Kanlungan launched its new report entitled “On the Frontline: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Filipino Community in the UK” at an event held at Mullberry Hall, St. Margaret’s House. The report, authored by Lia Bote, explores the profound and lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Filipinos living in the UK, shedding light on racial discrimination, health inequalities, economic precarity, and familial isolation faced by the community.
The report, which was funded by Disrupt, is a comprehensive review of existing literature that highlights how the Filipino migrant community has been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. It also emphasises the role of intersecting factors such as race, gender, immigration status, and job sector in exacerbating these challenges.
In addition to Bote, the launch event featured a panel of experts, including Louie Horne, Vice President of the Filipino Nurses Association UK (FNAUK), and Senior Strategic Improvement Lead at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; Christanghelo Godino Barde, Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at Kanlungan; and Helen Bulusan, Kanlungan Trustee.
The panel discussed the report’s findings, which illustrate how the Filipino community’s experience during the pandemic is a stark example of the UK’s broader issues in its response to COVID-19 and its immigration policies. Despite facing significant adversity, the Filipino community has also demonstrated resilience, with emerging pockets of solidarity and support within the community.
The launch event, attended by key stakeholders and members of the Filipino community, served as an important moment for raising awareness of these ongoing challenges while advocating for policy change and better support systems for migrant workers in the UK.
Access the full report here.