TORONTO Throughout her career, registered psychotherapist Elda Almario has spent a great deal putting the mental health of children she works with ahead of her own. But during the pandemic, she says, it’s become even less likely for her to “take a break and reflect.” Over the past few months, Filipina front-line workers like Almario have found an outlet to relieve bottled-up anxiety, loneliness and fear: Writing their stories down and sharing them. “Allowing space for my experience to come to the surface became a form of self-care for me,” Almario told CTVNews.ca in an email. “It was great to have a voice and be heard especially during a time when I have been so focused on my work due to increased demands and complex needs.”
TORONTO As Canada roll outs the first COVID-19 vaccines to front-line workers, pride is washing over the Filipino community. But advocates say a true show of appreciation would involve the government doing more to protect them. Three of the first five people in the country to be inoculated were Filipino-Canadian, but thatâs hardly a surprise as, for decades, this community has been an integral part of Canadaâs health care system. When he was receiving his inoculation last week, registered practical nurse Lucky Aguila admitted he wasnât thinking of the significance to the Filipino community. âBut Iâm honoured to be one of the first,â told CTVNews.ca on Wednesday. Back in May, he began working in the Rekai Centre long-term care homes in Toronto â thrown into the middle of an outbreak.