Advisories & News
Press Release
SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM AND PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL TORONTO HOST KAPIHAN SA KONSULADO WITH SSS PRESIDENT AND CEO ROLANDO L. MACASAET
SSS President and CEO Rolando Macasaet leading the discussion and answering questions from the Filipino community
22 April 2024 – The Social Security System (SSS) and Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hosted a Kapihan sa Konsulado to enable members of the Filipino community to hear from SSS President and CEO Rolando L. Macasaet and his team about updates on SSS policies and programs.
Joining PCEO Macasaet at the Kapihan were SSS Special Assistant and Chief of Staff Manuel Luis Antonio; Acting Vice President for Asia, Americas and the Pacific Operations Division Roberto Roldan; and SSS-Toronto Representative Ms. Lucille Blesilda Simbol.
Around 60 people attended the Kaphihan. Members of the Filipino community had the opportunity to ask questions about SSS contributions, benefits and pensions. PCEO Macasaet noted the concerns of those attending the event and invited them to check the status of their contributions with the SSS-Toronto Office.
PCEO Macasaet said that the SSS is focused on ensuring the financial viability of the pension fund and on providing social security protection to as many Filipino workers as possible. “As Overseas Filipinos, it is only fitting that you should be covered by adequate and reliable social protection for life’s contingencies”, he emphasized.
The SSS-Toronto Office can be reached through telephone number 416 485 2999 or email toronto@sss.gov.ph. To schedule an appointment, please click here (END)
SSS President and CEO Macasaet, Consul General Angelica Escalona and the members of the Filipino community during the SSS Kapihan sa Konsulado
(Left to right) Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, SSS-Toronto Representative Lucille Simbol, SSS Acting Vice President Roberto Roldan, Consul General Escalona, SSS President and CEO Macasaet, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, Special Assistant and Chief of Staff Manuel Luis Antonio and Consul Mary Grace Villamayor
TORONTO CONSULATE GENERAL, MIGRANT WORKERS OFFICE JOIN HEALTH AND INFORMATION FAIR IN LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO
MWO-Toronto rendering assistance to Filipino workers during the Leamington Health and Information Fair
14 April 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Toronto participated in the 2024 Health and Information Fair organized by the Migrant Worker Community Program (MWCP) held at the Roma Club in Leamington, Ontario on 14 April 2024. The MWCP is a non-profit organization funded in part by the government of Canada and aimed at assisting temporary and seasonal workers working in the agricultural sector.
The Health and Information Fair is a “one-stop-shop” event for migrant workers based in Leamington and other municipalities in and around Essex County, Ontario. Called the “Tomato Capital of Canada”, Leamington has the largest concentration of commercial greenhouses in North America. These greenhouses have hired many Filipino agricultural workers, who welcome the regular outreach missions from the Consulate General and MWO – Toronto.
This year’s fair had more than 20 participating organizations. Free services included mental health support, blood pressure test, glucose screenings for diabetes, vaccines, dental screenings, and x-rays; along with connections to legal, income tax, and occupational health and safety supports. More than 500 workers from the Latino, Caribbean and Filipino migrant and temporary worker communities availed of the services.
In his remarks, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate reiterated the Philippine government’s commitment to support Filipino working overseas. He emphasized the importance of health and well-being especially for workers engaged in physical labor. The team from MWO-Toronto led by Welfare Officer Benny Reyes registered newly-arrived Filipino workers and rendered assistance to workers with various concerns. END
Continue Reading...SINE INSTITUTE HOLDS INAUGURAL SINE FILM FEST AND EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS IN TORONTO
Movie fans at a film screening during Sine Institute’s inaugural Sine Film Festival (Photos courtesy of Ms. Rosary Escaño and Ms. Baby K Jimenez)
14 April 2024 – Following its launch in September 2023, the non-profit Sine Institute successfully held its inaugural Sine Film Fest on 12-14 April 2024 at the Hotel X in Toronto. The Sine Film Fest aims to showcase Filipino talents in film, bringing to Toronto 10 feature films and seven short films including acclaimed movies such as GomBurZa, TOPAKK and Hello, Love, Goodbye.
Also included at the Sine Film Fest were free educational workshops on film development, production and acting hosted by the Toronto Film School and a 48-hour Sine Challenge open to participants of Filipino descent who can create their own film within the limited time frame.
The Filipino community as well as personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto fully supported the event.
