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Mike Pagtakhan is still Winnipeg's only Filipino-Canadian city councillor, a decade after he went into politics.
John Woods for The Globe and Mail
Visible minorities thin on the ground at Canadian city councils
anna mehler paperny
From Wednesday's Globe and Mail
Published Tuesday, Nov. 08, 2011 7:28PM EST
Last updated Tuesday, Nov. 08, 2011 8:27PM EST
Winnipeg councillor Mike Pagtakhan looked around at a Federation of Canadian Municipalities meeting this year and was delighted to see some non-white faces among the throngs. Until he introduced himself.
“I asked, ‘Hey, are you councillors, reeves, mayors?’ They said, ‘No, no: We’re with the administration.’ I thought, ‘Uh, okay" It was unreal. I was just shocked.”
A decade after he went into municipal politics, Mr. Pagtakhan is still Winnipeg’s only Filipino-Canadian councillor. But with two visible minority councillors out of 15, the city is actually doing pretty well by Canadian standards.
Canadian politics is known as somewhat laggard when it comes to representing the country’s diverse population. But nowhere is that gap as stark as at the local level.
Municipalities with some of the greatest diversity levels on the planet remain governed by councils that don’t match the community.
Blame the same factors that lead to often abysmal engagement in local politics across the board: a high incumbency factor and a reliance on name recognition makes it next to impossible to unseat anyone running for re-election; there’s no party system, so newbies with few political connections are at a significant disadvantage; the messy minutia of local politics can turn even federally or provincially engaged people apathetic.
Voters feel distanced from councils that don’t represent them, so they’re less likely to get involved, which in turn means they’re less likely to be represented among elected officials.
A report released on Monday by Ryerson University politics professor Myer Siemiatycki found dismal visible-minority presence in Toronto-area politics about 11 per cent in Toronto, 9 per cent in Brampton and zero in Mississauga.
But other Canadian cities fare little better: Richmond, B.C., according to the 2006 census, was 65-per-cent visible minority. But Derek Dang is the city’s only councillor who’d fit that bill.
“If you’re looking at the ethnic makeup of the community versus the representation on council, it does seem to be disproportionate,” Mr. Dang said. “I don’t have a ready answer for that.”
He noted that he’s seen people who want to run but lack the political know-how or the linguistic ability. And because Richmond councillors are elected at large, he said, there’s no opportunity for the kind of micro-targeting that allowed the federal Conservatives to zero in on ethnic enclaves in swing ridings.
As head of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, Thomas Saras has seen plenty of municipal politicians from his vantage point in the belly of Toronto’s city hall. Many of his own members have sought his advice on prospective bids for council. But “as an outsider,” he said, “you cannot do anything.”
Jagdish Grewal, editor and publisher of the Brampton-based Punjabi Post, can rattle off a list of would-be ethnic entrants to local politics.
He said their low success rate indicates the limitations of identity politics. Without the backing of a federal or provincial party, candidates who try to run solely on connections in their micro-communities are doomed to failure.
“People are creating their own ghettos,” he said. “They don’t intermix with other communities that’s what is stopping them from being elected at the municipal level.”
Hammad Khan, in the midst of a by-election campaign to become Winnipeg’s first Pakistani-Canadian councillor, insists he’s never felt discriminated against. His community is under-represented on council, he says, because “nobody thought about it. Nobody took the opportunity.”
Mr. Khan, who came to Winnipeg from Lahore 12 years ago, is making up for that.
“I am 200-per-cent confident I will win.”
Opening of the Tyndall Park Community Playground
Councillor Mike Pagtakhan spearheaded the opening of the Tyndall Park Community Playground held last September 09, 2011. This Rejuvenation Project initiated by the Tyndall Park Community School Parent Council was funded through Councillor Mike's Community Incentive Grant Program (CIGP).
Intersection to return to two-way stop
Keewatin and Inkster Garden Blvd. four-way stop a real headache
By: Rob Brown
Posted: 04/13/2011 3:36 AM |
ROB BROWN
Traffic backs up more than a kilometre on Keewatin during high traffic times.
A civic committee has recommended that the city reverse a decision to install a four-way stop at the intersection of InkÂster Garden Drive and Keewatin Street.
Councillors on the Lord Selkirk-West Kildonan community committee recommended at an April 5 meeting that two stop signs on north and southbound Keewatin be removed while two existing signs on Inkster Garden remain in place.
The recommendation is expected to be heard by the city’s standing policy committee on infrastructure renewal and public works on May 3.
A report from the city’s traffic department recommends the removal of the two stop signs.
Area residents and business owners have been voicing concerns about the intersection since the city installed the two additional stop signs on Keewatin in the fall of 2009. They say the signs impede the flow of traffic and put motorists at risk.
Resident Eugene Kogan said he is pleased that the community committee has recommended that the signs be removed.
"It’s a wise move and will help tremendously," he said.
Stephen Chapman, a traffic studies engineer with the city, said a recent traffic study of the intersection indicated that the signs on Keewatin should be removed.
"Ninety to 95% of vehicles on Inkster Gardens are turning right at that intersection and heading south on Keewatin," he said. "And 800 cars an hour is just too much."
Chapman said removing the two signs should significantly improve traffic flow at the intersection with only minor delays during rush hour.
Meadows West residents said in January that the additional stop signs has created a daily gridlock on Keewatin near the intersection.
Several business owners in a strip mall near the intersection noted that the four-way stop has prompted some drivers to swerve into the mall’s parking lot to avoid stopping at the intersection. The backlog of traffic also makes it difficult for employees to exit the strip mall’s parking lot, they said.
Kogan said that while removing the two stop signs would help reduce traffic congestion at the intersection, the city should consider changing where a stop sign on Inkster Garden is located. The sign was moved 15 metres further back from Keewatin last fall.
"Sometimes traffic on Keewatin doesn’t even see cars waiting to turn off of Inkster Garden," he said.
"Many times cars on Inkster don’t see the stop sign either, because it is placed so in advance of the actual intersection."
Lorraine Yeomans, who works at Pulse Engineering on Keewatin, said she thinks the city should consider adding traffic lights at the intersection.
One area resident said traffic lights could create additional problems.
"Unless the city is looking at twinning Keewatin north of Inkster, we don’t need them," said Meadows West homeowner Brian Fast.
Coun. Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) said removing the two stop signs on Keewatin is the best option for the city
"There will still be delays at peak traffic hours, but this is better than compared to all-day issues when the intersection was a four-way stop," he said.
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Big North End infill job
Small firm continues rebuilding work
By: Murray McNeill
Posted: 04/5/2011 1:00 AM |
Homes in Maharlika Prairie Estates will sell for $219,000 to $259,000. Above, a typical design in Maharlika Prairie Estates. (HANDOUT)
A small, family-owned construction company is helping to rebuild parts of the city's North End, one square block at a time.
Judge Construction plans to break ground within the next six to eight weeks on a $10-million infill housing development on a nearly one-square-block parcel of land just west of McPhillips Street.
Maharlika Prairie Estates will feature 35 two- and three-bedroom, entry-level homes on the parcel bounded by Aberdeen and Redwood avenues, and Fife and Shaughnessy streets.
It's Judge Construction's second major infill housing development in the area within the last three years. Last summer, it completed a 25-home development on the site of the former Florence Nightingale School, at Manitoba Avenue and Shaughnessy.
The firm is also planning a similar infill housing development for the Weston area. Company president Gary Judge said it has already acquired the land, but it's still too early to say anything more about the project.
He said he and the firm's partner in the first two projects -- FCP Smart Builder -- would also like to do a major infill development in the heart of the North End if an appropriate site can be found.
"It has been a neglected area (for new housing developments). And the more we can do, the better it is for the community." Mike Pagtakhan, city councillor for the area, agreed, saying, "It's the fastest way to rebuild a community."
Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) said there haven't been any new housing developments of this size in the area "in a long time" and city officials "want to send a message to other developers that we're open for business and that there are lots of opportunities to do infill developments in the North End."
Judge Construction acquired the Fife Street property from the city last summer. Judge refused to disclose how much it paid, but said it was "a very good chunk of change."
The city earlier offered to sell the 1.3-hectare parcel to Manitoba Sikh Cultural and Seniors Centre Inc. and the Punjab Foundation of Manitoba for $1 so they could build a domed cultural centre and seniors home on the site. But when they were unable to raise $7.5 million for the project, they opted instead to buy the former Brooklands Collegiate on King Edward Street for $900,000 and turn that into a cultural centre.
Paktakhan said the city retained a tree belt at the southwest corner of the property, which will be redeveloped as public green space.
The homes in the Maharlika Prairie Estates development will be raised bungalow or bi-level-style homes. They will range in size from 809 to 1,100 square feet, and will sell for $219,000 to $259,000.
Maharlika is a Filipino term meaning nobility or aristocracy, according to Wikipedia.
