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PR 60-2020

01 October 2020 – As part of the Consulate General’s efforts to reach out and continue to connect with the Filipino-Canadian community at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Consul General Orontes Castro, Consul Edwin Gil Mendoza and Labor Officer Attorney Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo were guests on the Our Radio Toronto Open Forum on 24 September 2020. The radio show was hosted by Filipino-Canadians Ramon Datol and Corazon Ilao.

Consul General Castro discussed the ongoing Overseas Voting (OV) registration of Filipino nationals for the 2022 Philippine National Elections at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto. He explained the requirements for the registration process for Filipino citizens including those who are dual citizens. Mr. Datol and Ms. Ilao stated that could help in disseminating information about the outreach OV registration once the schedules are finalized. The OV registration continues to be held at PCG Toronto during office hours from 10:00 AM -4:00 PM daily and registrants are required to bring proof of Philippine citizenship (e.g. valid Philippine passports) and dual citizenship documents for those who are dual citizens. Due to the current health regulations in Ontario in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, registrants are requested to secure an appointment before going to the Consulate.

He also pointed out that consular services continue to be extended to the Consulate’s clients despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

POLO Labor Officer Zozobrado-Nagayo briefly talked about Philippine regulations related to Canada’s Home Child-Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilot programs and other labor issues affecting caregivers and other OFWs in Canada. - END

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PR 59-2020

01 October 2020 - Consul General Orontes Castro and Consul Edwin Gil Mendoza appeared on TV Natin Canada, a talk show hosted by Filipino-Canadians Allan Basa and Laila Elcano, on 19 September 2020.

Consul General Castro explained the various consular services offered to the public by PCG Toronto. He stated that despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Consulate continues to provide services especially to Overseas Filipinos and Overseas Filipino Workers. An appointment system has been implemented for effective crowd control management considering the limited space of the Consulate premises. Proper health protocols have also been instituted for the safety and health of the clients, such as wearing of masks, hand-washing and proper social distancing. Clients have also been requested to answer completely the Health Declaration Forms upon arrival at the Consulate.

Aside from consular services, Consul General Castro also talked about increasing merchandise trade between Ontario and the Philippines and the promotion of Filipino cultural heritage given the huge Filipino diaspora in PCG Toronto’s jurisdictions of Ontario and Manitoba.

TV Natin Canada is a talk show and social media platform that provides assistance to FWs in the Philippines, Canada and around the world. - END

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PR 58-2020

DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (DPCDSB) APPROVES THE PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING THE QUINCENTENNIAL JUBILEE OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE PHILIPPINES IN ALL SCHOOLS AT THE DPCDSB

30 September 2020 Toronto, Ontario – Another recognition by an agency of the Canadian government of the Quincentennial Jubilee of Christianity in the Philippines was secured by Toronto PCG with the strong support of the Filipino-Canadian Community on the approval of a Proclamation to celebrate the landmark event in all schools in the Dufferin-Peel region, during the Regular Board Meeting of the Trustees of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board held on 29 September 2020.

Report Number H.5 of the Agenda of the Board Meeting was submitted by the Faith and Program Committee of the DPCDSB to the Board of Trustees, which is the Motion on the issuance of the Proclamation recognizing the 500th Anniversary of the Arrival of Christianity to the Philippines and celebrating the event in DPCDSB schools during the 2020-2021 school year. The Motion also recommended the appointment of Mississauga Wards 6 and 11 Trustee Luz del Rosario as the DPCDSB Representative on the Toronto Organizing Committee-Quincentenary Jubilee of Christianity in the Philippines (TOC-QJCP).

The Motion was brought to the Board by Trustee Luz del Rosario. Trustee Del Rosario is a Filipino Canadian elected Trustee at the DPCDSB. Post has been in close coordination with Trustee del Rosario regarding the Proclamation.

The <b>Proclamation</b> recognizes the pivotal role of the Philippine Consulate General in raising and maintaining awareness of Philippine Heritage and culture among the young Filipino Canadians by encouraging their active participations in the Quincentennary events and activities.

