PR-11-2025

                             (L-R) Ms. Pia Ranada of Rappler and Philippine Ambassador HE Maria Andrelita S. Austria

27 February 2025, Ottawa – Rappler’s Head of Community Pia Ranada paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Canada. Ms. Ranada was joined by Mr. Carlo Figueroa, Head of Public Affairs of the Embassy of Canada in Manila. 

The discussion centered on the Filipino diaspora in Canada, highlighting key issues affecting overseas Filipinos, including workers and students. Specific concerns raised included the challenges in the recognition of credentials for Filipino professionals in Canada and the alarming rise of scams by fraudulent recruitment agencies targeting international students. The conversation underscored the crucial role of the media in promoting the welfare of Filipinos abroad and raising awareness on these pressing issues.

The meeting also touched on the broader Philippines-Canada bilateral relations, including trade and agricultural cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Austria and Ms. Ranada exchanged insights on how the media can serve as a platform to further strengthen people-to-people ties and advance common interests between the Philippines and Canada.

Ms. Ranada is traveling as part of the 2024 Marshall McLuhan Fellowship, the flagship public diplomacy project of the Canadian Embassy in Manila. The fellowship, awarded annually to an outstanding Filipino journalist, provides a two-week speaking and familiarization tour in Canada. END