Judge said they are similar to the homes in the Florence Nightingale development, which sold out within 18 months. He said that confirmed his belief there is a strong demand for new entry-level homes in areas like the North End and Weston, where he lived from 2001 to 2007.
Although these are the first two new-home developments the company has tackled, Judge said he and his business parter, Rupinder Walia, purchased, refurbished and resold about 18 existing homes in the North End and Weston areas from 2001 to 2007.
He said young families purchased most of the homes in the Florence Nightingale development, and he expects it will be the same with the Fife project.
He said the company had a list of 15 interested buyers even before it acquired the property. The two agents selling the homes.
Three levels of government announce funding for the conversion of St. Matthews Church to affordable housing. (Left to right) Mike Pagtakhan, Winnipeg City Councillor for Point Douglas, Kerri Irvin-Ross, Manitoba Minister of Housing and Community Development, Reverend Kathy Campbell, Rector of St. Matthews Church and Vice-Chair of St. Matthews Non-Profit Housing, Steven Fletcher, Federal Minister of Democratic Reform and Roger Gateson, Chair of St. Matthews Non-Profit Housing. READ MORE
January 24, 2011
THREE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR NEW AFFORDABLE AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
Winnipeg, Manitoba The Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg today announced $2.27 million in funding for the WestEnd Commons, a 24-unit affordable housing project being developed by St. Matthews Non Profit Housing Inc. and the Grain of Wheat Church Community.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development, and Mike Pagtakhan, Winnipeg City Councillor for Point Douglas, on behalf of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz.
“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable and supportive housing available in Manitoba and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Minister Fletcher. “The WestEnd Commons will provide low-income families and those at-risk of homelessness with safe and suitable housing that will enable them to build stronger futures for themselves here in Winnipeg.”
“Housing is a key factor in the health and well-being of all of us,” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “This unique project will involve converting an almost 100 year old church into safe, quality housing. We are proud to be able to work with organizers of the St. Matthews project to provide affordable housing options for people living in Winnipeg.”
“The creation of these new units offers hope and opportunity to those in our community who need additional support and a place to call home,” said Councillor Pagtakhan. “I am pleased to see that another wonderful project has become a reality under the WHHI, an initiative that is making a difference in Winnipeg.”
When complete, the WestEnd Commons will include 20 affordable rental units and four supportive housing units for individuals with mental health issues. St. Matthews Non Profit Housing Inc. and the Grain of Wheat Church Community are overseeing the development.
The project involves the conversion of the 12,500 square foot church, originally built in 1912, into 24 one- to four-bedroom apartments over the next twelve months. St. Matthews Non Profit Housing Inc. and the Grain of Wheat Church Community are exploring alternative heat sources in an effort to reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The project received $1.8 million in funding through the amended Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Agreement. Under the Agreement, the federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to an overall investment of $176 million for affordable housing throughout Manitoba. An additional federal investment of $387,000 was provided by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. The City of Winnipeg is also contributing $90,000 as part of a multiple family/mixed-use building grant.
In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years for the construction of new and the renovation of existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.
Through Manitoba’s Long-Term Housing Strategy, HOMEWorks!, the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada are contributing $378 million over two years for housing initiatives in Winnipeg and across the Province. HOMEWorks! supports ALLAboard, Manitoba’s Poverty Reduction strategy by increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing for low-income Manitobans.More information about HOMEWorks!is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
The amendment to the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Agreement, which included funding under Canada's Economic Action Plan, signed in May2009, brought federal housing support of $88 million to the province. The Government of Manitoba is matching that commitment for a total of $176 million to assist those in housing need and, in collaboration with other levels of government and community partners, to make various types of affordable housing programs possible. In Manitoba, federal-provincial housing programs are delivered through the province’s department of Housing and Community Development.
More information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.
The WHHI housing programs are funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Manitoba Housing, and the City of Winnipeg, and homelessness programs are funded through the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
Since 2000, the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative a partnership between Canada, Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg has committed almost $185 million to repair, rehabilitate, or construct over 8400 housing units as well as assist those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless The WHHI is a single-window office for community organizations to access information on government-funded housing and homelessness programs. For more information, visit www.whhi.ca.
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July 6, 2010 - Councillor Mike Pagtakhan along with Mayor Sam Katz and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger were on hand at Maples to announce the joint Province/City Building Communities Initiative (BCI) Program. The City and Province are investing $5million each for capital works at community centres, parks and other public spaces throughout Winnipeg.
Maples was aportioned $250,000.00 from BCI as well as another $200,000. A new outdoor basketball and tennis court will be installed at the main Adsum site. Maples' satellite site at Elwick Schook will see the addition of a kid's basketball court and Maples' cricket pitch will undergo drainage upgrades, the installation of new paving, fencing and player benches.
July 15, 2010. The daylight shooting that claimed the life of a 24-year-old Winnipeg man on July 4, 2010 may not have been a random act of violence after all. Winnipeg police say their investigation has led them to believe there was an association between the deceased, Darren Walsh and Jheruel Mananghaya, the 24-year-old man who has been charged with the murder. Earlier in the week police said there was no indication Mananghaya and Walsh knew each other.
But a police spokeswoman said Wednesday morning, "We can't get into the details but we understand there was an association between the two from some time ago."
It was the second such incident at a Main Street and Euclid Avenue bus shelter in under a year, making some worry the stretch of Main Street, which is lined by medical clinics and offices, is becoming more violent.
Mike Pagtakhan joined hundreds of supporters for the Healing Event initiated by the North Point Douglas Women's Centre on July 15, 2010.
The North Point Douglas Women's Centre arranged for a healing event which took place at 221 Austin Street. The event was led by Elder May Louise Campbell with the able assistance of Roanna Hepburn.
Mike Pagtakhan has been supporting community residents as everyone responds to the events that happened at the bus shelter at the corner of Main and Euclid on July 4th, 2010.
(Filipino-Journal - Volume 26, Number 6, March 20 - April 5, 2010)
The weather is now conducive for going out and having fun with family and friends. There’s one nuisance though when taking a road trip-potholes on the roads that are more than just a nuisance. They can actually cause damage to cars and even vehicular accidents.
So, instead of simply cursing the road every time to encounter a pothole, help our city by reporting areas that need rehabilitation.
Let’s help keep our roads safe and free of such dangers.
Contact 311 to report a pothole.
Contact MPI Autopac at http://www.mpi.mb.ca/english/dr_tips/wfpcolumn/potholes.html if your vehicle was damaged when hitting a pothole.
Cause
Freeze thaw cycles during the spring season cause most potholes. During warmer weather, the snow melts, causing water to seep into the cracks in the pavement. When the temperature drops, the water freezes and causes the base to expand. This puts pressure on the pavement in a small area, resulting in pavement failure or a pothole.
Similarly, water in the cracks or in between the concrete and asphalt overlays can freeze, causing pieces of pavement to pop out. Heavy traffic puts an added burden on weak pavement.
Repair
Repairing potholes is an important part of street maintenance. The City strives to do this in a safe and cost-effective manner. Depending on the situation, a pothole repair may involve a temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent solution. Following are overviews of repair types:
Temporary Repair
Cold-mix patch
Asphalt product designed to remain workable during cold weather
Good bond between pavement and patch is not made, thus water can quickly flow into the patch forcing it out due to freeze thaw action
Semi-Permanent Repair
Pressurized-eulsion patch.
Machine-applied spray consisting of a combination of hot emulsified asphalt oil and crushed limestone chips
High pressure at which the patch material is sprayed forces it tightly into the pothole, and to some extent, it displaces water in the pothole
Repair lasts approximately 6 to 8 months
Permanent Repair
Hot-mix patch made of hot asphalt
Applied during dry weather
Debris in the pothole is blown out, and a tack coat of sticky emulsified asphalt oil is applied to the pothole
The hot asphalt mixture is placed into pothole and compacted with a vibratory plate compactor or vibratory roller
Produces a dense, hard patch that seals the edges of the pothole preventing water from getting under the patch
Reporting a Vehicle Damaged by a Pothole
If your vehicle was damaged when you hit a pothole, we recommend contacting MPI Autopac. A clear advantage to contacting them is that the MPI Adjuster will handle many of the details associated with resolving the situation.
You also have the option of directly contacting City Claims. However, you will be responsible for handling many of the details that the MPI Adjuster would have handled for you. When contacting City Claims, you will be expected to do the following:
Provide a minimum of two estimates
Arrange an appointment with a City Claims adjuster to see damage
By far, the easiest way to handle a pothole-damage situation is to call MPI Autopac. Check out the following link for more information:
http://www.mpi.mb.ca/english/dr_tips/wfpcolumn/potholes.html
Have a safe and stress-free driving!
Reference: http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/Services/Potholes_causeandrepair.asp [04/08/10].
(Filipino Journal - Volume 26, Number 5, March 5 -20, 2010)
The following bits of information are the city’s cleanup services this spring. In addition, there are many organizations that take part in our program by initiating community spring-cleanup drives.
