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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

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

Message from Regional Councilor Rowena Santos on this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

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Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor Brampton Wards 1&5, talks about initiatives of the City of Brampton towards ending violence against women.

The City of Brampton is home to some 21,000 Filipino immigrants. Councillor Santos is the first Filipino elected to Council in Brampton. #PHinToronto #VAWFreePH #EndVAW #RowenaSantos
rowenasantosbrampton RoweSantos

Lighting of Esplanade Riel Footbridge and WINNIPEG sign at the Forks in Philippine colors.

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PUBLIC HOLIDAY NOTICE - DECEMBER 2024

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Message from Consul General Angelica C. Escalona on this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

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WITNESS AND CAPTURE LIGHTING CEREMONIES TO COMMEMORATE THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINES-CANADA BILATERAL RELATIONS

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In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto invites the Filipino Community in Ontario and Manitoba to witness the lighting of key monuments and establishments in Brampton on 1 December, in Mississauga and Vaughan on 2 December, and in Winnipeg on 4 December.

Capture the lighting ceremonies and tag us on Facebook #PHinCanada and #PHinToronto.

Bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada were established in December 1949 when Canada established a trade mission in Manila. This year in December marks the 75th anniversary of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The 75th anniversary, with the theme, “Building Bridges, Celebrating Connections”, encapsulates the dynamic and forward-looking diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Philippines and Canada are again embarking on new pathways for collaboration such as in defense, agriculture and food security, energy, development cooperation, cybersecurity, among others. At the same time, the two countries continue to celebrate milestones and enjoy robust people to people relations.

#PHinToronto #PHinCanada #PhilippinesCanadaGoingStrong@75

A WORKSHOP ON TRAUMA-INFORMED ARNIS & SELF-DEFENCE

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Kabayan, have you experienced gender-based violence at home or at work?

Join us for a Trauma-Informed Arnis and Self-Defense Workshop at Little Manila!

When: Saturday, 30 November 2024, 2:00-4:00 pm
Where: UDG Dance Studio, 296-A Wilson Ave(above Susan’s Gupitan)

Scan the QR code to sign up. Limited slots only!

This Workshop is organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto in observance of this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women from 25 November to 12 December 2024.

#PHinToronto #VAWFreePH #EndVAW

2024 18-DAY CAMPAIGN TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (VAW) 25 NOVEMBER TO 12 DECEMBER 2024

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The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto joins the observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from 25 November to 12 December 2024, an advocacy campaign that is observed annually, as mandated by Proclamation No. 1172 s. 2006.

Led by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the 2022-2027 recurring campaign theme, “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines” along with the 2024 sub-theme, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!” highlights the urgency of the advocacy in line with the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 (RA 9262).

This year’s Campaign aims to:

1. Raise public awareness about the various forms and impact of VAW and encourage safe, effective interventions in preventing and addressing VAW;

2. Encourage individuals, communities, and government to work together to create a comprehensive response to VAW with a strong focus on prevention; and

3. Empower survivors by disseminating information on available support services and resources, fostering a society that empowers survivors to seek justice and rebuild their lives.

The campaign remains aligned with the United Nations’ “UNiTE by 2030 to End VAW” initiative, of which the Philippines is one of the 51 charter members. UNiTE is a multiyear effort that calls on duty-bearers, civil society and non-governmental organizations, the private sector, media entities, the youth, and UN member states to join forces in addressing the global pandemic of violence against women and girls.

#PHinToronto #VAWFreePH #EndVAW

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO

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25 November 2024 – As part of its mandate of providing consular services to communities under its jurisdiction, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted a Consular Outreach Mission to the Filipino community of Thunder Bay, Ontario on 23-24 November 2024.

The consular outreach team provided a range of consular services to the Filipino community residing in Northwestern Ontario and Filipinos living in the Lake Superior area. The consular team rendered a total of 68 consular services. Twenty-one former Filipinos (along with 4 minor dependents) took their oath of allegiance to retain/reacquire their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225.

