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3rd FILIPINO-CANADIAN PROFESSIONALS CONVENTION IN ONTARIO PUSHES FOR MORE ACTIVE ROLE OF PROFESSIONALS ON CREDENTIALS RECOGNITION
2024-11-15
(Left to right) Consul General Angelica Escalona, Dr. Edward Cruz of the University of Windsor, Mr. Nanda Layos Lwin of the Professional Engineers Ontario, Ms. Stéphanne Horace of the Ontario College of Teachers and Convention Chairperson Engr. Gil Galang during the open forum
26 October 2024 – More than 150 Filipino-Canadian professionals attended the 3rd Filipino-Canadian Professionals Convention held at the auditorium of the Improve Canada shopping complex in Vaughan, Ontario. With the theme “Shaping the future of Filipino Professionals in Canada”, the convention was aimed at building on the accomplishments of the previous conventions to address barriers to credential recognition of Filipino professionals in Canada.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Angelica Escalona noted that the convention has facilitated unity among different Filipino professional groups in working towards a common goal of helping Filipinos, particularly on the issue of credentials recognition; and facilitated their dialogue with concerned Canadian and Philippine officials on the issue. “Think about what can be done further to promote the interests of Filipinos in Canada” Consul General Escalona urged Filipino professionals.
There were three speakers during the convention, namely Dr. Edward Cruz, Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor; Ms. Stéphanne Horace, External Relations Officer, Ontario College of Teachers (OCT); and Mr. Nanda Layos Lwin, Vice President of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO). They discussed concerns of Filipino professionals in their respective fields. They also spoke on the licensing procedures and requirements for professionals in Ontario as well as recent programs that facilitate credentials recognition for internationally educated and trained professionals.
An open forum capped the convention. Highlighted during the open forum was the continuing demand for internationally educated and trained professionals in Ontario due to labor shortage and the multi-cultural nature of Canadian society. Mentorship, getting the right information and availing of available support programs were identified as important measures to help internationally educated and trained professionals navigate the licensing process in Canada. According to Mr. Lwin, “there are several programs, initiatives and resources available to you. Take advantage of these.”
Filipino professionals who intend to get a license were encouraged to be more pro-active by taking applicable bridging programs, doing volunteer work in their chosen profession to familiarize themselves with the Canadian system, and advocating with their respective regulatory bodies to provide options in fulfilling the requirements to getting a license.
As part of the convention, a job fair was conducted in the afternoon of the same day. Canada’s Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and the presidents of the Filipino-Canadian professional organizations officially opened the job fair.
There were ten participating companies representing the construction, engineering, architecture, accounting, education and health sectors. Also at the job fair were the Migrant Workers Office-Toronto, SSS-Toronto and non-profit groups helping newcomers access support services and find employment in Ontario.
The convention was organized by 11 Filipino-Canadian professional organizations representing accountants, teachers, nurses, physiotherapists, engineers, architects, realtors, construction professionals, dentists, dental hygienists and former law enforcement officers, in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto (UPAAT).
More than 150 participants attended the convention
Consul General Angelica Escalona (7th from left) with the resource persons and presidents of the Filipino-Canadian professional organizations
(Left to right) Convention Chair Engr. Galang, Minister Rechie Valdez and Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate lead the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the job fair
Participants during the job fair