November 1, 2026 — Canadian Filipino Net (CFNet), published by the Maple Bamboo Network Society, has secured funding from Canadian Heritage to develop emerging Filipino Canadian journalists and digital storytellers while strengthening community journalism and representation in Canada's media landscape.
The funding, awarded through the Canada Periodical Fund's Changing Narratives Fund component, will support NextGen Canadian Filipino Net: Building the Next Generation of Ethnocultural Digital Storytellers, a six-month initiative combining journalism mentorship, digital publishing training and audience development.
“Canadian Heritage is proud to promote our rich linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as our country’s arts and heritage sectors. I would like to thank you for helping share our stories and continuing to build a strong and inclusive Canada,” wrote Ramzi Saad, Director General of the Creative Industries and Trade Branch, in the funding approval letter.
For the Maple Bamboo Network Society, the funding marks an important milestone in its commitment to amplifying Filipino Canadian voices.
“Filipino Canadians have stories that deserve to be shared, not only within our community but across Canada,” said Emmy Buccat, President of the Maple Bamboo Network Society. “This support allows us to invest in emerging talent, strengthen our digital presence and create more opportunities for our community to tell its own stories.”
The project will support three paid internships: two Journalism and Community Storytelling Interns and one Digital Publishing and Audience Development Intern.
Under the mentorship of experienced editors, the journalism interns will produce approximately 36 feature and community stories exploring Filipino Canadian experiences, including immigration, identity, education, employment and civic participation.
The digital publishing intern will support website publishing, social media, video content and newsletter development to help CFNet reach wider audiences.
Beyond the internships, the initiative aims to strengthen CFNet's long-term digital publishing capacity and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive Canadian media landscape.
CFNet is launching a public call for applications for the three paid internship positions. Aspiring writers, journalists and digital creators are encouraged to apply. Full details will be announced separately.
Canadian Filipino Net is an independent, non-profit digital magazine produced by volunteer writers, editors, and webmasters. Your donation will go a long way so we can continuously publish stories about Canadian Filipinos. Click on a donate button and proceed either through PayPal, Debit, or Credit Card.
