Editorial

Every year, Canadian Filipinos celebrate two national commemorations.

One is Philippine Independence Day on June 12. The second is Canada Day on July 1, marking the birth of the country that many Filipinos call their new home.

Much has been said about the low level of Filipino representation in Canadian politics.

It’s only right to keep up the public discourse about this condition.

Filipinos are found in the seven continents of the world. And everywhere they go, Filipinos are proud to say that they can compete with the best.

Here in Canada, Filipinos are found in various fields, from the professions to the arts and trades. Many of them are successful in their own right, proving that Filipinos can indeed shine among the finest.

Traditional home-cooked Filipino food is tasty and delectable. Even non-Filipinos have been captivated by it.

As Canadians gear up to celebrate their nation’s 150th anniversary, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlines a new governing principle for Canada: the principle of post-nationalism.

According to estimates from the Commission on Overseas Filipinos, in 2013, out of a total Philippine population of about 97 million, there were about 10.2 million Filipinos living outside the country.They were found in 288 countries all over the world. In 2016, the country’s total population rose to almost 103 million, and it is safe to conclude that more Filipinos have also left the Philippines to live and work abroad.

The population of Canada is graying.

In fact, the country is undergoing a significant demographic shift.

For the first time, there are now more Canadians age 65 and over compared to people who are under the age of 15, according to Statistics Canada.

Education is an important asset immigrants bring. It’s a ticket to success in Canada.

However, it’s a different story for a number of newcomers from the Philippines. Packing along a university diploma doesn’t guarantee anything. Entry into the professions can be a big challenge. Getting their credentials recognized isn’t easy. To survive, they work in low-tier jobs that don’t pay much.

Thanks to feedback from readers and supporters. The Canadian Filipino Net’s editorial board is introducing changes to improve its website.

Starting a new website in a crowded field of millions competing for the highest number of “hits” and the most “likes” is a daunting task in this fast-paced digital world. However, with the number of Filipinos in Canada soon to hit a million, a website inviting readers to pause, reflect and do something about issues that affect their lives, is timely and fitting.