Consul General Angelica Escalona, who attended the Sine Film Fest Power Gala on 14 April, said, “This year, the Philippines and Canada are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. Our relationship is anchored on people-to-people linkages, and events like this make our ties stronger. Films are a way to bring people together. It makes us feel connected and understood, even if we come from different cultures”. (END)
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona and the members of the Filipino community at the Sine Institute’s Power Gala
Sine Institute’s Ms. Rosary Escaño, Ms. Agnes Miranda, Ms. Felicitas “Baby K” Jimenez and Mr. Michaelangelo Masangkay
The red carpet for the guests at the Power Gala
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO SUPPORTS KAINAN NA POP-UP AT SQUARE ONE, MISSISSAUGA
Consul General Angelica Escalona with the members of Kainan Na in front of their pop-up at The District inside Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga
12 April 2024 – Consul General Angelica Escalona, Consul Grace Villamayor and Cultural Officer Maricel Samonte of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto visited the Filipino food and desserts pop-up of Kainan Na at The Food District, Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga. Kainan Na is a non-profit composed of Filipino-owned food vendors that aims to help members grow their business through strength in numbers.
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Philippine-Canada relations, Kainan Na’s food pop-up offered an exclusive menu of Filipino dishes and snacks with a Canadian twist such as adobo burger, sisig poutine, bibingka with bacon and maple syrup, a sari-sari charcuterie that includes Canadian maple smoked bison and longanisa, as well as a Filipino high tea.
The Kainan Food pop-up was open from 5 to 14 April 2024. According to Janet Lim, Founding Director of Kainan Na, “We enjoyed brisk sales. There were times when the lines were very long. We’re happy to see non-Filipinos enjoy Filipino food. Around 40 percent of our clients were non-Filipinos. Our best sellers include the Filipino High Tea, halo-halo flambe and sisig poutine.” END
Consul General Angelica Escalona going through Kainan Na’s wide selection of Filipino baked goodies, preserves and kakanin displayed at the pop-up at The District in Square One
Consul General Angelica Escalona with Kainan Na’s Janet Lim and Consul Grace Villamayor in front of Kainan Na’s Filipino High Tea, which consists of choice of tea served with traditional Filipino sweet and savory delicacies with a touch of Canadian flavor such as Canadian whisky ube truffle and 3-bite pistashew sansrival bomb
AMBASSADOR AUSTRIA MEETS WITH MANITOBA OFFICIALS, DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew with Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria (photo courtesy of Province of Manitoba)
08 April 2024, Winnipeg – Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria met with Manitoba officials as part of her official visit to the province.
The Ambassador met Premier Wab Kinew and Minister of Immigration and Labor Malaya Marcelino at the Manitoba Legislative Assembly Building.
Ambassador Austria conveyed the Philippine government’s gratitude for the hospitality given to Filipinos by the Province of Manitoba. In turn, Premier Kinew acknowledged the contribution of Filipinos to the province. “The community is very important to our government,” he emphasized. The Premier and Minister Marcelino conveyed willingness to work with the Philippine government on the matter of foreign credentials recognition of Filipino nurses who are already in the province.
Ambassador Austria and Premier Kinew discussed the possibility of establishing direct flights to the Philippines as well as the upcoming Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines. The Premier conveyed his intention to visit the Philippines in the near future.
The Ambassador also had separate meetings with Lieutenant Governor Anita R. Neville and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham. The Ambassador discussed the Filipino diaspora in Manitoba and the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada this year. As Manila and Winnipeg are sister cities, the Ambassador and Mayor Gillingham talked about ways to reinvigorate the sister city relationship.
Ambassador Austria was accompanied by Consul General Angelica Escalona, Deputy Head of Mission Myca Magnolia Fischer, Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague and Honorary Consul Ronaldo Opina during the meetings. END
Mayor Scott Gillingham and Ambassador Austria during their meeting at the Winnipeg City Hall
(Left to right) Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, Deputy Head of Mission Myca Magnolia Fischer, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Ambassador Austria, Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville and Honorary Consul Ronaldo Opina.
(Left to right) Honorary Consul Opina, Consul General Escalona, Ambassador Austria, Minister Malaya Marcelino and Premier Kinew
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS ITS FIRST 2024 CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION FOR FILIPINOS IN WINNIPEG
SSS personnel answer queries and provide guidance to SSS members and pensioners
06-08 April 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted the first of its four consular outreach missions to Winnipeg for this year on 06 – 08 April 2024. The Consulate’s outreach team provided consular services to 885 applicants who availed of services for ePassport and travel document application, notarization of documents, civil registry submission, dual citizenship application and overseas voting registration.
