ADVISORY ON PASSPORT SERVICES

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NOTICE OF RERB HEARING - JULY 2024

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CONSUL GENERAL ESCALONA CELEBRATES FILIPINO HERITAGE MONTH WITH FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN MANITOBA

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Consul General Angelica Escalona greeting the Filipino community at the 2024 Philippine Independence Ball (photo courtesy of Triple J Media Photography)

23 June 2024, Winnipeg – Consul General Angelica Escalona joined a number of activities of the Filipino Community in Manitoba in celebration of Filipino Heritage Month.

On 19 June, the Consul General, accompanied by Philippine Honorary Consul in Manitoba Ronaldo Opina, attended a reading of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere organized by the Teatro Filipino Manitoba, Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba (PHCM) and Knights of Rizal Winnipeg Chapter. The reading was held at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba to a capacity crowd. Mr. Ronald Merwyn Sison directed the reading, which was conducted in the Filipino language based on a new script adapted from the novel.

Consul General Escalona and Honorary Consul Opina attended on 22 June the Philippine Independence Ball organized by the PHCM. Held at the Victoria Inn and Convention Centre, this year’s Philippine Independence Ball had more than 500 guests. The Honourable Anita Neville, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, delivered greetings on behalf of Canada while Consul General Escalona delivered greetings on behalf of the Philippines. Messages were also delivered by officials of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg. Winnipeg is a sister city of Manila.

On 23 June, Consul General Escalona and Honorary Consul Opina attended a thanksgiving mass at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Winnipeg to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations this year. Consul General Escalona conveyed her appreciation to the principal celebrant, Reverend Monsignor Enrique M. Samson, Jr., and wished the parish a happy fiesta in advance. (END)

(Seated, from left) Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba Anita Neville and Consul General Escalona (Standing) Ms. Perla Javate, President of the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba and Philippine Honorary Consul in Manitoba Ronaldo Opina (photo courtesy of Triple J Media Photography)

(Left to right) Senator Flordeliz “Gigi” Osler, Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration Malaya Marcelino, Consul General Escalona and Honorary Consul Opina participate in the friendship circle with all the guests (photo courtesy of Triple J Media Photography)

Consul General Escalona and Honorary Consul Opina with the cast of Noli Me Tangere

Consul General Escalona with Reverend Monsignor Enrique M. Samson, Jr. at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Winnipeg

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO, FILIPINO COMMUNITY COMMEMORATE THE 163rd BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

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Wreath laying to commemorate the 163rd Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Sentro Rizal- Toronto led by Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate

22 June 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and its attached agencies commemorated the 163rd Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal with a wreath laying ceremony at the Sentro Rizal-Toronto on 19 June 2024. Wreath laying ceremonies were also conducted at Rizal monuments at Earl Bales Park in Toronto on 19 June 2024 and in Markham, Ontario on 22 June 2024 with the Knights of Rizal and other Filipino community groups.

Deputy Consul General Tate (seated, third from left) with the Knights of Rizal during the wreath laying at Earl Bales Park

Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague (center, next to the wreath) with the Knights of Rizal and the Filipino community during the wreath laying in Markham

CONSUL GENERAL ESCALONA AND MANITOBA MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, INVESTMENT AND TRADE AND NATURAL RESOURCES JAMIE MOSES DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION

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20 June 2024, Winnipeg – Consul General Angelica Escalona called on Manitoba Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade and Natural Resources Jamie Moses at the Manitoba Legislative Building, accompanied by Philippine Honorary Consul in Manitoba Ronaldo Opina. They discussed opportunities for cooperation between the Philippines and the Province of Manitoba in agriculture, business and other areas. Consul General Escalona said that the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations this year is an opportune time to encourage the establishment of closer economic ties and partnerships.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, PHILIPPINE IT-BPM COMPANIES AND STARTUPS PARTICIPATE IN COLLISION 2024 CONFERENCE

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Philippine Consul General in Toronto Angelica Escalona (7th from left), Canadian Embassy in Manila Trade Commissioner Charlene Ferrer (8th from left), Mr. Mario Tani of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (9th from left) and Philippine delegates to the Collision 2024 conference

20 June 2024 – The Philippines participated in the Collision 2024 conference, which is considered North America’s fastest-growing technology conference that welcomes innovators, entrepreneurs and tech professionals from around the world to Toronto. The conference was held from 17 to 20 June 2024 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto.

The Philippine delegation, which was led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), was composed of two main groups, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and Startup Village. The Philippines had a booth inside the Enercare Centre which served as a base for business meetings, pitches and networking.

