Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia (front row, 4th from the right) poses for a souvenir photograph during the University of British Columbia Women in House Panel Discussion

09 March 2020, Senate of Canada, Ottawa – Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia and other selected resident Heads of Missions in Ottawa served, as panelists, at the University of British Columbia Women (UBC) in House panel discussion held at the Senate of Canada on 09 March 2020.

UBC Women in House is an initiative of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs aimed at promoting a greater level of female representation in the Canadian government and around the world. From 09 to 10 March 2020, students are tasked to shadow Parliamentarians and to observe political procedures, learn about gender equity, and engage in mentorship and networking with Canadian political leaders.

In her intervention, Ambassador Garcia commended the students’ interest in the works of Canada’s Parliament and encouraged them to become members of the Canadian Parliament in the future. She noted that there are no obstacles which are difficult to overcome for one who is determined to succeed. Ambassador Garcia underscored the success of Dr. Gigi Osler, a Winnipeg physician of Filipino heritage and the first female physician of color to head the Canadian Medical Association.

Ambassador Garcia shared that the Philippines acknowledges the important role of women in government and the Foreign Service. She cited her vast experience in the Philippine Foreign Service, spanning four decades of continuous service, within which she served in various capacities, both in the Home Office and abroad, before becoming Philippine Ambassador to Egypt, Israel, and Canada. -END-