CANADA’S ‘SPECIAL IMMIGRATION OFFER’ FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS GAINS PRAISES
By Alex P. Vidal
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 20 Nov 2009
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The special measures initiated by the Canadian Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism (CCIM) giving priority to applications for Canadian immigration of Philippine residents who have been seriously affected by a recent typhoon has been lauded by Filipino-Canadians here.
“The Canadian special immigration measures for Philippine typhoon victims was one of a kind,” said Felipe Macabenta III, a civil engineer, whose family was among those who suffered when Typhoon Ketsana wrought havoc in Luzon last September.
Macabenta, 48, of Richmond, B.C., said the special measures will now help expedite the papers of his wife, Felyn, a school teacher in , and two kids—Ritchie John, 16; and Felipe IV, 12—who live in Cainta, Rizal.
MILES AWAY
“My family lost their home and all I did was to cry here because I could not provide immediate help as I am thousands of miles away,” Macabenta narrated. “Pretty soon, we will be united here and I can guarantee the bright future of my children. Thanks to the program initiated by the Canadian Government.”
Reynaldo Fortaleza, an insurance executive and magazine publisher, lauded the Canadian Government’s “truly humane concern” for his countrymen.
“When those typhoon victims arrive here, there are plenty of jobs and opportunities waiting for them, so that they can recover from the stigma of the devastating loss in the Philippines they experienced,” said Fortaleza, a resident of Surrey, B.C.
Ketsana dumped more than a month's worth of rain in just 12 hours, swamping entire towns, setting off landslides and leaving neighborhoods in the capital with destroyed houses, overturned vehicles and roads covered in mud and debris.
‘STATE OF CALAMITY’
The Philippines government had declared a "state of calamity" in metropolitan Manila and 25 storm-hit provinces, allowing officials to use emergency funds for relief and rescue. At 86 people were killed and 32 others missing.
CCIM Minister Jason Kenney announced October 1 the special measures to help Philippine residents applying for Canadian immigration who have been seriously affected by Typhoon Ketsana.
"I would like to express my deepest sympathy and support for the people of the Philippines affected by this terrible disaster," said Minister Kenney. "This government is moving quickly to reunite Canadians and permanent residents with their families by extending a welcome to those who wish to come to Canada."
PRIORITY BASIS
Citizenship and Immigration Canada's (CIC) visa office in the Philippines is reportedly responding on a priority basis by expediting new and existing applications by those seriously affected by the current situation.
This will mainly benefit family members of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons, said the CCIM.
There will also be priority processing of temporary residence applications of those adversely affected by the Typhoon.
This is reportedly on top of the $5 million for humanitarian assistance for those affected by Typhoon Ketsana as announced earlier by Canadian International Cooperation Minister Beverley J. Oda.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Alex P. Vidal.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipinos De Barbo, Ognayon, Cha and Torres in Action in Brico Santig’s Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 21 Jun 2025‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS 2’: DAVID STEVENS DEFEATS PETR KHAMUKOV BY 10-ROUND UNANIMOUS DECISION
Sat, 21 Jun 2025Era and Nantapech Ready to Clash for WBF Asia in Thailand; Filipinos in the Undercard
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 21 Jun 2025Team USA Youth High Performance Steamrolls into Junior Olympics and Summer Festival Semis
Sat, 21 Jun 2025Weigh-In Results: Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Kamil Gardzielik
Sat, 21 Jun 2025‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS 2’ 6 P.M PST/9 P.M. EST TONIGHT, LIVE ON DAZN, FEATURING STEVENS VS. KHAMUKOV
Sat, 21 Jun 2025YAFAI VS. RODRIGUEZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
Fri, 20 Jun 2025Thursday’s Action Featured Stellar Showings at the 2025 USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival
Fri, 20 Jun 2025Finals Go All the Way to Game 7 as Indiana Bludgeons Oklahoma in Game 6, 108-91
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 20 Jun 2025Araneta Loses on Points in Odd Judging Setup; Still no Japanese World Welterweight Champion
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 20 Jun 2025Espinas, Cao Make Weight, Ready for WBC Asia Battle Saturday in China
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 20 Jun 2025ASAPHIL Taps World-Class Coach to Lead RP Blu Girls to Greater Heights
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 20 Jun 2025YAFAI VS. RODRIGUEZ + UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 20 Jun 2025Press Conference Notes: Vito Mielnicki Jr. Set for Homecoming Versus Kamil Gardzielik
Fri, 20 Jun 2025DUARTE VS. SIMS JR. TICKETS GO ON SALE TOMORROW, FRIDAY, JUNE 20TH
Fri, 20 Jun 2025