PH Embassy Hosts the Opening of Pinoys on Parliament 2023

28 February 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Canada hosted the opening reception of the Pinoys on Parliament (POP 2023) Conference held on 24 February 2023 at the University of Ottawa’s Tabaret Hall. More than 250 young members of the Filipino diaspora from all over Canada participated in the POP 2023.

The conference opened with a networking, cultural event, and a keynote address by Ann Pornel, a Canadian sketch comedian, actress, and television host based in Toronto.

This year's conference's theme, “Balikbayan”, aimed to provide a space for Filipino-Canadian youth to explore the meaning of coming home by delving into shared identities and belonging while living in Canada.

Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Jeffrey Peñamante Salik, in his speech, emphasized that the Filipino diaspora serves as the cornerstone of the Philippines-Canada relations. Filipino-Canadians Senator Flordeliz “Gigi” Osler and Member of Parliament Rechie Valdez also attended the event.

In support of the conference, the Embassy hosted a dinner where participants were treated with Filipino cuisine such as pancit palabok, pancit canton, fried chicken, and puto flan. The Embassy also installed a mini-exhibit showcasing Philippine culture and handicrafts, and tourism information materials. 

The conference was capped with cultural performances and fellowship.

The event was organized by Kabangka, a youth-led and youth-centered leadership organization that unites and supports young Filipino-Canadians in a variety of sectors. This year is POP’s fifth annual conference since its launch in 2019. END