I have often been suspicious, even disliked, award presentations, especially those given by politicians. But these NSW Premier’s Awards were so blatantly patronising to our Filipino community it made me puke. How could an intelligent community like ours be conned into taking part in these awards?
Not only were the awards clearly a political gambit by a desperate political party to win votes at the State elections only weeks away, but the manner in which they were carried out was nothing short of farcical.
PCC-NSW, (supposedly) an umbrella organisation of the Filipino community, was one of the awardees. And for what, you ask? For keeping the community united in harmony, the award said, or words to that effect. United in harmony? Somebody forgot to tell the Premier about the little wars against another umbrella, and that this award-winning organisation has, in fact, continued to fan the fires of animosity between the warring parties.
I had supported the decision of my school alumni association to join the Philippine Community Council – NSW a few years ago, against the will of some of my alumni colleagues. I have also voted Labor on many elections. That is why I feel angry about these Premier’s Awards. They mean nothing (to me). They’re buying our votes cheaply. Yet they are doing damage to the integrity of our Filipino community in NSW.
If the State politicians are listening: Not happy, mate.