8 February 2024, Ottawa- Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria welcomed Rappler journalist Jodesz Gavilan on 8 February 2024 to the Embassy. Ms. Gavilan is the recipient of the 2023 Marshall McLuhan Fellowship, a flagship project of the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines in the field of public diplomacy. The project was launched in 1997 with the aim of encouraging responsible journalism in the Philippines, noting that a strong media is essential to a strong democratic society. Ms. Gavilan was joined by Mr. Carlo Figueroa, Lead for Public Affairs in the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines. 

In their meeting, Ambassador Austria shared the priorities and initiatives of the Embassy, including the assistance it provides to overseas Filipino workers and Filipino international students. 

The recipient of the Marshall McLuhan Fellowship is brought on a cross-Canada speaking tour to interact with universities, deliver lectures, and meet counterparts to discuss issues of common interest. END