Editor:
Back in the seventies, the late philosopher and theologian Ivan Illich wrote a book entitled Tools of Conviviality. It was about how our societies could move from mere civility to a much richer state if we would adopt more caring approaches and attitudes.
While Illich may not have known it, I believe that immigrants to Canada from the Philippines embody what he was advocating. My recent activities here on the Coast and in Vancouver have brought me into contact with many Filipino men and women in the service industry. In every instance, I have found these folks to be courteous, kind, friendly, industrious, personable and full of much joy and laughter.
I believe they add much to our country and we are very lucky to have them as our new neighbours. They make our country better and I hope that we will all reciprocate in like manner and make them feel welcome and a part of our culture. We will all benefit greatly if we adopt some of the Filipino conviviality ethic in our daily lives.
Garfield Pennington, Roberts Creek