Hence, I encourage all Winnipeggers to do their part in cleaning our city. Cleanup drives can be enjoying if collectively done with family members and friends.
To all those who are interested to be part of your community’s cleanup drive, please contact your nearest community center or school.Â
The street cleaning program provides a healthy and safe environment for the citizens of Winnipeg by protecting water quality, by preventing damage to regional and residential pavements, and by minimizing the burden of debris entering the storm sewer system.
Spring Cleanup
Spring cleanup activities involve removing the build-up of street debris that collects during the winter months.
All streets should be cleaned. Spring cleanup begins after the snow and ice has melted. Spring cleanup program start dates are announced through the media.
Boulevards. Sweeping boulevards begins when there are no frozen or wet boulevard surfaces or approximately two to three weeks after street sweeping begins.
Sidewalks. The sidewalks in the downtown area from Broadway to Ellice Avenue and from Main Street to Memorial Boulevard are cleaned on a regular basis, but not on the same schedule as street cleaning. Due to safety factors and the extra care that must be taken when sweeping around pedestrian traffic on the walks, the sidewalk sweeping process takes longer than the street cleaning process.
Parking Ban
Street cleaning services protect and enhance the livability of Winnipeg. Therefore, motorists are reminded to watch for temporary no parking signs. These signs are placed well in advance of sweeping operations and indicate the hours of prohibited parking. Vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. If your vehicle has been towed:
If your vehicle was parked on the street prior to the placement of temporary no parking signs and has been towed away, please check the next street over and/or around the corner for your vehicle or contact 311 for assistance.
If you parked your vehicle on the street after the placement of temporary no parking signs, contact Dr. Hook Towing Services at 956-4665.
Note: More than 1,600 vehicles were ticketed and towed in 2007.
The following information offers overviews of the primary activities of the street cleaning program.
Spring Cleanup
Annual program, running four to five weeks beginning in mid-April depending on weather conditions.
Initial focus is on the Downtown Square (bounded by Broadway/Ellice/Memorial and Main from Higgins to Assiniboine. Followed by effort on the balance of the regional street system.
Sweeping on regional streets takes place at night.
Daytime sweeping focuses on collector and residential streets.
Cleanup of boulevards in residential areas is limited to areas with excessive sand.
Call 311 to request an inspection of a boulevard if it appears there is an excessive amount of debris or abrasives.
Did you know?
Up to 200 pieces of equipment and 500 staff participate.
Budget for spring clean-up is in the millions of dollars.
Approximately 45,000 tonnes of aggregate (from winter ice control) removed.
Water is sprayed onto the streets to control dust.
Back Lane Sweeping Program
Paved back lanes are swept once a year
Begins after streets are swept in spring
Regular Cleanup
After spring cleanup is completed, Regional streets are swept once a week at night time.
Regional streets in Downtown Square are flushed once a week and swept three times a week.
From June to October, sidewalks in Downtown Square are flushed once a week.
Litter Control Paper Picking
Manual removal of litter from street right-of-way.
Emptying and disposal of litter from litter containers in the Downtown Square, the City’s parks and other designated areas.
The City does not provide new containers or collect litter at any additional/new containers due to limited funding in the operating budget.
Reference: http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/Services/CleanUp/Cleanup_street.asp
(Filipino Journal - Volume 24, Number 1 January 5 - 20, 2010)
The tradition of making New Year’s Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome, was placed at the head of the calendar.
With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. He became the ancient symbol for resolutions, and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.
The New Year has not always begun on January 1, and it doesn’t begin on that date everywhere today. It begins on that date only for cultures that use a 365-day solar calendar. January 1 became the beginning of the New Year in 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had.
The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. He was always depicted with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back. Thus, he could look backward and forward at the same time. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new. The Romans began a tradition of exchanging gifts on New Year’s Eve by giving one another branches from sacred trees for good fortune. Later, nuts or coins imprinted with the likeness of Janus became more common New Year’s gifts.
In the Middle Ages, Christians changed New Year’s Day to December 25, the birth of Jesus. Then they changed it to March 25, a holiday called the Annunciation. In the 16th century, Pope Gregory XIII revised the Julian calendar, and the celebration of the New Year was returned to January 1.
The Julian and Gregorian calendars are solar calendars. Some cultures have lunar calendars, however. A year in a lunar calendar is less than 365 days because the months are based on the phases of the moon. The Chinese, for instance, use a lunar calendar. Their new year begins at the time of the first full moon (over the Far East) after the sun enters Aquarius—sometime between January 19 and February 21.
Although the date for New Year’s Day is not the same in every culture, it is almost always a time for celebration and for customs to ensure good luck in the coming year.
Let us face New Year with positive attitude and look forward to meet new opportunities. In commemoration of the occasion, I would like to share this “Prayer for the New Year” by Tom Norvell:
Father, Give us a new year. Not just a new number, but a truly new year. Give us a year full of new things, new adventures, new attitudes, and visions. Lord, give us a new year full of new ideas and refresh some of our old ideas. Give us new relationships and renew old relationships, and restore relationships that have been broken.
Father, give us a new year. Give us a new song. Give us a new memory. Give us a new image of Your Son, and help us to show His image of those who are new to You. Give us new thoughts, new friends, and new things that replace the old, worn-out things.
Father, give us a new year. The year that has just ended was difficult for some of us. There were struggles and frustrations and disappointments that we did not handle so well. Give us a better mentality and better spiritual insight that will help us deal with the struggles, frustrations and disappointments that will come in this New Year.
Father, give us a new year. Give us a year filled with new ministries, new opportunities, new voices, and new messages. Help us hold on to the old things that are worth holding, and help us let go of the old things that have served their purpose.
Father, give us a new year. Give us a year that is not controlled by fear. A year in which we are not afraid of people who are different. A year when we are not afraid of ideas that are new, of plans that are new, and places that are new.
Father, give us a new year. Give us a year filled with new love. A new love for You. A new love for each other. A new love for Your Kingdom. A new love for strangers. A new love for the helpless. A new love for the needy. A new love for poor. A new love for rich. A new love for all people.
Father, give us a new year. Help us put the old one to bed. Help us to leave the things of the past in the past. Help us look forward. Help us look beyond what we can see to what You have planned for us that we cannot see. Help us move forward with confidence and courage and humility and gentleness.
Father, give us a new year. Help us, in this New Year to completely surrender to You and what You have planned for us in this year filled with new things.
Masaganang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!!!
References :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janus
www.goalsguy.com
www.heartlight.org
(Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 24 December 20 - January 5, 2010)
Christmas is the season during which Christians everywhere give thanks to God the Father for the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. This joyous cycle begins on December 25, the Festival of the Nativity of our Lord, more commonly known in English-speaking countries as Christmas. Along with Easter and Pentecost, Christmas is one of the three great festival days Christians celebrate. Christmas is the climax of a longer liturgical cycle that begins with Advent, continues after Christmas with Epiphany and the Sundays that follow, and ends with Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
The modern English word Christmas comes from the Old English Christes Maesse (Christ Mass), the name of the service of Holy Communion that commemorates Christ’s birth. Familiar names for Christmas in other languages include Navidad (Spanish), Natale (Italian), Natal (Portuguese), and Noel (French) - all of which derived from Dies Natalis, Latin for “Day of the Birth.”
Christmas in the Philippines
In the Philippines, Christmas Day is perhaps the most anticipated holiday on the calendar. Traditionally, it is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on December 16. Known as Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) in the traditional Spanish and Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) in Filipino, this novena of Masses is a very important Filipino Christmas tradition.
These nine dawn Masses refer to the Roman Catholic and Aglipayan practice of performing nine days of private or public devotion to obtain special graces. In some parishes, Simbang Gabi begins as early as four o’clock in the morning. Going to mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show the churchgoer’s devotion and faith as well as to heighten anticipation for the Nativity of Jesus. In traditional Filipino belief, moreover, completing the novena is supposed to mean that God would grant the devotee’s special wish.
After hearing a dawn mass, Filipino families usually partake in the celebration of traditional Philippine Christmastime delicacies, either during breakfast at home after the mass or at food stalls outside the church. Vendors offer a wealth of native delicacies, including bibingka (cake made of rice flour and eggs, cooked using coals on top of and under the pastry), puto bumbong (purple sticky rice delicacy steamed inside bamboo tubes, with brown sugar and shredded dried coconut meat served as condiments), salabat (hot ginger tea), and tsokolate (thick Spanish cocoa). In some Aglipayan churches, after the mass everybody is invited to partake the “painit” (after mass snacks of delicacies with hot coffee or tsokolate) at the house of the sponsor of the mass.
Christmas around Winnipeg
Christmas in Winnipeg is a spectacular time of year! Everyone is friendlier, which is quite the feat, seeing how we’re already known as friendly Manitoba! The lights are incredible, which is one reason Winnipeg is known as the Christmas Capital of Canada.
