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

ADVISORY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ETRAVEL CUSTOMS SYSTEM

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Click for more information: https://customs.gov.ph/boc-and-dict-to-implement-one-qr-code-in-the-e-travel-system-for-all-airports-by-10-may-2024-reiterates-strict-implementation-of-bsp-rules-in-bringing-in-or-taking-out-of-currencies/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1RHjscPTPVLuttJxJoMICqgt5AIif9OkUZ0XCPmHGC-M8HRn78g56s2hQ_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

Click to watch the video on how to use the eTravel system. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=294980083650477&rdid=TkF2LcgXn25443dJ

PUBLIC HOLIDAY NOTICE - 12 JUNE 2024

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Please join us in this special event commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Canada Diplomatic Relations

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CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY FEATURES KUNDIMAN CONCERT FOR ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH

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23 May 2024- The Canadian Opera Company (COC) celebrated Asian Heritage Month in May through a showcase series featuring artists and creatives from the Asian Diaspora to highlight the beauty of their language, music and cultural identity. Included in the series was a “Journeys Through Filipino Kundiman” concert held at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts featuring Filipino tenor Sal Malaki, Filipino-Canadian pianist Irene Gregorio and violinist José Molina.

In her remarks during the event, Consul General Angelica Escalona shared that this year, the Philippines and Canada are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. She noted that the kundiman concert is a great way for the Filipino diaspora to take pride in their heritage and celebrate Philippine culture with the broader community.

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO CONDUCT FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CONVENTION IN ONTARIO

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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

SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ENRIQUE MANALO AND YORK UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS DISCUSS WAYS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN ACADEMIC LINKAGES

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Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo (center) with Provost and Vice President for Academic Lisa Philipps (8th from left), Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria (8th from right), Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga (6th from left), Consul General Angelica Escalona (7th from right) and other York University officials and professors at the university grounds (photo courtesy of York University)

Toronto, 10 May 2024 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo met with officials of York University led by Provost and Vice President for Academic Lisa Philipps at the University’s Kaneff Tower. York Officials conveyed the university’s gratitude for the Php5,000,000.00 (around CAD$116,000.00) donation of the Philippine government in 2022 for the implementation of programs and projects on Philippine studies.

York officials also briefed Secretary Manalo on the various engagements of the university and individual professors with Philippine institutions on subjects related to education and research. Provost Philipps noted the flourishing activities between Philippine institutions and York University and the possibility to further expand these collaborations.

Secretary Manalo conveyed his appreciation for the strong ties between York university and the Philippines and expressed his support to further strengthen these linkages, including the institutionalization of a Philippine studies program at the university. END

Secretary Manalo with Provost Philipps (photo courtesy of York University)

SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ENRIQUE MANALO VISITS TORONTO’S “LITTLE MANILA”

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(Left to right) Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria (back), Minister for Small Business Rechie Valdez, Consul General Angelica Escalona (back) and Member of Parliament and Chair of the Canada-Philippine Interparliamentary Friendship Group Marco Mendicino

Toronto, 09 May 2024 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo went on a waking tour of Toronto’s “Little Manila” at the Wilson-Bathurst area, visiting several Filipino business establishments in the area together with Minister for Small Business Rechie Valdez and Member of Parliament and Chair of the Canada-Philippine Interparliamentary Friendship Group Marco Mendicino.

Minister Valdez hosted a dinner for Secretary Manalo at Kabalen, which specializes in Kapampangan dishes.

The increasing number of Filipinos in Toronto led to the establishment of many Filipino businesses in the area including restaurants, bakeries and variety stores. The area is now generally associated with the Filipino business community and is unofficially and affectionately called Little Manila. END

(Left) Secretary Manalo visit Verna’s Laguna Special Buko Pie (Right) Secretary Manalo with MP Mendicino walking along Wilson Avenue where many of the Filipino establishments are located

SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ENRIQUE MANALO AND ONTARIO PREMIER DOUG FORD DISCUSS WAYS TO PROMOTE WELFARE AND INTERESTS OF FILIPINO DIASPORA

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo (photo courtesy of Province of Ontario)

Toronto, 09 May 2024 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford during his official visit to Toronto. Premier Ford acknowledged the significant contributions of Filipinos to Ontario’s development while Secretary Manalo expressed gratitude for the hospitality and the opportunities provided by Ontario to Filipinos.

Secretary Manalo conveyed the Philippine government’s hope for the continued support of the province in streamlining credentials recognition for internationally trained and educated professionals and strengthening protection for foreign workers and international students. Premier Ford conveyed the Ontario government’s commitment to address the concerns of the Filipino community.

Secretary Manalo and Premier Ford also discussed opportunities for cooperation on trade and investment, energy security and people to people exchanges.

