From Maple to Mangoes: Philippine Posts in Canada and CFO Partner to Bring Filipino-Canadian Youth Back to Their Roots

Heads of Philippine Posts in Canada (PPCs) and CFO Secretary Dante Ang II meet in Manila on February 10 to map out avenues of cooperation between the PPCs and CFO including conceptualization of "From Maple to Mangoes" Canada YouLead youth immersion program. From L-R: Ms. Marita Del Rosario Apattad, CFO  Undersecretary Ma. Arlene Borja, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, Vancouver PCG, CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Consul General Emma Sarne, Calgary PCG (Photo courtesy of CFO)

17 February 2026, Vancouver BC – Following the successful conclusion of the 10th Winter Escapade, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is proud to announce a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of Filipino-Canadian leaders. On February 10, 2026, at the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) office in Manila, the Heads of Philippine Posts in Canada (PPCs) met with Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II to discuss a strategic partnership centered on the specialized  immersion module, "From Maple to Mangoes: Finding Home in Two Worlds."

A vision for the future: CFO and PCG officials discuss how the August 2026 (tentative) YouLeaD module will help Filipino-Canadian youth rediscover their cultural identity. (Photo courtesy of CFO)

Notably, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin has been a long-time champion of this initiative, having successfully advanced the project during her tenure as Consul General in Chicago. Under her leadership , two (2) editions of US Midwest You Lead Immersion Program were piloted in the US Midwest states by Philippine Consulate General in Chicago and CFO in 2019 and 2020, when contingents of Filipino-American millennials (aged 16-25) from the U.S. Midwest participated in a  7-day immersion trip, experiencing firsthand Philippine culture and rediscovering their Filipino roots. By drawing on these successful experiences, the 2026 Canadian edition  is set to be a comprehensive journey designed to foster functional, lifelong ties to the Motherland.

Strengthening ties: Officials from the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Canada and the CFO committed to building a bridge between the Maple and the Mango through the CFO’s YouLead Immersion Program. (Photo courtesy of CFO)

During the high-level meeting, Secretary Dante Ang II emphasized the vital role the program plays in the CFO's mission to provide younger generations with opportunities to learn Philippine history and culture. He noted that the goal of "From Maple to Mangoes" is to create a catalyst for participants to realize their Filipino identity while instilling a deep sense of national pride, describing it as more than a tour but a bridge to the future. The August 2026 tentative itinerary is designed to be high-impact, featuring workshops in basic conversational Filipino, traditional weaving, and hopia-making, alongside gastronomic tours of Binondo and historical walks through Intramuros and Rizal Park. Participants will also have an opportunity to meet young Filipino political leaders and to learn environmental stewardship first hand.

A Symbol of Shared Vision: Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga (right) receives a commemorative token from Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II (left) following their high-level meeting in Manila on February 10, 2026. (Photo courtesy of CFO)

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, speaking on behalf of the Heads of Philippine Posts in Canada, shared a vision for the collaboration where strengthening ties between youth in Canada and their Homeland empowers them to carry traditions forward as a vital part of their own legacy. He remarked that this partnership ensures the diaspora remains an active and vibrant participant in the country's continuing story.

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver echoed this sentiment, encouraging the Filipino-Canadian community in British Columbia, the Yukon and Northwestern Territories to look forward to this unique opportunity to bridge the gap between their Canadian upbringing and Filipino heritage. She invited the community to closely monitor the Consulate's social media channels for future information on how to join this life-changing journey in August 2026

As the program continues to be finalized, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver will provide further information to the public. For the latest updates and registration details, the public is encouraged to follow Vancouver PCG’s official social media platforms and website. For any questions or concerns regarding the program, the public may reach the Consulate via email at vancouver.pcg@dfa.gov.ph or through the "Contact Us" section of our official website. END