Fortunate is the Filipino who uses her platforms to bring out the best in others. A bright statement to share as colorful as the scarves she wore in her public appearances. People may know Dr. Eileen De Villa as a loving mother of three. A public health doctor to almost three million residents in Toronto. An Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto. Maybe even as a friend to Canada’s multicultural city. One thing our Kababayans should know is she is also a proud Filipino!
Read more →Author: Qjiel Mariano
Qjiel Mariano is a Youth Council Member of the Joint SDG Fund and a Global Public Health advocate from the Philippines. He is passionate about amplifying the voices of young people and bridging opportunities for them to contribute to the greater good. Like every other youth, he enjoys anime, pop culture, food, and sitcoms. His favorite quote is by sir Allen Saraza “Sa bawat padayon, huwag kalimutan mag-pahuway” which translates to "Whenever you keep going, do not forget to rest.”
Rwanda forever! A Filipino’s purposeful visit to the Land of Thousand Hills
The first thing that comes to mind for Filipinos when thinking of trips abroad would be Singapore, Thailand, or Japan. Even wondering of a chance encounter with BTS in South Korea would be a dream come true! Never would I have thought that I would be visiting the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda. This landlocked country in Central Africa has numerous attractions such as Lake Kivu, where you could pick out fresh tea leaves, and Akagera National Park for your safari game drive experience. The best part about the country is that it is Visa-free for Filipinos!
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From Filipino Immigrant to Immigrant Rights Defender: How Gheneva Brought Filipino Values to Canada
A young Filipina had already bought her Accountancy books for the following school year when her mother notified her that she will be migrating to Canada to become a permanent resident. With her luggage ready, she could not shake off the fear of leaving behind a life she built in the Philippines. New country, new university, new college program, and a new adventure – this is Gheneva Aleta’s story from being an immigrant to now working with and for immigrants in Canada.
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A bright future for Philippine Studies at York University
York University received a historic donation of 5 million pesos from the Philippine government on November 2022. The first of its kind in Canada where a Canadian institution received funding directly from the Philippine government.
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Dra. Jo Always On The Go: How Maximizing University Alumni Relations Bring Out the Best in Others
I fondly remember the opening of the year 2020 when Dr. Jocelyn Z. Mariano, a loving mother of four children, told us to ready our baggage for an Alumni Homecoming of Thomasian Doctors in San Francisco. Mom was elected president of the UST Medical Alumni Association and officers were always invited to attend events in the States.
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Thai youth discover purpose through UN volunteerism
Numerous young people struggle to find what they are passionate about. With many options and advocacies available, youth would often ask themselves “Where do I fit in?” Some youth develop it over time from a personal struggle or perhaps learned the value of protecting the planet and human dignity in school.
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Occupational Therapist youths innovate healthcare access through Telerehabilitation Aruga Clinic
The year 2020 opened with the tragic onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that took away the motivation of thousands of young people. Experts believe that the public health crisis of the lockdown is a children’s rights crisis simultaneously as children cannot play outside and receive equitable social protection.
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How the Philippine Youth Saw Hope Through Good Governance
Maria Leonora ‘Leni’ Robredo, one of 2022’s Hauser Leaders at Harvard University, is a shining example of transformational leadership. The Hauser Leaders Program aims to translate the actions of high-profile leaders all over the world into engagements with faculty and students to address our world’s most pressing problems. Ahead of the upcoming World Government Summit – we got a chance to engage in an intergenerational dialogue with Leni Robredo.
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Why Sound Management of Chemical Wastes, Pollution Matter to Filipino Youth
Experts in the health, environmental science, policy, and other disciplines convened at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand, for the OEWG 1.2 on a Science-Policy Panel on Chemical Waste and Pollution Prevention. This event is considered a step forward in environmental protection. Discussions like these help us achieve the 2030 agenda, especially since young people’s voices are also part of the panel.
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Spotlighting the humble Mangrove efforts in Hagonoy, Bulacan
What happens when a humble birthday party becomes a call to action? Simple! For Godwil Coronel Magat, it is to campaign for the mangroves, locally known as the Bakawan in the Philippines.
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