Linda as a Domestic Worker and a Leader in the Domestic Workers Movement & Anti-trafficking Field

Like most of the Filipino women migrant workers, Linda was forced to leave the homeland  to support her children’s college education in the Philippines. Knowing the plight of Filipino migrant workers in foreign countries, she thought she was ready to endure the abuses, exploitation, discrimination, dehumanization and alienation in the domestic work industry. But she was wrong. With her sharp political consciousness and organizing experience, Linda realized that the problems in the industry are not mainly caused by bad employers. The exploitation and oppression in the industry is systemic and structural and is deeply connected to the history of slavery in the US. This is further maintained by neo-liberalism and  imperialist control of poor countries like the Philippines.

Linda saved herself from self-blame, self-pity, and self-alienation by working tirelessly as an unpaid and underpaid organizer and Executive Director to build Damayan as a workers based and led organization.

Guided by Damayan’s Theory of Change–that the real heroes are the workers, if they receive political education and get organized–Damayan has embedded workers’ leadership and grassroots organizing in their By-Laws and programs. Linda also put together the initial concept for Baklas (“break-free”, Damayan’s flagship campaign in NY against the labor trafficking and modern day slavery of Filipino migrant workers. Since launching Baklas in 2008, Damayan has helped 72 trafficking survivors receive T visas, 34 of them reunified their families, bringing 68 children and 27 spouses on US soil.

Today, the Filipino migrant community regard Damayan as a SANCTUARY for survivors of labor trafficking, wage theft and anti-Asian hate and violence.

We pay tribute to Linda’s foundational contributions that resonate with Damayan’s present work. Join "Isang Pagpupugay: A Tribute to Outgoing Damayan Executive Director Linda Oalican" on Feb 25th at The People’s Forum, as we celebrate Linda and her 23 years of service, organizing and activism,  together with workers, allies, friends, and our community.

Ticket prices for the event are $25 for workers, and $50 above for non-workers/allies. Part of the funds raised will go towards an appreciation package intended for Linda, as she welcomes this new phase in her life. 

To RSVP: damayanmigrants.org/TributeParty We hope to see you there!