06/15/2026
✨🇵🇭🇨🇦 A Story of Generosity, Heritage, and Community🇵🇭🇨🇦🫡
The Filipino Association of Nova Scotia (FANS) is deeply honored to receive a remarkable collection of cultural treasures from Cynthia Burtt and her husband. These cherished items include a traditional Kulintang gong set from Mindanao, handcrafted baskets from various regions of the Philippines, a decorative engraved punch bowl, and bow and arrows gifted by the Negrito people of Zambales.
The story behind these items begins with Cynthia’s parents, Ralph and Joyce Burtt, who lived in Manila from 1969 to 1978. Ralph Burtt was sent to the Philippines by the United Church of Canada for an initial five-year term. His mission was to work alongside rural communities, helping farmers organize cooperatives and strengthen their livelihoods based on the principles of community involvement and social change promoted by the Coady Institute.
Much of Ralph’s work took place in the provinces of Zambales and Cavite, where he collaborated with partners from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and the Roman Catholic Church on various community development projects. His dedication to empowering local communities made a lasting impact on the lives of many Filipinos.
Joyce Burtt also devoted herself to volunteer work during their years in the Philippines. One project especially close to her heart was the embroidery project in Carmona. The family witnessed the early beginnings of Carmona after many families were relocated from Tondo following the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 under President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Joyce worked closely with community members and treasured the friendships she formed through her service.
Although Ralph and Joyce’s original assignment was for five years, their love for the Philippines and its people led them to request an extension for another three years. Their time in the country became one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives.
The cultural items they collected tell the story of those years. The Kulintang gong set originated from Mindanao and was purchased in the Manila area. It was proudly displayed in the family’s living room both in Manila and later in Canada. The bow and arrows were presented to Ralph by the Negrito people of Zambales as a special gift of gratitude and friendship. The baskets were gathered from markets in Baguio, Banaue, and Manila, while the engraved punch bowl became part of many cherished family gatherings.
Today, with both Ralph and Joyce having passed away, Cynthia wished to ensure that these treasured items would find a home where their history, cultural significance, and connection to the Filipino people would continue to be appreciated.
On behalf of FANS, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cynthia and her husband for entrusting us with this priceless collection. We are deeply honored that they selected FANS as the new caretakers of these treasures. We promise to preserve them with the respect and care they deserve and to share their story with future generations.
These items are more than artifacts; they are symbols of friendship, service, cultural appreciation, and the enduring bond between Canada and the Philippines.
Maraming salamat, Cynthia and family, for your generosity and for helping preserve a beautiful piece of Filipino heritage in Nova Scotia.
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