CALL FOR REGISTRATION FOR FILIPINO AND FILIPINO-CANADIAN GRADUATE STUDENTS, SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND EXPERTS IN CANADA, AND FILIPINO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS IN CANADA

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Consistent with Republic Act 11035 or the Balik Scientist Act implemented by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, and as part of the Philippine Government’s efforts to strengthen and expand research and development networks and capabilities in the industry, energy and emerging technology sectors, the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Canada are calling on all Filipino and Filipino-Canadian Graduate Students, Scientists, Engineers, and Experts in Canada, and Filipino Science and Technology Organizations in Canada to register and be informed of programs, including the DOST Balik Scientist Program (BSP).

The BSP is a brain gain initiative of the Philippine government which aims to tap into the ingenuity and expertise of Filipinos abroad to strengthen the S&T capabilities of local researchers in the academe, public and private institutions, and industry. The program was established in 1975 and was institutionalized in 2018 as a DOST-administered program.

Register through https://qrco.de/FilCanScientists until March 15, 2025, and learn more about the Balik Scientist Program!

By providing your information, you are consenting to the inclusion of your details in the Philippine Embassy and Consulates in Canada’s directory, as well as the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development. Your information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will not be shared with any third party.

CIVIL REGISTRATION MONTH

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February is Civil Registration Month in the Philippines.

Check out this video by the Philippine Statistics Authority which talks about how and when we started celebrating this month to remind Filipinos to register significant events, such as births, marriages and deaths.

This applies to all Filipinos, no matter where you are in the world. For those in Canada, specifically in Ontario and Manitoba, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto serves as your Local Civil Registry.

For the requirements and procedure for registering your child’s birth, your marriage, or the death of a family member, visit our website at
https://philcongen-toronto.com/consular/consular_report.php.

#PHinToronto #35thCRM

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NATIONAL ARTS MONTH CELEBRATION

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In celebration of National Arts Month, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto is pleased to invite everyone to view the online exhibit of the Museo ng Kaalamang Katutubo (MusKKat) entitled “Strong and Lustrous”, dedicated to the beauty and significance of abaca.

Abaca fiber comes from Musa textilis, a non-edible banana native to the Philippines. It has become a part of the Filipino way of life and has proven its versatility in various industries, including in handicraft, paper and automotive production. Abaca is also used as native textile for the traditional Filipino dress, ropes, banknotes, and even coffee filter.

#PHinToronto #SentroRizal #musKKatPH #NAM2025 #AniNgSiningDiwaAtDamdamin #NCCA #sentrorizalph

JOLLIBEE CANADA PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO

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L-R: Trade Commissioner Mario Tani, Jollibee Canada Marketing Manager Lea Kristina Sudio, District Manager Jhoana Feraren, Senior Director for Operations-Canada Region Agnes Delos Santos, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, District Manager Rhea Martinez, and General Manager-Jollibee Yonge & Broadway location Jonard Talamayan and Welfare Officer Benny Reyes

29 January 2025 — The Jollibee Group North America team composed of Ms. Agnes Delos Santos, Senior Director for Operations-Canada Region, Ms. Lea Kristina Sudio, Marketing Manager for Canada, District Managers Jhoana Feraren and Rhea Martinez, and Mr. Jonard Talamayan, General Manager-Jollibee Yonge & Broadway location, paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto today.

The Jollibee team shared updates on Jollibee’s expansion plans in Canada. Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, joined by the Consulate’s Economic, Trade, and Welfare Officers, discussed opportunities for collaboration in supporting the Filipino diaspora and promoting Jollibee to the broader community in Canada.

Jollibee opened its first Canadian location in December 2016 in Winnipeg and has since grown to 28 stores across five provinces in Canada, including 12 in Ontario and 3 in Manitoba.

SCHEDULE OF CONSULAR SERVICE FEES

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In view of the prevailing US Dollar – Canadian Dollar exchange rate, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto will be implementing a new schedule of fees for its Consular Services effective 26 February 2025.

CONSUL GENERAL ESCALONA MEETS WITH NURSES AND MUSLIM-FILIPINO ORGANIZATIONS, DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION TO PROMOTE THE INTERESTS OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY

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Muslim Filipino Association in Canada (MFAC) President Jonathan Macala (right) and Acting Deputy Secretary General Norkhalila Mae Mambuay-Campong (2nd from right) present a miniature kulintang to Consul General Angelica Escalona (2nd from left) with Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague (left)

23 January 2025 – Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, together with Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague, met with the officers of two Filipino community organization, the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA) and the Muslim Filipino Association in Canada (MFAC), and discussed possible opportunities for collaboration, particularly on issues affecting the Filipino community.

