ICAPEA Project Launch
March 19, 2010

An estimated 150 people attended the public announcement and launching of the project entitled “Innovative Cultural Approaches in the Prevention of Elder Abuse” held on March 19, 2010 at the Philippine-Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM).  A full grant of $100,600.00 was given by the Department of Human Resources through the New Horizons for Seniors Program for this regional project. Principal applicant, the Knights of Rizal (KoR) with Sir Dr. Tom Colina, KGOR, as its Chapter Commander, in partnership with the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc., made the formal announcement. Mrs. Gemma Dalayoan, President of (MAFTI) and program designer described the nature, goals, and objectives of the project. Guests which included Member of Parliament, Hon. Joy Smith, representing the Federal government, Hon. Jim Rondeau, Provincial Minister of Healthy Living, Youth, and Seniors were among the guests aside from service providers  from the health and social services who have direct contact with the seniors.

One of the goals of the program is for seniors to understand that they have rights to be appreciated, respected, valued, and protected despite their age. However, they have to come first to a realization that there are some traditional cultural values and customs that hinder them from knowing and asserting their rights. A series of workshops, brochures, pamphlets, and write-ups about the prevention of elder abuse will be developed. The project also aims in sensitizing service providers in effectively communicating with seniors by giving them a two-page Filipino community profile specifying some perspectives and practices on aging, health, and family. A “two-page” Tips in Communicating with Filipinos and other South-East Asians will also be developed. These outputs will be shared among Filipino communities across Manitoba and in nearby provinces, such as Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia through their senior representatives and other South East Asian seniors organizations.

Lady Jean Guiang, Project Coordinator and her administrative assistant, Mrs. Carrie Barroga with the help of the Project Team which includes Sir Felino de Jesus, KCR; Sir John Gano, KCR;  Sir Mohamed Alli, KCR;  and Sir Rev. Dr. Neil Parado, KGOR; Sir Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, KGOR;  Mrs. Gemma Dalayoan will implement the program and activities of the project. The said team will need the support of senior organizations and the general public to make the project effective and productive.