B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
Press Release

Canadian solidarity organization with the Philippines launches book in celebration of its 25th year anniversary

26 October 2007

As part of the British Columbia Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (BCCHRP) 25th year anniversary celebrations, BCCHRP invites the public to the Vancouver launching of Florchita N. Bautista’s "Leaping into the Unknown" on Saturday, November 3, 2007, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Anglican Church on 409 East Broadway, Vancouver (at Prince Edward St.)

"Leaping into the Unknown"  is an inspiring story of Bautista’s life and journey as a missionary sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Philippines for 25 years and her painful separation from her congregation that brought her to Canada in 1987. She chronicles her active involvement with the life and struggle of the Cordillera peoples against the Chico River Dam construction, with that of the Filipino workers at the picket lines, and with the urban poor and their struggle against demolitions, and her organizing work among the domestic workers and their families in Toronto.

2007 marks the 25th anniversary of solidarity work with the Filipino people in their struggle for genuine peace, democracy, and freedom. BCCHRP was founded in 1982 during the dark days of Martial Law under then dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines. BCCHRP continues to strive to build genuine people-to-people solidarity between Canadians and Filipinos as the Filipino people continue in their struggle for genuine human rights and justice.

Since current Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo came to power in 2001, KARAPATAN (a Philippine-based national alliance of human rights organizations) has documented 886 cases of extrajudicial killings and more than one million people forcibly displaced all over the country because of intensifying militarization and systematic human rights violations.

“The Vancouver launching of Bautista’s book serves as a reminder of the roots of our 25 years of solidarity work with the most marginalized in Philippine society,” explains Erie Maestro, acting Chairperson of BCCHRP, “While the book reminds of us of our history, it also prompts us to think of the work that still needs to be done to support the Filipino people today,” adds Maestro.

"Leaping into the Unknown" has touched many people with its simplicity, spirituality and commitment to faith in action.

“It is about reaching in love where hatred abounds; it is about perseverance and empowerment where there is injustice; it is about truth and solidarity where there are lies and betrayal; it is about the experience of forgiveness where there could have been despair,” says Fr. Justin Trinidad of Vancouver, B.C.

There will be a reception and a short program. Florchita will be available for signing books and interviews. After the book launch, copies can be ordered from the author by calling 604:435-5542 or emailing florchitab@yahoo.ca

For more information on the book launch, please contact:
Beth at edollaga@yahoo.com and bcchrp@kalayaancentre.net or call BCCHRP at 604-215-1905.

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