Advisories & News
Press Release
Consul General Orontes V. Castro and Vice Consul Edward D. Chan Appear as Guests on TOMz Radio
2021-07-24
PR-2021-41
Toronto, 23 July 2021 – Consul General Orontes V. Castro and Vice Consul Edward D. Chan appeared at the Open Forum program of TOMz Radio yesterday, 22 July 2021 upon the invitation of the later to discuss the services of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and address the problems of Overseas Filipinos, as well as Filipino Canadians in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. TOMz Radio is a radio talk show hosted by Filipino Canadians Mr. Ramon Datol and Ms. Cecille Araneta.
At the Open Forum, Consul General Castro discussed the various consular services offered by the Consulate General, especially during this time when Ontario entered Step 3 of re-opening. He also mentioned that the Consulate General continues to follow health protocols and preventive measures against the COVID-19 that have been in place since the pandemic started. Because of the limited space of the consular area, the Consulate General adapts the appointment system for effective crowd control management. He informed that passport renewal services and dual oath-taking are held at the 7th floor and appointments for notarial and other legal services are entertained at the 6th floor, to maximize services while maintaining social distancing.
The other points discussed at the radio show were the forthcoming Philippine national elections on 9 May 2022. Consul General Castro highlighted the need for Filipinos to register for Overseas Voting (OV) so they can vote in next year’s election. The OV registration is available at the Consulate General until 30 September 2021. Former Filipinos also need to apply for reacquisition of Philippine citizenship (dual citizenship) so they can register for OV and subsequently be eligible to vote.
Another concern raised by Mr. Datol is the problem of undocumented Filipinos who are afraid to be vaccinated because of their immigration status. The Consul General assured that the Consulate General will assist them and encouraged them to communicate with the office so they can be referred to appropriate settlement organizations regarding their concern and appropriate assistance could be extended to them.
Consul General Castro thanked Mr. Datol and Ms. Araneta for the opportunity given to the Consulate General to discuss the services offered to Overseas Filipinos. Consul General Castro also expressed appreciation for TOMz Radio’s continuing support to the Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino Community hence the Quincentennial Award given to TOMz Radio on 12 June 2021 during the former’s virtual celebration of the 123rd anniversary of Philippine Independence. – END