The Reason for the Celebration
No matter how we celebrate Christmas, for me most important is how we look back and give thanks to God, who is the reason for the celebration.
It is a thanksgiving to Him, who was born to give us hope, peace, and love-and had shared with us an everlasting present, our salvation.
Let us continue to observe Christmas in however which way we like it as long as we do not forget that the real birthday celebrant of this season is Jesus Christ.
Happy Birthday, Jesus Christ!
Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat! |
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(Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 23 December 5 - 20, 2009)
Councilor Mike Pagtakhan with EPW Executive Director Penny Will and Administrative Assistant Jane Zhang.
(A Chance to Make a Good First Impression)
Occasionally, job fairs are held to attract a great number of applicants. Events like these are especially helpful and beneficial to new immigrants, because they don’t need to scout for establishments that are currently hiring. At job fairs, several companies and a myriad choices of jobs are all there at the same time.
The applicant can easily take his pick and apply to as many jobs as he wants without spending so much time when visiting companies during a typical jobhunting day. However, before you attend a job fair, be sure that you are ready for the purpose. Here are some tips to help you.
1. Be positive about your abilities and your chances of finding the right job.
2. Know yourself. For instance, if you find a long commute stressful, do not apply for jobs that include such requirements.
3. Know what you want. Identify short- and long-term career goals.
4. Assess your skills. Make sure you are fully qualified for the field you want to be in.
5. Be good at what you do and take pride in your work at any level.
6. Always keep updated copies of your resume and if possible, customize it for each job application. One size does not fit all, particularly in a tight job market. Check and recheck the information you provided in the application form. One careless misspelling, faulty use of punctuation marks, or simple grammatical errors on your application form might render you unqualified for the job.
7. Use the KISS principle (as in Keep It Short and Simple) and the “you” attitude: Write an appropriate cover letter addressed to the actual name (with position) of the person through whom you are applying, instead of simply putting “Dear Unit Supervisor,” research the name of the unit supervisor beforehand so you can put his/her name on the letter. Focus on how your skills fit the company, not simply on why you want the job.
8. Incorporate the wording of any careers ad in your application and/or cover letter. Some career advisers suggest cutting and pasting the entire ad to the end of your resume and turning it into white ink so that it is not visible. In this format, it can still be detected by the computer scanner that checks applications for key words. This ensures that your application passes to the next stage. Applications that do not contain the key words and they are in the ad somewhere, do not move on.
9. Maximize your network. Let friends, former employers, colleagues, and other contacts know the kind of job/career you want. Find a mentor. Ask for advice.
10. Be there. Be ready, willing, and able for any assignments that improve your skills and expand your contacts.
11. Volunteer. Helping others also helps you. You learn new skills, make new contacts, and possibly land a job with the organization that takes you on as a volunteer.
12. Be prepared for job interviews. Make sure you know something about the company and/or position that you are being interviewed for. Dress smartly and simply. Be especially particular about hygiene. Arrive early, so you have time for last-minute grooming and perhaps a moment to relax before starting the interview. Don’t look insecure rather be confident in front of the interviewer, but be respectful and courteous at the same time.
13.Be ready for such standard questions as “What is your greatest strength?” and “In which area are you weak?
14.No one should need to be told this, but be sure that your cellphone or any other beeping device is turned off during an interview.
Remember: During job interviews, you usually have only one chance to make a good first impression. Don’t blow away your chance to impress tactfully.
Employment Project of Winnipeg
Are you looking for professional employment counseling? Visit Employment Project of Winnipeg Inc. (EPW), a nonprofit organization that provides individual employment counselling for new immigrants in Manitoba. It works with clients to provide programs and services that connect individuals born outside Canada with local employers.
Founded in 1977, it provides a wide range of services and programs sensitive to the needs of both immigrant and Canadian-born clients.
EPW offers one-day workshops. New immigrants are encouraged to attend. For inquiry and reservation, call 949-5300. EPW is located at 990-167 Lombard Avenue. For more information, visit epwinc@epw.ca.
Share your views and opinions. Log on to www.mikepagtakhan.ca. Post your ideas on our message board.
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(Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 21 (November 5 - 20, 2009)
quarter of a century ago, a small group of concerned Bicolanos held an informal meeting which aimed to help schoolchildren in the Bicol region of the Philippines. The idea came from Paz Rosario, whose desire to help was ignited after spending a vacation in Bicol, in the Philippines, and witnessing the plight of many schoolchildren. She discussed the idea with Gemma Dalayoan, a teacher at John M. King School who shared the same sentiment. They sat down and brainstormed in a series of meetings with other Bicolano friends, resulting in the formation of Bicol of Association of Manitoba Inc. (BAMI), with Rolly Bercasio as the first elected president. This was the start of what became a continuous aspiration to help fellow Bicolanos back home.
Shortly after the incorporation of BAMI, Mount Mayon—one of the Philippines’ famous volcanoes—erupted, affecting the lives of many Bicolanos and damaging their livelihood and properties. It was an opportunity for BAMI to put their vision into action. The group organized a fundraiser to help the victims of the calamity. Collaborating with the Philippine Red Cross, BAMI was able to send relief goods and financial assistance to the victims in the Philippines. From then on, BAMI has been actively involved in relief operations for victims of natural calamities.
Aside from such humanitarian undertakings, BAMI has strengthened its cultural identity also by participating in various cultural events like the Philippine Heritage Week and by celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga’s patron saint. Naga is one of the leading cities of Bicol.
Current Leadership
Immigrating into Winnipeg in 1975, Tess Newton is BAMI’s current president. Many in the Filipino community know her as hardworking, rising from being a caregiver to becoming a cashier and finally a personality in the business and insurance field. As the association’s president, Newton encourages her fellow members to become active in community events and other socialization programs. For instance, BAMI was among the associations that quickly responded to the call for assistance for the victims of the recent calamities in the Philippines.
Asked about her expectations for BAMI in the next ten years, Newton hopes to see more of the Bicolano youths’ active participation in community events and services and future leadership.
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(Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 20 ( October 20 - November 5, 2009)
Winnipeg, October 14, 2009 – Councilor Mike Pagtakhan, Chairman of Downtown Development and Winnipeg Housing Steering Committee, was joined today by Honorable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of the Parliament for Provencher; and Minister Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Family Services and Housing for the announcement and ground-breaking rites of a new affordable housing for new Canadians at 500 Block of Balmoral, Downtown Winnipeg.Â
Today’s announcement includes more than $1.85 million in funding through the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Program, Manitoba Housing’s HOMEWorks Program.
These investments are part of the Government of Canada’s $1.9 billion commitment for housing and homelessness for low-income Canadians. As part of this investment, the Affordable Housing Program, the renovation programs for low-income households and Homelessness Partnering Strategy were extended. This investment is part of the provincial and federal government’s $327 million two-year investment plan and falls under HOMEWorks!, Manitoba’s affordable housing options for new Canadians.
“Winnipeg is, above all, a city where people genuinely care about their neighborhoods and each other. The city is proud to be a partner and investor in Centre Village, because the housing opportunities it will provide to residents of the Central Park area are our community’s best tradition of neighbors helping neighbors,” Councilor Pagtakhan said in his speech.
All three level of government are supporting the construction of a new $3.7 million, 25-unit apartment complex located in downtown Winnipeg. Construction of Centre Village Housing is underway, and the building will be ready for tenants in the summer of 2010.
“Manitoba has a long history of welcoming and supporting new Canadians, and there’s nothing more important than having a safe and affordable place to live,” said Minister Mackintosh. “Today’s announcement builds on other recent commitments and demonstrates that when we work together with the community we can really make a difference.”
In Winnipeg, these investments are being delivered through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The partners work together to deliver funding provided through each level of government for affordable housing to address homelessness and to assist in the revitalization of Winnipeg’s older neighborhoods by providing rehabilitation and repair loans.
Councilor Pagtakhan has been active in promoting decent housing programs for Winnipegers through his collaboration with the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC), Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) and Habitat for Humanity using his capacity as the Chairman of Winnipeg Housing Steering Committee.
Two weeks ago, WHHI lauded Councilor Pagtakhan for his significant role in the on-going construction of a housing program along Bannatyne Avenue called Welcome Place.
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(Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 19 ( October 5 - 20, 2009)
Winnipeg, MB, September 25, 2009 – A simple but signature announcement took place today at 519 Bannatyne for the formal public announcement for the start of construction of a new 25,000 square foot apartment complex to be known as Welcome Place.
Councilor Mike Pagtakhan, Chair, Winnipeg Housing Steering Committee, was joined by Member of Parliament Steven Fletcher on behalf of Federal Minister Diane Finley, and Minister Gord Mackintosh, Family Services and Housing for the announcement of the construction along with Marty Dolin, Executive Director of the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, and Jennifer Partridge of the Winnipeg Foundation.