Philippine Consul General in Toronto Angelica Escalona visited the Philippine booth on 18 June.

According to Mr. Mario Tani of the DTI, both IBPAP and Startup Village have said that their participation far exceeded expectations. The Philippine representation inside the Collision was able to collect more than 300 visitor details in only three days.

On 17 June, at the sidelines of the conference, the DTI co-organized with the Philippine Canadian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) the “Bilateral Synergies: Philippines and Canada Trade Forum” at the OTT Financial Group in North York. The forum was attended by the members of the Philippine delegation and Canadian business groups. END

Consul General Escalona, Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague and Mr. Tani waiting for the pitches of Philippine startups cooperating with DMZ, a leading startup incubator and accelerator

Consul General Escalona delivering her remarks at the Bilateral Business Synergies: Philippines and Canada Trade Forum at the sidelines of the Collision conference

CONSULAR OUTREACH TO DURHAM REGION - 27 JULY 2024

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PUBLIC HOLIDAY NOTICE - 1 JULY 2024

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NIAGARA FALLS ILLUMINATED IN COLORS OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG FOR 126TH ANNIVERSARY OF PROCLAMATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE AND 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINES-CANADA DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

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Niagara Falls illuminated in the colors of the Philippine flag

13 June 2024, Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls was illuminated in colors of the Philippine flag to commemorate the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations.

Niagara Falls was illuminated with vibrant blue, red and white for half an hour, which was followed by a fireworks display. The special illumination was made possible through the support of the City of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Commission and the Filipino community.

Prior to the illumination, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto held a reception for the Filipino community and officials of the Niagara region. Among the guests who attended the reception were Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Michael Ford representing Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Members of the Provincial Parliament Wayne Gates and Jennie Stevens, Niagara Regional Councillors Joyce Morocco and Sal Sorento, Niagara Falls Councillor Mona Patel, Mr. Steve Barnhart of the Niagara Parks Commission, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia Dyah Lestari Asmarani and members of the Filipino community.

In her welcome remarks, Consul General Angelica Escalona said that it was the first time for the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto to hold the reception for the celebration of Philippine Independence in Niagara Falls. Noting that Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was able to view Niagara Falls from the Canadian side, she said that Filipinos are honored that a Rizal monument will be built overlooking the Falls.

Minister Ford, for his part, emphasized the important contributions of Filipinos to the Province of Ontario. “Ontario is proud to be home to the largest Filipino community in Canada, who for decades have been central to the multicultural identity of our province”, Minister Ford said. END

Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Michael Ford giving his remarks during the reception

(Left to right) Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Consul General Angelica Escalona and Minister Ford during the ceremonial cutting of the cake

(Left to right) Mr. Renato Aoanan of the Filipino-Canadian Association in Niagara (FCAN), Members of the Ontario Provincial Parliament (MPP) Jennie Stevens and Wayne Gates, Mayor Diodati, Mr. Rod Cuizon of FCAN, Mr. Steve Barnhart of the Niagara Parks Commission, Consul General Escalona, Minister Ford, Niagara Regional Councillor Sal Sorento, Ms. Eileen Tinio-Hind of FCAN, Niagara Falls Councillor Mona Patel, Regional Councillor Joyce Morocco and Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate

Consul General Escalona with members of the Filipino community

Officers and staff of the Pilippine Consulate General in Toronto and attached agencies in front of the illuminated Niagara Falls

CONSULAR OUTREACH TO MISSISSAUGA - 20 JULY 2024

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THANKSGIVING MASS - WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

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PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL AND FILIPINO COMMUNITY MARK THE 126TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE AND FILIPINO HERITAGE MONTH WITH FLAG RAISING CEREMONIES IN ONTARIO

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Flag raising at the Toronto City Hall

12 June 2024, Toronto – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, together with the Filipino community, commemorated the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and Filipino Heritage Month with the annual Philippine flag raising ceremonies at the Toronto City Hall and Ontario Legislative Assembly at Queen’s Park.

The flag raising at the Toronto City Hall, which was organized in collaboration with the Philippine Independence Day Flag Raising Committee, was held at 9:00 a.m. It was attended by representatives from different Filipino community (FilCom) organizations representing nurses, women, seniors and international students, among others. Toronto City Councillor Brad Bradford represented Mayor Olivia Chow during the flag raising ceremony.

Mr. Mark Gravoso, President of the Integrated Filipino-Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA), who gave the welcome remarks on behalf of the Filipino community, highlighted the heroism of Filipinos, past and present. “Embracing freedom, respecting tradition, cultivating resilience, fostering collaboration, and learning from the past are important lessons that allow us to strive for our personal fulfillment and professional success and contribute to the betterment of society”, Mr. Gravoso said.

