PH Embassy Welcomes Filipino-Canadian Youth to Ottawa

Clockwise from top left: A conference participant asks a question during the briefing of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia welcomes the Pinoys on Parliament participants and other guests, Deputy Chief of Mission Francisco Noel R. Fernandez talks about the benefits of dual citizenship, Ambassador Garcia (second from left) together with MP Rob McKinnon (left), former MP Rey Pagtakhan (third from left), MLA Flor Marcelino (fourth from left), and Deputy Chief of Mission Fernandez (right). (Ottawa PE photo)

OTTAWA 04 March 2019 — The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa welcomed more than 100 Filipino-Canadian youth to its Chancery on 23 February 2019, as part of the “Pinoys on Parliament” conference organized by the Filipino Students Association of the University of Ottawa (FILSAUO).

The two-day conference brought together young Filipino-Canadians from different provinces for a weekend to connect with each other, share experiences, engage with Filipino-Canadian leaders in various fields, and discuss ways to further empower the youth.

Community icons such as Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, the first Filipino elected to Canada’s House of Commons, Flor Marcelino, member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, and Amelita Armit, former Assistant Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Canada, joined young Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurs, media personalities and academics during several panel discussions held over the weekend.

In support of the conference, the Embassy conducted a briefing for the participants at the Mindanao Hall of the Chancery. The session tackled Philippine history and the Philippine Foreign Service, Philippines-Canada relations, the Filipino community in Canada, and the work of the Embassy.

First Secretary and Consul Greg Marie C. Mariño led the briefing, while Deputy Chief of Mission Francisco Noel R. Fernandez tackled the participants’ questions on overseas voting, dual citizenship, and other consular matters and First Secretary and Consul Jeffrey P. Salik answered questions on economic diplomacy.

The session was immediately followed by a reception, where conference participants were treated to Filipino staples such as pancit and inasal-style chicken as well as other refreshments.

Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia congratulated FILSAUO for spearheading the conference, and thanked the speakers for sharing their knowledge and experience with the younger generation. Ambassador Garcia exhorted the participants to reach out to Philippine Foreign Service Posts in their areas to learn more about the Philippines, and identify possible areas of collaboration to further strengthen Philippines-Canada relations.

Members of Parliament Ziad Aboultaif, Georgina Jolibois, Ron McKinnon, and Cathy Wagantall also attended the reception and met the conference participants.

The evening was capped with a fellowship night where students from different organizations performed rousing renditions of English and Filipino songs. END

For more information, visit www.ottawape.dfa.gov.ph, www.philembassy.ca or https://www.facebook.com/PHinCanada/.

Pinoys on Parliament participants share their musical talents during the fellowship night. (Ottawa PE photo)