the next decade, the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates. Republicans say the cost will be covered by a combination of spending cuts, higher economic growth and revenues from energy deregulation and tariffs on imports.

Congress needs to complete the bill before the debt reaches a mandated borrowing limit sometime later this year. Bessent said tax revenues are ahead of last year and that an accurate “X-date” projection for when the Treasury Department will be unable to meet all its obligations could be available within the next two weeks.

With a Republican majority of 220-213 seats in the House and a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, it is not clear that House Republicans can meet Johnson’s aim of passing the legislation and sending it on to the Senate before lawmakers leave town on May 22.

House and Senate Republicans barely managed to pass a budget resolution that will allow them to enact the Trump agenda by circumventing Democrats, who have nonetheless vowed to halt Trump’s legislative juggernaut.

“We’re in active legislative combat,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said at an event in New York City.

“They want to enact the largest Medicaid cut in American history. That is going to hurt families, hurt children, hurt seniors, hurt people with disabilities, hurt everyday Americans.”

NOW COMES THE HARD PART

The budget blueprint contained no details about spending cuts. Now Republican lawmakers must grapple with changes that carry tangible consequences for their home districts.

“It probably takes a little longer to get it out of the House,” Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis said. “We’re not just talking about the broad strokes here. We’re talking actual legislative language, actual numbers.”

To win support from hardline conservatives, House Republicans set a spending cut target of $2 trillion over a decade and agreed that the scope of Mr. Trump’s tax cuts would be scaled back to reflect any shortfall in funding reductions.

But with House and Senate moderates pushing back on deep cuts to social safety-net programs and environmental initiatives, some worry the $2 trillion goal could be out of reach.

“That is the biggest challenge, getting that to the sweet spot where we have enough significant and noteworthy spending cuts to finalize the tax side,” said Representative Blake Moore, vice chair of the House Republican Conference.

Up to now, Republicans have looked to the Medicaid healthcare program for lower-income Americans and green tax credits for $880 billion in spending cuts over a decade. Education and agriculture programs have been targeted for an additional $560 billion in cuts.

But concerns about Medicaid among a dozen House Republicans and several Senate Republicans have prompted Mr. Trump and party leaders to assure lawmakers that savings will not lead to cuts in benefits.

Those assurances have reduced fears about major cuts in the federal contribution to Medicaid, which is funded jointly by federal and state governments. More than 79 million Americans were enrolled in the program or a related healthcare service for poor children as of October. — Reuters

Mexico will send more water to Texas to make up treaty shortfall, USDA says

STOCK PHOTO | Image by fernando zhiminaicela from Pixabay

WASHINGTON – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Monday that Mexico would increase its water shipments to Texas to help make up a shortfall under a 1944 treaty that outlines water-sharing between the countries.

U.S. officials and lawmakers have complained that Mexico’s failure to meet its obligations under the treaty is harming Texas farmers.

Mexico has argued that it is under drought conditions that have strained the country’s water resources.

“After weeks of negotiations with Mexican cabinet officials alongside the Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, we secured an agreement to give Texas producers the water they need to thrive. While this is a significant step forward, we welcome Mexico’s continued cooperation to support the future of American agriculture,” Ms. Rollins said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the water issue had emerged as a possible new front in trade negotiations between the two countries.

The water treaty requires Mexico to send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. from the Rio Grande every five years.

Mexico will now “transfer water from international reservoirs and increase the U.S. share of the flow in six of Mexico’s Rio Grande tributaries through the end of the current five-year water cycle,” which ends in October, said a USDA statement.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce in a statement thanked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum “for her personal involvement in facilitating cooperation across multiple levels of her government to establish a unified path to addressing this ongoing priority.”

Mexico’s government released its own statement later on Monday saying it would implement “a series of measures aimed at mitigating potential shortfalls in water deliveries” including immediate water transfers as well as during the upcoming rainy season.

“All of these actions have as their fundamental premise the assurance of water supplies for human consumption for the Mexican populations that depend on the waters of the Rio Grande,” the statement said. — Reuters

NCR TODA leaders unite behind Angkasangga Partylist

Angkas CEO and Angkasangga Partylist nominee George Royeca with the NCR TODA leaders

In a powerful show of solidarity, leaders of various TODA (Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association) groups across the National Capital Region gathered under the leadership of Boy Padua, President of the TODA Federation of Navotas and Convenor of NCR TODA, to formally express their support for Angkasangga Partylist and its first nominee, George Royeca.

Held in Metro Manila, the assembly brought together TODA leaders from multiple cities, united by a shared vision of representation and recognition for the informal transport sector.

With thousands of TODA members relying on tricycle operations for their daily income, the leaders emphasized the urgent need for legislative support and systemic change.

“Matagal na naming hinintay ang ganitong plataporma. Sa wakas, may boses na ang mga ordinaryong drayber — tricycle driver, habal-habal rider, o delivery partner. Buong-buo ang suporta namin kay George Royeca at sa Angkasangga dahil nauunawaan nila ang tunay naming pangangailangan at handa silang ipaglaban ang aming kapakanan.”