The DPCDSB is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in Ontario with approximately 80,000 students attending 151 schools (125 elementary and 26 secondary) located throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, and Orangeville. In addition, over 40,000 students enroll in the board’s Adult and Continuing Education programs each year.

The Board adopted the Motions recommended by the Faith and Program Committee approving the issuance of the Proclamation recognizing the 500th Anniversary of the Arrival of Christianity to the Philippines and celebrating the same in the DPCDSB schools during the 2020-2021 school year. It likewise approved the appointment of Trustee Luz del Rosario of Mississauga Wards 6 and 11 as DPCDSB Representative at the Toronto Organizing Committee-Quincentenary Jubilee of Christianity in the Philippines (TOC-QJCP). This is by far the second act by a foreign government or its agency recognizing the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines. The first Proclamation was by the Toronto Catholic District School Board which was approved on 17 September 2020.

It is significant to note that the Board of Trustees approved the celebration of the Quincentennial Jubilee within the DPCDSB for the whole school year of 2020-2021, at a pressing time when the region was experiencing resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Post’s initiative for the passage of a Proclamation celebrating the Quincentenary Jubilee of the Arrival of Christianity in the Philippines in the Dufferin-Peel region, coupled with the strong support from Trustee del Rosario were essential in the approval of the Motion submitted by the latter to the Faith and Program Committee of the DPCDSB.

The Consulate General is actively working with other Canadian government offices and institutions within its jurisdiction towards the passage of a proclamation celebrating the Quincentennial Commemorations of the Philippines in various regions under Post’s jurisdiction.

As earlier reported and to promote inclusivity, diversity and harmony, Post’s Sentro Rizal Toronto will be organizing an Art Competition that is open to all elementary and high school students in Toronto and the Dufferin-Peel regions. Entries to be received from the art competition will be exhibited in 2021 in one of the events moving up to the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines in 2021.

The Philippine Consulate General of Toronto is reiterating its call on the Filipino community to strongly support the various activities celebrating the 500 years (Quincentennial) Commemorations in the Philippines to be held until next year. The religious part of the celebration is one of the components of all the commemorations being observed in 2021.

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PR 57-2020

29 September 2020 - PCG Toronto officials, led by Consul General Orontes Castro, along with POLO Toronto officials, headed by Labor Officer Atty. Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo, participated in the Caregivers and OFWs “Kumustahan” Picnic at Earl Bales Park on 12 September 2020. The event was sponsored by TV Natin Canada hosts, Mr. Allan Basa and Laila Elcano in collaboration with several Filipino Community organizations in Ontario.

In his remarks, Consul General Castro acknowledged the important contribution of Filipino caregivers and other frontliners in the current fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario. He thanked TV Natin Canada for bringing together the various OFW groups, and OF organizations. He also stated that Canadian officials recognize the contribution of Filipino immigrants and workers and consider the Filipino diaspora as “partners in development” of the province and the country. He also mentioned that PCG Toronto Consulate continues to support the OFs in their programs and activities.

Mr. Roman Baber, MPP (York Centre) of Ontario, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Filipino caregivers and nurses who worked very hard and provided assistance to the residents of Ontario during the pandemic. He also gave out awards to Filipino community organizations who served vulnerable sectors of the community.

Mr. Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, pointed out the difficulties that Canadians faced in the COVID-19 pandemic and how Filipino and Filipino-Canadian frontliners provided services to keep others safe and healthy. He expressed gratitude to these frontliners for doing everything they can to serve other community members. He said that the federal government is crafting policies based on their impact on the people who will be affected by such policies and the evidence that policymakers saw on the ground. An example he cited was the immigration policies that he previously made as immigration minister that affected many caregivers and significantly reduced the backlogs in the number of caregivers becoming permanent residents in Canada. He also played a role in strengthening the rights of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Canada, supporting the capacity of migrant advocacy organizations to continue serving TFWs, and giving TFWs more chances to become permanent residents.

Entertainment were provided by young members of the Filipino community who showcased their dancing and singing talents during the event.