Filipino Canadian trailblazers share experiences of success and overcoming obstacles

York University and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hosted the public forum and a reception to mark 75 years of diplomatic relationship between Canada and the Philippines

From academics to laypersons, more than 100 Filipinos from all walks of life gathered at York University recently, to attend a public forum on achievements and challenges that are unique to members of the diaspora in Canada.

The panel discussion followed by a reception was facilitated by York University and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, marking the 75th anniversary of Canada -Philippines diplomatic relations.

The turnout for the October 28 event at York’s Tribute Communities Recital Hall indicated attendees’ interest in learning more about their own community, while taking it as an opportunity to meet fellow diaspora members, even though it was a weekday.

Welcoming the guests and panelists, immediate past Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Phillips noted that as an academic institution, diversity and inclusion are York’s core values and that through teaching, research and community-engagement activities, the University is embracing differing perspectives and fostering global fluencies and cross-cultural knowledges. “Through global partnerships on shared goals and values, York is committed to addressing global challenges and supporting a more inclusive and sustainable planet for all.”

In her remarks, Philippine Consul General Angelica Escalona said, “Many Filipinos I met since I arrived here told me that their migration experience to Canada was not easy. But migrating to another land is never easy. It takes hard work, adapting to a new culture and way of life, learning new knowledge, skills and possibly another language, as well as personal and financial sacrifices. But most of all, it is a commitment … a commitment to a better future. A commitment to contribute to Canadian society. I am happy that even though their start was not easy, many Filipinos in Canada eventually became successful. Others, whose parents were Filipino migrants, also became very successful.”

Titled “Public Forum on the Filipino Diaspora in Canada: Celebrating Successes and Addressing Persistent Challenges,” the panel of Filipino and Filipino-Canadian leaders and changemakers shared their thoughts on the success of Filipino professionals in Canada and the barriers that persist.

Panellists – Manitoba Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler; Justice Steve A. Coroza, Court of Appeal for Ontario Professor Glenda Bonifacio, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Lakehead University and Dance Professor Patrick Alcedo, School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD), also highlighted contributions for the diaspora members in academia, politics, arts, culture and society. Professor Philip Kelly, Associate Dean for Research, Graduate & Global Affairs moderated the panel, while Assistant Professor Marissa Largo, Visual Art and Art History, AMPD served as the emcee for the evening.

“Tonight’s discussion, led by our speakers and panellists has given us much to think about. Hopefully, the points raised will form a springboard from which we can build platforms and programs for action, to make policies that are responsive to building better communities for our community here,” said Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, addressing the audiences.

The Philippine Studies Group at York Centre for Asian Studies organized the public event with the support of York International, which leads the University’s global engagement initiatives and partnerships.

In her remarks closing the event, Associate Vice President Vinitha Gengatharan at York International said that the challenges overcame by the panellists resonated with many, including herself, who immigrated to Canada at an early age. “We learned so much from your insights and experiences as you navigated your careers and professions enriched by the unique cultures, systems, and contexts of both Canada and the Philippines.

The event concluded with a reception, where community members also had an opportunity to meet with diplomats and panellists and share with them personal experiences in an informal setting.

Speaking to OMNI Television’s Paula Saraza during the reception, Philipps said there is a strong representation of Filipino students at York. “We're very proud to have more than 400 Filipino heritage students here at York… some have come directly from the Philippines. That number has been growing and we hope to see it grow further.”

In the same interview, Consul General Escalona pointed out that it’s an excellent time to highlight the fact that the Canada-Philippines relationship is the strong people-to-people linkages. “What we actually want to see is, more Filipino Canadian leaders. More Filipino Canadian trailblazers.”