DFA-OCD Deposits “Filipinos in Alberta” to the National Library of the Philippines 

(From left to right) Acting Head of Office Arlene T. Magno from the Office of Cultural Diplomacy, Assistant Secretary Zaldy B. Patron from the Department Legislative Liaison Unit, Chief Melody Madrid of the Collection Development of the National Library of the Philippines, and Director Lorenz Fernand Dantes of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs. (Photo Credit: Francine Nicole Motin)

MANILA 07 April 2025 – The Office of Cultural Diplomacy of the Department of Foreign Affairs formally deposited two copies of the book "Filipinos in Alberta: Migration, Communities, and Challenges" to the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) on 02 April 2025, ensuring its inclusion in the country's national collection of published works. The book, published by the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary with funding support from the DFA - Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs, chronicles the migration journeys, contributions, and cultural heritage of Filipinos in Alberta, Canada.

Conceptualized by former Consul General of PCG Calgary Zaldy Patron, Filipinos in Alberta is a significant documentation of the Filipino experience in Canada. Under his guidance, the book's development was initiated, with stories gathered from the Filipino community to highlight the resilience and achievements of Filipino migrants. PCG Calgary, together with Prof. Glenda Tibe Bonifacio, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of Lakehead University, ON ensured the successful completion of the book, from editing to both its online and printed publication.

Beyond preserving individual stories, “Filipinos in Alberta” also serves as an important contribution to the growing body of scholarly work on Filipino migration to Canada. By capturing the lived experiences of Filipino migrants, it provides valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of Filipino integration in Alberta. The book offers researchers, students, and policymakers a deeper understanding of migration patterns, labor mobility, and the evolving role of Filipinos in Canadian society.

The book's legal deposit to the NLP, as part of the Department’s Gender and Development Program, pays tribute to the many Filipino women migrants in Alberta whose stories of courage, perseverance, and success are featured prominently in the book. Their narratives reflect the broader experiences of Filipino women in the global diaspora, and the gendered migration pattern, reinforcing their vital role in shaping communities abroad.

By preserving “Filipinos in Alberta” in the National Library, the DFA, and the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, reaffirms their commitment to documenting and honoring the rich history and contributions of the Filipino diaspora. The book serves as an enduring resource for future generations, scholars, and policy makers interested in the migration and integration of Filipinos in Canada. END