91亚色 and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hosted the public forum and a reception to mark 75 years of diplomatic relationship between Canada and the Philippines

From academics to laypersons, more than 100 Filipinos from all walks of life gathered at 91亚色 recently, to attend a public forum on achievements and challenges that are unique to members of the diaspora in Canada.

The panel discussion followed by a reception was facilitated by 91亚色 and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, marking the 75th anniversary of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations.

The turnout for the October 28 event at 91亚色鈥檚 Tribute Communities Recital Hall indicated attendees鈥� interest in learning more about their own community, while taking it as an opportunity to meet fellow diaspora members, even though it was a weekday.

Welcoming the guests and panelists, immediate past Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Phillips noted that as an academic institution, diversity and inclusion are 91亚色鈥檚 core values and that through teaching, research and community-engagement activities, the University is embracing differing perspectives and fostering global fluencies and cross-cultural knowledges. 鈥淭hrough global partnerships on shared goals and values, 91亚色 is committed to addressing global challenges and supporting a more inclusive and sustainable planet for all.鈥�

In her remarks, Philippine Consul General Angelica Escalona said, 鈥淢any Filipinos I met since I arrived here told me that their migration experience to Canada was not easy. But migrating to another land is never easy. It takes hard work, adapting to a new culture and way of life, learning new knowledge, skills and possibly another language, as well as personal and financial sacrifices. But most of all, it is a commitment 鈥� a commitment to a better future. A commitment to contribute to Canadian society. I am happy that even though their start was not easy, many Filipinos in Canada eventually became successful. Others, whose parents were Filipino migrants, also became very successful.鈥�

Titled 鈥淧ublic Forum on the Filipino Diaspora in Canada: Celebrating Successes and Addressing Persistent Challenges,鈥� the panel of Filipino and Filipino-Canadian leaders and changemakers shared their thoughts on the success of Filipino professionals in Canada and the barriers that persist.

Panellists 鈥� Manitoba Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler; Justice Steve A. Coroza, Court of Appeal for Ontario Professor Glenda Bonifacio, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Lakehead University and Dance Professor Patrick Alcedo, School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD), also highlighted contributions for the diaspora members in academia, politics, arts, culture and society. Professor Philip Kelly, Associate Dean for Research, Graduate & Global Affairs moderated the panel, while Assistant Professor Marissa Largo, Visual Art and Art History, AMPD served as the emcee for the evening.

鈥淭onight鈥檚 discussion, led by our speakers and panellists has given us much to think about. Hopefully, the points raised will form a springboard from which we can build platforms and programs for action, to make policies that are responsive to building better communities for our community here,鈥� said Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, addressing the audiences.

The Philippine Studies Group at 91亚色 Centre for Asian Studies organized the public event with the support of 91亚色 International, which leads the University鈥檚 global engagement initiatives and partnerships.

In her remarks closing the event, Associate Vice President Vinitha Gengatharan at 91亚色 International said that the challenges overcame by the panellists resonated with many, including herself, who immigrated to Canada at an early age. 鈥淲e learned so much from your insights and experiences as you navigated your careers and professions enriched by the unique cultures, systems, and contexts of both Canada and the Philippines.

The event concluded with a reception, where community members also had an opportunity to meet with diplomats and panellists and share with them personal experiences in an informal setting.

Speaking to OMNI Television鈥檚 Paula Saraza during the reception, Philipps said there is a strong representation of Filipino students at 91亚色. 鈥淲e're very proud to have more than 400 Filipino heritage students here at 91亚色鈥� some have come directly from the Philippines. That number has been growing and we hope to see it grow further.鈥�

In the same , Consul General Escalona pointed out that it鈥檚 an excellent time to highlight the fact that the Canada-Philippines relationship is the strong people-to-people linkages. 鈥淲hat we actually want to see is, more Filipino Canadian leaders. More Filipino Canadian trailblazers.鈥�

Originally published in News@91亚色.

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By Gloria Suhasini

New and returning students enjoy a meet and greet with the University president, foreign diplomats and peers

鈥淔rom the very first day I stepped on the 91亚色 campus, what I found most appealing was the mix of students from all over the world! This led to new friendships and connections which continue to make my university experience even more rewarding.鈥� said Damor McQueen, a fourth-year political science student from Jamaica, speaking at the President鈥檚 International Student Reception on September 25.

