During the COVID-19 pandemic, undocumented migrant workers in New York, such as Filipinos, experienced higher rates of job loss, death, illness, and depression. Media coverage of the pandemic, however, seldom centered their stories. Filipino nurses were also disproportionately represented in COVID-19 death statistics, and their narratives remained sidelined in the media.
In a unique collaboration with a Barnard College class, Damayan published “Pandemic Tales: Uplifting the Voices and Organizing of Filipino Migrant Workers” in 2021. The groundbreaking report amplified the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on Damayan members and Filipino migrant workers in NY and NJ. It also showed Damayan’s dedication to innovative organizing strategies.