Magdalena “Maggie” Jularbal Faith, community, and praxis

by Levy Abad

Magdalena “Maggie” Jularbal became the president of the Philippine Association of Manitoba (PAM) in 1986. She was preceded by Cris Aglugub, who concluded his second term as president in 1985. Jean Guiang-Santoro succeeded Maggie. Maggie and Jean would be the pioneer women leaders (presidents) in PAM’s history.

A smart sister from Baguio

Maggie was born in Baguio City, Philippines, on September 22, 1936. She immigrated to Canada in the late 60s. Maggie was a nurse by profession but also completed five other degrees (undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate) in science/nursing, psychology, and rehabilitative counselling. Maggie worked briefly in Baguio City before moving to the U.S. in the 60s to work at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. (source: Mosaic obituary).

Her obituary mentions that she was a devout Catholic. She joined the Sisters of Saint Francis in Minnesota for a time before returning to nursing, subsequently moving to Winnipeg in the second half of the 60s. Being part of the Sisters of Saint Francis led her to a career with the Misericordia School of Nursing and to working as a clinical instructor for 25 years. She helped train countless nurses from Manitoba (https://www.mosaicfunerals.ca/book-of-memories/4574389/Jularbal-Magdalena/index.php)

Earlier involvement with PAM

I found out through my research at the Manitoba Archives that on March 17, 1979, years before she became the president of PAM in 1986, Maggie was elected to PAM’s board of directors (Silangan, April 1979).

In addition, Maggie was elected and served as assistant secretary of PAM in 1978 during the term of Cris Aglugub (Silangan, February 1978). Afterwards, she became the secretary when Ralph Buñag was elected president in 1979. Ralph confirmed this information and added that Maggie was a committed and efficient secretary. She was never absent during meetings (Text message with Ralph on April 10, 2025).

A witness to PAM controversy

Maggie witnessed PAM’s controversy in 1979-80, which led to the formation of the Barangay Filipino Organization of Manitoba (BFOM). According to Ralph, this controversy dragged on for several months until some of those who won decided to leave PAM and form BFOM. BFOM existed from 1979 to 1985. As a result of this controversy, Resty Taruc assumed the vice-presidency of PAM. Later, Maggie would also serve as a secretary and board member during Resty’s presidency from 1980 to 82.

From my research at the Manitoba Archives, I read in the October 1987 issue of the Filipino Journal a welcome message from Maggie addressed to the participants of the Second Filipino Provincial Conference held in Winnipeg. She mentioned some important issues, like education problems in a multicultural society, women’s concerns, current Canadian immigration policies, and social services.

Faith, community, and praxis

I was at a loss for analysing the personality of Maggie until a friend from Vancouver, Leo Orpilla Cinanan, sent me Maggie’s obituary. Leo is a friend of Maggie’s younger brother, Butch Jularbal, who is a pioneer musician of Winnipeg. Maggie’s obituary explicitly described her faith and praxis (the realization of her love of God and people) for serving the community. In the same tribute article, I learned she was a former president of the Philippine Nurses Association of Manitoba, or PNAM. Knowing the time and effort one devotes to community involvement and activism somehow sheds light on the probable worldview of Maggie and her special devotion to the Catholic Church (St. Peter’s Parish), its events, projects, choir, and prayer group. She was involved with Pope John Paul II’s visit to Winnipeg in 1984. It is possible that she was greatly influenced by the social teachings of the Catholic Church when she joined the Sisters of Saint Francis. Her dedication to St. Peter’s Church was unwavering until her last days. Maggie passed away peacefully on March 31, 2021, at the age of 84, surrounded by family and close friends (Mosaic). Her contribution to the community will not be forgotten.

Levy Abad is the author of Rhythms and Resistance: Narrative of Filipino Musicians and Activists (1972-1994). He is also a singer-songwriter, poet, and migrant rights activist who has released four albums centred on the life and struggles of migrants.