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Toronto and Social Security Services (SSS)-Toronto participated in the three-day consular outreach mission to provide their services to the Filipino community.
A total of 63 former Filipinos were able to reacquire their Filipino citizenship after an oath-taking ceremony. Consul Mary Grace Villamayor shared information about the government’s Bagong Pilipinas campaign to those who reacquired Filipino citizenship.
For the first time, consular outreach clients were able to avail of Post’s ePayment services, which allowed them to pay by credit or debit card. One of the clients remarked, “Salamat at pwede nang hindi cash lang ang pagbabayad. Hindi na ako kailangan maghanap ng ATM.” END
(Left photo) Consulate personnel registers Filipinos for overseas voting (Right photo) Consulate outreach mission clients can now pay using credit or debit card
Former Filipinos in Winnipeg take the oath for reacquisition of Philippine citizenship administered by Consul Mary Grace Villamayor
AMBASSADOR AUSTRIA MEETS WITH FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN MANITOBA, LEADS WREATH LAYING AT RIZAL MONUMENT IN WINNIPEG
Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria gives her message during the town hall meeting
06-07 April 2024, Winnipeg – Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria held multiple meetings with the Filipino community (Filcom) from 06 to 07 April 2024 as part of her official visit to Manitoba. It was her first visit to Manitoba as Philippine Ambassador to Canada.
The Ambassador had a town hall meeting with different Filipino community organizations at the Holiday Inn Winnipeg. Among the matters discussed were the Filcom’s petition for a career Philippine Consulate in Manitoba, the need to engage Filipinos living in rural areas of the province, and the promotion of Philippine culture and local Filipino businesses.
Ambassador Austria encouraged the Filcom to be more active in the public policy and decision-making processes in their respective communities and in advocating for the interests of Filipinos. The Ambassador also encouraged the Filcom to organize activities to mark the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations this year.
The Ambassador held separate meetings with a group of Filipino nurses and a group of Filipino international students. The discussions with the nurses centered on credentials recognition while discussions with the international students focused on their status given the recent changes in the immigration policies of Canada.
Ambassador Austria was joined by Consul General Angelica Escalona, Deputy Head of Mission Myca Magnolia Fischer, Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, Honorary Consul Ronaldo Opina, Welfare Officer Benny Reyes and SSS Representative Lucille Simbol during the meetings.
On 06 April, the Ambassador had the opportunity to meet Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, recognized as a trailblazer for being the first Filipino Canadian elected to the House of Commons and appointed to several Cabinet positions. Dr. Pagtakhan shared his personal migration story and path into politics and expressed his readiness to help in planning activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations.
The Ambassador led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal monument in Winnipeg with the Knights of Rizal on 07 April. Member of Parliament (Winnipeg North) Kevin Lamoureux and Member of Legislative Assembly (Tyndall Park) Cindy Lamourex also attended the ceremony.
According to Canada’s 2021 Census, Manitoba has the highest proportion of Filipinos on a per capita basis, with Filipinos comprising 6.78% or 90,045 of the provincial population of 1,342,153. END
A FILCOM leader asks a question during the town hall meeting.
Meeting with Filipino Nurses
Meeting with Filipino International Students
Meeting with Dr. Rey Pagtakhan (seated, second from right)
Wreath Laying at the Rizal Monument in Winnipeg with MP Kevin Lamoureux (5th from right) and MLA Cindy Lamoureux (4th from left) and the Knights of Rizal
COOKING DEMO HIGHLIGHTS TORONTO LAUNCH OF 3RD FILIPINO RESTAURANT MONTH IN CANADA (FRMC)
George Brown College students listening to the video message of Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria for the FRMC and the Filipino Food Month
27 March 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto officially launched the 3rd Filipino Restaurant Month in Canada (FRMC) in Toronto through a cooking demonstration at the George Brown College Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts Demonstration Lab on 27 March 2024.
The cooking demonstration was conducted by the Filipino-Canadian chefs of the two FRMC participating restaurants in Toronto – Chef Daniel Cancino of Mineral and Chef Francis Bermejo of Mother Tongue. The two chefs showed a packed audience of 50 students and Toronto-based Filipino media how to make their specialty dishes – Turbot Sinigang and Kalamansi Cheesecake in the case of Chef Cancino, and Fiery Filipino-style Slaw in the case of Chef Bermejo.