The Student Success Mentor Lead in the Black Excellence at 91亚色 program urged his peers to build new connections and get involved in academic and extracurricular activities to make the be best of 鈥渢his once in a lifetime opportunity being presented to you.鈥� He cited his own experience volunteering last year at the聽Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences聽hosted by 91亚色 that led to his current work/study student opportunity.聽

91亚色 continues to attract students like McQueen from around the world, who join the community with great enthusiasm to receive worldclass education 鈥� often work-integrated 鈥� in their chosen field, be that in the arts, science, technology or engineering.

To make high quality university education accessible, 91亚色 offers several . One such scholarship is the President鈥檚 International Scholarship of Excellence, awarded to high school applicants around the world, who are entering their first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at the university. Another scholarship popular among international students is the Tentanda Via Award. Named after 91亚色鈥檚 motto 鈥淭he Way Must Be Tried,鈥� it assists undergraduate students who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming significant personal barriers in the pursuit of a university education and progressive changemakers committed to sustainable development.

Other scholarships available for international students include Daughters for Life, the Global Leader of Tomorrow Award, and Mitacs Internships and Awards. Several聽聽attended the president's reception. For additional information, students are encouraged to visit 91亚色鈥檚聽Global Engagement听飞别产蝉颈迟别.

鈥淲hile it is our intention to support you in your academic journey, you also bring a wealth of insights and strengths to 91亚色," President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton told the student audiences. 鈥淲e are thrilled that you chose us, and we look forward to what we will accomplish together. Please remember that nothing is more important than your well-being and health and we have many student services to support you.鈥�

The event organized by  was also attended by China鈥檚 Education Counsels Renzhu Li and Wenjin Han; India鈥檚 Consul (Commerce & Political) Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh; and the Philippine Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague.

These diplomatic representatives to Canada were not only present to celebrate their respective country鈥檚 highly talented students, but also to assure support in their new country of temporary residence. 鈥淲e wish them the very best in their courses of study,鈥� said Singh. 鈥淭he Indian Consulate remains at disposal for welfare and well-being of all Indian international students in Canada.鈥�

Diplomats were also on hand to speak to the students during the networking hour, a rare opportunity for these outstanding future leaders of the world.

By the end of the event, it was evident that many students had forged enriching new friendships that could last a lifetime, while advancing their education and career aspirations.

Originally published in News@91亚色.

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Manalo noted academic connections between 91亚色 and Philippine educational and government institutions that strengthen bilateral relations  

91亚色 and the Philippines have developed a deep-rooted relationship that鈥檚 鈥渕utually beneficial,鈥� the Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said during his visit to the University鈥檚 Keele campus on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Manalo stopped by 91亚色 on the last day of his Canadian trip, to meet with members of 91亚色鈥檚 leadership and faculty researchers with a strong interest in the Philippines and its diaspora. He was accompanied by the country鈥檚 top diplomats to Canada, including Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria; Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Office of American Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs; and Toronto Consul General Angelica Escalona.

Coinciding with the Asian Heritage Month events held at 91亚色, the meeting was facilitated by 91亚色 International鈥檚 Helen Balderama, director of global engagement and partnership.

鈥淎cademic linkages facilitate cooperation that strengthens the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada,鈥� Manalo told the attendees, including academics who are part of the Philippine Studies Group (PSG) at 91亚色 Centre for Asian Research.

鈥淲e note the active engagements between 91亚色 and Philippine educational and government institutions,鈥� said Manalo, highlighting his country鈥檚 appreciation for PSG鈥檚 research programs and projects, conducted with funding support from the Philippines government.

鈥�91亚色 is committed to further developing strategic partnerships in the Philippines and the Filipino community in Canada that are multi-layered and multi-disciplinary,鈥� Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps said. Philipps noted that her recent visit to the Philippines, as part of the Universities Canada Partnership Mission, offered an insight into the opportunities available for research collaborations and partnerships.

In fact, the discussions Philipps had with government officials around 91亚色鈥檚 leadership in disaster and emergency management (DEM) research led to Professors  and  visiting the Pacific nation 鈥� ranked among the most disaster-prone countries in the world 鈥�  with its Civil Defense Training Institute.