During the meeting, Premier Ford was joined by Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini, Special Advisor to the Premier Mr. Anish Dwivedi and Director of Policy Mr. Kyles Fritz. Secretary Manalo was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria, Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga of the Office of American Affairs, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague and Special Assistant Tanya Faye Ramiro.

According to the 2021 Census of Statistics Canada, the Province of Ontario has the largest number of Filipinos in Canada at 363,650, which represents 38% of the total number of Filipinos in the country. END

Premier Ford and Secretary Manalo discuss the concerns of the Filipino diaspora in Ontario (photo courtesy of Province of Ontario)

(Left to right) Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini, Premier Ford, Secretary Manalo, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga and Special Assistant Tanya Faye Ramiro. (photo courtesy of Province of Ontario)

PHILIPPINES JOINS 4TH HALAL EXPO CANADA 2024, INVITES CANADIANS TO INVEST IN THE PHILIPPINE HALAL INDUSTRY

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(L-R) BARMM Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Lanang Ali, Jr., The Expo Hut CEO Nasser Deeb, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Philippine DTI-Halal Program Manager Aleem Guiapal and Vietnam Commercial Counsellor Quynh Tran

08 May 2024 – A delegation composed of Philippine government and private sector representatives participated in the 4th Halal Expo Canada held at The International Centre in Mississauga on 8-9 May 2024. It was the first time that the Philippines participated in the Halal Expo Canada.

Mr. Aleem Siddiqui M. Guiapal, Manager of the Halal Program of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), gave a presentation on the Philippine halal ecosystem during the event. He shared that the halal economy covers not only food but also Islamic finance, halal tourism and recreation, modest fashion and halal pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

With regard to halal food, Mr. Guiapal said that the Philippines exports bananas, pineapple and cosmetics mostly to the Middle East and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. He noted, however, that there is a significant supply gap in the Philippines. In 2022, the Philippine halal imports were valued at around US$120 million composed mostly of halal dairy products, beef, poultry meat and glucose syrup sourced from the US, New Zealand and India.

Mr. Guiapal spoke about the Philippines’ halal industry roadmap, which aims to promote the Philippines as a premium halal-friendly hub in the Asia-Pacific region. “I invite you to invest in the Philippine halal industry, which is a sunrise industry,” he said. For more information about the Philippine Halal Industry, please visit https://www.dti.gov.ph/sdm_downloads/philippine-halal-industry-development-strategic-plan/.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Deputy Speaker of Parliament Atty. Lanang T. Ali Jr. gave a presentation on investing in the BARMM region. The DTI signed a partnership with the BARMM for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to benefit from halal initiatives. For more information about investing in the BARMM, please visit https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/.

The Halal Expo Canada participants were invited to participate in the Halal Expo Philippines to be held at the World Trade Center in Metro Manila on 14-16 November 2024. For more information about the Halal Expo Philippines, please visit https://www.halalexpophilippines.com/. END

(Center) Consul General Angelica Escalona and Consul General of Turkey to Toronto Can Yoldaş cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the 4th Halal Expo Canada

The Philippine delegation with Consul General Angelica Escalona and members and advisors of the Muslim Filipino Association of Canada

TORONTO CONSULATE GENERAL MEETS WITH SENECA POLYTECHNIC OFFICIALS, FILIPINO STUDENTS

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Deputy Consul General Kewin Orville Tate (2nd from right) and Seneca President David Agnew (2nd from left) discuss ways to support Filipino international students of Seneca Polytechnic

03 May 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General met with officials of Seneca Polytechnic to discuss ways to support Filipino international students enrolled in Seneca. Seneca Polytechnic accepts around 4,000 Filipino international students every term, making it one of the most popular destinations for Filipino students.

The Consulate General shall continue to visit colleges and universities under its jurisdiction in its effort to reach out to the growing number of Filipino international students arriving in Canada. According to the IRCC, Canada’s immigration agency, there were 25,265 and 33,945 student visas issued to Filipinos in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Approximately 40% of those granted student visas study in postsecondary institutions located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague discussing the Consulate General’s services and inviting the students to the Filipino International Students Convention

CONSULAR OUTREACH TO SAULT STE. MARIE

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CONSULAR OUTREACH TO WATERLOO-KITCHENER

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SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM AND PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL TORONTO HOST KAPIHAN SA KONSULADO WITH SSS PRESIDENT AND CEO ROLANDO L. MACASAET

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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

PUBLIC HOLIDAY NOTICE - MAY 2024

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LIST OF APPROVED APPLICANTS BY THE RERB

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TORONTO CONSULATE GENERAL, MIGRANT WORKERS OFFICE JOIN HEALTH AND INFORMATION FAIR IN LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO

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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