As this year marks the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada relations, the Consulate highlighted these two fusion restaurants whose Filipino-Canadian chefs are known for their creative ways of combining Filipino and Canadian elements in their menus.
Chef Cancino’s Turbot Sinigang uses Quebec sea buckthorn as a souring agent for his sinigang stock. He emphasized that sinigang has to be sour and noted that his version is as sour as the one prepared by his family. He also introduced his Kalamansi Cheesecake that uses a base inspired by polvoron, a Filipino snack made of powdered milk.
(Left) Mineral’s Chef Daniel Cancino plating Turbot Sinigang (Right) Chef Cancino’s Kalamansi Cheesecake
Chef Bermejo noted that his Fiery Filipino-style Slaw was inspired by a snack he often had as a child growing up in the Philippines: green mangoes and bagoong. He explained that Filipino bagoong is made of salted shrimp paste which brings an umami flavor to the dish.
(Left) Mother Tongue’s Chef Francis Bermejo adding finishing touches to his Fiery Filipino-style Slaw (Right) Consul General Angelica Escalona thanking the two chefs for their participation
The program included the showing of the FRMC video message of Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria, welcome remarks by Consul General Angelica Escalona and closing remarks of George Brown College’s Senior Manager for Food and Beverage and Special Events Eoghan Banks.
There are many Filipino students enrolled in George Brown College. Chef Cancino was a graduate of George Brown’s culinary program in 2009. The Consulate and George Brown College previously collaborated on projects that featured Philippine cuisine, providing an opportunity for George Brown students to learn about the cuisine of one of the communities that make up Canada’s culturally diverse society.
There were plenty of questions for the chefs in the Q&A as well as positive feedback from the students. Two of the students shared that the demos were “eye-opening” as they realized for the first time the possibilities of making use of ingredients found locally in Canada in cooking Filipino food recipes. END
(Left to right) Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, Consul General Angelica Escalona, George Brown Senior Manager for Food and Beverage and Special Events Eoghan Banks, Chef Francis Bermejo, Chef Daniel Cancino, Cultural Officer Maricel Samonte and Consul Mary Grace Villamayor
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL VISITS CENTENNIAL COLLEGE, MEETS WITH COLLEGE OFFICIALS AND FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Consul General Angelica Escalona, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Tate and Consul Rodney Sumague (front row, seated) with Filipino international students of Centennial College (Photo courtesy of Centennial College)
19 March 2024 – Philippine Consulate General Toronto officials led by Consul General Angelica Escalona met with officials and Filipino international students of Centennial College at the College’s Progress campus.
In Ontario, Centennial College holds the distinction of having the highest number of Filipino international students enrolled, with almost 8,000 students in academic year 2023.
The Consulate officials met with Centennial College’s Associate Vice President for Global Strategy and Market Development Marie Braswell and Associate Director for Global Recruitment and International Education Daniel Yoon to talk about the College’s academic and support programs and how Filipino international students are faring.
Consul General Escalona considered the visit a good opportunity to meet and exchange views Centennial College’s Filipino international students. The Consul General asked the Filipino students about their experiences and concerns as international students. The Consulate officials also shared information about consular and other services available to Filipino nationals.
The students were candid in sharing the challenges that they face in living and studying in Canada. They nevertheless expressed determination to make the most out of this opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge that they will be able to use for future employment or in establishing their own businesses. END
(Left photo) Consul General Escalona receiving a token from Centennial College Associate Vice President for Global Strategy and Marketing Development Marie Braswell (Right photo) Philippine Consulate officials with Centennial College Associate Director for Global Recruitment and International Education Daniel Yoon (second from left) and Vice President Braswell (Photos courtesy of Centennial College)
Philippine Consulate officials listening to Filipino students talk about their experiences and concerns (Photo courtesy of Centennial College)
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL TORONTO ATTENDS ASEAN DIALOGUE WITH MINISTER OF EXPORT PROMOTION, INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
12 March 2024 – Consul General Angelica Escalona and Consul Mary Grace Villamayor attended an ASEAN Dialogue with the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development of Canada, which was organized by the Canada ASEAN Business and Trade Association (CABTA). The Dialogue provided an opportunity for government officials of ASEAN member states and business representatives from the ASEAN diaspora community to exchange views with Minister Ng on the promotion of trade, investment and tourism linkages with Canada.
