Pinoys in Alberta Uncertain About Jobs After Wildfire
https://youtu.be/8OZXi37B-pQ
CANADA – Many Filipinos, mostly temporary foreign workers (TFWs) displaced in Alberta due to the Fort McMurray wildfire, remain uncertain of their futures after their places of employment were burned down.
For those who fled to Calgary, the Filipino community there lent them a helping hand in their time of need.
Temporary foreign worker Geronimo Dumlao and his friends decided to drive to Calgary when all the evacuation centers in Edmonton were full.
He only had a bag of clothing and his car with him.
Like many evacuees, he has not had a proper Filipino meal for weeks. He and his friends were so happy with the food kababayans in Calgary made for them.
“Ito, nakakagulat kasi hindi ko akalaing tutulungan pala nila kaming mga biktima ng wildfire sa Fort Mac. May mga Pilipino palang handang tumulong dito,” he said.
Jim Lim also took a bag of belongings when he left Fort McMurray and took the free flight to Calgary.
As a TFW, he became worried about the news that he might be sent home now that he doesn’t have a job.
“Of course, medyo kinabahan ako kasi I’m still in the stage of processing my permanent resident po. But I hope the government– the Philippine and the Canadian government– will be able to promulgate a plan to protect TFWs who are still in the process of residency application,” he said.
Although he was able to bring some of his documents, many of his co-workers lost theirs in the fire.
Lim hopes both the Philippine and Canadian governments will help them financially now that they don’t have jobs.
“Siguro they can also help out in the financial needs if they could because alam ko maraming pong Pilipino din ang kulang sa resources para ma-sustain yung haba ng panahon na wala silang trabaho,” he said.
Consul General Julius Torres said the ‘Kumustahan with Evacuees’ also helps them determine the exact numbers of affected Filipinos in Fort McMurray and how the Philippine government can be more of help to them.
Consul General Torres reiterated some consular fees are being waived for fire victims.
“Ang gagawin namin ay padadaliin namin ang pagkuha nila ng mga dokumento – travel document, passport, at iba pang pangangailangan nila. Iyung ibang fees, wini-wave namin at humingi kami ng permiso sa Manila na ibigay na lang iyung passport at the cost of the booklet. iyung ibang attendant cost, hindi na namin pababayaran sa kanila,” he said.
While some of the Filipino evacuees are residing with friends or relatives in the city, some are living in evacuation centers that have been set-up in some of the city’s universities and hotels.
The Fort McMurray forest wildifre is considered the worst forest fire in Alberta’s history.