Filipinos— The Story of the “Forgotten Asians” (and how did we get SO MANY incredible Filipino nurses in healthcare?) (Devin Cabanilla, Ep 33)
In this episode, host Raj Sundar explores the history and experiences of Filipino Americans in the healthcare profession with guest Devin Cabanilla. Together, they discuss the complex identities of Filipino Americans shaped by colonization and diaspora and its impact on their contributions to healthcare.
The conversation covers waves of Filipino immigration to the U.S., from early 1900s elite students to post-World War II healthcare professionals and war brides. They delve into the clash between generations within the Filipino-American community and the significant presence of Filipino nurses in the U.S. healthcare system. The episode also focuses on the ongoing culture clash and challenges Filipino Americans face while acknowledging their healthcare contributions.
Guest Devin Cabanilla, an advocate for Filipino identity and representation, draws inspiration from Fred Cordova’s “Filipinos Forgotten Asian Americans.” Devin actively addresses cultural erasure, challenging stereotypes within the broader Asian American community and reclaiming Filipino identity.
Timestamped overview
01:57 Devin Cabanilla: instrumental in Filipino American curriculum.
05:57 “Being forgotten: Filipinos face isolation and stereotypes.”
08:49 Complexity of diaspora of Filipinos abroad.
12:56 Brief history of Philippines: US colonialism, Spanish colony.
17:55 Filipino students pursued education in America.
20:10 Resuming studies, common stories, limited opportunities.
26:47 Generations define Filipino American history, Indepinos significant.
30:56 WW2 vets given US citizenship, Filipino immigrants, culture clash, healthcare professions, US occupation
32:48 Clash of laborers and college-educated immigrants.