Continue Reading...PHILIPPINE NUCLEAR TRADE MISSION VISITS TORONTO, EXPLORES NUCLEAR ENERGY AS AN OPTION FOR THE PHILIPPINES
06-08 March 2023 – A delegation of Philippine Government and private sector representatives led by Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Sharon Garin were in Toronto for meetings with Canadian energy officials and private entities as part of a multi-city Philippine Nuclear Trade Mission organized by Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service. The delegation included senior leadership from the DOE, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and senior executives from the Philippines’ leading energy companies AboitizPower, MERALCO and Prime Metro BMD Corporation. The meetings provided the delegation with an opportunity to learn about technical and other aspects of nuclear power generation in Canada.
Continue Reading...PHILIPPINE DELEGATION HOSTS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON PHILIPPINE CRITICAL MINERALS ON THE MARGINS OF PDAC 2024
Roundtable participants listening to the presentations on Philippine critical minerals
05 March 2024 – The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Bureau of Investment (BOI) hosted a roundtable discussion on “Philippine Critical Minerals: Industry Overview, Policy Landscape, and Investment Prospects” at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, on the margins of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Mineral Exploration and Mining Convention (PDAC 2024) in Toronto.
The roundtable discussion provided an opportunity for prospective trade and investment partners to directly talk with Philippine government and private sector representatives about the mining industry in the Philippines and industry trends.
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona, who gave the welcome remarks, noted the Philippines’ upward economic growth trajectory and its richness in green metals such as nickel, cobalt and copper. She invited the participants to invest and share their expertise in mining, and to work with the Philippines in joint research, information sharing, capacity building, and technology adaptation or transfer.
Philippine government officials led by BOI Executive Director Corazon Halili-Dichosa talked about the Philippines’ ecosystem for the sustainable operation of companies joining the mining industry, Philippine minerals and critical minerals exports, and the country’s green metals potential. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chair Jennifer Pia Sibug-las highlighted the requirement that indigenous communities be consulted when developing projects on ancestral lands.
Philippine Chamber of Mines Vice-President for Corporate Communications Rocky Dimaculangan shared data and insights on mining and mineral processing in the country while Philippine Nickel Industry Association President Atty. Dante Bravo focused on nickel mining and nickel processing. At present, the Philippines is the second top global producer of mined nickel. END
Roundtable participants with (front row, left to right) BOI Director Lanie Dormiendo, DTI-EMB Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte, Consul General Angelica Escalona, NCIP Chair Jennifer Pia Sibug-las, BOI Executive Director Corazon Halili-Dichosa, DTI Trade and Industry Development Specialist Katrina Lachica and BOI Supervising Investments Specialist for Resource Based Industries Graciela Juatco
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL TORONTO CELEBRATES WOMEN'S MONTH 2024 WITH A “WOMEN AND THE COLOR PURPLE” ART THERAPY WORKSHOP
Filipina artist and Philippine Artists Group (PAG) Vice President Michelle Ramos front row, (in black cap) with Consulate and attached agencies personnel and dependents
1 March 2024 – In celebration of Women’s Month, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted an “Women and the Color Purple” Art Therapy Workshop for Consulate and attached agencies personnel and their dependents.
The workshop was held in line with the Philippine Commission on Women’s observation of #PurpleFridays or #PurpleYourIcon and its goal of “illuminating or adorning offices or landmarks with purple elements as a tribute to women and their impactful contributions to society”.
Acknowledging that the creation of art can relieve stress, help process difficult emotions during challenging events, and promote holistic wellbeing, the Consulate wanted to provide and opportunity to promote wellness and camaraderie among personnel and their families.
Ms. Michelle Ramos, a Filipino artist and current vice president of the Toronto-based Philippine Artists Group (PAG), conducted the two hour-workshop. She brought a sample canvass and taught the participants brush techniques and mixing of colors. The participants then created their own paintings showing a woman wearing a purple terno or traditional Filipino dress in support of women empowerment. Purple, green and white are the colors of International Women’s Day.