The flag raising at the Ontario Legislative Assembly, which was in collaboration with the Federation of Filipino Canadians in Ontario, was held at 12:00 noon. The ceremony was made more memorable with the Philippine Madrigal Singers singing the Philippine and Canadian national anthems. The Philippine Madrigal Singers are currently on a Canada-wide concert tour.

A program was held inside the Legislative Assembly building which was attended by Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner representing Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Speaker Ted Arnott, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho, Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Jill Andrew and Andrea Hazell, members of the Consular Corps, and representatives of different FILCOM groups. The Philippine Madrigal Singers were invited to perform a couple of Filipino songs, receiving resounding applause from the audience.

Noting that the Philippines and Canada are also celebrating the 75th year anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, Consul General Angelica Escalona underscored the importance of the Filipino diaspora in the growth of the relationship between the two countries. Likewise, Solicitor General Kerzner acknowledged the significant contributions of the Filipino diaspora to the Province of Ontario. “The Filipino community has taken its rightful place on the metaphoric quilt of Ontario. You have become leaders in medicine, academia, business, law – and you have made a difference. You have been our strength when we needed it most”, Solicitor General Kerzner said.

Since the start of June, flag raising ceremonies and Philippine Independence Day/Filipino Heritage Month celebrations have been organized by the FilCom in the different cities, municipalities and sites in Ontario. These include Earl Bales Park in Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener, Durham, Vaughan, Markham and Brampton. END

With the members of the Filipino community at the Toronto City Hall

Toronto city Councillor Brad Bradford giving his remarks

The Philippine Madrigal Singers leading the singing of the Philippine national anthem at the Ontario Legislative Assembly

Unfurling of the Philippine flag with the Filipino community and Members of Provincial Parliament in front of the Ontario Legislative Assembly

Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner giving his remarks

(Left to right) Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Andrea Hazel, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho, Ms. Monina Lim- Serano, President of the Federation of Filipino Canadians in Ontario, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Solicitor General Kerzner, MPP Jill Andrew, Speaker Ted Arnott, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and Consul Mary Grace Villamayor during the ceremonial cutting of the cake

Solicitor General Kerzner, with Consul General Escalona and Minister Cho, presents a scroll, in recognition of the contributions of Filipinos to the Province of Ontario to the Federation of Filipino Canadians in Ontario represented by Ms. Lim-Serrano

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CHINESE NATIONALS APPLYING FOR PHILIPPINE 9(A) TEMPORARY VISITOR‘S VISA

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The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto informs the public that Chinese nationals applying for Philippine 9(A) Temporary Visitor’s Visa will be required to submit their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates.

Read full DFA advisory on this link: https://tinyurl.com/bdhn7dn7

CONSULAR OUTREACH TO WINNIPEG - 7-8 JULY 2024

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CONSULAR OUTREACH TO NEEPAWA - 6 JULY 2024

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PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL AND FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN TORONTO COMMEMORATE THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINES-CANADA DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH A THANKSGIVING MASS

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Personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona with His Grace, Most Reverend Francis Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, and Filipino and Filipino-Canadian priests and deacons assigned in various Catholic churches in Toronto (photo courtesy of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilanica)

04 June 2024, Toronto – A thanksgiving mass was held at the St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations. The principal celebrant for the mass was the Most Reverend Francis Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto. The mass was made more memorable with six Filipino and Filipino-Canadian priests and deacons concelebrating and assisting, namely Father Jeremias Inoc, Father Matthew McCarthy, Father Lorenzo Salandanan, Father Manuel Duterte, Deacon Norbert Aquino and Deacon Joel Bangalan.

The mass was attended by personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona and more than 200 members of the Filipino community.

In his homily, Archbishop Leo highlighted the positive values of the Filipino community, particularly kindness, goodness of heart, faith and importance of family, which have enriched Canadian society. “How blessed we are to have such a multicultural community, where the Filipino community is in great numbers and have been a blessing,” said the Archbishop.

Noting the 75h anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada, the Archbishop also emphasized the importance of relationships between countries, communities and families to benefit moral, emotional, spiritual and religious growth.

In her message, Consul General Escalona highlighted the important role of the Catholic Church in the migration story of Filipinos in Canada, noting that the Church has served as an anchor for Filipinos from the time they arrive in Canada and even after they have settled in the country.

