Advisories & News
Press Release
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY PAVES THE WAY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE LONG-AWAITED RIZAL MONUMENT IN NIAGARA FALLS
The Filipino community and officials of the local government and Philippine Consulate during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rizal Monument in Niagara Falls (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis C. Bustos)
09 March 2025 – Consul General Angelica C. Escalona joined Mayor Jim Diodati of the City of Niagara Falls, members of the City Council, Member of Parliament Tony Baldinelli, Member of Provincial Parliament Wayne Gates and officials of the Niagara Parks Commission led by Commissioner Bob Gale at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument overlooking Niagara Falls, one of the most popular tourist spots in the world.
The groundbreaking ceremony was organized by the Filipino community in the Niagara Region spearheaded by the Filipino-Canadian Association of Niagara and the Jose Rizal Memorial Committee. Various Filipino community organizations, including the Knights of Rizal, lobbied for the construction of the monument for many years.
The monument will be the seventh Rizal monument in Canada. The other monuments are located in the cities of Toronto, Markham and Brampton in Ontario; Winnipeg in Manitoba; Airdrie in Alberta; and Montreal in Quebec.
The installation of a Rizal monument in Niagara Falls holds a special meaning as it is the only place in Canada which was verified to have been visited by Dr. Rizal. In 1998, the National Historical Institute (now National Historical Commission of the Philippines) donated a historical marker to the Filipino community citing the visit of Dr. Rizal to the falls on 12 May 1888. In 2023, the City of Niagara Falls, through the Niagara Parks Commission, approved the installation of a monument of Dr. Rizal with the marker.
“It was here at this very spot that Dr. Jose Rizal paused to admire the beauty and grandeur of Niagara Falls. This monument will stand as a lasting symbol of friendship between Canada and the Philippines and a tribute the many contributions of Filipinos to Canada”, Commissioner Gale said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Noting the fact there will soon be seven Rizal monuments across Canada, Consul General Escalona said “this reflects not only the growing number of Filipino migrants in this country, but also the growing recognition of their value to Canadian society.”
Mr. Rodrigo Cuizon, Chair of the Jose Rizal Memorial Committee, emphasized that the event is a milestone not just for the Filipino community in Niagara but for Filipinos all over world.
The unveiling of the monument is scheduled in June 2025.
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona (6th from right) and Mayor Jim Diodati of Niagara Falls (7th from right) lead the groundbreaking ceremony (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis C. Bustos)
Consul General Escalona with members of the Filipino community in Niagara (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis C. Bustos)
Consul General Escalona with Mr. Rodrigo Cuizon (rightmost), Chair of the Jose Rizal Memorial Committee in Niagara (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis C. Bustos)
The historical marker donated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines reads “Dr. Jose Rizal (1861-1896). The National Hero of the Philippines visited this magnificent falls and paused between the two rocks on May 12, 1888.”
Consul General Escalona, Member of Parliament Tony Baldinelli (7th from right, back), Member of Provincial Parliament Wayne Gates (10th from left) and members of the Filipino community in front of the Niagara Falls (photo courtesy of Mr. Dennis C. Bustos)”
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO OPENS FOR CONSULAR SERVICES ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Clients of the Philippine Consulate in Toronto on International Women’s Day celebration
08 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto was open for consular services today in celebration of International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month.
The Consulate held a simple ceremony with its clients to mark the occasion. With purple globally recognized as the color of women, symbolizing justice and dignity, Consulate personnel wore purple-colored clothes and served ube (purple yam) flavored Filipino snacks such as hopia, pandesal and ube bars to clients.
Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate delivered brief remarks emphasizing the importance of the role of women in society, quoting the famous aphorism “women hold up half of the sky.”
Filipino Canadian singer Maria Salac serenaded the clients with a song number.
Clients, both women and men, expressed appreciation for the celebration prepared by the Consulate. “We were not aware of the celebration. We are happy to be reminded of the importance of commemorating the sacrifices and achievements of women,” said one of the clients.
Ube bars, hopia and pandesal were served to clients
Personnel of the Philippine Consulate General led by Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate (7th from left) with clients
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE CLIENTS AND VISITORS ENJOY PLAYING “SUNGKA” TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL ARTS MONTH
Consular clients playing the Philippine traditional game “Sungka”
28 February 2025 – In celebration of the 2025 National Arts Month, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto put up a “Sungka” Corner at the Consulate for clients and visitors to try their hand at this traditional game.
“Sungka” is a game of strategy and skills using shells and a boat-shaped board with two rows of seven small holes and two larger holes referred to as “house” at both ends of the board, one for each player. The two players take turns distributing shells into the 14 small holes and their own house. The objective of the game is to gather the most number of shells, and clean out your opponent.
Consular clients who are familiar with “sungka” demonstrated their skills while the younger clients enthusiastically observed and learned the mechanics of the game.