Consulate personnel expressed appreciation for the workshop, with one frontliner saying “I was able to show my artistic side through painting. Even though my painting is not that beautiful or perfect, it gives me satisfaction and makes me smile every time I see it. Painting is a good stress reliever that many of us should try. Looking forward to another session.” (END)
Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate welcomes participants to the art workshop
(Left) Ms. Ramos demonstrates a technique to Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague (Right) Consulate and attached agencies personnel at work on their canvassess
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL TORONTO AND FILM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES DISCUSS FILM CARAVAN FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINES-CANADA RELATIONS
(Left photo) Consul General Angelica C. Escalona examining films being restored at the Philippine Film Archive (Right photo, left to right) Project Development Assistant for Festivals Division Dan Yobel Dantes, Cultural Officer Maricel D. Samonte, FDCP Executive Director III Daniel Dan Morales, Consul General Escalona, Education and Festivals Division Head Rica Arevalo, Project Development Officer for PEAP and Spotlight Philippines Max Rivero, and Senior Administrative Assistant Jed De Guzman
1 March 2024 – Consul General Angelica C. Escalona and Cultural Officer Maricel D. Samonte of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto visited the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to discuss with FDCP officials its proposal for a film caravan project that would bring Filipino films to multiple Canadian cities for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Canada relations this year.
FDCP Executive Director III Daniel Dan Morales, Education and Festivals Division Head Rica Arevalo, Senior Administrative Assistant Jed De Guzman, Project Development Officer for PEAP and Spotlight Philippines Max Rivero, and Project Development Assistant for Festivals Division Dan Yobel Dantes warmly welcomed the Consulate officials, answering their questions and providing suggestions on the proposed project, which would be implemented under the FDCP’s Philippine Embassies Assistance Program (PEAP).
The film caravan is envisioned to showcase Filipino films to audiences in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary in September 2024 through a partnership between the FDCP and Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Canada.
According to Consul General Escalona, “It would be ideal to have a Filipino film caravan in September. The Philippine Film Industry Month is observed every year in September, and in the case Toronto, there is plenty of buzz and excitement over the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). We deeply appreciate FDCP’s willingness to support us on this project”.
During their visit to the FDCP, the Consulate officials were given a tour of the Philippine Film Archive, which is tasked to conserve and preserve the audiovisual materials connected to Philippine history and culture. The Consulate officials learned about archiving, restoration and preservation, gaining a sense of appreciation for the hard work that goes into and the expertise required for the preservation of audiovisual heritage. (END)
Continue Reading...PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL TORONTO AND CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES SHARE IDEAS ON THE PROMOTION OF FILIPINO ARTISTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
(First row) Consul General Angelica C. Escalona and CCP Vice President Mr. Dennis N. Marasigan (Second row, left to right) CCP Chief Culture and Arts Officer Consuelo V. Zapata, Cultural Officer Maricel Samonte and CCP Associate Artistic Director for Arts Education Ms. Eva Marie DG. Salvador
1 March 2024 – Consul General Angelica C. Escalona and Cultural Officer Maricel D. Samonte of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto met Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Vice President Dennis N. Marasigan, Associate Artistic Director for Arts Education Eva Marie DG. Salvador and Chief Culture and Arts Officer Consuelo V. Zapata at the CCP Annex Building to exchange ideas on the promotion of Philippine culture.
Consul General Escalona informed the CCP officials that this year is the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Canada relations. She shared the Consulate’s cultural diplomacy projects and activities, including the Consulate’s plan to establish an online Sentro Rizal Toronto that would facilitate the sharing of information promoting Filipino culture and artists. The Consul General sought suggestions from the CCP officials on projects and activities that the Consulate can conduct in the future that are aligned with the CCP’s priorities.
Vice President Marasigan said that the CCP aims to promote Filipino artists and creative industries, and expressed willingness to work with Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Canada in bringing Filipino performing companies, artists and films to Canadian audiences. Showing videos of the CCP’s activities as well as performances of CCP resident companies to the Consulate officials, he emphasized that it is important for the Foreign Service Posts to identify the message that they wish to convey to local audiences.
The CCP officials encouraged the Consulate to join the annual CCP Pasinaya Open House, the largest multi-arts festival in the Philippines organized by the CCP. The Pasinaya aims to provide a platform for Filipino artists and cultural groups to showcase their talents while nurturing public support and creating new audiences.
