3 more Filipino Canadians seek municipal elective seats in the GTA

3 more Filipino Canadians seek municipal elective seats in the GTA

By Tony A. San Juan, OCT.

Three other Filipino Canadians have joined the election race in the Greater Toronto Area( GTA) this coming municipal election on October 24, 2022. The determined and courageous 3 are Vaughan City Councillor Candidate Erlinda Insigne, Toronto Etobicoke North Councillor Candidate Kristian Santos, and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board Trustee Candidate Herman Viloria.

Erlinda Insigne for Vaughan City Councillor

Erlinda Insigne. A realtor and community advocate, E. Insigne is running for Councillor for Ward 4 in the City of Vaughan. For 8 years, she served as a member of the Police Community Liaison Committee 4th district from 2004 to 2012. She was President of the Lakeview Estate Ratepayers Association from 2004 to 2008. Mrs. Insigne is the founding director of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan and is credited as the architect of the twinning of Baguio City and Vaughan City as Sister Cities in Ontario. For over 30 years, she devoted her life to helping and improving the well-being of seniors by introducing many community programs such as cultural & group dancing activities, martial arts, and community gardening. On February 4, 2014, Erlinda Insigne received the “Civic Hero Award” from the City of Vaughan Council for her community leadership, volunteerism, and active involvement in the Filipino community. Erlinda Insigne completed a diploma in computer programming at Ryerson University in 1980. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines. Being a community leader, Erlinda stressed, “A safer and supportive community for seniors is a right and that seniors need physical activity, social interaction, entertainment, mental stimulation, and a purpose.” If elected Councillor, Erlinda Insigne plans to 1) Find new ways of generating new revenues through energy and maintenance savings, 2) Introduce and expedite a “Granny Flats” program allowing it to be built in backyard spaces to grow a family but cannot afford the skyrocketing prices, and 3) Reduce gridlock on our major streets by lobbying the Big City Mayors in the GTA and request the Provincial government.”

Kristian Santos for Toronto Etobicoke North Councillor

Kristian Santos. A business executive and BPO professional, Kristian is vying for Toronto Councillor of Ward 1- Etobicoke North. He has been living in Rexdale, Etobicoke North for almost 25 years. K. Santos, a proud Rexdalian, is running with the mantra of “let’s change the way they view our community by supporting the community organizations that are aligned with our goal of making our neighborhoods a better place. By providing access to quality education, community programs, and social aid we can secure our future by investing in our youth.” A very personable person, Kristian has 10 years of professional B2B sales experience plus 4 years of B2C experience covering intermediate in digital marketing concepts including SEO, social media advertising, web development, and data mining. His educational background includes the completion of a Business Marketing Diploma program at Humber College in 2009. Once elected to the Toronto Council, K. Santos pledged that “Our mission is to hold both municipal and provincial governments accountable for their promises and challenge the policies that ignore the needs of the residences of Etobicoke North. Our team will ensure that the government responds to our concerns with a sense of urgency and provide the leadership to get things done.”

Herman Viloria for Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board Trustee

Herman Viloria. A long-serving Catholic high school principal and educational leader in Mississauga and Brampton is seeking election as Separate School Trustee for Wards 2 & 8 of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board (DPCDSB). An educator by training and profession, Herman Viloria has been in the classroom and administration for 37 years having served for 7 years as Teacher and Department Head and for ten years as Vice-Principal at Loyola, St. Paul, Iona, and Cardinal high schools at DPCDSB. He was the principal for 20 Years at Loyola, Ascension of Our Lord, and St. Marguerite d’Youville high schools and the Dufferin Adult and Continuing Education. His community work includes being 1) an active member and eucharistic minister, since 1986, 2) a 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and 3) a speaker and resource person at teacher forums. In a statement about why he is running, Viloria said: “Many challenges face the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board I wish to bring to the Board of Trustees a current and fresh perspective from someone who has been in the classroom and administration for 37 years interacting with stakeholders, schools, and communities.”