In his speech, Dolin emphasized the invaluable support extended by Councillor Mike Pagtakhan in making the project possible. “I would like to give a special mention to Councillor Mike Pagtakhan because without him, I don’t think this project could have been possible. Mike worked really hard stick-handling this project thru City Hall!” Dolin added. Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, has been known for his continuing support and advocacy of housing programs of the city.
Through the Winnipeg Housing & Homelessness Initiative, all three levels of government are supporting the construction of this new $4.4 million, 25,000 square foot housing complex and settlement service facility for newly arrived refugees called Welcome Place. The facility, run by Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council will have a flexible design that will allow for different-sized suites depending on the number of refugees who need housing. Construction is currently underway, and will be ready to take new residents in spring 2010.
According to Councilor Pagtakhan, “Welcome Place will be just that, a welcome for new Canadians, opening doors to the many opportunities we enjoy in Winnipeg and Canada. This is a remarkable humanitarian, sustainable and much-needed housing project for new Canadians that will provide transitional housing and support services.” He added, “The City is proud to be a partner in this project, and proud of the people in our community who will make it work.”
“The Government of Canada is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and is fulfilling its commitment to help those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Minister Fletcher. “Through this investment, the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative will be able to help individuals and families in need.
“Manitoba recognizes the importance of supporting new Canadians and there’s nothing more important than having a safe, affordable place to live,” said Minister Mackintosh. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that when governments work together, and involve the community we can make great things happen.”
The Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) served more than 1,300 individual refugees or refugee families in 2007 and has outgrown its current facilities. Combining housing and supportive services in one location will enable MIIC to efficiently deliver urgent need services and support services to their clients as well as help refugees move towards autonomy and self sufficiency. These services include orientation to Canada, counselling, education, life skills, settlement services and volunteer services. Welcome Place also has the support of community groups like the Winnipeg Foundation, whose contributions will assist with ongoing operations and programming.
“A lot of time and energy has been put into this wonderful project, and we’re glad to be a part of the effort to build momentum towards the creation of more affordable housing,” said Marty Dolin, the Executive Director of the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council.
Says Councillor Pagtakhan, “This is another great day for Point Douglas Ward! This project started with a discussion about three years ago at City Hall with Marty Dolin about the need for more housing for new Canadians in Winnipeg. I wholeheartedly congratulate Marty Dolin, and his team at Welcome Place for this project. This is just a start, and I hope that this will be a catalyst for the development of more housing projects for new Canadians. I will continue to work with Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) and other housing proponents to help realize that goal.”
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(Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 18 ( September 20 - October 5, 2009)
Many Filipinos associate the Philippine province of Pangasinan with the delicacy called bagoong isda (salted and fermented bonnet mouth fish), also used as an ingredient in various Filipino dishes. Etymologically, “pang-asÃnan” means “for salt-making.” The province was named as such because it is a major producer of salt in the Philippines.
Salt of the Earth
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” This is the Biblical passage about the salt where people are challenged to be the salt of the earth. Hence, Pangasinan does have not only a rich culture but also—based on the symbolic meaning of the passage—a deeper commitment to serving the community.
Looking Back
Pangasinan Group of Manitoba (PGM) was founded in 1986 by four Pangasineños namely Marcelino Almazan (deceased), Manny Cancisno, Ellen Chua, and Sally Soriano. PGM is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization incorporated under the Corporations Act of Manitoba. It represents its members, including Seniors and Youth Group within the organization. It aims to contribute to the pride, well-being, and empowerment of its members so that they can actively participate in the social, cultural, and economic life in Canada and its citizenry.
PGM Today
Currently consisting of 297 families, PGM is headed by Rowena Oquendo, its president, along with its officers: Jaime Gabriel, Lydia Baquiran, Arcadio Baquiran, Emilio Oquendo, Roderick Mararac, Orlando Buduhan, Jose Lafiguera, Esther Gabriel, Sally Asperin, Ed Kean, Lamberto Flores, Adan Aquino, Freddie Sion, Cesar Fronda, and Nestor Gabriel.
Accomplishments
In 1992, PGM ratified its constitution and bylaws. Among the major accomplishments of the group are the following.
¦ Produced the plays Ako Ay Pilipino and May Linac Lay Labi, directed by Adonis Pobre (1992)
¦ Sponsored scholarship for member children attending postsecondary education (2000–2002)
¦ Donated $3000 to Mt. Zion Pilgrimage in Bugallon, Pangasinan (2006)Â
¦ Donated $500 worth of food hampers and donations to eight needy families and orphanage in Pangasinan (2007)
¦ Donated $1550 for relief efforts after devastation of typhoon Cosme (2008)
¦ Formed PGM Basketball League with five teams (2009)
¦ Held PGM Seniors’ Coronation (2009)
¦ Granted scholarship award of one year vocational course to an indigenous student in Pangasinan (2009)
¦ Donated and sent a 40-foot container of medical supplies and equipment to Region I
More Community Involvement
Last February, PGM organized its own basketball league, the chief aim of which is to gather its members (and nonmembers as well) through participating in a sport well-loved by many Filipinos.Â
PGM also revived the Seniors’ Group to encourage the seniors to take part in group activities and projects that can keep them physically and mentally active.
The group also supports community fundraisers and projects, like Gawad Kalinga, Bike with Mike, and Bike-B-Q Funride.
During the spring flood this year, PGM, led by its officers and members, volunteered in the city’s sandbagging activities. The group also provides manpower volunteers at International Hope Centre.
After 10 years
Asked about her foresight for the group ten years from now, Oquendo said with confidence, “Successful in its endeavors and continuing to contribute to the well-being of the community here in Winnipeg as well as back home in the Philippines.”
Not yet a member?
For all Pangasineños who are not yet members of PGM, here’s a message from Oquendo: “Why join PGM? Because we are open and welcoming to new members. We initiate projects that you can be a part of. We organize get-togethers like annual picnics and Christmas parties, during which new members may make new friends and expand their social network.”
“I also encourage everyone who is not yet a member of any association to find the one that suits your needs. Everyone has skills and talents that he should share with the community. By pooling our resources from our people, we grow as a group, benefiting the entire Filipino community.”
I salute PGM for its contribution to community-building. May everyone be inspired in promoting unity, camaraderie, and volunteerism.
Mabuhay ang PGM!
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(Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 17 ( September 5 - September 20, 2009)
Councilor Mike Pagtakhan of Point Douglas organized BikeB-Q Funride, a parade of decorated bicycles, perhaps the first of its kind in the Filipino community.
A parade of bicycles, perhaps the first of its kind in the Filipino community, dubbed as BikeB-Q Funride, took place recently. Since that almost everyone surely has a bike or at least has access to a bike, I wanted our community to celebrate the bicycle as a method of transportation. More than that, rising a bike is as a way of staying healthy and fit. The fun-filled parade commenced at Northgate Shopping Centre and stretched to Kildonan Park. Members of the Winnipeg Police Service escorted the participants through all traffic lights, to ensure the safety of the cyclists as well as the spectators.
With the sun beaming down, the day was perfect for the event. About a hundred cyclists came out to join the parade. Because I and the rest of the organizers encouraged participants behorehand to decorate their bikes based on any of the seven sacred teachings of the Aboriginals—love, respect, honesy, courage, humility, wisdom, and truth—the level of creativity that emanated was tremendous. Next year’s additional planned category for the decorated bikes would be “Jeepney-Inspired Bicycles.”
Several participants whose decorated bikes best caught our impression won iPod Shuffles. The best of the best won an iPod Touch.
After the event, numerous cyclists expressed their enthusiasm and support by suggesting that we do it again next year.
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Canstar Community News Ltd - Sept. 10, 2009
The days of heaving asphalt at mid-court, potholes along the baseline and weed patches at the free-throw line at Weston Memorial Community Centre will soon be over.
A newly renovated court at the community club will make it the place to be for basketball and tennis players this summer and well into the future.
The highly durable rubber-based court, along with pro-style backboards and nets, is expected to be ready for play by next week. It will feature a full-size basketball court and a regulation tennis court separated by a chain link fence.
Bob Gingras, the community centre’s manager, said he expects the new court to get plenty of use from area residents.
“It’s definitely going to be a great addition to the community centre. A lot of kids play basketball in the area,” Gingras said. “We’re planning to keep the lights on until 10 p.m.
“At first, it will just be for drop-in games so we can get as much exposure as possible, but from there we’re going to work on the possibility of having some three-on-three tournaments and maybe getting the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association involved, too.”
Gingras said the $226,000 project was funded through a variety of grants from area councillor Mike Pagtakhan and city council as a whole, as well as money that was originally earmarked for a new outdoor rink.
“We thought there was the potential to have a longer season on an outdoor court,” he said.
The special floor, made of the same material as the existing court at Garden City Community Centre, is designed to be easy on the knees of someone who falls and is much more durable than concrete or asphalt.
