The Philippines is the top source country of new immigrants to Canada. Many Filipino newcomers, especially women, work in the caring industries, in health care, childcare and homecare. The government of the Philippines refers to these workers as “heroes of the nation”, because of the remittances they are able to send back home. But there is a heavy cost; often children are left back home with family until the mothers are settled enough to send for them, and the family separation and reunification process is challenging.

In January and February, CultureLink hosted a series of workshops for Filipino mothers, led by Celia Cruz with support from Maria Guiao and Marina Sokolov. Topics included employment and careers, building healthy relationships, self-care, family law, and fun and recreation.