The mass was in time for the celebration of Filipino Heritage Month in Canada. The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto will be conducting a number of activities, some in collaboration with the Filipino community, in the coming months to mark the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations. END

Members of the Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino community during the mass (photo courtesy of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica)

The Filipino community with Consul General Escalona and the Most Reverend Archbishop Francis Leo (photo courtesy of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica)

The Most Reverend Archbishop Francis Leo leading the celebration of the mass (photo courtesy of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica)

ADVISORY ON THE SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE OF THE ONLINE VISA APPOINTMENT SYSTEM (OVAS)

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POTATO CORNER OPENS FIRST BRANCH IN ONTARIO

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Left to right: Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, Ed Virola and Elaine Virola (local franchise partners), Mrs. Estrella Rodriguez, Consul General Angelica Escalona and Mr. Nelson Rodriguez during the ribbon cutting ceremony

01 June 2024 – Potato Corner, the popular Philippine food franchise known for its flavored French fries, opened its first branch in Ontario at the Food District, Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga. Consul General Angelica C. Escalona of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and Mr. Nelson Rodriguez, President and CEO of Potato Corner Canada, led the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The branch is temporarily located in a pop-up store at the Food District for the first three months of operation and will move to a permanent location after that.

The opening of the Ontario branch set a new record for the highest opening sales in Canada, earning almost CAD13,000. The previous record was CAD10,000.00 during the opening at West Edmonton Mall in Alberta in 2019. “We have a strong feeling that this will be popular not just among Filipinos but with the locals,” said Consul General Escalona.

The opening was in time for the Filipino heritage month in Canada and the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada. “We have been waiting for this for a long time. We grew up eating this in the Philippines, very nostalgic,” said one of the clients.

Potato corner now has 11 branches across Canada. Mr. Rodriguez said they have plans to further expand in Ontario. END

Consul General Escalona with the Potato Corner Mascot

Consul General Escalona, Mr. ad Mrs Rodriguez and Mr. and Mrs. Virola with the staff of Potato Corner Ontario

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO CONDUCTS FIRST CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION TO SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO, HOLDS FLAG RAISING AND COMMUNITY FORUM

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Clients avail of the various services provided during the outreach

01-02 June 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted the first – ever Consular Outreach Mission to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, delivering passport, consularization, civil registry, dual citizenship and overseas voting services to kababayans in the city and surrounding areas.

The Consulate’s mission team was joined by MWO-Toronto, OWWA and SSS-Toronto, who provided services to the overseas Filipinos and SSS members in the area.

On 02 July 2024, the Consulate team, headed by Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, held a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate Philippine Independence Day and Filipino Heritage Month in Canada. The ceremony was immediately followed by a community forum and Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar. DCG Tate expounded on the mission and functions of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, and also gave information on the Consulate’s services, as well as the actions to do in case of urgent or emergency cases for Filipinos in distress.

The representatives of MWO, OWWA and SSS Toronto offices also gave presentations on the scope of the services they provide to Filipinos abroad.

The forum was capped by a talk by Mr. Ryan Maruquez, a Filipino working for the Sault Community Career Center, a non-profit organization that assists with employment, housing and other related concerns of migrants.

Many of the Filipinos who attended were emotional during the flag raising, which was also a first for the community. At the end of the program, the participants expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the Consulate team. “Malaking tulong po ito sa amin, na hindi naming kailangang pumunta sa Toronto, para magawa ang aming kailangang dokumento”, one of the clients said. END

Filipino community members singing the Philippine national anthem during the flag raising ceremony celebrating Philippine Independence Day and Filipino Heritage Month

The capacity crowd listens intently at the presentations being made by the speakers during the community forum

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO HOLDS SPECIAL CONSULAR OUTREACH IN KITCHENER, ONTARIO

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Clients avail of the different services provided during the outreach.

25 May 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted the first of its five special one-day consular outreach for the year 2024 in Kitchener, Ontario. The Consulate’s outreach team provided consular services to 134 applicants who availed of services for ePassport, notarization of documents, civil registry submission, dual citizenship application and overseas voting registration.

The Social Security Services (SSS)-Toronto also provided services to its members during the special outreach.

The Filipino-Canadian Association of Kitchener-Waterloo supported the outreach.

The Philippine Consulate General conducts special consular outreach in areas outside Toronto with a high concentration of Filipinos to reach out and provide services to the most number of Filipinos. “Salamat at meron ganitong outreach activities. Malaking tulong sa amin na malayo sa Toronto,” said one of the clients.

The special consular outreach will be conducted in Mississauga, Durham, Orangeville and Barrie in the next few months. The public is advised to monitor the Philippine Consulate General’s website and Facebook page for the specific schedule in each area. END

Dual Citizenship applicants and other clients singing the Philippine national anthem as part of the oath taking ceremony for the reacquisition of Filipino citizenship