22 June 2020, Calgary – The Philippine Consulate
General (PCG) in Calgary held its first PCG Online Forum Education Series featuring
Dr. Glenda Tibe Bonifacio, Professor and Chair of the
Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Lethbridge, who shared
her insights about her various writings about Filipinos in Alberta and in
Canada, particularly her book titled “Pinay on the Prairies,” which was
published in 2013.
About 36
participants from various parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan attended the online
forum.
Dr. Bonifacio
discussed the gender and cultural aspects of Filipino migration (particularly
women), including transnationalism, Filipino womanhood and gender roles, double
(work) burden for Filipino women, and variables of identities
(ethnic-national-political identities). According to her, Filipinos are
empowered active agents who are highly visible and engaged, grounded by
volunteerism, and motivated by faith. They have contributed a lot in Canadian
society through their deep involvement in community-building and their efforts
to achieve social justice and promote temporary workers’ labor rights. These
bridge-building activities promote as well Filipino values such as pakikisama,
utang na loob, respect for elders and authority as manifested in how
Filipinos build communities.
In welcoming the
participants, Consul General Zaldy Patron expressed hope that “through this online
forum and the succeeding Education Series to be organized this year by the PCG,
we will all learn more about our rich history and culture, as well as honor the
expertise and contributions of Filipinos in Canadian society.”
The PCG organized the online forum as part of its celebration of the 122nd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the Philippine Heritage Month held in June of every year. The event was also part of the PCG’s Gender and Development (GAD) Program that aims to highlight the accomplishments of Filipinos in Alberta and Saskatchewan, promote women empowerment, and discuss gender issues that are relevant to the Filipino community in Alberta and Saskatchewan.