Basketball Manitoba executive director Adam Westlake said the city’s two other existing courts in Garden City and Whyte Ridge have been huge hits.
“Looking at Garden City on a nice day, it’s shoulder to shoulder people,” Wedlake said. “It’s like going from one to 100 in quality.”
Wedlake said he’d love to see many more similar courts built as a way to promote “the dying art of unstructured play, like road hockey or stickball.”
Playing pickup games for fun is the best way to instill a love of basketball among young people, Wedlake added.
“Playing just for the sheer enjoyment of sport and camaraderie, but not the added pressures of the crowd or parents or trophies…those kids at a young age with a love and passion for the sport will most likely make that a lifelong activity,” he said.
Basketball Manitoba and the WMBA are working with community centres throughout the city to get more courts built.
“The time is right with the governments,” Wedlake said. “In five years, we’ll see one of these in most neighbourhoods in the city.”
(Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 16 ( August 20 - September 5,, 2009)
 WINNIPEG, MB – August 17, 2009 – City Hall United, a team of City of Winnipeg councilors and their staff, took to the soccer field at Shaughnessy Park to play a friendly match with the youth of Sinclair Park Community Centre. The team’s members included Councilors Mike Pagtakhan, Gord Steeves, and Jeff Browaty; Superintendent Art Stannard of the Winnipeg Police Service; Director Clive Wightman of the City’s Community Services Department; Senior Committee Clerk Marc Pittet; Information Clerk Chayanika Abeysekera of the City Clerk’s Department, Executive Assistant to Mayor Katz; Denys Volkov; and Katie Young, a recreation technician in the Community Services Department.
Despite the rainy weather, the inner-city youth continued to flock to this summer soccer program. The event was held to celebrate another successful summer for the City’s SPIN program (Sport Programs in Inner City Neighbourhoods), which Councilor Mike Pagtakhan strongly supports.
“Today we played against the youth at Sinclair Park Community Centre; and let me tell you, they were tremendous athletes. They were quick, agile, and handled the ball proficiently. Simply put, they bested us adults! We continue to support the SPIN Program at the City as it provides the inner-city youth with the opportunity to get involved in a team sport, to stay healthy, to meet new friends, and most of all, to have oodles of fun in the summer,” said Pagtakhan.
Councilor Pagtakhan is a known supporter of various sporting events such as soccer, basketball, hockey, arm-wrestling, and baseball. In fact, he is the representative of the sponsor for the uniforms of North Winnipeg Triple A Peewee Baseball Team as they represent the province in a national competition this month. “I believe that our city is blessed with young people who have the potential to excel in various sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball, and hockey; so it is only fitting that we continue to support them,” Pagtakhan added.
Moreover, Mayor Sam Katz expressed his delight in the continuing popularity of the SPIN program and with the opportunities it provides to the inner-city youth. He said, “Every child deserves a summer of fun and healthful activities, and primarily for these that we remain grateful to all our partner organizations and the volunteers who make SPIN a success.”
SPIN is an initiative of LiveSAFE, a crime-prevention policy of the City of Winnipeg which works to address the root causes of crime, by partnering with community organizations to provide social, health, economic, educational, and recreational programming, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable children and youth.
SPIN provides inner-city kids aged 6–14 with free access to sports opportunities, offering them a fun and participatory way of learning basic skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and fair play. So far, over 630 kids have registered for SPIN programs this year.
The SPIN program is led by the City’s Community Services Department, in partnership with the Winnipeg Police Service, Sport Manitoba, General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres, Winnipeg School Division, Kid Sport, Winnipeg Community Sport Alliance, Manitoba Soccer Association, Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association, Manitoba Volleyball Association, Volleyball Canada, Manitoba Table Tennis Association, and over 25 host organizations.
This fall, SPIN will offer an eight-week tennis program, running from October 5 to November 28. For more information, contact SPIN recreation technician Corey Burgess at 204-250-5682 or through SPIN@winnipeg.ca.
Mga kabataan, habang maayon ang panahon, sumali sa mga kapaki-pakinabang na gawain!
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(Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 15 ( August 5 - 20, 2009)
If you are spending part of your summer renovating your home, I’d like to make you aware of the City of Winnipeg’s Home Renovation Tax Assistance Program, which can provide you up to $500 of tax credits annually for three years.
Provided below are some general information, including eligibility requirements, how to apply some of the eligible renovations, and the kinds of renovations that do not qualify under the program. For more information, you may contact the Home Renovation Tax Assistance Program office at 986-5146.
Eligibility Requirements
The 2009 program is intended for residents who comply with all of the following eligibility requirements.
• The resident’s home is used solely for residential occupation.
• The resident’s home was built before January 1, 1984.
• The resident’s home and land on which it is situated has an assessed value of not exceeding $144,057 in 2009.
How to Apply for the 2009 Program
• A City of Winnipeg Building Permit must be obtained before you begin renovations.
• Residents or their contracted representatives can get permits.
• Permits must be obtained in person at the Zoning and Permits Branch, which is located at Unit 31 - 30 Fort Street. For further information, contact the Zoning and Permits Branch at 986-5146.
• When obtaining a permit, residents are required to estimate the costs of all renovations. An appropriate application fee will be charged in accordance with the City of Winnipeg Development Fees By-law. Residents are advised to obtain a quotation from a professional contractor prior to obtaining a permit.
• Residents may apply until 2009 Program funds are depleted or until December 31, 2009; whichever occurs first.
• City of Winnipeg Housing and Existing Buildings Branch staff inspect all renovations to ensure compliance with applicable by-laws.
• Permit fees can be claimed as a program expense.
• When a building permit is not required by by-law for an eligible renovation, an eligible homeowner shall not be charged a fee for applying for a tax credit under this by-law.
Eligible Renovations
The 2009 Home Renovation Tax Assistance Program has two categories of eligible renovations.
• Standard Renovations – Generally, the following standard renovations are eligible for a 15% tax credit:
• Renovating kitchens, bathrooms and unfinished basements.
• Building an addition to a home that will be used as a year-round living space.
• Installing, repairing or upgrading a plumbing system or electrical system or a ventilation system, but not including an air conditioner.
• Reinforcing or repairing a foundation or basement, including weeping tile, excavation and related landscaping.
• Home security alarms.
• Installing or repairing exterior sheathing, roofing, shingling, soffits, fascia, eavestroughing, doors or windows (excluding skylight windows).
• Installing or repairing a water or sewer system, including excavation and related landscaping.
• Purchasing and installing a low flush toilet.
• Modifying a home to accommodate a disabled person or renovating for reasons of safety or occupant health.
• Repairing a home to ensure or maintain compliance with the maintenance and occupancy by-law.
• Constructing or repairing a deck, verandah or garage.
• Energy-Efficiency Renovations – Generally, the following energy-efficiency renovations that meet or exceed Manitoba Hydro Power Smart guidelines are eligible for a 25% tax credit:
• Renovating an unfinished basement with insulation to the walls and floors.
• Upgrading a primary heating system.
• Upgrading an electrical system.
• Upgrading a ventilation system.
• Insulating walls and an attic.
• Upgrading and insulating doors and windows.
For further information, visit the Manitoba Hydro website at www.hydro.mb.ca.
Ineligible Renovations
Generally, the following renovations are ineligible:
• Building or repairing a fence, driveway, patio or sidewalk unless necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the home or for safety or occupant health reasons.
• Installing or repairing a play structure or swimming pool.
• Landscaping, unless related to excavation work.
• Interior decorating such as installing wallpaper, blinds or drapes.
• Interior and exterior painting and installing or repairing floor covering unless related to eligible renovations, necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the home or for safety or occupant health reasons.
• Installing or repairing a household appliance, skylight windows, fireplace, hot tub or jacuzzi, secondary heating system, heat pump unless it is the primary heating source, air conditioner, back-up generator, air purification system, radio or television antenna or satellite dish, lawn sprinkler system, awnings or any improvements that are not permanently affixed to a home.
• Modification to a home to allow a non-residential use or multi-family use.
• Constructing or repairing an accessory building such as a greenhouse, gazebo or sunroom.
Completion of Renovations
• In order to be considered for a tax credit, all renovations must be completed by residents on or before December 31, 2009.
• After obtaining a permit, a Program claim form is mailed to residents.
• The claim form and accompanying receipts or proof of payment must be submitted to the Program office for completed renovations on or before December 31, 2009.
• Residents are required to submit receipts or proof of payment for all expenses itemized on their claim form.
• Photocopies of receipts may be submitted. Original receipts will not be returned to residents.
• Residents are advised that a claim for incomplete renovations will not be eligible.
• Residents may include the following costs and expenses on their claim form:
• Materials
• Contractor labour
• Retail sales tax and G.S.T.
• Drafting and architectural plans
• Permit fees
• Legal and inspection fees
Tax Credit Details
• The maximum amount that can be claimed by any resident for standard renovations and energy efficiency renovations is $10,000.00 and $6,000.00, respectively.