Kennedy and Asgary, who are the associate directors of 91亚色 Emergency Mitigation, Engagement, Response, & Governance Institute, shared their experience interacting with researchers at the University of the Philippines as well as visiting active volcano sites during their recent visit to the Pacific nation. 

Kennedy said the Philippines Office of Civil Defense personnel have been invited to 91亚色 for training and collaboration, as well as to explore experiential education opportunities for students in DEM programs, including internships and placements in the Philippines.

Dance Professor  who had accompanied Philipps on the trip, highlighted his positive experience engaging in partnership meetings to launch the course, 鈥淧hilippine Folk Dance and Culture.鈥� He said nearly a dozen students have enrolled in his innovative  that begins later this month in the Philippines. The course is offered by 91亚色鈥檚 School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design in partnership with the University of the Philippines and other Philippine institutions. Alcedo said the course will be a window into the rich culture and traditions of the Philippines through immersive experience and will be offered to external participants in the future.

Visual art and art history Professor  said her upcoming book, funded by the PSG, will be first of its kind on Filipino Canadian contemporary art published in Canada. The book, currently in manuscript stage, examines the practices and oral histories of four Filipino Canadian visual artists and their decolonial diaspora esthetics, while analyzing what it means to be a diasporic person amid a Eurocentric society.

Equity studies Professor , whose research focus includes post-disaster recovery, climate change adaptation and climate change-induced mobility in the Philippines and the Filipino community in Canada, was among the researchers present at the meeting. She told the group that more than $500,000 of a new grant for an international research study in Africa and Asia will be allocated to research in the Philippines. Su, who is a co-principal investigator on the grant noted that the fund will be used to hire researchers, invest in local communities and build capacity for research and climate change adaptation.

Professor , interim dean of the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change who is credited with establishing 91亚色鈥檚 earliest research partnership with the Philippines, in 2007, highlighted that a large number of 91亚色 students are drawn from recent immigrant communities, including the Filipino community, which is also one of the fastest growing diasporas in the country. He said 91亚色 also has attracted many faculty members of Philippine origin and that led to the creation of the PSG at 91亚色.

Kelly offered an overview of the group鈥檚 work, highlighting current projects of a few Philippine researchers 鈥� both faculty and students鈥� fostering cultural understanding through the arts and humanities. He noted that the research spans disciplines across the University, including history Professor聽鈥檚 research on the commonalities between Indigenous cultures and communities of Canada and the Philippines; and politics Professor聽鈥檚 research studying labour activism in the Filipino diaspora.聽

At the end of the presentation, Philipps thanked Manalo and his colleagues for making the stop at 91亚色 to meet in person with 91亚色 researchers. 鈥淲e are excited to participate in the 75th anniversary celebrations of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations, hosting several related events at 91亚色 this year.鈥�

Among the 91亚色 events planned around the 75th anniversary鈥檚 theme 鈥淏uilding Bridges, Celebrating Connections,鈥� are a panel discussion of Filipino-Canadian community and thought leaders concerning Filipino immigrant successes and barriers in Canadian labour markets, and a diaspora film festival, both planned for Fall 2024.

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Professor Brandon Vickerd, a sculptor, as well as theatre and performance artist Laura Levin, director of Sensorium 鈥� a 91亚色 research centre for digital arts and technology 鈥� are leading a group of 25 students in research centred on the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor preserve and communities near Las Nubes.

The course focuses on developing research methodologies and strategies for building community-driven, site-oriented, collaborative approaches to art production.

鈥淐urrent studio courses focus on students鈥� artistic skills and don鈥檛 teach them how to go to a community, make connections and respond to the reality of the environment, the politics and the institutions while producing meaningful works,鈥� said Vickerd. 鈥淭his residency-based course provides such an opportunity.鈥�

The students are living with families in the local villages, two per home, and taking part in a curated, daily schedule of activities and exploration. Their experience began in San Jos茅, Costa Rica鈥檚 capital, with two days of visiting theatre companies and museums before travelling to Las Nubes. Once there, they were able to get a sense of the landscape, the people, the economy and politics.

