National: Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada–Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance
Press Release

Filipino community forum looks at roots of Ponte’s death

29 January 2008

On January 28, 2008, Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada/Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance (UKPC/FCYA) held a community forum to voice their opinions about the recent death of 15 year-old Deward Ponte. Over 30 members of the Filipino community including first and second generation youth, migrant workers, women, parents and other members of the Vancouver community attended. The UKPC/FCYA chapter in Toronto was also able to speak over internet. Participants shared in an intimate discussion where many voiced their sadness, frustration, and thoughts of the government’s role in this tragic event.

Forum participants were shocked and angered by the loss of yet another Filipino teen.

“The only time the Filipino community’s voice is heard is after a tragedy like this,” questioned Alexandra Bathan, one of the youngest members of UKPC/FCYA, "“Why is that? The ongoing history of racism all over the country involving Filipinos is unacceptable. It creates a misunderstanding of the issues that the Filipino community faces but also a false image in society. The lack of support for our community from the government and institutions only worsens the situation as well as silences us,” she added.

The participants noted that Canadian immigration policies give Filipinos false expectations. Specifically, the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) is a source of cheap labour within Canada, separating Filipino families for an average of five to eight years. Since the early 1980s, nearly 100,000 Filipino women have been forced to migrate to Canada as live-in caregivers because of the economic and political crisis in the Philippines. After completing the two year live-in requirement of the LCP, women are allowed to sponsor their families to Canada. Unfortunately upon reunification, parents and children are reunited as “strangers.” Youth who migrate to Canada find themselves in an unknown environment, isolated and in search of a sense of familiar community. When they associate with other youth going through the same struggles, they are automatically labeled as "gang members."

The community expressed condemnation that many people place the blame on Filipino mothers assuming they are negligent, but in reality, because of the community’s economic segregation and marginalization, many parents are forced to work double or triple jobs.

“There is a lack of services and protection available to us Filipino migrant workers from the Philippine and Canadian governments,” said Arlene Oropel of SIKLAB (Advance and Uphold the Rights of Overseas Filipino Workers). “Meanwhile we are the third largest visible minority in Canada and are helping to keep the economy alive, doing the jobs that other Canadians aren’t willing to do,” she asserted.

Denise Valdecantos, board member of PWC of BC commented that, “The Live-in Caregiver Program is a racist policy with no regards to the long term effects on the Filipino people.”

National organizations such as UKPC/FCYA, National Alliance of Philippine Women in Canada, and SIKLAB are calling not only to scrap the Live-In Caregiver Program, but also to stop the expansion of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.  Both these programs allow workers from poor countries to enter Canada and supply its cheap labour.

“The stories of Deward Ponte, Mao Jomar Lanot, as well as Jeffrey Reodica in Toronto to name a few, are ones that will never be forgotten in the Filipino community, as they directly affect us and anyone planning to come here in the future.  All those who come to Canada under the LCP expect a better life here in Canada, never expecting to lose their lives,” asserts Valdecantos.

“We are also calling for the Canadian Government to recognize the lack of services available to newly arrived immigrants.  As a volunteer- based organization it is difficult to maintain our work in spite of the growing need to do so,” stated Niki Silva, member of UKPC/FCYA and board member of PWC of BC.

“We will continue what we have been doing. The real question here is when will our voices be heard? We will continue to call for justice and strengthen our community towards our full participation in Canadian society and end forced migration from the Philippines,” assures Silva.

As a result of the community discussion, the group is planning a nationally coordinated day of action and vigil which will be held on Friday, February 8, 2008 in remembrance of Deward Ponte and other Filipino youth who have lost their lives. Details of the vigil will be released when they are confirmed.

A trust fund has also been set up by the Philippine Women Centre of  B.C. You can send your donations by going to any VanCity Bank (Account #63487 Branch #28, Chequing Account#3 , Account Name:"In Trust of Deward Ponte") or by sending a cheque payable “ In trust for Deward Ponte” to the Philippine Women Centre of BC, 451 Powell St. Vancouver BC, V6A 1G7.

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