• The maximum 2009 Program tax credit that an eligible resident will receive is $1,500.00.
• Residents are advised that the total amount of tax assistance provided by the City of Winnipeg under all Home Renovation Tax Assistance By-laws shall not exceed $1,500.00.
• The maximum annual tax credit that an eligible resident will receive is $500.00.
• Tax credits will be provided to an eligible resident in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 as a property tax reduction.
• Tax credits will be provided to an eligible resident for either the initial valuation of the renovations, as declared when obtaining a permit, or the actual expenses stated on the claim form; whichever is less.
Kasama n’yo ako sa pagbuo ng isang masaya at maayos na tahanan!
(Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 14 (July 20 - August 5, 2009)
Did you know that Winnipeg has 39 different mosquito species? Each species has its own preferred host(s). This summer, we take the opportunity to enjoy the season to the fullest by doing outdoor activities such as camping, swimming, picnics, fishing, etc. However, please make sure that you and your family are protected. Here are some important bits of information that could help.
Where are mosquitoes found?
Many of the mosquito problems in your neighborhood are a result of water-filled containers that are sitting in your yard. The water in these items can be easily eliminated or can be maintained to prevent mosquito larval development.
How can I control mosquitoes?
You can control mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood by eliminating standing water. Several hundred mosquitoes can develop in a small amount of water. You can stop mosquito larval development by emptying, turning over, or removing anything that can hold water for a week or longer.
Although removing standing water is an effective means in reducing mosquito larval development, there are situations when large standing bodies of water cannot be removed; in cases like this, you may use domestic larvicides, which you may buy at home- and garden centers.
Here are some more suggestions that you may do to eliminate larval development in your yard.
• Fill in low lying areas where water accumulates.
• Store inside, turn over or empty containers that hold water.
• Store children’s toys inside when not in use.
• Clean and change bird baths weekly.
• Install a circulating pump or add fish (goldfish, fat head minnows) to your ornamental pond.
• Empty water from potted plant saucers.
• Cover rain barrels with tight fitting screens or add 1 cup of bleach to a full barrel of water.
• Keep eaves troughs free of debris.
• Ensure drains are functioning properly on flat roofs.
• Remove old tires or store indoors.
• Clean and remove accumulated water from pool covers.
• Chlorinate pools.
How can I protect myself against mosquitoes?
• Make sure all doors and windows fit properly and have tight-fitting, fine mesh screens.Â
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and light-colored and loose-fitting long pants.Â
• Apply insect repellents.Â
• Reduce outdoor activity where mosquitoes are abundant and active. This will be in heavily vegetated areas and on days that are calm and humid, particularly near sunrise and sunset.
• Cover baby carriages and strollers with fine mesh netting to protect infants.
Mag-ingat sa lamok!
Source: winnipeg.ca/cms/bugline/mosquitoes/mosquito_information.stm
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Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 13 (July 5 - July 20, 2009)
 On Tuesday, June 23, Councilor Mike Pagtakhan along with Mayor Sam Katz [in yellow] and Doug Martindale (MLA for Burrows) led the ground breaking of an 18,000 square foot addition to the North Centennial Pool and Senior Centre on Sinclair Avenue.
The estimated $6.6-million-dollar expansion will increase the size of the facility to 44,000 square feet. The new expanded facility will be known as the North Centennial Recreation and Leisure Centre. Once complete, it will contain multiple building additions, including a full-sized gymnasium, teaching kitchen, active-living space with exercise equipment, gathering spaces, a classroom, boardroom, and a multipurpose studio.
Community Consultation
There are approximately 15 groups who currently use the facility, including the North End Seniors’ Association, the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association, two daycares, and several sports leagues. Councilor Pagtakhan advocated for extensive community consultations to ensure that the expansion reflects the needs of the community. All in all, close to 30 community organizations provided input into the expansion plans for the facility.
Sustainable/Environmental/Accessible Design
The new center will be an energy-efficient building. Two key environmental building features are the building’s Green Roof and Solar Wall. This will be the first City of Winnipeg-owned building to register for the Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Enhancements to the exterior of the facility are also being made as part of this project; namely, additional parking, a landscaped entrance plaza and drop-off zone, and enhanced accessibility to the facility.
Creating a Foundation for Community Recreation
“This great project is another display of Mayor Katz’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible recreation and leisure programs for all citizens of Winnipeg,” says Councilor Pagtakhan. “One of the key elements of nurturing a healthy, safe, and vibrant community is to provide more recreational opportunities. This center will establish a substantial foundation for community-recreation opportunities within the Inner City and North End. I would also like to thank and acknowledge my Council colleague from Charleswood, Councilor Bill Clement, for standing by my side in advocating for dollars to make the North Centennial expansion a priority and reality. Bill has been a huge friend for this expansion, and his efforts should not go unnoticed.”
Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 12 (June 20 - July 05, 2009)
The Point Douglas Community Service & Citizenship Award is given each year to individuals attending schools within the Point Douglas Ward who are active in various programs in their respective schools. They are also active in the larger community in which they live, and they participate in volunteer programs organized by various organizations within the Point Douglas Ward. These organizations may be sports, cultural, or religious. The awardees assist their teachers by organizing school events and volunteer their time as peer mentors. Others volunteer their time helping a local charity such as Winnipeg Harvest. Even at young ages, these students have made vital contributions to establishing better communities. Each of them exemplifies a high degree of initiative and possesses a positive attitude. Considering all these tasks and activities, I know that each of them has the potential and the making of a great leader in whatever career or endeavor one chooses to take in the days ahead. These individuals have become assets to their schools and communities as well as great role models for others.
This year, we are proud and honored to announce the recipients of this award—students who hail from various schools in Point Douglas Ward. After a careful selection of the most qualified students, we finally came up with the following individuals—all deserving of proper recognition for their worthy contributions to their respective schools and communities.
Michael Bautista and Shane Courchene of Prairie Rose Elementary School, Faith Allard of Garden Grove School, Joshua Terry and Sara Daigle of Stanley Knowles School, Kristen Forrest of Tyndall Park Community School, Camille Pasagui of Shaughnessy Park School, Janine Urbano and Julia Lebed of Sisler High School, Marissa Stalker and Emily Fletcher of Lord Nelson School, Jossa Soto of Andrew Mynarski School, Emilie Tetlock of Landsdowne School, Brandon Thoma and Jean-Crystal Librea of King Edward Community School, Lyner Joy Tibayan and Chardae Fietz of Cecil Rhodes School, Colin Denike and Julia De Sousa of Weston School, Katelyn Sarte of Pinkham School, Cheyene Cooper and Suriya Sae Phan of Dufferin School, Madeleine Musenga and Lenda Ayalew of Hugh John MacDonald School, Aurora Harrold and Stanley Wood of Argylle Alternative High School, and Mervin Ferrer and Martina Heerah of Sacre-Coeur School.
Each awardee will receive a certificate of recognition from me and a gift certificate from McNally Robinson Booksellers. Awards will be presented during the students’ farewell / graduation ceremonies held at their respective schools.
This award is a reflection of my commitment to honor our youth and to encourage them to be socially aware and community-minded individuals. Although many of the awardees have high marks, a student does not necessarily have the highest marks in the class to be recognized. Instead, each awardee is recognized for his/her selfless acts in helping others and his/her spirit of community volunteerism.
To the awardees, I salute and thank you all! I try to make it to every graduation rite, and when I get the chance to congratulate you personally, my eyes glisten with joy and pride in knowing that our future is in good hands.Â
I started volunteering when I was 13 years old, at the St. Amant Centre; and to this day, I continue to volunteer my time with many nonprofit organizations and charities. As always, I find volunteering very fulfilling. That’s why I encourage all of you to continue taking a similar path. If you can encourage your brothers, sisters, cousins, or friends to follow a similar path, do so. Not only will they be able to help needy organizations in a great cause, but also will they experience a great sense of self-satisfaction that volunteerism gives. It is intoxicating, but in a good way!
Our office is ready to help students, groups, and individuals who are interested in spending a part of their summer volunteering. Send us your inquiries about community volunteering or give us your comments and ideas on how to help build better communities via our Web site: www.mikepagtakhan.ca.
Makiisa para sa pagbuo ng isang maayos na pamayanan!
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Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 11 (June 05 - June 20, 2009)
Originated by the League of American Bicyclists in 1956, Bike-to-Work Day is an annual event held on the third Friday of May across the United States and Canada that promotes the bicycle as an option for commuting to work and as a healthful and safe alternative to driving. In our city, the event for this year will be celebrated on June 19.
Because I’m a biker at heart, I personally support the event; especially that biking is a part of the active transportation program, which Mayor Sam Katz championed and the City Council strongly supports. Last year, over 11,000 cycled and over 2,400 registered to win great prizes. This year, we are aiming to set a new record.
