MP SHAUN CHEN HOLDS INAUGURAL FILIPINO HERITAGE MONTH RECEPTION
Scarborough-Canada
July 10, 2019
Community leaders, educators and advocates gather for a luncheon reception and round table discussion during the first national Filipino Heritage Month
In celebration of Filipino Heritage Month, Hon. Shaun Chen, the Member of Parliament for Scarborough North hosts a luncheon reception and round table discussion with the Filipino Canadian community on June 15, 2019, Saturday at the Filipino Centre Toronto-FCT in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario.
In attendance to the- 3 hour dialogue were invited Filipino Canadian community leaders and professionals. Among the conferees and guests were officers of the Filipino Centre Toronto, community-based organization heads, social service practitioners, school & university educators, social-cause advocates, active seniors, media people and other concerned citizens & area residents..
MP Shaun Chen with PhD candidate and educator Monica Batac facilitating much-needed discussion on issues that matter most to the Filipino community
Jointly presided by MP Shaun Chen and PhD candidate & educator Monica Batac, the free-wheeling discussion focused on the many prevailing issues and concerns of members of the community in regard to affordable housing, immigration, mental health, seniors & elderly, professional & trade practice certification, caregiver problems, and a "myriad of other problems that matter most" to the Filipino Canadians.
MP Shaun Chen, after listening and noting of the problems raised, suggested "to look for" and study proven social development program models and community engagement best practices and strategies in other Asian & ethnic communities. Hon. S. Chen, a former School Trustee and Chair of TDSB before getting elected as MP, thanked and assured the participants that he will present and share the identified issues to his colleagues in the Canadian Parliament and also direct certain concerns for consideration to his provincial counterparts who has appropriate jurisdiction . MP for Scarborough- Agincourt Jean Yip joined in and also offered advice and suggestions.
Filipino-Canadian community members spoke passionately on such issues as affordable housing, immigration, mental health, seniors, caregivers and employment
Event moderator M. Batac and special guest Dr. Fritz Pinto, a university assistant professor, aptly summarized the discussion points and expressed hope that "this type of discussion is just the beginning" of rightful productive community consultations and engagements.( Tony A. San Juan, OCT.)