Migrante BC at the 116^th Philippine Independence Day June 2014

by  E. Maestro  (Migrante BC)
Vancouver-Canada
July 4, 2014



Vancouver, BC. -- At the parade of organizations to formally open the Philippine  Independence Day event at the Slocan Park, the Migrante BC contingent easily stood out from among the Filipino groups because of the big  colourful banners done by Migrante member and internationally known muralist Bert Monterona.


Migrante BC’ was one of over 75 groups and organizations with their tents and tables at the Park. Migrante members  encouraged people to support and sign a petition to support temporary foreign workers, the petition to expand Philippine Consulate General consular services in Vancouver as well as pick up  flyers on Migrante workshops.

For the first time, the BC organizers of  Philippine Independence Day events in British Columbia  came together to show  unprecedented  support for temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and to call for their permanent residency in Canada. MLA Mable Elmore of Vancouver Kensington brought together BC Independence Day organizers from Surrey, New Westminster, Victoria, Prince George, and Cranbrook at a press conference to announce this strong support to the TFWs, of which big numbers come from the Philippines.

At the launch for this National Support for the TFWs theme for the June 12 events, Mable Elmore  said, “This is the first time that leaders of Filipino-Canadian organizations will come together to mark the 116th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day with the expression of support for the most vulnerable in our community – the temporary foreign workers.”

Independence Day was an excellent opportunity to show the spirit of support and solidarity to our kababayan working as temporary migrant workers in the shops, restaurants, greenhouses, hotels and fast food stores.