19 November 2013 - The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver conducted a successful consular outreach at the Victoria Bayanihan Center in Victoria, British Columbia on November 10.

The members of the Consular team that conducted the program included Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, Consul Melanie Diano, Ms. Josephine Nacisvalencia, Ms. Ma. Adora Cruz, and Mr. Crisel Diaz. 

On November 09, at the welcome dinner and consular information session held at the Victoria Filipino Canadian Bayanihan Center, kababayans welcomed Consul General Ferrer on his assumption as the new Philippine Consul General in Vancouver.  A briefing on the benefits of dual citizenship as well as the promotion of the "Winter Escapade-Its More Fun in the Philippines Tour" which will be held in January 2014 was later presented by Consul Melanie Diano.

Also at the dinner, Canadian TV News network, CTV, interviewed Consul General Ferrer on the situation of the provinces affected by Typhoon Yolanda. He gave an update on the ongoing government relief operations.  He expressed appreciation for the timely and generous support from the Government of Canada and encouraged people to support efforts for the benefit of the victims and affected communities.

On November 11, Consul General Ferrer and Consul Diano attended and offered a wreath during the Remembrance Day celebration at the Memorial Cenotaph, British Columbia Parliament Building in Victoria. The victims of typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines were also mentioned and remembered by the host during the event. CTV News footages also showed Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin saying , "I think one real strong moment for me today was when the Consul General from the Philippines came up and laid the wreath." 

After the ceremony, Consul General Ferrer met with the Honorable Mr. Norm Letnick, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier for Intergovernmental Affairs. END