Representatives of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) based in Toronto also accompanied the consular team to offer and render their services to new and existing clients.
The Consular Outreach Mission to Thunder Bay was the first to that city since 2018. The Filipino community had requested for the Consulate General to conduct a mission to Northwest Ontario following the hiatus of missions to their part of the province. The Consulate General took the opportunity presented by the request to reach out and inform them of the latest developments regarding Philippine government policies as well as the Consulate’s economic, assistance to nationals and cultural projects. These topics were discussed during the community forum and Post-Arrival Seminar that was held in the afternoon of Saturday, 23 November 2024, with Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and Welfare Officer Benny Reyes.

To enhance intergovernmental relations, Deputy Consul General Tate met with Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff in the morning of 23 November. The Mayor expressed his deep appreciation of the members of the Filipino community of Thunder Bay, praising them as model citizens enriching the city with their presence.

For their part, the Filipinos availing of the consular services expressed their appreciation for the mission. “Matagal na po naming na hinintay ang pagbalik ninyo dito. Malaking tulong po ito sa amin na hindi na naming kailangang lumipad pa papuntang Toronto, para dito.”, one of the clients said.

The Consular Mission to Thunder Bay was Post’s last mission for 2024. Consular outreach missions will resume after the winter season, in 2025. The Philippine Consulate General still offers Saturday services for select weekends during the winter months, to enable clients who are unable to visit the Consulate on weekdays, to avail of services.

INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON MIGRATION IN TORONTO

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Inviting all kababayans!

December is the Month of Overseas Filipinos. The United Nations also celebrates International Migrants Day on December 18 every year.

We are pleased to invite Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians to the International Forum on Migration in Toronto to be held on December 8, 2024 (Sunday), from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto.

The forum will feature resource persons from Philippine agencies serving migrant workers and Overseas Filipinos. It will provide participants an opportunity to learn about the Philippine government’s programs in support of our kababayans in Canada. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with representatives of Philippine agencies, Filipino community organizations and local non-profit groups on issues of relevance to Filipino migrant workers, international students, permanent residents, dual citizens and Filipino-Canadians.

To attend the forum, please register through https://forms.gle/z81mKLxSDhktYdBo6link
or scan the QR code in the poster.

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS 4th CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

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Clients availing of consular services during the outreach mission

12 November 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted a two-day consular outreach mission in Winnipeg, Manitoba on 11 to 12 November 2024. The consular outreach mission is the 4th and last for the year in Manitoba.

The Consulate’s outreach team provided consular services to 357 applicants who availed of services for ePassport renewal, notarization of documents, civil registry submission and dual citizenship application. This includes 77 former Filipinos and their dependents who took their oath to re-acquire their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225. Applicants were given a briefing on consular and assistance-to-nationals services of the Consulate General and the ninth iteration of the Winter Escapade, a flagship tourism program of Philippine Posts in Canada.

The Migrant Workers Office-Toronto also provided services to Filipino workers in Manitoba, including contract verification and processing of Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) and OWWA membership.

The Philippine Consulate in Winnipeg, led by Philippine Honorary Consul Ronaldo Opina, supported the outreach mission.

The outreach mission also helped the Philippine Consulate in Winnipeg with the final preparations for the provision of limited consular services, including notarization of documents and the issuance of emergency travel documents, starting 13 November 2024.

The resumption of consular services by the Consulate in Winnipeg is expected to provide faster and more responsive services to kababayans in Manitoba. Those who wish to avail of the consular services may contact the Philippine Consulate in Winnipeg through telephone number 204-505-5088 or email ph.consular.wpg@gmail.comn to get an appointment.

Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague talks about the programs of the government to members of the Filipino community in Manitoba

See and experience the wonderful connection between the Philippines and Canada!

