I AM a Filipino immigrant living in Canada. I watched President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (Sona), just as I watched his inaugural speech a year ago. I am following his presidency with the high hope that it will institute political reforms and cleanse government of corruption. I still believe in the country, I believe in our people, I believe in his leadership.
In his Sona, he mentioned about paying taxes. May I report to the President that in my whole life, it is here in Canada where I first received a tax refund. I have worked here for only a year so far. I worked for 15 years in the Philippines, where I paid my taxes. But the phrase “tax refund” was unknown to me there.
I am speaking on behalf of other overseas Filipino workers who have received tax refunds too. I know a tax refund is too good to be true in my country at the moment. But if it can’t be something real in our time, I hope it will be for the next generations.
In his Sona, President Aquino mentioned his health care program. May I report to the President that a few days ago an OFW neighbor checked out of the hospital after undergoing a major surgery to remove a cyst in her stomach. She paid not a single cent. Not only citizens and immigrants are covered with a health care program here, even OFWs are.
I dream of that day when every needy Filipino can benefit from a decent hospitalization program; when health care covers even the poorest of Philippine society.
Lastly, I would like to thank the President for delivering his speech in Filipino. Sa pagsasalaysay niyo ng wikang Pilipino, nararamdaman namin na kami ay personal na kinakausap niyo. Isang bagay na di nagawa ng mga nagdaang presidente, kahit nang yumao n’yong ina. Maraming salamat sa pakikipag-usap sa amin. Mabuhay po kayo! (By delivering your Sona in Filipino, we felt that you were communicating with us in a direct, personal manner. One thing that past presidents, including your late mother, didn’t do. Thank you for talking to us.)
—ERLINDA DOLLY TAN,
Edmonton City, Canada;
erlindatan@yahoo.com