“Magaling ako maglaro ng sungka noong kabataan ko. Halika turuan kita,” said one client as she invited her friend to try the game.
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#PHinToronto
#Nationalartsmonth
2025 NATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH
The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto joins the Filipino nation in the celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month.
The sub-theme for this year’s celebration is “Babae Sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas” with the goal of fostering a society where all women have equal rights, power and opportunities. For more details on the National Women’s Month,
please click the link of the PCW https://pcw.gov.ph/2025-national-womens-month-celebration/
Upcoming Women’s Month activities organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto will be announced shortly.
#PHinToronto
#PCW
#NationalWomensMonth
CONSUL GENERAL ESCALONA, CANADIAN RED CROSS DISCUSS PLANS FOR COLLABORATION ON RISK READINESS, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR FILIPINOS AND SMALL BUSINESSES IN CANADA
Clockwise from front L: Consul General Angelica Escalona, Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, CRC Volunteer Laura Isidean, and CRC VP for Ontario Liane Fernandes
27 February 2025 — Canadian Red Cross (CRC) Vice-President for Ontario, Liane Fernandes, and Volunteer Laura Isidean visited the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto today. The CRC team shared their ongoing efforts to increase outreach to the diverse communities in Ontario, aimed at enhancing awareness about the CRC’s various programs as well as enlisting new volunteers.
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, joined by the Consulate’s Economic Officer, discussed opportunities for collaboration in supporting the Filipino diaspora in Canada, including through the conduct of emergency preparedness and risk readiness workshops and seminars with Consulate personnel, Filipino community leaders, and small business owners in Ontario and Manitoba, and the regular sharing of information on CRC resources as well as volunteer and work opportunities.
The CRC has been a long-time partner of the Philippine Red Cross. It has supported the Philippines during many disasters, including in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan, and in the last 10 years contributed significantly to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts in the Philippines, particularly on WaSH services and embedding gender protection in all DRRM programs.
BARRIOLYMPICS: LARO▶️PLAY PHILIPPINE TRADITIONAL GAMES VIDEO ANIMATION
Today’s episode of Barriolympics: Laro▶️Play features Sungka, a distribution board game of strategy and skills using shells and a boat-shaped board with two rows of seven small holes and two larger holes referred to as “house” at both ends of the board, one for each player.
The two players who take turns in distributing shells into the 14 small holes and their own house. The objective of the game is to gather the most number of shells to clean out your opponent.
Watch the exciting duel between the players of the Green Team and the Blue Team.
Who are you counting on to win?
This episode is made possible by Toei Animation Inc.
Barriolympics is a project between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Animation Council of the Philippines.
#DFAForgingAhead
##CulturalDiplomacy
#Barriolympics
#LaroPlay
#PhilippineGames
#PhilippineAnimation
#NationalArtsMonth
#AnimationCouncilOfThePhilippines
#ToeiAnimationPhilippines
OVERSEAS VOTING ONLINE
Registered Filipino overseas voters (in Posts/Countries adopting online voting) may vote online in the May 12, 2025 elections.
To participate, you must be pre-enrolled as an online voter.
Pre-enrolment for online voting via the COMELEC Voting Portal is from March 10 to May 7, 2025.
The 30-day overseas voting period is from 13 April 2025 until 12 May 2025, at 7:00PM Philippine Standard Time.
Your voice matters, so don’t miss out! Let’s make sure your vote counts!
#COMELECOFOV #2025NLE #NLE2025 #OverseasVotingOnline #2025NLEOnlineVoting #NLE2025OnlineVoting #MakaBAGOngHalalanParaSaMakaBAGOngPilipino #PHinCanada
Continue Reading...CALL FOR REGISTRATION FOR FILIPINO AND FILIPINO-CANADIAN GRADUATE STUDENTS, SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND EXPERTS IN CANADA, AND FILIPINO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS IN CANADA
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
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
Continue Reading...NATIONAL ARTS MONTH CELEBRATION
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
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.
Continue Reading...CONSUL GENERAL ESCALONA MEETS WITH NURSES AND MUSLIM-FILIPINO ORGANIZATIONS, DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION TO PROMOTE THE INTERESTS OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY
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
SEAFOOD CITY INTRODUCES SFC+ DIGITAL MARKETPLACE APP TO FILIPINO COMMUNITY LEADERS
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
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.
CONSUL GENERAL ANGELICA ESCALONA CONVEYS NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO
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.
Continue Reading...PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL AND FILIPINO COMMUNITY COMMEMORATE THE 128TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF DR. JOSE RIZAL
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
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
Continue Reading...BRAMPTON CITY DECLARES DECEMBER 1ST AS PHILIPPINES-CANADA FRIENDSHIP DAY
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.
MONTH OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS AND INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY COMMEMORATED IN TORONTO THROUGH INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON MIGRATION
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
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