29 January 2024, Ottawa – With the increasing number of Filipino International Students in Ottawa, the Philippine Embassy in Canada, in partnership with Kabangka, hosted the Kabangka Regional Meeting at the Embassy’s Mindanao Hall on Saturday afternoon, 27 January 2024.

The event aimed to bring together Filipino-Canadian youth in Ottawa to celebrate Filipino heritage and the diverse experiences that shape the Filipino-Canadian identity. This provided the Embassy to build connections with the Filipino-Canadian youth and students and inform them about the Embassy’s services. The participants had the opportunity to network and to learn about Kabangka and its upcoming activities. Kabangka is a registered non-profit, youth-led, and youth-centered leadership organization promoting Filipino culture and dedicated to uniting young Filipino-Canadians across various sectors.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria shared that, as the future of the Filipino community here in Canada, the Filipino-Canadian youth’s energy, creativity, and passion are invaluable assets that will contribute to the continued growth and success of the Filipino diaspora in Canada. Ambassador Austria also welcomed the newly-arrived Filipino International students and introduced the simple registration process for them in order for the Embassy and the Philippine Government to be able to assist them effectively. 

After the Embassy’s presentation, the participants were gathered for a meet and greet session. A merienda followed where they had a feast of the popular pancit, Filipino spring rolls and fried chicken. The event was capped by games guessing Filipino culture and sharing knowledge on Filipino music. END.