by Gemma Dalayoan
The Innovative Cultural Approaches in the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ICAPEA) had its second workshop entitled,” Cultural Barriers and Elder Abuse”, held at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba ( PCCM) on August 21, 2010. A warm-up activity, a play depicting elder abuse performed by Florencio and Letty Antonio, Gloria Magpali, and Amante Bayuga was enjoyed by attendees. The play was written and directed by Rod Cantiveros.
More than 130 participants were divided into 4 groups,each of which was led by a facilitator and a recorder. The group was assigned a topic to discuss that also included factors and cultural barriers that perpetuate elder abuse.All discussions, opening remarks, and other activities were carried out in Pilipino. After lunch, entertainment was provided by seniors while the facilitators met with the moderator of the workshop, Dr. Rey Pagtakhan. A general session ensued with each group summarizing what it had accomplished in the session. Evident in the report was a desire by the participants to continue more workshops, especially in communicating with their adult children.
The workshop was coordinated by Jean Guiang O.M with the help of the core team members of the ICAPEA namely: Dr. Tom Colina, Chapter Commander of the Knights of Rizal, Gemma Dalayoan, President of the MANITOBA Association of Filipino-Canadian Teachers Inc.( MAFTI), Carrie Barroga, Administrative Assistant, Sir Felino de Jesus, Sir Mohammed Ali, Sir Rev. Dr. Neil Parado, Sir John Gano. As requested by the funders, an evaluator was present, Mrs. Regina Ramos Urbano, Coordinator of Adult Literacy and Technology of the Department of Education .
The Steering |Committee or Core Team members extend their warmest appreciation and gratitude to all facilitators, recorders, PCCM personnel, senior participants, food handlers, and everyone who helped in ensuring the success of the workshop. Our thanks also go to our funder, the New Horizon Program for Seniors through the federal department, the Human Resource Skills Development of Canada.