The Importance of Being “Active”
Active transportation is any form of human-powered transportation, such as walking, cycling, wheeling, in-line skating, skateboarding, and ice skating (on a frozen canal, for instance). Several important issues nowadays may be addressed if more Canadians choose to use their feet or bicycles more often, instead of their fuel-powered vehicles.
According to a recent statistics, six in every ten Canadians are not physically active. They live a car-centered lifestyle, ignoring to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
Researches show also that walking a total distance amounting to one hour per day is healthful to the body. In view of this, one does not need to walk all the way; one can even take a bus, because ten-minute bouts of walk from one’s house to the bus stop and onto the next are also considered physical activities that, according to medical studies, reduce the risk of premature death, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
Environmentally speaking, fuel-powered transports are among the largest contributors of harmful emissions, which are responsible for poor air quality and human health effects. Therefore, realizing the impact of this reality on the environment, more and more Canadians are becoming more inclined to practicing healthful lifestyles.
Being “Active”
Here are some suggestions that may help you consider adopting active modes of transportation:
• Think twice about using your car for every trip. Can you walk or use your bike instead when visiting friends who live nearby?
• Dust off your bicycle and cycle to work when the weather permits.
• Trade in your dress shoes for running shoes, strap on a backpack, and walk all or part of the way to work or school.
• Instead of driving your kids to the park, why not make it a family outing on your bikes.
• If you are considering moving, think about the transportation options available to you in the new locations you are considering. How far will the distance be to those places you regularly need to get to. Could you walk to do most of your small errands? How far away is the nearest school for your child? Is this new neighborhood accessible to key landmarks such as churches, shopping centers, and parks?
These are just some of the things that one has to consider every time promoting a healthful lifestyle is concerned. Also, keep in mind that even communities, workplaces, and schools are starting to become supportive of active transportation.
To participate in an exciting and healthful activity and to know more about the importance of active transportation in our day-to-day activities, join the Bike-to-Work Day on June 19, 2009. Not only individuals but also groups and other organizations are invited to this event.
Interested parties may contact my office at 986-8402 and look for Noel, who can give you more details and assist you on how to register.
Para sa kalusugan, kalikasan at kapatiran… mag-bisekleta po tayo!
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Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 10 (May 20 - June 05, 2009)
  
Street may be defined as “a paved public thoroughfare in the built environment. It is a public parcel of land adjoining buildings in an urban context, on which people may freely assemble, interact, and move about. From this definition, I would like you to focus on the use of street as a venue to express our feelings, thoughts, and ideas. In the Philippines, Mendiola Bridge, Liwasang Bonifacio, and EDSA are popular venues where people gather together for different causes. EDSA, for example, has been used several times as a convening point for government transitions from the Marcos regime down to the present administration. Hence, streets are not only part of our daily lives but also witnesses to the history and culture of perhaps every society.
In Winnipeg, history tells us that Main Street got flooded with people from all walks of life during the General Strike of 1919. This was one of the most influential strikes in Canadian history because it was the first organized large-scale strike in history and it became a platform for future labor reforms. In contemporary times, a lot of activities continue to take place in the streets, just like the upcoming street activity that the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Winnipeg is spearheading. Dubbed as “Walk for Values,” it is a national walkathon that does not require the participants to pledge money for a cause; instead, it requires them to pledge to adopt and practice throughout the year at least one of the five basic human values common to many nations, cultures, and religions in the world—truth, right conduct, peace, love, and nonviolence.
- LIVING IN TRUTH by fostering honesty, quest for knowledge, dignity, integrity, self-analysis, equality, and an understanding of the relationship between humankind and nature
- PRACTICING RIGHT CONDUCT by respecting oneself, others, and the environment and by being responsible, disciplined, courageous, courteous helpful, and grateful
- FOSTERING PEACE among humankind and by promoting patience, calmness, perseverance, understanding, healthful living, and contentment
- NURTURING LOVE by caring and sharing, developing friendship and camaraderie, and by upholding tolerance, compassion, and generosity
- CULTIVATING NONVIOLENCE by refraining from causing harm or injury to oneself, others, and the environment and by engaging in activities that encourage concern for life, selfless service, global awareness, forgiveness, citizenship, unity, and mutual understanding
Walking the Talk
As much as possible, we check ourselves if we are practicing the values, ensuring that everyone makes this a personal commitment.
Who can participate?
Everyone is invited to walk with us.
Can I join the walk just for the day?
Yes, anyone may join the walk on the day itself. But first, you must register by completing a volunteer registration form.
Can I bring my friends?
Yes! You may bring your friends to join the walk. As well, they must also register first.
What should I wear? Do I need to bring anything?
Preferably, wear comfortable clothes and footwear. In the event of warm weather, you might want to carry a bottle of water.
Will there be any other activities?
Walks may commence with a short talk, signing a pledge to practice a value, or singing the national anthem. Group singing may also be encouraged. There may also be group discussions, light refreshment, and entertainment.
In view of this, I invite our readers—individuals and organizations—to join the “Walk for Values,” on May 31, 2009, Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our starting point will be at the Legislative Assembly Building. For more information, contact Asha Gupta at 269-5303 or Dr. R. Venkataraman at 269-6196.
Maglakad po tayo para sa kaayusan, katotohanan, at pagkakaisa! |
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Filipino Journal - Volume 23, Number 8 (April 20 - May 05, 2009)
The human values exhibited in various community activities that involve volunteerism, which Filipinos refer to as ‘bayanihan,’ are a part also of perhaps every culture in the world.
In the Philippine culture, the spirit of volunteerism that Filipinos exhibit especially during times of calamities like typhoons, floods, and earthquakes and even in non-emergency situations that call for a sense of community—such as elections, school enrolments, and festivities and other town activities—is what we call bayanihan.
Bayanihan is a Filipino word whose sense of meaning originated from two Filipino words: bayani, which means “hero or heroine or leader”; and bayan, which means “nation, town, or community.” Combining the essence of both words from which it was derived, bayanihan basically means “a sense of leadership and initiative” or “a sense of community.” In a wider sense, it refers to the spirit of leadership, initiative, volunteerism, cooperation, camaraderie, and unity and a sense of community.
Originally, bayanihan referred to an old Filipino tradition which involved neighbors’ helping to relocate a family by gathering enough volunteers to carry their house and move it to its new location. The volunteers did this by placing long bamboo poles lengthwise and crosswise under the house and then carrying it using this bamboo frame. (Many houses in the Philippines during the olden days—especially in provinces and towns that were remote from the cities—used to be made of bamboo, nipa, and other similar materials. Constructed on bamboo stilts or posts, the houses were usually elevated a few feet from the ground). Around 15 or more people carried the entire house. They did this in a happy and festive mood. After the endeavor, the relocating family expressed their gratitude customarily by hosting a small feast for everyone, which was the concluding part of bayanihan.
Understandably, the traditional portrayal of bayanihan as illustrated above can no longer be observed nowadays, if rarely. This should not be surprising because, of course, the advent of technology changed the materials and designs used in building houses and the ways houses are built. The concrete materials that are now used in building houses are obviously heavy, making it impossible for people to carry. Having been made of more durable materials, houses are now meant to be constructed permanently on the lot it occupies.
But despite the obsolescence of the traditional way Filipinos display bayanihan, the spirit it has always symbolized—leadership, initiative, volunteerism, cooperation, camaraderie, unity, and a sense of community—remains a big part of their values, so there’s really nothing to lament about. Neighbors’ adorning their streets with banderitas during fiestas, classmates’ organizing a study group, and people’s donating to churches or charitable institutions are just a few examples of modern-day bayanihan.
In fairness with other cultures, we have to emphasize that the human values exhibited in various community activities that involve volunteerism, which Filipinos refer to as bayanihan, are a part also of perhaps every culture in the world. Here in Canada, for instance, the presence of soup kitchens, temporary shelters for the homeless, countless volunteers in different institutions, and the sandbagging that is currently taking place in the flood-prone areas are clear examples of bayanihan, if this is how we would like to call them.
Speaking of sandbagging and considering that bayanihan is a part of Filipino culture, it is timely for all Filipinos in Winnipeg to show it, especially that our city is conducting preparatory measures to prevent homes located near Red River from being gravely affected by the flooding caused by ice jams.
The city needs volunteers for the ongoing sandbagging activities, which usually takes place between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
To qualify as a volunteer, you shouldÂ
• be able to handle/lift sandbags weighing approximately 15-20 kg
• be physically fit to undertake repetitive twisting and turning of the hips and knees
• be able to work in an uneven, soft, and wet environment
• have written parental consent if under the age of 16
For the latest updates, visit http://www.winnipeg.ca/emergweb. If you think you qualify and want to know further details about this bayanihan effort, call 311 or e-mail us at 311@winnipeg.ca with your name, telephone number, and times of availability. Â
Halina’t tayo’y mag-bayanihan!
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