Bert Monterona at work and the Canadian commemorative coin
Vancouver, B.C.
The consumate artist..
“I am an artist and, at the same time, a social realist,”
….”My work of art is a process of examining the future and rediscovering the past to build the present, to envisage complex challenges in order to link between different culture, places, time and event…”
That’s how Monterona describes himself and his work which spans decades starting during his student days in the Philippines to present day Vancouver where he immerses himself in art and his community.
Portrait of Women’s Plight II, Oil on canvas tapestry,180cm x 198cm (2009). (Artist’s FB)
The Royal Canadian Mint released its 2026 Celebrating Canada’s Diversity: Resilience and Unity commemorative coins in fine silver and pure gold, honouring the vibrant Filipino-Canadian community and its contributions to Canada.
As part of the Mint’s ongoing diversity series, the 2026 edition highlights the cultural legacy and growing presence of Filipino-Canadians across the country.
Designed by Filipino-Canadian artist Bert Monterona, the coins feature the Sarimanok alongside symbols of unity, compassion, and resilience. A mother-of-pearl centerpiece reflects both the Philippines’ natural heritage and the enduring strength of the Filipino spirit.
Issued in limited quantities, the coins provide a meaningful way to mark Filipino Heritage Month and acknowledge the important role of Filipino-Canadians in Canada’s multicultural landscape.
Who is Bert Monterona?
The internationally acclaimed Monterona is an moralist, educator and community activist who divides his time between his art nd community involvement where he shares his talent to teach the next generation of Filipino artists.
This recent achievement is another addition to his long history of art recognition from all parts of the world including Canada and his home country, the Philippines where one of his works is in the permanent collection of the National Museum of the Philippines.
“He was the Regional Coordinator for Mindanao of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Republic of the Philippines from 1996-2001 and the founder and main visual arts facilitator of the Philippine Artists Network for Community Integrative Transformation of Migrante BC, Vancouver, Canada. As an artist-educator he has organized art workshops in schools and communities, for skills development, art-as- therapy and peace-building. Aside from his studio painting activities for galleries and art collectors, he is also active in social development advocacy work for non-governmental organizations and institutions by giving arts and cultural services for their education and information programs and campaigns. As a muralist, he has done large works about Peace based on Justice, Global warming and the Environment, Women and migrant workers and Indigenous people issues. Monterona’s art elevates social realities to aesthetic heights.”
Monterona did not initially study art in the Philippines but completed a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education, majoring in Architectural Drafting Technology at the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) in 1985.
“Monterona’s works illustrate the wealth of his experience and art education during his formative years in Mindanao. Inspired by traditional cultures of both the Lumad and Muslims, he borrows motifs and patterns from their woodcarving, weaving, embroidery and brass casting. In this way, he proudly expresses affinity with his community and at the same time convey relevant socio-economic and environmental issues.
The art making process for his “tapestry” paintings is influenced by the Mandaya handwoven skirt (dagmay). It involves a technique that he developed for decades using natural dye, textile paint and acrylic instead of the usual stretched and primed canvas. This innovative artmaking process is built upon his adherence to indigenous forms that complement the subjects and themes of his works and advocacy towards harmony between modern technology and traditional way of life, ” says the National Museum of the Philippines.
Bert Monterona grew up in Bukidnon with his Talaandig mother and Cebuano father and immigrated to Canada in 2004 to showcase his work at Simon Fraser University. During this trip, he was invited to be an artist-in-residence at the Vancouver Film School and following his residency, his employer sponsored his application under the BC PNP. He was granted permanent resident status in 2006.
The design of the coin includes the mythical Sarimanok (a legendary bird of the Maranao people), traditional okir (plant-based) motifs, and Canadian maple leaves.
The Coin
The Centerpiece: A beautiful mother-of-pearl center is crowned by an engraved sun inspired by the Philippine flag.
Versions Available: Released as a $20 fine silver coin (approx. 5,500 mintage) and a $200 pure gold coin (limited to 275 pieces).
The coin was introduced to recognize the cultural legacy, resilience, and positive contributions of the Filipino community to Canada’s multicultural landscape. [1, 2]
The back features the effigy of King Charles III by designer Canadian designer Steven Rosati.
Available Versions:
1 oz. Pure Silver Coin ($20 CAD): Has a mintage limited to 5,500 pieces worldwide.
1 oz. Pure Gold Coin ($200 CAD): A rare collectible with a mintage limited to only 275 pieces worldwide.
Limited edition. A true collector’s piece.
For more information on availability and purchasing, the public may visit the Royal Canadian Mint website: https://www.mint.ca/en.
The consumate artist..
