First Filipino member of NZ’s parliament

On May 21, Paulo Reyes Garcia, born and raised in San Juan City, Metro Manila, was sworn in as the first member of the New Zealand Parliament of Filipino descent.

He gave his maiden speech as an NZ Member of Parliament (MP) on May 29, in three languages — Maori, English and Filipino. His 20-minute discourse proudly showcased his Filipino roots and Roman Catholic faith.

MP Garcia praised his mother, Ana, who still lives in San Juan City; his Filipino wife Malu, who is with him in New Zealand; and his four daughters. At the end of his speech, he quoted from a poem written by his daughter, Mariana: “A migrant house is built tall on foundations filled with sky, stacked with the hope of generations into storied bastions that testify to us. We were made to hold together. I stand proud in the shade of a roof made for me, to raise it high by proclaiming I have a Spanish name, an American accent, and an Asian face, and I have been welcomed in Aotearoa.”

As many moved to embrace him or shake his hand, MP Garcia was given a standing ovation by his parliament peers. Then the Filipinos in the audience broke into song, giving a heartfelt rendition of “Pinoy Ako,” which reverberated across the halls of the honorable house.

A proud day for our countrymen, indeed.

I hope this letter can help spread my cousin Paulo’s story. The Filipino people deserve to know about him. A video of his speech may be found in the internet under the title “Maiden Statement.”

HEINZ M. REYES
131 Jerusalem St., Parañaque City