Mr. Royeca, also the co-founder of homegrown motorcycle taxi platform Angkas, has been a tireless advocate for empowering informal workers and transforming them into dignified, self-sustaining entrepreneurs or “nanopreneurs.”

His campaign under Angkasangga aims to institutionalize protections and benefits for workers often left out of mainstream policy-making.

“Maraming salamat sa inyong tiwala,” said George Royeca. “Ang laban na ito ay hindi lang para sa bikers kundi para sa lahat ng nasa impormal na sektor.

Sama-sama tayong kikilos para sa pagbabago — mula TODA hanggang habal-habal, bawat isa ay mahalaga.”

The event marks a milestone in grassroots mobilization, signaling growing momentum for Angkasangga’s campaign as the May elections approach.

It also underscores the increasing call for inclusive representation from one of the country’s most essential yet underserved sectors.

 

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Filipino ‘caring culture’ hit hard by Canada truck-ramming that killed 11

A PERSON stands in front of a Canadian flag in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Sept. 20, 2022. — REUTERS

VANCOUVER – The election eve truck-ramming that killed 11 people and injured dozens more in Vancouver sent waves of grief across Canada’s Filipino community, integral to Canada in part through many members’ roles as caregivers.

A man drove through a crowded pedestrian zone during a Filipino cultural festival on Saturday. Officials have arrested a suspect they said had a significant history of mental health issues, and said there was no evidence of terrorism in the attack that struck just before Monday’s election to choose a prime minister.

The victims ranged in age from 5 to 65, officials said. Five-year-old Katie Le was killed with both her parents, Richard Le, 47, and Linh Hoang, 30, according to a Go Fund Me page that raised $250,000 for the family. Also among the dead was Kira Salim, a teacher and counselor at a middle school and secondary school, education officials announced.

Nearly 1 million of Canada’s 40 million people identify as being of Filipino ethnic origin, and more than 172,000 Filipino Canadians are in British Columbia, according to the 2021 census.

Their influence extends across Canada as caregivers. Many Filipinas have carved out their place in Canada by raising other people’s children. Still others tend to the elderly, or have found careers as nurses or medical technicians.

“This is what we do best,” said Christina, 58, a Filipina who attended a candlelight vigil for the victims and asked not to be identified by last name. “We’re just such a caring culture. We always say we’re willing to give.”

David Eby, the premier of British Columbia, acknowledged their role in comments on Canadian television on Sunday when he pledged to support them “just like they support us.”
“It’s their turn to get care from us,” Eby said.

The provincial government has pledged that victims and their families will have access to support.

The truck-ramming came during a celebration honoring Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Filipino chieftain who defeated Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in 1521 and became a national hero. Filipino Canadians see the government of British Columbia’s 2023 official recognition of April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day as acknowledgement of the cultural contributions of their community, one of the largest immigrant groups in the province.

“We’ve been here a really long time,” said Jonathan Tee, 30, a second-generation Filipino born in Canada. “We don’t need to earn a place here. We are here.”
Some 75,000 people from the Philippines became permanent residents of Canada through the Live-in Caregiver Program between 1992 and 2014. The program offering a path to permanent residency has been modified since 2014.

VULNERABLE TO EXPLOITATION

Women fleeing poverty in the Philippines and living in the homes of their Canadian bosses needed to maintain employment in order to gain permanent residency, leaving them vulnerable to extreme working conditions and abuse.

“It was deeply exploitative because of the closed permit tied to a particular employer,” said Geraldine Pratt, a professor at the University of British Columbia whose studies on the subject underpinned the stage play “Nanay,” depicting the lives of live-in caregivers.

“Most of us have some connection to the Filipino community. And it’s not just childcare. It’s care for seniors, it’s hospitals, when you go for a mammogram or to get your blood tested,” Pratt said.

Many immigrants from the Philippines are highly educated and overqualified for the jobs available to them, according to a 2023 Canadian census report.

More than 40% of Filipinos held a bachelor’s degree or higher but were underrepresented in jobs requiring such a degree, the report said.

The overqualification rate of 41.8% was nearly double the rate of the Chinese population and was nearly three times the rate of 15.5% among the total population, the report said.

“One factor in overqualification and job mismatch was that over one-third (34.0%) of Filipino immigrant women immigrated as principal applicants through the caregiver program, which recruits them to work in personal care occupations,” the report said.

About 36% of Filipinas who earned nursing degrees back home instead worked as nurse aides, orderlies or patient service associates in Canada, while 13% worked in sales or service jobs, the census report said.

Maki Cairns, 26, who advocates for the rights of women in the Philippine diaspora as an activist with the group Gabriela BC, said many have chosen to remain silent in the face of abuse so that they can bring their own children to Canada.

“Why do they have to be separated from their families and raise children that are not their own?” Cairns said. “They hardly ever get to see their children in the Philippines.” — Reuters

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