鈥淭hey will engage with the larger questions of the course in a site-specific way,鈥� Levin said. 鈥淭hey鈥檒l visit local farms, and 鈥� informed by their readings on food sovereignty 鈥� they鈥檒l learn first-hand about the challenges of individuals running small farms in the global food system. 

鈥淲e鈥檒l also travel to an Indigenous village that is the home of the Boruca people, a group that has developed over time an intricate mask-making tradition and a youth theatre company that imaginatively incorporates those masks. There will be a lot of hands-on engagement with cultural producers.鈥�

One of the students鈥� other major tasks is to assist with producing ExpoCOBAS, an annual festival organized by the local community designed to celebrate and consolidate identity around the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor. It鈥檚 an exercise that will include everything from making pi帽atas to putting on a student art showcase to brainstorming about activities that will engage young people.

鈥淭here are important lessons we鈥檇 like our students to absorb,鈥� said Vickerd of the residency鈥檚 goals. 鈥淲e want to show them that they can engage with the environment in a variety of ways. We also want them to understand what it means to engage ethically with a community and collaborate, to engage in social action. They need to understand what鈥檚 important about a culture and how they can contribute with support and understanding, meaningfully adding to its health.鈥�

Levin noted that some students had never travelled to Latin America before undertaking this residency, offering an additional opportunity for some.

鈥淲e want them to learn what it means for artists not to be tourists and how to negotiate their experiences in a thoughtful way, rather than viewing the community as a spectacle to be consumed,鈥� Levin said.

Vickerd and Levin are providing the students with creative prompts and exercises to help them engage with the unique landscape, such as participating in outdoor classes or hiking in the rainforest.

鈥淭hey won鈥檛 be able to sit back,鈥� said Vickerd. 鈥淭his course is about engagement.鈥�

Po Kuen Cheung, a graphic designer and mature visual art and art history student who is studying part time for a degree, is one of the students registered for the intensive Las Nubes course.

鈥淚 want to explore the wonderful world of art when I retire, and when I saw the Costa Rica course, it matched exactly what I want to do 鈥� explore what happens elsewhere,鈥� said Cheung. 鈥淚t will be an experience of a lifetime.鈥�

Once he and his fellow students return home, they will have the opportunity to reflect on the experience and translate it into either an essay or artistic output.

鈥淭his experience allows them to think about how to explore and explain the world in a different way,鈥� Vickerd said.

Their responses, whatever form they take, will enrich the understanding of others, giving what they鈥檝e learned a broader impact.

Originally published in YFile.

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Department of Dance students in Professor Bridget Cauthery鈥檚 Big Dance Small Space course are now familiar with the cueca, thanks to a  workshop they attended along with students from SUNY Buffalo State in New 91亚色 this past summer. GNL is an approach to teaching and learning that enables people from different locations worldwide to participate in and collaborate on knowledge-making processes and concrete research projects. It provides cross-cultural opportunities for students who might not have the opportunity to study abroad, a benefit in today鈥檚 global economy.

鈥淭he GNL exercise grew out of a connection I made with Joy Guarino, a dance professor at SUNY Buffalo State,鈥� said Cauthery. 鈥淲e both taught similar courses for non-majors that focused on the globalization of dance and the recognition of cultural dance practices within our own diasporic families and communities.鈥�

Guarino was a proponent of GNL, and the pair discussed bringing their students together online. They had a few brainstorming meetings and decided to offer their students a workshop in cueca, since Cauthery had a teaching assistant from Chile, Sebasti谩n Oreamuno, who was versed in in the dance.

The course was developed during the pandemic and has been taught online, so the workshop this past year brought the 91亚色 students together in the studio on campus for the first time, along with Oreamuno, a PhD candidate in dance. The students from SUNY gathered in the Student Union on the Buffalo campus and participated via Zoom.

鈥淭here was a bit of a learning curve,鈥� said Oreamuno, who simplified the steps for the workshop. 鈥淭he dance is performed in 6/8 time, which isn鈥檛 a musical signature that鈥檚 prevalent in western dance.鈥�

First, he had them listen to the rhythm of the dance and asked them to clap it. Next came the steps, done to a pulse rhythm. He worked with the students on a 30-second sequence of seven steps based on the rhythm. At the end of the 45-minute session, everyone performed it together.

