Ambassador Robles (5th from left) together with Chairman De Vera (3rd from left), MP Kevin Lamoureaux (4th from left), MP Rechie Valdez (2nd from left), and other members of the Canada-Philippines Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group during the reception.
28 March 2022, Ottawa – The Embassy of the Philippines in Canada held a reception for members of the Canada-Philippines Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group and the visiting delegation of the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) today at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Canadian Members of Parliament met CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III, who was Guest of Honor during the event, and heads of Philippine universities and colleges who joined the latter’s delegation.
In his welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Rodolfo Robles acknowledged the important contributions of the Filipino Diaspora in the country and thanked the members of the Canada-Philippines Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group for their unanimous support of Motion-155 in 2018 that designated June as Filipino Heritage Month. He noted that the declaration recognized the contributions of the Filipino Diaspora in Canada and the strong friendship between Filipinos and Canadians over the last 72 years.
“We are hopeful that this visit will open more venues for collaboration between our two countries and we look forward to more visits and exchanges in the near future as restrictions on travel and public gatherings are eased,” he stated.
CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III expressed support for the Credentials Recognition project of the Philippine Posts in Canada and noted the many challenges faced by Filipino immigrants in gaining recognition of their academic and professional credentials. He stressed that supporting them in practicing their profession would produce benefits for both the individual and their community.
Member of Parliament Kevin Lamoureaux spoke on the work of the Canada-Philippines Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group and thanked Ambassador Robles for the steadfast support extended by the Philippine Embassy. He was joined by MP Dan Mazier, MP Leah Gazan, and MP Rechie Valdez who also delivered their messages as Vice Chairs of the Friendship Group.