IFCNA President Mark Gravoso and Founding Chair Austine Gaqui briefed Consul General Escalona on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) they are signing with the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC). The MOA aims to provide Filipino nurses in Canada who are not yet licensed in the country the opportunity to train in QMMC as one of the options for the Evidence of Practice required by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to be registered as a nurse in the province. The MOA will ensure that the nurses will get the correct training from a reputable institution and will be recognized by CNO.

MFAC President Mr. Jonathan Macala and Acting Deputy Secretary General Norkhalila Mae Mambuay-Campong laid out their plans for 2025, which aims to highlight not only Muslim Filipino culture but the whole of Mindanao as well. This includes promotion of traditional food, halal products and performing arts from Southern Philippines. MFAC expressed interest in collaborating with the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Toronto, other Filipino community organizations and the academe on these projects.

Consul General Escalona sought the support of IFCNA and MFAC on the Philippine Consulate General’s activities, requesting in particular assistance on information dissemination for Overseas Voting for the 2025 National Elections, which will be done by internet voting for the first time.

Discussions with MFAC on promoting culture and products of Southern Philippines

IFCNA President Mark Gravoso and Founding Chair Austine Gaqui sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) on the training of nurses as Consul Sumague looks on

Mr. Gravoso and Mr. Gaqui (on the right) pose with Consul General Escalona and Consul Sumague while holding the signed MOA

ADVISORY: UPDATED CONVENIENCE FEE ON DEBIT CARD PAYMENT STARTING ON 01 FEBRUARY 2025

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SEAFOOD CITY INTRODUCES SFC+ DIGITAL MARKETPLACE APP TO FILIPINO COMMUNITY LEADERS

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Consul General Angelica Escalona (2nd from left) and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani (right) with Seafood City management at the introduction of the SFC+ app held at Seafood City Scarborough

18 January 2025 – Seafood City invited Consul General Angelica Escalona, Trade Commissioner Mario Tani of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Toronto, and Filipino community leaders to the Seafood City branch in Scarborough to introduce its SFC+ digital marketplace app.

The SFC+ app was officially launched in Canada in December 2024. Customers using the app can earn suki points that can be used to pay for groceries, purchase digital gift vouchers from Filipino brands that have partnered with Seafood City, and avail of discounts and promotions.

Seafood City was represented by Mr. Danilo Torres, Small Business Unit (SBU) Food Service Manager; Mr. Alexis Bantilan, Scarborough Store Manager; Ms. Joan Edora, Customer Service Representative; and Mr. Edgardo Convento, Grocery Head Buyer. Also present were representatives of a number of Seafood City’s partner Filipino brands.

Consul General Escalona and Mr. Tani welcomed the launch of the SFC+ app in Canada. The Consul General said, “I urge our kababayans to be ambassadors of Filipino brands. We have so many high-quality food, personal care and household products. We look forward to working with Seafood City and the community to bring more Filipino brands and introduce the best of the Philippines to the broader Canadian market.”

Mr. Tani noted that Seafood City, apart from being a partner in bringing in more innovative and exciting Filipino products to Canada, also supports the growth of Philippine Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Philippine Consulate General in Toronto officials, Seafood City managers and Filipino community leaders
at the introduction of the SFC+ app

FILIPINO FASHION DESIGNER SIMON ARIEL VASQUEZ PREVIEWS COLLECTION AT THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO

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16 January 2025 — Filipino fashion designer SAV Simon Ariel Vasquez previewed his collection of ready-to-wear Filipiniana and barong at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, ahead of his fashion show in Calgary at the Mr. & Ms. Philippines Alberta 2025. He has previously exhibited his creations in various cities including Calgary, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, among others.

INTERNET VOTING

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WATCH: The video of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on internet voting for Filipino overseas voters. The 30-day overseas voting period for the 2025 National Elections is from 13 April to 12 May 2025 at 7:00 p.m. (Philippine Standard Time). Please stand by for further announcements.

CONSUL GENERAL ANGELICA ESCALONA CONVEYS NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO

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1 January 2025 – At the Lieutenant Governor’s 2025 New Year’s Levee held at Queens Park, Consul General Angelica C. Escalona conveyed New Year greetings to the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, on behalf of the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and the Filipino community.

ANNOUNCEMENT: 2025 CONSULAR FEES, TURNAROUND TIME, & CONSULAR OUTREACH SCHEDULE

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PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL AND FILIPINO COMMUNITY COMMEMORATE THE 128TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

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The officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and attached agencies led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona at the Rizal Day 2024 commemoration held at the Sentro Rizal Toronto
30 December 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and the Filipino community held ceremonies to mark the 128th anniversary of the martyrdom of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

The theme of this year’s celebration is Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aral, Aming Nilalandas (Rizal in the New Phliippines: Life and Teachings, as our Guide).

