Service Access for Community Support: Filipino Immigrants in Canada

Filipino immigrants are one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, but many face challenges in getting the help they need for mental health, family issues, and other supports. This is not just about money or access—it’s also about culture and history. Important Filipino values like hiya (self-respect), pakikisama (getting along), and utang na loob (gratitude) help keep families close, but can sometimes make it harder to ask for help if they are shaped by stress or past struggles.

The good news is that other Filipino values—kapwa (shared connection) and bayanihan (working together)—can turn this around. By seeing help-seeking as a way to strengthen our families and community, we can make getting support a sign of strength, not weakness. Programs that work best for Filipinos are those that meet us where we are—at community events, through trusted leaders, in group settings, and in ways that honor our culture. Together, we can make asking for help part of caring for each other.