21 July 2021, Ottawa – Philippine Ambassador to Canada Rodolfo D. Robles received today with Mr. Pepito Escanlar, President of the Philippine Association of Saskatchewan (PAS). Mr. Escanlar called on the Ambassador to present a print of his painting “Bayanihan” which he is donating to the Philippine Embassy.

“Bayanihan” was among the artworks of Mr. Escanlar that were featured during the exhibit “Pamana: Sights and Sounds of Our Filipino Heritage” held at the Philippine Embassy from 26 September to 10 October 2019.

An architect by profession, Mr. Escanlar is also known for his active community work in Regina, SK. While working to foster deeper understanding of Filipino culture through the PAS, he is also engaged in local projects to encourage youth involvement in visual art and has worked with the Urban Canvas Program for the Downtown Regina Business Improvement District from 2019 to 2021.

Ambassador Robles thanked Mr. Escanlar for sharing his art with the Philippine Embassy. “This piece demonstrates the essence of community and will occupy an honored place among the Philippine Embassy’s collection,” he noted.

“Bayanihan” is derived from the Filipino word “bayan” which means town. This concept is often used to describe how Filipinos work together to achieve a common goal.