Vice President Marasigan also shared that the CCP’s website contains useful information including its upcoming events and a digital resources section with an Encyclopedia of Philippine Art and an online museum. The CCP’s website can be accessed through https://culturalcenter.gov.ph. (END)
Continue Reading...THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO AND THE PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM-NEW YORK PROMOTE LOVE THE PHILIPPINES AT THE TORONTO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SHOW
(L-R) Marco Vincent Dive Resort’s Jody Deevey, Nancy Napoles of Philippine Airlines (PAL), Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, Philippine Department of Tourism Officer Katherine Alcantara, PAL’s Chariah Ann Conopio and Consul Mary Grace Villamayor
24 February 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto rendered full support to the Department of Tourism’s (PDOT) participation in the 2024 Outdoor Adventure Show. This event is considered to be Canada’s largest showcase of outdoor gear and adventure travel experiences.
The show, running from February 23-25 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, featured more than 300 exhibitors offering the latest camping gear, paddle sports, outdoor clothing, scuba diving and ultimate adventure travel destinations. The PDOT exhibit featured adventure travel destinations in the Philippines and was supervised by Senior Tourism Operations Officer (STOO) Katherine Ambion-Alcantara. The PDOT booth also had displays from Philippine Airlines, Marco Vincent Dive Resort and Polaris Travel and Tours.
In addition to the booth operations, PDOT also made a presentation on Philippine Tourism and the new PDOT Love the Philippines campaign in the afternoon of Saturday, 24 February.
Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate gave the welcome remarks before STOO Alcantara’s promotional videos. The assembled crowd appreciated the production and PDOT’s elegant and eco-friendly tote bags, which were given away to the audience. END
PAL’s Ms. Nancy Napoles and PDOT Officer Katherine Alcantara take a groufie with the audience during the Philippine country presentation on 24 February 2024
IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL ARTS MONTH 2024 AND THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINES-CANADA RELATIONS, SENTRO RIZAL TORONTO PRESENTS “ANI NG SINING - BAYANG MALIKHAIN - A HARVEST OF ARWORKS BY FILIPINO IN CANADA
Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate delivers the welcome remarks during the launch of the National Arts Month Art Exhibit on 12 February 2024
14 February 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto’s Sentro Rizal, in partnership with the Philippine Artists Group (PAG), is commemorating the Philippine’s National Arts Month with an Art Exhibit at the Consulate’s consular hall. The exhibit was launched in a simple ceremony on 12 February 2024, and is part of the Consulate General’s celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines – Canada diplomatic relations.
The works selected for display are evocative of both the Philippines and Canada, with the artists showing fondness for their Filipino heritage and deep appreciation for their new homeland. The exhibit showcases 22 paintings and three sculptures from some of the most accomplished Filipino-Canadian artists in the Greater Toronto Area, and include some award-winning pieces. Among the paintings on display are a trio of paintings of Philippine native fruits done by former Toronto Consul General now-Ambassador Junever Mahilum – West of the Philippine Embassy in Paris, who was a member of the PAG during her assignment to Toronto.
In his remarks during the launch, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate thanked the PAG for their consistent support of the Consulate’s project, and praised their creativity and talent, noting that while they undoubtedly led busy lives, they still made time to answer the call to create beautiful works.
The exhibit is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and runs from 12 – 29 February 2024. END
(L-R) Consul Mary Grace Villamayor, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, PAG VP Michelle Chermaine Ramos, PAG Pres. Antonio Afable, Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague at the ribbon-cutting, marking the opening of the art exhibit.
CANADA ANNOUNCES CA$28.15 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FUND FOR THREE NEW PHILIPPINE PROJECTS TO ADDRESS HEALTH CARE CLIMATE CHANGE AND DISASTER RISK AND RESILIENCE
Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen announces Canada will undertake three major development projects in the Philippines, during the International Development Week celebration at Plan International Canada’s Toronto office
09 February 2024 – Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and Consul Mary Grace Villamayor represented the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto during the 34th International Development Week event of Global Affairs Canada on 09 February 2024 at Plan International Canada’s office in Toronto.
At the event, Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen announced three new development projects for the Philippines that Canada will fund with a CA$28.15 million program budget. The projects have been chosen to address pressing challenges in the Philippines and help in the attainment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Climate Adaptation Project in partnership with the Forest Foundation Philippines, Sunlife of Canada and the University of Guelph will support and invest in nature-based solutions to fight climate change and its negative effects in the Philippines through tackling biodiversity loss and helping communities increase their capacity and resilience in the face of increasing natural disasters.
The Global Affairs Canada Partnership with Alinea Foundation to Strengthen Community Resilience in Disasters aims to increase community capacity to respond to and recover from natural disasters whenever they occur, while making sure gender equality as well as disability and social inclusion are observed.
