First Pinay councilor in UK enjoins kababayans to get involved in politics

For Cynthia Alcantara-Barker, becoming the first Filipino elected in the United Kingdom is all about inspiring other UK-based Filipinos to get involved in their communities.

“Kailangan talaga na may voice ang mga Pinoys dito dahil sino man ang umupo sa government, affected pa rin tayo,” said Barker in an interview on GMA News TV's “Balitanghali” on Thursday.

“Para sa 'kin, ang pag-run as councilor is about community,” added the newly-elected councilor of Elstree and Borehamwood.

Barker, daughter of an OFW who went to the UK in the 70s, observed that Filipinos in the UK started to become more visible in their communities in the last two years, as organizations encourage busy workers and their children to get involved in politics and civic work.

However, the San Pablo City native believes Filipinos can begin their civic work through small works and sharing their skills and not the contents of their wallets.



“Unang-una, mag-volunteer sila, ma-involve sila sa charity organizations. This is not about money, but giving your time, sharing the skills you have with others. Dun mag-umpisa 'yun, and then kung alam na nila yung mga pasikot-sikot, malalaman naman nila kung ready na sila,” said Barker.

Barker became Elstree and Borehamwood's first Filipino town councilor in the 2015 UK General Elections while running under the Conservative party, the same party by re-elected prime minister David Cameron.

She chose the Conservative party for their economic and political policies, but admitted that, despite helping the party on two separate elections, her choice of party merely coincided with her drive to serve the public.

“As you mature, you gain more skills, tapos you realize you're ready to take this role,” Barker said. “[It] took [me] a while to realize, but in the end, I realized I am ready for this and marami akong mao-offer sa community.”

Prior to her election, Barker served as chair of trustees of the local museum, former president of the Rotary Club's local branch, and the school governor of St Nicholas C of E Primary School. —KBK, GMA News

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