Filipino Press Club Holds Political Forum in Toronto

By Tony A. San Juan, OCT
Toronto-Canada
September 23, 2015



In just under a one- year period, the Philippine Press Club of Ontario ( PPCO) organized and held its Second Political Forum on September 8, 2015, at Casa Manila, York Mills and Don Mills area, North York, Toronto.  This is following after its first successful Meet-the-Press event last year  wherein 12 Filipino Canadians  running  for elective seats in the GTA were introduced and afforded the opportunity to present their respective plans and aspirations to the public for  the 2014 municipal elections.



Once again, as a matter of "public outreach  service" by PPCO , three MP -Member of Parliament Candidates , one of which is of Filipino heritage, from the 3 major  political parties were invited together with one  MPP from the provincial Conservative Party  to speak on their election campaign party platforms and programs. 

The politicians who attended and participated in the 3- hour forum were : Julius Tiangson, Conservative MP Candidate for Mississauga Centre;  Michael Levitt, Liberal MP Candidate for York Centre; Hon. Dan Harris, NDP MP Candidate for Scarborough Southwest. The other,  MPP Lisa Thompson represented  Ontario Conservative Leader Patrick Brown  and Maureen Harquail, Conservative MP Candidate for Don Valley East. Toronto educator Tony A. San Juan, Chairman of the Filipino Canadian Political Action Council ( FCPAC), delivered the FilCan community's response and also participated  in the interesting conversation.

During the lively Question-and-Answer period most of the decent exchanges dealt mainly on election issues covering : the caregiver & temporary workers programs, refugee & human rights problems, professional licensing & accreditation, Bills C- 51 & C- 24, Senate scandal & abolition, enhanced pension, and other pressing concerns impacting Filipino Canadians in Ontario.

PPCO leaders  Rose Tijam, club president, and co-founder Hermie Garcia jointly served as Forum Moderators while Rachel Cruz  aptly acted as the evening's MC. Other Club officers and members like Rodel Ramos, Mila Garcia, Jojo Taduran, Noel Perada, Marissa Corpuz, Joe Damasco, Amy Insigne, and Ariel Ramos provided advice and administrative  assistance during  the proceedings.

Among the Filipino community leaders in attendance were: Manolo Arnaldo,  Fe Arnaldo, Manny Yanga, Popoy Cana, Jun Calaguio,  Maria Guiao, Dario Guiao, Edgardo Gonzales, Chona Stimson, Annabelle Migalbin, Tony Villarin, Larry Bercasio, Ricky Esguerra, Chito Gonzales, Ann Nacorda,Mario Alpuerto and Ulysses Piga. Also present were FCPAC members Michele Serrano, Joseph Redoblado, Monina Serrano, Willie Reodica, Joey Abrenilla, Judith Gonzales  and Manny Ching . Beijing-based NBC journalist  Eric Baculinao and Philippine Inquirer's Marisa Roque observed also the political exchanges .

The very significant, albeit brief, political gathering -cum - campaign ended with high hopes by the organizers, guests and politicians for a desirable  election and as well, the people's well informed decision-making  act towards a bright and healthy future for Canada. ( T.San Juan).