Consul General Angelica C. Escalona led the Rizal Day commemoration at the Sentro Rizal Toronto with Philippine Consulate General Toronto and attached agencies personnel and consular clients. In her remarks, the Consul General noted how Rizal and his teachings remain relevant today as the spirit and values that he embody remain timeless. “Huwag nating kalimutang bigyan ng parangal ang ating pambansang bayani, at sana’y isa-puso at isa-gawa natin and mga aral ni Dr. Rizal sa bawa’t araw ng ating buhay”.

Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate read the Rizal Day message of Philippine President President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. Urging Filipinos to take Rizal’s word’s to heart, the President called on kababayans to be catalysts of change, whether in service to communities, the pursuit of knowledge, or in uplifting the marginalized.

Deputy Consul General Tate also attended the Rizal Day ceremony organized by the Knights of Rizal Canada Region at Earl Bales Park in Toronto.

Philippine Consulate General Toronto and attached agencies personnel with consular clients

Rizal Day commemoration at Earl Bales Park, City of Toronto organized by the
Knights of Rizal Canada Region

Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate (left), Minister Rechie Valdez (center) and MP Marco Mendecino (right) delivering their respective remarks at the Rizal Day commemoration
at Earl Bales Park

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We close this year’s 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women with Adhika Founder , Nora Angeles, as she talks about her group’s advocacy as well as other community resources available to victims and survivors of gender-based violence. #phintoronto #vawfreephilippines #EndVAW

BRAMPTON CITY DECLARES DECEMBER 1ST AS PHILIPPINES-CANADA FRIENDSHIP DAY

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11 December 2024 — At the last City Council Session for 2024 today, Brampton City Mayor Patrick Brown proclaimed December 1st as Philippines-Canada Friendship Day.

Reading the Proclamation, Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor Brampton Wards 1&5 and first Filipino elected to Council in Brampton, noted 2024 as a milestone year in Philippines-Canada bilateral relations. She, Mayor Patrick Brown and Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh cited their personal and professional connections to the Philippines, underscoring the strong people-to-people ties that form the fabric of the relations.

In his response, speaking on behalf of Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate conveyed the Consul General’s deep appreciation for this act. “This shows how close the ties between our peoples are, and how much value the people of Brampton place on Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians in the City.” He underscored the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto’s eagerness to work with stakeholders in Brampton and the Philippines in pursuing opportunities for collaboration in various fields and sectors.

The City of Brampton is home to some 21,000 Filipinos. Every December 1st, the Government of the City of Brampton and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto will come together with the Filipino community to witness the lighting of the Brampton City Hall Clock Tower in Philippine flag colors and hold the community Christmas party to celebrate the holidays.

The Proclamation comes on the heels of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Canada Diplomatic Relations, signaling both sides’ intention of further elevating the partnership in the years to come.

ONE-DAY PAG-IBIG AND PHILHEALTH SERVICES

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For those who were not able to join us last Sunday at the International Forum on Migration, you may still avail of Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth services at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto tomorrow, 10 December 2024, from 1:00p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Services available include:

Updating and Amendment of PhilHealth Member Information
Issuance of PhilHealth IDs & Member Data Records
MP2 Savings Facility
Pag-IBIG Housing Loan Inquiries
Pag-IBIG Membership Savings / Verification
Virtual Pag-IBIG Program

MONTH OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS AND INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY COMMEMORATED IN TORONTO THROUGH INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON MIGRATION

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Attendees during the Forum

8 December 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in coordination with the Inter-Agency Committee for the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day (IAC-MOF), hosted an International Forum on Migration with the theme “Empowering Overseas Filipinos/OFWs Towards Sustainable Reintegration” at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria noted the robust Filipino diaspora in Canada and highlighted the need to empower them, especially through more responsive programs on pre-deployment, assistance-to-nationals and diaspora engagement.

Ms. Carmelita G. Nuqui, President, Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW) and IAC-MOF Co-Chair, pointed to the need to strengthen domestic labor markets to mitigate the social costs of migration. Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante Francis M. Ang II and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo Jose A. de Vega, in recorded video messages, highlighted the importance of the active collaboration of the Filipino diaspora, the Philippine government and civil society partners to constantly improve services to Overseas Filipinos (OFs).

The first part of the Forum centered on the programs and services for migrants, particularly by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)/Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Tourism and the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW). The open forum which followed discussed the Philippine government’s policy on migration, credentials recognition, investment opportunities for OFs in the Philippines and programs to assist distressed OFs.

The Forum also featured a panel discussion on success stories of Filipinos in Canada. Among the speakers were Dr. Patrick Alcedo, Professor of Dance at York University; Mr. Nelson Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Rodriguez Group of Companies and franchisee of Potato Corner in Canada; and Ms. Judith Gonzales, a former caregiver and now President of the Professional Career International Enterprises. The discussions, which was moderated by Consul General Rea Oreta of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, highlighted the Filipino values of friendliness, resilience, industriousness and adaptability as important factors for success in Canada. The speakers added that determination to excel and to make a positive impact to the community are likewise crucial for success.

