OCAD University student launches the school's first Filipino Student Association in Toronto

Fourth-year graphic design student Reianna Clarete has founded OCAD University's first Filipino Student Association this fall, with an 11-member team planning creative-industry workshops, scholarship sessions and Baybayin workshops.

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Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) in Toronto launched its first Filipino Student Association (OFSA) this fall, Frequency reported on 17 October. It was founded by fourth-year graphic design student Reianna Clarete.

Clarete said the idea came from her own experience trying to find other Filipino students at the university. "It took a couple of years for me to gather a lot of Filipino friends at OCAD," she said. "Most of all, what I hear is that it is quite lonely."

Clarete assembled an 11-member team of students from different programs, most of them studying graphic design. The group is planning workshops featuring professionals in animation, illustration and graphic design, potentially monthly, and hopes to showcase Filipino student artwork through social media and future exhibitions.

Clarete said the association is working with the Filipino Canadian National Scholarship Program to organise an information session about its scholarships, and that through Kabangka students can learn about mentorship and take part in Pinoys on Parliament in Ottawa. Planned cultural activities include Baybayin workshops and Christmas parol-making.

OCAD University's student groups listing describes OFSA as a community that brings Filipino students together through shared culture, traditions and experiences. Frequency reported that the association is open to students and others interested in Filipino culture, regardless of background.