Plan International Canada’s Gender-Responsive Systems Approach to Universal Health Care Project in partnership with the University of Montreal and Zuellig Foundation aims to reach over half a million Filipinos with nutritional health, sexual and reproductive health services, and training on Canadian healthcare knowledge responsive to the needs of rural and indigenous communities, especially women.
In her speech, Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez said, “I am proud of the long-lasting relationship between Canada and the Philippines, and today’s funding announcement underlines the strength of the bond between our two countries. By continuing to work together on our shared goals of battling climate change, improving the quality of health-care services, and women’s empowerment, our incredible relationship will only continue to get stronger. This is great news for Filipinos here in Canada and abroad.” END
(L-R) Philippine Deputy Consul General to Toronto Kerwin Orville Tate, MP Robert Oliphant, Plan International Canada Senior Adviser for Health Mohammed Ibrahim, Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez, Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen, Plan International Canada Chief Program Officer Dr. Tanjina Mirza, University of Montreal Director for International Health Unit Karina Dubois-Nguyen and Global Affairs Canada Deputy Assistant Secretary Patricia Pena
CONSULATE GENERAL FACILITATES DIALOGUE ON HOUSING OPTIONS FOR NEWCOMERS AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS THROUGH A FORUM IN COLLABORATION WITH UPAAT
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona giving her welcome remarks during the forum
03 February 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto partnered with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in Toronto (UPAAT) on a forum on housing options for newcomers and international students.
Consul General Angelica Escalona noted that housing has become a serious concern for Filipino international students and newcomers as they juggle adjusting to life in Canada, their studies, work and looking after the needs of their families. She added that, the Consulate General is closely working with Canadian officials, non-profit groups, the Filipino community and Filipino student groups to help address the concerns of international students.
In a recorded video message for the forum, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized that housing is a top priority of her administration, which has plans for building 65,000 affordable rent-controlled homes and is improving protections for renters. “In recent years, many Toronto homes are becoming more and more expensive. The city is working hard to keep people housed,” Mayor Chow remarked.
Other speakers during the forum include Toronto City Councillor Alejandra Bravo, who is the Chair of the Economic Development Committee and participated online via Zoom. She highlighted the importance of the involvement of the community in conveying to the city government their concerns and recommended solutions.
Participants and speakers during the forum
Resource speakers Ms. Stella Zuidervliet and Mr. Ivan Guarin of the non-profit Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA) presented an overview of the challenges encountered by newcomers and available support programs for housing.
Mr. Steven Li of the Community Legal Clinic of York Region discussed the rights and responsibilities of tenants under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).
Mr. Yuri Ching, a realtor, explained the process of buying a home in Canada and available support programs that may help newcomers.
The forum participants agreed on the need for continued dialogue among stakeholders to address the housing concerns of newcomers and international students.
Around 50 participants attended the forum, which is the second in a series of workshops organized by the Consulate General and UPAAT to help address concerns of the Filipino community. END
Continue Reading...DTI UNDERSECRETARY CAROLINA SANCHEZ DISCUSSES ECONOMIC PROMOTION THRUSTS WITH PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL TORONTO, SUPPORT FOR SMEs AND FOOD SECURITY WITH MEDA
(Left photo) Consul General Angelica C. Escalona with DTI Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Carolina P. Sanchez; (Right photo, L-R) Philippine Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy, MEDA Senior Vice President Lindsay Wallace, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Undersecretary Carol Sanchez, DTI Director Maria Guiza Lim and Consul Mary Grace Villamayor take a commemorative photo
01 February 2024 – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Carol P. Sanchez, together with DTI Director Maria Guiza Lim and Philippine Trade and Investment Center-New York Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy, met officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona to discuss the Philippine economic promotion thrusts in Canada.
North America continues to be market for Philippine IT-BPO services as well as electronics and semiconductors. The Philippines sees the aerospace industry, creative industries and AI technology as potentially beneficial areas of cooperation with Canada. The Philippines is also looking to attract investments from Canada, particularly for infrastructure.
Undersecretary Sanchez and the DTI and Philippine Consulate officials later met with Ms. Lindsay Wallace, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Impact of the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), a non-government organization working with small-scale cacao farmers in Mindanao to develop sustainable agri-food systems.
For more information on MEDA’s project in Mindanao, please visit https://www.meda.org/country/philippines/. END
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