A Filipino woman was elected councilor of the borough of Hertsmere and town of Elstree and Borehamwood in the recently concluded general elections in the United Kingdom.
The victory of Cynthia Alcantara Barker of the Conservative Party marked the first time a Filipino was elected to this level of public office in UK politics.
In an interview with The Filipino Expat, Barker said her curiosity about the things happening in her local town strengthened her sense of community involvement.
“I was used to just keeping things to myself and not speaking up unless I was asked to,” Barker said. “As I got to learn more about the country, the citizens, the culture and the law of the land, I became more patriotic as well.”
Prior to being elected, Barker was a member of their local residents’ association, a school governor, and chair of trustees of the Elstree and Borehamwood museum. She also served as Rotary Club president, among other charitable organizations.
Despite being immersed in the British society, Barker cited her Filipino values as her “strength.”
“I feel blessed that I came to the UK strong and armed with Filipino values instilled in me by my parents. Those gave me the strength to adapt to the new environment,” she said.
Barker went to the UK to be reunited with her mother who worked as a school teacher, as well as the rest of her family.
“She made the same sacrifice that most OFWs make, sent all her money home while she worked long hours to ensure that the family was well-fed and educated,” she said.
Barker also wished to inspire other Filipinos to participate more actively in community development, if not politics in particular.
“I hope that Filipinos will be encouraged and take an active part in the community and the whole of the country,” she said.
The UK general elections witnessed David Cameron returning as prime minister as his Conservative Party won majority of the seats in the Parliament.