Pinay caregiver in Canada an 'OFW par excellence' - group

MANILA, Philippines - A migrants’ group paid tribute to Juana Tejada, the Filipino caregiver who campaigned for overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) and immigrants’ rights in Canada even while waging a fight against cancer. In its tribute, Migrante International called her a “female OFW par excellence".

Tejada went to Canada in 2003 to work as a caregiver under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP). She completed the 24-month residency requirement, thereby becoming eligible for permanent resident status. However, after going through a medical examination, she was diagnosed with cancer and was informed that she could not stay in Canada as she would be a “burden" to the Canadian health system. She reapplied for permanent residency and was, for the second time, denied.

Through her lawyer Rafael Fabregas, she challenged the decisions of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and after that appealed on humanitarian grounds.

She won, and after her victory continued to push for changes in the LCP, and, together with her lawyer, as well as Migrante Ontario and other people’s organizations, for amendments to Section 38 (2) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. They demanded that members of the Live-in Caregiver Class be added to the list of applicants who would automatically be exempted from the law’s “good health" requirement. The proposed amendment was passed and is now known as the Juana Tejada Law.

Tejada lost her battle with cancer on March 8, International Women’s Day. She was 39. Her remains arrived in Manila on March 20. Migrante International members joined her relatives in paying tribute to her at the Pair Pags Center along Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Road in Pasay City.

“We give our highest salute to Juana Tejada," said Migrante International chairperson Garry Martinez. “She is, indeed a female OFW par excellence, who, while battling the debilitating disease of cancer, relentlessly worked for the rights and welfare of caregivers in Canada."

“Our commemoration of (International Women’s Month) would certainly be more meaningful as we add Juana’s name to the list of resolute and courageous women we will remember," Martinez added.

“It is not so much her triumph but her dignity and commitment to struggle against an oppressive system that will inspire many of us to go on with the struggle, not only for migrants’ rights, but for the emancipation of the toiling masses from exploitation."

Tejada’s remains are to be interred in her home province, Abra. - Bulatlat.com

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