The Forum was capped by updates provided by Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Social Security System (SSS) and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

As part of the Forum, there were 17 information booths by Philippine government agencies, Filipino community organizations and Canadian non-profit groups providing support services to newcomers and migrants.

A virtual exhibit of the “75 Faces of Migration” project of Philippine Posts in Canada, which showcased 75 Filipinos and Filipino-Canadian trailblazers, was shown at the Forum venue.

Around 140 Filipino migrant workers, international students, permanent residents, dual citizens and Filipino-Canadians attended the event.

On 09 December, the Philippine delegation to the International Forum on Migration had the opportunity to visit Conestoga Meats in Kitchener, Ontario, where around 300 Filipino workers are employed. They also visited the proposed Jose Rizal Memorial site in Niagara Falls.

Ambassador Austria (front row, fourth from right), Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate (third from right) and Consul General Rea Oreta (second from right) with the members of the Philippine delegation to the International Forum on Migration

Attendees inquiring about the programs of Philhealth

Visit of the Philippine delegation to Conestoga Meats in Kitchener, Ontario

Visit of the Philippine delegation to the proposed Jose Rizal Memorial site in Niagara Falls, Ontario

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, PTIC BRING FILIPINO FESTIVE FLAVORS AT THE LAUNCH OF THE DTI-MSME HUB IN TORONTO

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27 November 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Toronto launched the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Hub or DTI-MSME Hub in Toronto on 27 November 2024.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate lauded the DTI-MSME Hub as the first such hub in Canada and only the third in the world to date. Citing the potential to do more in the economic space to build on this milestone year in Philippines-Canada relations and capitalize on the 1-million strong Filipinos in Canada, he underscored the Consulate’s intent of making the Hub a regular platform for introducing Philippine products and services, forging new partnerships, and generating collaborative ideas.

Trade Commissioner Mario C. Tani echoed this in his remarks, underscoring the Hub as a flagship initiative of DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque designed to provide Philippine MSMEs a platform to showcase their finest, export-ready offerings and facilitate business-to-business transactions. With the Hub situated within the Philippine Consulate General, which welcomes many kababayans daily for various transactions, he noted the possibility for every visitor to become an ambassador for Philippine products, helping to amplify their reach into the Canadian mainstream market.

Coinciding with the holiday season, the launch featured Project Beans coffee and Ferino’s bibingka and puto bumbong—popular Filipino native delicacies (rice cakes) usually enjoyed at the end of each of the 9-day Novena Masses at dawn in anticipation of Christmas Day. Alvin Causing, CEO and Founder of Project Beans, flew to Toronto to personally share the history of coffee in the Philippines and how his company is continuing to innovate to elevate Philippine coffee on the global stage while supporting the local farmers and communities behind them. Ashley Tamayo of APO, the distributor of Ferino’s in Toronto, presented a video on the inspiring story of Ferino’s Bibingka and how, since its establishment in 1938, it has become a household name.

The event was attended by over 100 guests from the Filipino-Canadian and Canadian business community, who were treated to free flowing Project Beans Barako and Arabica coffee prepared by Alvin Causing and his wife, as well as Ferino’s bibingka and puto bumbong. Toronto- and Mississauga-based partner establishments also shared how they are making the products available as part of their special menu and product offerings. They whetted the appetite of guests following a sampling of The Purple Bakeshop’s ube cake, Mineral’s espresso martini (using Project Beans Arabica coffee), and Casa Manila’s longganisa tacos.

The Philippines is one of the few countries that produces all four types of coffee beans: arabica, robusta, liberica (barako) and excelsa. Project Beans carries all four types and also produces harmony blends, as well as innovative products such as Coffee in a Brew Bag, Coco Coffee (barako coffee+natural coco sugar+creamy coco cream), among others. Residents in the Greater Toronto Area can purchase and enjoy Project Beans coffee through the aforementioned establishments. For bulk orders and potential partner retailers, contact the Consulate for introductions to the Project Beans team. Ferino’s bibingka and puto bumbong are available from Btrust Supermarket North York and from APO Products Ltd / UNO Foods Inc. for bulk orders.

Above: Ferino’s puto bumbong and bibingka

Below: Members of the Filipino-Canadian and broader community during the DTI-MSME Hub launch at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto

Left to right: The Purple Bakeshop Head of Growth Mark Solis, Mineral Toronto Owner Bruce Ly, Casa Manila CEO, Creative Director and Executive Chef Mila Nabor Cuachon, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, Trade Commissioner Mario Tani, Project Beans CEO and Founder Alvin Causing, and Ashley Tamayo of APO