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3rd FILIPINO-CANADIAN PROFESSIONALS CONVENTION IN ONTARIO PUSHES FOR MORE ACTIVE ROLE OF PROFESSIONALS ON CREDENTIALS RECOGNITION

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(Left to right) Consul General Angelica Escalona, Dr. Edward Cruz of the University of Windsor, Mr. Nanda Layos Lwin of the Professional Engineers Ontario, Ms. Stéphanne Horace of the Ontario College of Teachers and Convention Chairperson Engr. Gil Galang during the open forum

26 October 2024 – More than 150 Filipino-Canadian professionals attended the 3rd Filipino-Canadian Professionals Convention held at the auditorium of the Improve Canada shopping complex in Vaughan, Ontario. With the theme “Shaping the future of Filipino Professionals in Canada”, the convention was aimed at building on the accomplishments of the previous conventions to address barriers to credential recognition of Filipino professionals in Canada.

In her welcome remarks, Consul General Angelica Escalona noted that the convention has facilitated unity among different Filipino professional groups in working towards a common goal of helping Filipinos, particularly on the issue of credentials recognition; and facilitated their dialogue with concerned Canadian and Philippine officials on the issue. “Think about what can be done further to promote the interests of Filipinos in Canada” Consul General Escalona urged Filipino professionals.

There were three speakers during the convention, namely Dr. Edward Cruz, Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor; Ms. Stéphanne Horace, External Relations Officer, Ontario College of Teachers (OCT); and Mr. Nanda Layos Lwin, Vice President of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO). They discussed concerns of Filipino professionals in their respective fields. They also spoke on the licensing procedures and requirements for professionals in Ontario as well as recent programs that facilitate credentials recognition for internationally educated and trained professionals.

An open forum capped the convention. Highlighted during the open forum was the continuing demand for internationally educated and trained professionals in Ontario due to labor shortage and the multi-cultural nature of Canadian society. Mentorship, getting the right information and availing of available support programs were identified as important measures to help internationally educated and trained professionals navigate the licensing process in Canada. According to Mr. Lwin, “there are several programs, initiatives and resources available to you. Take advantage of these.”

Filipino professionals who intend to get a license were encouraged to be more pro-active by taking applicable bridging programs, doing volunteer work in their chosen profession to familiarize themselves with the Canadian system, and advocating with their respective regulatory bodies to provide options in fulfilling the requirements to getting a license.

As part of the convention, a job fair was conducted in the afternoon of the same day. Canada’s Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and the presidents of the Filipino-Canadian professional organizations officially opened the job fair.

There were ten participating companies representing the construction, engineering, architecture, accounting, education and health sectors. Also at the job fair were the Migrant Workers Office-Toronto, SSS-Toronto and non-profit groups helping newcomers access support services and find employment in Ontario.

The convention was organized by 11 Filipino-Canadian professional organizations representing accountants, teachers, nurses, physiotherapists, engineers, architects, realtors, construction professionals, dentists, dental hygienists and former law enforcement officers, in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto (UPAAT).

More than 150 participants attended the convention

Consul General Angelica Escalona (7th from left) with the resource persons and presidents of the Filipino-Canadian professional organizations

(Left to right) Convention Chair Engr. Galang, Minister Rechie Valdez and Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate lead the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the job fair

Participants during the job fair

MAIL SERVICES DISRUPTION

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PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH SERVICE IN ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO

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Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague administers the oath taking of former Filipinos who re-acquired their Filipino citizenship

19 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted a special consular outreach service in St. Catharines, Ontario.

St. Catharines, which is part of the Niagara region, is around 112 kilometers away from Toronto. The Caregivers and Supporters Network of Niagara (CANN) supported the outreach service.

Clients availing of the different consular services during the outreach service

(left to right) Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Member of Parliament Marco Mendicino and Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague

17 October 2024 – Consul General Angelica C. Escalona welcomed Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne and Member of Parliament (MP) Marco Mendicino at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto. Recalling major milestones in the bilateral relations and lauding the positive contributions of the Filipino diaspora, they discussed opportunities for further cooperation in various areas including credentials recognition, energy security, and science, technology and innovation.