A statement from Sabokahan Unity of Lumad Women

“When I leave here, I will become a guiding light for you all. Don’t give up, but continue the struggle.” - Bai Bibyaon Ligkayan Bigkay in her final days

On November 20, 2023 Bai passed away while surrounded by loved ones. As she had requested, she was buried soon after passing. Although her body is now laid to rest, her courageous spirit and lasting legacy live on through our struggle.

April 20, 2023 - Following the announcements of the Covid 19 public health emergency transition roadmap that decreases services and support to communities impacted by Covid 19, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), GABRIELA Portland and Migrante Portland convened to launch the Care for Caregivers Campaign. The campaign aims to promote and uphold the rights and welfare of Filipino health workers and establish an advocacy taskforce and wage legislative campaign for industry regulations.

In true bayanihan spirit, we want to take this time to thank our community for helping make our center expansion possible!

The Filipino migrant community in Oregon are among the most adversely affected by the pandemic.

We know that the abuse and exploitation experienced by migrants and refugees are not merely the result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed the ongoing health and economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus is demonstrating how migrant labor is expendable by companies and big business owners - particularly undocumented workers.

The Pacific Coast Coalition for Seafarers (PCCS) was founded in June 2020 by local migrant, human rights, labor, faith based and environmental justice organizations with the vision of building unity between land and sea, and communities in solidarity with seafarers.

Many of the ingredients listed can be found at our weekly Kalusugan Community Pantry, Fridays 1-5pm.

One year following the launch of the Bayanihan Response to COVID-19 Campaign spearheaded by the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns Oregon, the community continues its response to disparities by launching the Filipino Bayanihan Center, a physical location and migrant service center in SE Portland to further develop the action-oriented network of volunteers, programs, research initiatives, and advocacy for the Filipino Community.