Philippine Embassy in Canada Holds First Filipino International Students Convention in Ottawa

Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Her Excellency Maria Andrelita S. Austria addressed the participants

OTTAWA 07 September 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Canada, in partnership with Philippine Centre Canada (PCC), organized the first Filipino International Students Convention in Ottawa on 2 September 2023 at the Embassy’s Mindanao Hall.  The convention aimed to facilitate the integration into Ottawa of newly-arrived Filipino students in the city.  PCC is a not-for-profit, member-based organization whose mission is to serve the Filipino-Canadian community through programs and services that address their needs and support their aspirations to integrate in and contribute to an inclusive, secure and prosperous Canada.

The whole-day event featured presentations by representatives from different school support services, settlement and integration services, as well as a briefing by Consul General Rea Oreta on Philippine consular and labor services. More than 70 Filipino International Students attended the event.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria mentioned the exponential increase in the number of Filipino students in Canada, which has prompted the Embassy to organize the FISC.  She cited several challenges international students are likely to face while living in a foreign country like Canada and advised them to maintain a realistic perspective. She also called on the students to use their studies and experiences to help the Philippines and to become a better person wherever they may be. She reminded them that they are to be spokespersons for the Philippines, especially when interacting with Canadians and other foreigners.

In her remarks, PCC Chair Lota Bertulfo stated that studying and living in Canada provides opportunities to know more about the people and the culture. She encouraged the participants to cultivate friendships and relationships that will serve as support systems through their journey, settlement, and integration in Canada.

The Convention was divided into four sessions: settlement and integration services, student support services, legal obligations and rights of international students, and consular services and labor concerns. Representatives from Catholic Centre for Immigrants, World Skills Employment Centre, Volunteer Ottawa, University of Ottawa, Algonquin College, Scotiabank, AC Perez Law, Philippine Embassy’s Consular Section, Migrant Workers Office- Toronto, and Social Security Services- Toronto presented their respective topics, together with Social Media Ambassador for the Philippines and Alumnus of Algonquin College. The participants had been given the opportunity to ask questions in an open forum after each session.

The event was capped by a message from Minister of Small Business and Former Chair of Canada-Philippines Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, Rechie Valdez. Minister Valdez addressed the participants virtually. As Minister of Small Business, she emphasized Canada’s commitment to supporting the dreams and aspirations of all newcomers to Canada. Minister Valdez advised the students to believe in who they are as being a Filipino is their superpower. She advised them to always seek opportunities to learn, grow, and work together to create a bright future. END

Philippine Centre Canada Chairperson Lota Bertulfo (left) and Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria (right) giving their opening remarks.

From left to right, front: Scotiabank Staff and Representative Laura Thibedeau, Alvaro Caso of Volunteer Ottawa, Gisele Yasmeen of University of Ottawa, Sofiane Maghrebi of Catholic Centre for Immigrants, Ernest Mulvey of Algonquin College (answering the query during the open forum), Sarah Powell of World Skills Employment Centre, PCC Chairperson Lota Bertulfo, Kathryn Omila Social Media Ambassador for the Philippines, Algonquin College, and Brian Padre-e, Alumnus of Algonquin College. Standing at the back are Ambassador Austria and Embassy staff.

One of the participants asked a query during the open forum.

From left to right: Consul General Rea Oreta, PCC Member Melanie Radovan, PCC Founding President Amelita Armit, PCC Chairperson Lota Bertulfo, Atty. Angela Faith C. Perez, Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria, PCC Members Malaya Matibag, Ethel Maamo, Rudy Sabas, Vice Consuls Mary Jaselle Menteer and Leo Marco Vidal.

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