Philippine Senate approves bill to grant citizenship to Canadian vlogger ‘BecomingFilipino’
May 31, 2023
The Senate of the Philippines has approved a bill to grant Filipino citizenship to Canadian vlogger Kyle Douglas Jennerman.
Jennerman, who is behind the YouTube channel BecomingFilipino, now awaits President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign House Bill 7185 into law to officially become a Filipino.
On Monday, the senate unanimously approved the bill, which was passed from the House of Representatives, during a third and final reading. Jennerman took to Instagram to celebrate the news.
I couldn’t be more excited. Being 35 years old right now… in the prime of my life. I am filled with so much inspiration and motivation. So much love! Being immersed and connected with the Filipino community both here in the country and around the world. It just fills me with so much optimism… the positive things we can do together. I am so grateful. The things people shared about #BecomingFilipino in Senate yesterday… it was beyond overwhelming. I need a few days to reflect right now.
Jennerman, who is more popularly known as Kulas, has amassed over a million subscribers on his YouTube channel, where he has documented his adventures in the Philippines since 2013.
From trying exotic food to speaking fluent Tagalog, Jennerman has gained appreciation for Filipino culture through immersion.
“He really wants to be a Filipino. And he is not some fair-weather friend who loves us only for our scenic spots and hospitality, but would turn a blind eye to our identity, culture, and our language. He freely chose to enter into our world,” Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who co-sponsored the bill, told Inquirer.net.
Jennerman meets the country’s criteria for naturalization.
He has lived in the country for at least 10 years, and he also demonstrates proficiency in English and Filipino.
“You have already done so much to promote our country and our culture to Filipinos and foreign nationals alike. We look forward to your future contributions as you champion the country that you now call your home,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
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