鈥淚t was fun,鈥� said Oreamuno. 鈥淭he students in the 91亚色 studio definitely enjoyed it; I felt the energy coming from them. The professor in Buffalo sent me a message saying her students enjoyed it, too.鈥�

Cauthery said, 鈥淔olk dances lend themselves well to community engagement and connection, and this was a good first attempt, given our reliance on the technology. Next time Joy and I run our courses, we hope to make this a cross-border experiential learning opportunity. We could also have a reciprocal exchange between our programs.鈥�

She is also further considering integrating the collaboration with Guarino and SUNY Buffalo State into something more long-term and with a larger scale; for example, collaborating together on choreography and sharing dance knowledge.

The GNL project also reflected one of 91亚色鈥檚 dance program鈥檚 larger goals: to globalize its offerings by teaching beyond the western canon.

鈥淲e want to focus on making connections through dance and dances that represent some aspect of heritage and identity,鈥� Cauthery said. 鈥淏y sharing that, we can build a bridge of understanding and respect, and create an equitable ecosystem of dance. These may be bold goals, but dance can be a way to bring people and ideas together.鈥�

The GNL team will be hosting an information session for 91亚色 faculty members on Monday, Feb. 26 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. .

Originally published in YFile

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Home to more than 10,000 international students from 178 countries, 91亚色 is a community of diverse experiences, languages, cultures and viewpoints, notes Vinitha Gengatharan, assistant vice-president, global engagement and partnerships.

鈥淭his is a privilege we don鈥檛 take lightly,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e know that each journey to Canada began well before a plane, train or car ride to Toronto. We appreciate the trust placed in choosing 91亚色 and the years of hard work that our international students and their families have put in to make studying at 91亚色, far from home, possible.鈥�

Gengatharan says the University is well-equipped to help steer international students through the challenges they may face, such as housing, finances and adjusting to a new culture, through supports and resources offered through 91亚色 International (YI).

鈥淲e know how important international students are to our community and how much strength and value they bring to 91亚色 and to Canada. 91亚色 is committed to continuing to advocate with our municipal, provincial and federal governments to improve services, resources and processes that impact international students.鈥�  

First impressions

Nargis Rafie grew up in Afghanistan and came to Canada as a refugee. She transferred to 91亚色 this fall to study computer science and is living off campus. After attending YI鈥檚 orientation for international and exchange students, as well as a shopping expedition to help students buy essentials, she shared her first impressions of the University.

鈥淭he campus is beautiful and the staff is very friendly, helpful and quick to respond,鈥� Rafie said.

Orientation, she said, helped her become familiar with campus and with the resources she needed to set up her new life. It also helped her meet other international students who she plans to stay in touch with.

Nigerian computer science student Fatima Yusuf transferred to 91亚色 for her second year after attending another Ontario university.

鈥淚 wanted a school that had a co-op program and I wanted to be exposed to a more diverse group of people,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 volunteered at 91亚色鈥檚 orientation for international and exchange students, checking people at the registration desk. It was nice meeting different people, even briefly, and it was a diverse group.

Her twin sister, Khadija Yusuf, also transferred to 91亚色 and will be studying commerce with an eye toward becoming an accountant. She jumped right into action, volunteering at orientation and attending a special session for students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. She is already planning to join the accounting association and will see if her schedule permits other activities.

鈥淚 felt that 91亚色 had better opportunities: more people, more resources and more activities,鈥� said Khadija.

Commitment to international students

Welcoming international students is part of 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to advancing global engagement, as stated in the University Academic Plan and 91亚色鈥檚 new Internationalization and Global Engagement Strategy.

Sarah Bay-Cheng, dean of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, is aware of the value international students contribute to the learning experience.

鈥淜nowledge doesn鈥檛 stay in one place, but relies on the vital movement and exchange of ideas around the world,鈥� says Bay-Cheng. 鈥淕lobal networks are, therefore, essential to the success of researchers, creatives and students everywhere.鈥�

 works closely with the  and Faculties to design and deliver programs and services to ensure international students succeed and feel at home on campus. It serves as a central hub for international students, offering immigration advising, health insurance, orientation, social events, workshops, academic and career supports, and more.

