06 December 2016–The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, in observance of the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), held a dialogue on empowering Filipino women in British Columbia, “Empowering Women Together,” at the Community Room, Metropolis Mall, Burnaby, BC on November 27. 

Vice Consul Cham Guevara opened the dialogue by sharing the Philippines’ active participation in the global observance of the campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, since 2002. 

She also mentioned that the Philippine campaign, which was extended to 18 days in 2006, calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women through awareness-raising about gender-based violence, and strengthening local work either in the Philippines or here in B.C., to end VAW.

Ms. Grace Balbutin, Director of the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) of the B.C. Centre for Elderly Advocacy and Support (BCCEAS), was the main resource speaker for the dialogue, which focused on empowering Filipino women in B.C., especially the elderly. Her volunteer work with the Asian Women for Equality Society involves public education about the issues that Asian women deal with in Canada.

In her presentation, Ms. Balbutin presented the various types of elder abuse and mistreatment of older adults and caregivers.  She also enumerated the risk factors that can bring about elder abuse and neglect such as socio-economic and cultural factors, caregiver stress, other factors such as dependency, mental illness, drug, alcohol or gambling issues, and declining physical health.

Ms. Balbutin also mentioned that older immigrants experience more barriers in seeking help due to discrimination, fear of being deported if sponsor withdraws support; lack of knowledge where to get help; and cultural belief that a family problem is a private matter, which is typical among Filipinos.  Ms. Balbutin presented SAIL as a safe place for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk to someone about situations where they feel they are being abused or mistreated, or to receive information about elder abuse prevention.  SAIL is funded by the provincial government of B.C.

Ms. Crisanta Sampang, President of the Foreign Workers Cooperative of B.C. (FWCBC) and a Filipino-Canadian who formerly worked in Singapore, shared her experiences as a caregiver and nanny, as well as the experiences of other TFWs and caregivers as relayed to her as an advocate for Filipino caregivers in B.C.  She also extended her appreciation to the Consulate for holding community dialogues that addresses the “silent” problem of abuse among Filipinos in B.C. END