KUCHING: Filipinos working in Sarawak should view themselves not merely as migrant workers, but as active contributors to nation-building efforts — both in the Philippines and within their host communities.
Filipino Community of Kuching (FILCOM) leader Justin Bersales said the values and knowledge gained while working in the state, should be shared and used to uplift others, especially when returning to their homeland.
“It’s not only about sending money to families in the Philippines, but also the good practices that we learn from here — those should be shared. That is part of nation-building.
“The most important part of nation-building is that whatever we do here, we make sure that we are law-abiding, the same as Malaysians.
“We abide by the rules of law, we help the local community and show that Filipinos can easily assimilate and contribute positively,” he told Sarawak Tribune when met last night (Jun 15).
Berales said being part of the local fabric shows that Filipinos are not just outsiders, but people who care about the places they live in — they integrate, form relationships, and give back to their host communities.
This strengthens mutual respect and understanding between Malaysians and Filipinos, creating more inclusive and harmonious neighbourhoods.
As FILCOM is gradually regaining its footing after a quiet period during the Covid-19 pandemic, he shared that more collaborative efforts are on the horizon.
“We are starting to be more active and organise more humanitarian projects,” he said, recalling past initiatives that left a meaningful impact.
Among them were joint programmes with local civic organisations like Rotary International and Soroptimist Kuching Club, which raised funds to bring doctors to interior parts of Sarawak where medical was limited and conduct women empowerment training in rural villages.
Berales said such efforts reflect the deeper purpose behind the Filipino presence in Malaysia — not just to work, but to build bridges and contribute to society.
“We are not only here to earn a living. We are here to be part of the community and contribute to building a better future — both for our people and the country,” he said.
Yesterday, over 100 Filipinos and their families gathered at St Joseph’s Cathedral to attend a special evening Mass in celebration of the Philippines’ 127th Independence Day which featured the traditional ‘Bulaklakan’ dance, Tagalog scripture readings, and hymns.
The occasion commemorates the country’s historic declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule on Jun 12, 1898 — a milestone that continues to inspire unity, pride, and patriotism among Filipinos around the world.
Following the mass, the community came together for a fellowship gathering within the cathedral grounds and renewed their pledge of allegiance to the Philippine flag.
