More than a hundred delegates from across Canada attended the 3rd annual Leadership Convention and National Gala, presented by the Filipino Canadian National Congress on Sept. 21. 

The FCNC is a duly registered national not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group and is mandated to represent the strong Filipino presence in Canada. 

The organization also advocates for important issues like the health and safety of the elderly, recognition of foreign credentials, and entrepreneurial success.

An issue of particular concern was the international student cap recently announced by the federal government. 

Canada further tightens study permit rules for int'l students

It is the government’s latest immigration-related measure to address the ongoing housing and affordability concerns of Canadians. 

Many Filipino students fear that all their investment and efforts will go to waste after Immigration Canada announced that it would prioritize students in fields with staffing shortages.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Andrelita Austria admitted that the reduction would impact more than 30,000 Filipino international students already in the country, as well as future applicants.

"Canada is a very good place to get an education but most of them tell us that the reason they come here is to be a permanent resident," she said. 

Manila's envoy to Ottawa added: "If you want to come here, your intent should be to study. Although there's a possibility that you will become a PR, you shouldn't mortgage your house and gamble on your whole future thinking you will be a PR. That is not for certain."

Meanwhile, with the convention's theme this year of "Strengthening Communities from Coast to Coast to Coast," FCNC President Eddie Villarta said that the event also aimed to connect communities and bring back what they have learned to their respective communities.

"The outcome that we'd like to have after this convention is for people who participated to be inspired," Villarta said. 

"They will be able to bring home something they've learned and, after that, they will be able to collaborate with people they met, whether it's a new friendship or new business connections, so there will be a call to action."

Aurora Viernes, a delegate from Yukon, said she appreciated that the convention allowed them to learn more about leadership, entrepreneurship, and business.

"It’s all related to our families and ourselves, so it enhances our knowledge and our relationship with other people," she said.