Filipinos in Canadian Politics
Filipino Canadians, one of the fastest growing groups, are the third largest Asian group after the Indo-Canadians and Chinese communities in Canada. I’m so proud to say that there are some kababayans, Filipinos who feel that they have a voice and want to use that voice to stand up and make a change in their own communities. This proves that the growing numbers of Filipinos are already active in the path of decision making that is important for the future of our country.
A few active Filipino leaders are busy campaigning right now to be the voice of their own communities. And some may have been probably inspired by the twice elected MLA Mable Elmore, Vancouver-Kensington. This year’s municipal election is quite exciting and meaningful to all Filipinos. Being in politics entails a lot of personal sacrifice and challenges. These candidates are on a mission to continue breaking barriers that would pave the way for more Filipino Canadians to actively participate and be instrumental in creating that change to benefit their own communities.
I admire and am truly proud of these Kababayans (fellow Filipinos). Here’s a list of courageous Filipinos who are willing to take that risk and challenge.
RJ Aquino for Vancouver City Council
RJ Aquino is a proud Filipino-Canadian, parent and community activist who works in the local high-tech sector. RJ co-founded the Tulayan Filipino Diaspora Society, is on the board of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House, and is a former member of the City Planning Commission. He is the first candidate to represent OneCity Vancouver, a grassroots, independent organization bringing young people, seniors, immigrants and working people together to share their stories and work toward a city that is affordable, sustainable and liveable. Link: http://www.onecityvancouver.ca/rj-aquino.
Mercedes Wong for Vancouver City Council
Mercedes Wong overcame societal barriers in the 1970’s as the first female director of G&F Financial Group and as a director for the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Commercial Division. She has lived in Vancouver for over 40 years and has dedicated the past 25 years to volunteering in many non-profit groups for the betterment of Seniors, the Aboriginal community, and the homeless residents of the Downtown Eastside. Having long been part of a minority as both a woman and as an Asian-Canadian, she has spent the better part of her two careers in corporate finance and real estate, fighting discrimination and giving voice to minority interests.
Mercedes Wong says, “I am running for City Council as I strongly believe in having equal opportunity for all groups in society to be heard, especially those who cannot advocate for themselves.” She says, “I not only want to give voice to minority interests, but also want to offer practical solutions that take into account the practical limitations of wider society.” Mercedes says her goal in running for City Council is “to give voice to the voiceless in an arena in which positive change can be made. We all live in this beautiful city, so we should all deserve to be heard. Link: http://www.vancouver1st.com/page/mercedes%20wong.aspx#.VGRMr1PF8qs
Ferdinand Ramos for Vancouver City Council
Ferdinand Ramos is a hotel worker from the Hyatt Regency, is running for Vancouver City Council and he’s already winning! Ferdinand has already won a 15% transit discount for hotel workers in the Hyatt Regency, Four Seasons, Renaissance, Westin Bayshore and Sutton Hotels. Ferdinand is endorsed by Hotel Workers United Local 40. Vote for Ferdinand on November 15! To join the campaign, call Ferdinand at 604-652-7878 or visit HotelWorkersUnitedLocal40.ca
Abraham Deocera for Vancouver City Council
Abraham Deocera is an independent city council candidate who immigrated from the Philippines 20 years ago. His family has been actively involved in the community as caregiver providers and also volunteer their time as healthcare advocates and coaches.
Advocating for those immigrating to Canada in hopes of capitalizing on their training in healthcare and other vocations. Enhancing neighborhood safety with community programs.
Part of the solution to solving this issue is empowering residents to take control of their neighborhood safety and one way to do is through the promotion of community programs such as Block Watch. Improving Vancouver’s heritage preservation record. Link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abraham-Deocera/828134343905759?fref=nf.
Sammie Jo Rumbaua for Park Board
Sammie Jo Rumbaua is a Vancouver community organizer, youth settlement worker and employment program assistant (specializing in services for survivors of abuse and violence). She believes Vancouver parks, community centres and public spaces play an important role in creating and reflecting who we are as a city, and wants to ensure that everyone – especially youth, seniors, newcomers and immigrants – are genuinely included in this process. Link: http://www.votevision.ca/sammie_jo_rumbaua.
Via Fearnley for North Vancouver City Council
Via Fearnley is an independent voice for her community and is fighting for the community’s well being. Married to former Councillor Bob Fearnley, she has lived in North Vancouver for over 28 years and is a hard working mother to two sons and a daughter, a Registered Nurse, and a business woman. An involved member of the community and a volunteer, she is one of the founders of the Kultura Filipino Society. Via respects, listens to and engages with residents of North Vancouver. Link: http://viafearnley.ca/ElectVia/Via.html
Narima dela Cruz for Surrey City Council
Narima Dela Cruz is a dedicated leader with a proven track record of service to our community. She is a recipient of the 2012 Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award.
While pleased to call Surrey home, Narima knows that the environment, safety, transportation, education and housing affordability are issues that affect many families. She believes that changes are needed to ensure that we will have an improved, healthier, safer community. Narima is a parent advocate at her children’s public schools and believes in investing in our children, our teachers, and our schools. She volunteers at various non-profit organizations, has organized and participated in a number of community outreach projects, environmental clean-ups, fundraisers, and has been deeply committed to her long-time advocacy work assisting new immigrants. A dedicated organizer known for engaging people to build stronger communities and cleaner neighbourhoods, Narima is passionate about helping new immigrants, youth, and seniors succeed in our city. She will focus on creating strategies and programs that will not only help them live sustainably, but also help them to become active engaged members of society. Link: http://www.narima.ca/.