鈥淲e are proud to provide so many excellent students from other countries with a home-away-from-home, and we are committed to ensuring their experience is a fulfilling one, academically, socially and developmentally,鈥� says Woo Kim, director of international scholar and student services for 91亚色 International.

鈥淲e work closely with university partners and Faculties to support students and provide an excellent experience for international students.鈥� 

For example, 91亚色 International offers a  to support prospective and incoming first-year students, keeping them active and engaged as soon as they鈥檝e received their offer to 91亚色, to better help them navigate their student journey. Current upper-year students remain connected with newly admitted students through monthly check-ins, virtual group connections and ongoing virtual support. This summer, 112 students completed the program.

Once international students arrive on campus, they are invited to an  geared specifically toward their needs. They receive immigration guidance, are introduced to local community resources, such as banks and cellphone providers, and have the opportunity to network with other incoming students. They also engage in academic orientation delivered by the Faculties. 

YI and the Faculties also assist international students with their needs, either through .

鈥淥ur goal is to support international students achieve success, in whatever way they define it, whichever path they choose,鈥� said Gengatharan. 鈥淲hen international students succeed, it is a win for everyone at 91亚色 and in Canada. 鈥淎nd, to our international students 鈥� you belong here, you bring so much to our community and we鈥檙e so glad you鈥檝e chosen us.鈥� 

Originally published in YFile

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By Elaine Smith

The agreement is the first of its kind for a Canadian university to receive direct funding from the Philippine government, and will enhance academic and research collaborations between 91亚色 and Philippine universities.

91亚色 and the government of the Philippines signed a historic donation agreement on Nov. 21 that provides 91亚色 with a contribution of 5 million Philippine pesos ($115,000 CDN). The funding is the result of the strong academic and research collaborations between 91亚色 and Philippine universities and will be used to enhance relations between the Philippines and Canada through academic programs, projects and activities related to Filipino history, cultures and society.

The Philippine Studies Group at 91亚色, located within the 91亚色 Centre for Asian Research, will spearhead the initiative, which will be led by Ethel Tungohan, associate professor of politics and Canada Research Chair in Canadian Migration Policy, Impacts and Activism, along with Professor Patrick Alcedo from the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, and Philip Kelly, associate dean, research and global affairs, for the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC).

91亚色 is the first and only Canadian university to receive this direct funding contribution from the Philippine government for education co-operation activities specifically for Philippine initiatives programming. It joins the ranks of other prestigious universities worldwide in this regard, including the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London and New 91亚色 in New 91亚色 City.

Orontes V. Castro, Philippine consul general, and Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of 91亚色 met at the University to formally sign the memorandum of understanding, which was made possible thanks to the initiative of Senator Loren Legarda, president pro-tempore of the Senate of the Philippines.

鈥淥n behalf of 91亚色, we are grateful to partner with the Government of the Philippines to further strengthen people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Canada,鈥� said Lenton. 鈥淭his Memorandum of Understanding will enhance impactful academic and research collaborations, particularly through 91亚色鈥檚 Centre for Asian Research, focusing on Filipino history, culture and society in Canada and beyond. This partnership is built upon mutually shared values that recognize the importance of higher education, knowledge exchange and cultural well-being in contributing to successful societies.鈥�

Legarda, in a message read by Castro, said, 鈥淭he Philippine initiatives at 91亚色 will highlight the relevance of academe in enhancing our countries鈥� relations and opening opportunities for more collaboration in various fields. 鈥� I believe that this will create more prospects for meaningful exchanges, deepen and widen the Philippines-Canada relations in various areas of co-operation, and promote a greater appreciation of Philippine history, ways and culture and the Filipino people.鈥�

Faculty members are equally enthusiastic about the opportunities this agreement will make possible.

鈥淲hen the Consul General first contacted me and Helen Balderama [director, global engagement programs & partnerships, 91亚色 International] to discuss the donation that the Philippine government wanted to give 91亚色, he emphasized how 91亚色 is one of a handful of universities around the world who was given this honor,鈥� said Tungohan, who teaches in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. 鈥�91亚色, in fact, out of all universities in Canada, was chosen because of the strengths of our research on the Philippines and the Philippine diaspora. The grant will support scholarly exchanges between researchers in Canada and the Philippines, provide research funding for students and faculty members, and allow us to build a 鈥淔ilipiniana鈥� section in our library.

