Advisories & News
Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO CONDUCT FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONVENTION IN ONTARIO
2024-05-23
Participants and resource speakers with Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop (third from right, front row), Consul General Angelica Escalona (fourth from right) and UPAAT President Agnes Manasan (2nd from right) (photo courtesy of Seneca FILCOM/Vivid Curiosity Productions)
Toronto, 11 May 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto (UPAAT), hosted a Filipino International Students Convention in Ontario at the Novotel Toronto North York Hotel. The Convention was supported by the Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), a non-profit social services agency, and two Filipino international students’ organizations, Seneca Filipino Community (FILCOM) and Niagara College Toronto Filipino Club.
The Convention was intended to provide Filipino international students in Ontario with information vital to improving their experience of studying in Canada. The resource persons included representatives from non-profit groups, professional organizations, government and the private sector. They discussed a broad range of topics covering recent immigration policies, settlement services, health and wellness, financial literacy, income tax filing, community safety, employment opportunities and consular services of the Philippine Consulate General and its attached agencies.
During her welcome remarks, Consul General Escalona gave encouragement to the international students by likening them to Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, who also faced hardships while studying abroad but persevered to achieve his dreams.
Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop acknowledged the important role of international students in fostering prosperity in the province. She conveyed the Ontario government’s commitment to provide the resources and support needed by international students for their success. “We want students to have a positive and rewarding experience when they come to Ontario. Our home is their home,” Minister Dunlop said.
In a special message, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria conveyed the readiness of the Philippine government to assist Filipino international students. She emphasized the importance of continuing to love the Philippines and working together to promote the welfare and interests of Filipinos in Canada.
The Convention also provided an opportunity for Filipino International students to network with other students, the resource persons and representatives of community groups that were present.
The participants expressed appreciation for the information and connections they gained from the Convention. “Malaking tulong ito lalung-lalo na para sa amin na bagong dating dito sa Canada dahil sobrang laki ng pagbabago kumpara sa Pilipinas,” said one of the students.
Around 170 Filipino international students from different colleges and universities in Ontario attended the Convention. END
Ambassador Austria, Consul General Escalona, Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague and UPAAT President Manasan (seated) with volunteers from Seneca FILCOM and Niagara College Toronto Filipino Club
Constable Don Laurel of the Toronto Police Service discussing community safety
An international student asking a question during the open forum. (photo courtesy of Seneca FILCOM/Vivid Curiosity Productions)
Some of the information booths during the Convention
Minister Dunlop, Consul General Escalona and UPAAT President Manasan (center) with the resource persons