PH Consulate General in Toronto Attends First Filipino Migrant Workers’ Convention

Consul General to Toronto Orontes V. Castro conveys his message during the first Migrant Workers’ Convention at the 519 Ballroom on 03 November 2019. (Toronto PCG photo)

TORONTO 26 November 2019 — In collaboration with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and several settlement organizations in the Greater Toronto area, Consul General to Toronto Orontes V. Castro, with the Consulate General officials attended the first Migrant Workers’ Convention on 03 November 2019.

The convention offered available services through booth set ups, in which Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families can inquire and interact with the representatives of Philippine government agencies, Filipino organizations, settlement organizations and academic institutions.

“Our OFWs have a vital role in the Philippines’ economic growth and development in which President Rodrigo Duterte has directed the concerned Philippine agencies to provide services for these Filipinos,” Consul General to Toronto Orontes V. Castro said during his speech. He then thanked the participants and the institutions involved for making the convention a success, and encouraged them to further broaden their understanding about their workplace rights and responsibilities as a migrant worker.

Ontario Ministry of Labor, Training and Skills Development Deputy Minister David Corbett discussed the functions of the Ministry on employment standards, occupational health safety, and labor relations, among others. Recently, the ministry’s mandate was expanded to include skills, training, and apprenticeship regulation in companies. He pointed out that the Ontario government is ensuring that the workers are in protection and with fair treatment by their employers. He also cited the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act which applies to foreign nationals working or looking for work in the province. 

Registered Psychotherapist Marina Ralph and York University Professor Philip Kelly discussed the Filipino diaspora in Canada, including experiences in relation to family reunification, and the challenges that Filipino migrant workers and their families are facing, and then provided some practical strategies on strengthening its relations. 

Senior Trade Commissioner Ma. Roseni Alvero talked about entrepreneurship and livelihood in the Philippines for OFWs. York Region Catholic Community Services Connie Manzo talked about the importance and the process involved in having the migrant workers’ credentials recognized in Ontario.

During the convention, POLO Toronto and TV Natin officials also signed a partnership to serve Overseas Filipino Workers. END

Consul General to Toronto Orontes V. Castro (sixth from right), with Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development Deputy Minister David Corbett (seventh from right), Consul Edna May Lazaro (second from right), Consul Edwin Gil Mendoza (third from right), Labor Officer Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo (fifth from right), OWWA Welfare Officer Ma. Lourdes Reyes (fourth from left), POLO Toronto Officials, and Ontario community settlement organizations officers. (Toronto PCG photo).

Signing of Partnership between POLO Toronto, represented by Labor Officer Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo (center), and TV Natin Canada representative Allan Basa, and witnessed by OWWA Welfare Officer Ma. Lourdes Reyes (Toronto PCG photo).

For more information, visit https://www.torontopcg.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.philcongen-toronto.com  or https://www.facebook.com/PHinToronto/ .