NOT MANY REMEMBER THIS but during the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, which then Prime Minister John Key called “the darkest day of New Zealand,” 11 nurses numbered among the 185 deaths.
Among the numerous work visa holders living in squalid conditions, a significant number are in the building industry.
And among those with a right to return to New Zealand post-pandemic, many are work visa holders and those waiting to become permanent residents stranded in their home countries.
A common denominator in these three cases? In the nurses case, these 11 were Filipinos/Filipinas. And an overwhelming number in the last two cases are Filipino.
There’s a growing need to address these realities and situations. But independent of this growing need, we absolutely need Filipinos in the New Zealand Parliament, a timely idea as general elections are less than a month away. Why do we need one or more kabayan in Parliament?
SYMBOL OF PINOY POWER IN NEW ZEALAND. More representation in Parliament symbolizes and confirms Pinoy presence in New Zealand. Many of us have heard that after European White New Zealanders, Maori and the major Pacific Islander groups (Samoan, Tongan and Cook Islander Maori), Filipinos trail only the Chinese and Indians in population presence in our adopted country.
But not many of us may know that Pinoys by far are the fastest growing ethnic population among all ethnic groups, nearly doubling in number between the 2013 and 2018 censuses.
Having more than one current Member of Parliament will affirm and add on to our growing presence in New Zealand. It’s symbolic of the demographic reality, but it’s a reality that we have to fight for using your vote as the best and only weapon available.
PRESENTING THE PINOY VIEWPOINT AND SOLUTIONS TO NATIONAL ISSUES. Okay, now we have the symbol and presence in our highest policy-making and executing body in the country. What then follows?
It’s this kabayan : whenever there are issues confronting the New Zealand community as a whole, policies should be formulated with Filipinos in mind. This is fair and practical, as we form a good solid chunk of society. We also punch above our weight (do more than our share) when it comes to contributing to the wealth or economic output of New Zealand.
When it comes to taxation policy, Filipinos should have a voice, as we are among the most efficient and productive sources of tax as a demographic group. When it comes to welfare policy, Filipinos should be considered, as we contribute to the national coffers without which welfare programs wouldn’t be possible. And of course, when it comes to immigration policy, Filipinos should be consulted, because if there was no immigration policy, there would be no Filipinos in New Zealand.
The best way to make the above possible would be to have ethnic Filipinos in Parliament. There’s no way around that, and it’s an idea whose time has come.
GIVING A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS. If there’s any sector of society that is most vulnerable, ironically in a country with a tradition of helping the helpless, these are the migrants. They have no vote, the least benefits, and enjoy the least priority when it comes to welfare and support. And that’s the reality of life, because Government after all listens first to voters, who put it in power. But what about our guest workers, seasonal workers and anyone else who haven’t acquired a right to stay here? Don’t they have rights as well?
This hits quite close to home, as many of our migrant workers and guest workers are from our Inang Bayan, our Motherland. The only thing that differentiates them from us is we have gotten here earlier and received a warmer welcome because of friendlier times and friendlier laws. Otherwise, they deserve a representative and voice just like us.
Who is the best person or persons who can recognize them and give them what they deserve in terms of laws and representation? Who knows their situation best? That’s right, it’s a kabayan. A kabayan who’s also a Member of Parliament.
We have a kabayan Member of Parliament today, but tomorrow we may have multiple voices to recognize our pressing and growing needs. It all starts with your vote next month.
Vote Labour, vote National, party-list or personally if you’re in their districts, but please vote for our kabayan. It’s Monina Hernandez (East Coast Bays), Romy Udanga (North Shore) for Labour and Paulo Garcia (New Lynn).
Our time has come. Mabuhay!
A good article for everyone to read and ponder. I read my name at western leader
When Paulo Garcia run as National candidate for our Local board. I just help as a friend as a leader of the community who aimed to have a Filpino seated at the Parliament. Are we now climbing in the right direction.?