鈥淚 anticipate that this donation will catalyze the creation of a bigger community of Philippine initiatives scholars at 91亚色, allowing us to hopefully build an official Philippine studies program at 91亚色.鈥�

Alcedo, Chair of the Department of Dance, said, 鈥淭he historic donation from the Philippine government is a testament to 91亚色 being the leading university in Philippine initiatives in Canada. 91亚色 now houses the most faculty and graduate students in this part of the world whose areas of research cut across multiple disciplines: politics, cultural geography, cultural studies, education, diasporic and immigration studies, and the performing arts.

鈥淎s a dance ethnographer, whose focus is on Philippine traditional dances, I am very much looking forward to building on this grant to activate artist-to-artist exchange between the Philippines and Canada, leading toward robust community engagement and cultural diplomacy.鈥�

Kelly, a professor of geography, added, 鈥�91亚色 has a long history of research, teaching and community collaboration in Philippine initiatives (including Filipinx diaspora initiatives). The generous support from Senator Legarda, via the Philippine Consulate in Toronto, will raise our efforts to the next level, allowing an enriched array of programming at 91亚色 in Philippine initiatives. I am especially excited by the possibilities it opens up for supporting graduate student research and engaging with academic colleagues in the Philippines.鈥�

Vinitha Gengatharan, 91亚色鈥檚 assistant vice-president, global engagement & partnerships, said, 鈥淭his historic gift offers 91亚色 an excellent opportunity to strengthen and broaden these initiatives and to become a global leader in Philippine initiatives. We are joining an influential global network of universities that includes Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany and SOAS at the University of London in the United Kingdom in engaging with partners in the Philippines through such a gift. This initiative at 91亚色 is sure to grow and expand given all the interest it has generated already.鈥�

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, associate professor of dance in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), was one of the conference speakers. He gave a presentation about using dance as a pedagogical tool. Alcedo is a dancer, dance ethnographer and documentary filmmaker who specializes in the folk dances of the Philippines.

In the audience for  was Faye Snodgress, an American education consultant and granddaughter of a man who taught English in the northern Philippines in the late 1800s.

Following the conference, Snodgress wrote to Alcedo to explain her family connection to the Philippines. She sent along photos of some cultural artifacts that her grandfather had brought home as mementos of his stay in the rural Philippines. Snodgress expressed a desire to donate them to a museum or an appreciative audience. She asked Alcedo if he had any ideas about a good home or any connections to someone who could assist her with the donation.

This embroidered bag is among the artifacts sent to the Museo Kordilyera. Photograph courtesy of Patrick Alcedo

Alcedo, who hails from the central Philippines, immediately thought of a colleague at OCAD University, Lynne B. Milgram, who conducts research in the northern part of the Philippines. He got in touch with Milgram and she told him that a new museum, the , had opened in 2019 at the University of the Philippines. Milgram contacted the director of Museo Kordilyera and received an enthusiastic response: the museum would be delighted to add the artifacts to its collection.

鈥淭he artifacts are amazing,鈥� said Alcedo. 鈥淭here are wooden spoons with carvings of humans on the handle, for example, and a very rare bag that is used in a particular Philippine dance. Material objects are inextricably linked with Philippine dance; they are used as props. I used a similar bag when I was a dancer. These traditions still exist. The dance movements are specific, but they alone can鈥檛 signify the culture; the dances are so object-driven.鈥�

Included in the artifacts are two rare carved spoons and a vessel. Photograph courtesy of Patrick Alcedo

The artifacts are now in Baguio, the city that houses the Museo Kordilyera.

Alcedo, who often travels to the area to conduct research on regional dances, is planning a visit to the collection once it is safe to travel again.

鈥淚magine, these artifacts came to North America 120 years ago,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t is such a generous thing to do to return them to a place where they will be treasured.

鈥淚n addition, it is fitting that these artifacts are being returned home during the Philippines鈥� quincentennial year so that the entire country can enjoy them,鈥� added Alcedo, who was named by the Philippine Consulate as a recipient of a 2021 Quincentennial Award.

By Elaine Smith, special contributor

Originally published in YFile

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