Did you know?
The first Filipina to study in Canada was Maria Paz Mendoza de Vera. She was born in 1875 in the town of Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines. In 1901, she was awarded a scholarship by the Canadian government to study nursing at the Winnipeg General Hospital. She was the first international student to be admitted to the hospital’s nursing program.
De Vera arrived in Canada in 1902 and quickly became a popular student. She was known for her intelligence, her dedication to her studies, and her cheerful personality. She graduated from the nursing program in 1905 and returned to the Philippines to work as a nurse.
De Vera’s experience in Canada inspired her to advocate for the education of Filipino women. She believed that education was the key to improving the lives of women in the Philippines. In 1912, she founded the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), the first women’s university in the Philippines. PWU is still in operation today and it continues to be a leader in the education of Filipino women.
De Vera’s legacy is one of education, advocacy, and service. She was a pioneer for Filipino women and she helped to pave the way for future generations of Filipino students to study in Canada.
In addition to being the first Filipina to study in Canada, De Vera was also a pioneer in the field of nursing. She was one of the first nurses in the Philippines to specialize in public health and she played a key role in the development of the Philippine Red Cross. She was also a social reformer and she worked to improve the lives of women and children in the Philippines.
De Vera was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the Philippines and to Canada. She is an inspiration to all Filipino women and she is a role model for future generations of Filipino students.
Inspired by the legacy of Maria Paz Mendoza de Vera, iCanada is committed to helping Filipino students get the quality education they need to succeed in Canada and in the world. We believe that education is the key to a better future for Filipino families and for the Philippines as a whole. We are proud to be a part of the journey for Filipino students who want to study in Canada and we are confident that they will make a positive impact on the world.
