PH Consulate General in Toronto Attends Caregivers, OFWs “Kumustahan” Picnic at Earl Bales Park

Philippine Consul General to Toronto Orontes V. Castro delivers his remarks to the participants of the Caregivers and OFWs “Kumustahan” Picnic on 12 September 2020 at Earl Bales Park, Toronto. (Toronto PCG photo)

TORONTO 06 October 2020 — Philippine Consulate General in Toronto officials, led by Philippine Consul General to Toronto Orontes V. Castro, along with Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)-Toronto officials, headed by Labor Officer Atty. Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo, participated in the Caregivers and overseas Filipino workers (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 that 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 them more chances to become permanent residents. 

Young members of the Filipino community showcased their dancing and singing talents during the event. END

Mr. Roman Baber, MPP (York Centre, Ontario) expresses his gratitude to the Filipino frontliners for their valuable work in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario. (Toronto PCG photo)

Mr. Ahmed Hussen, Canada's Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, speaks to the participants of the Caregivers and OFWs “Kumustahan” Picnic. (Toronto PCG photo)

Philippine Consul General to Toronto Orontes V. Castro and Labor Attaché Attorney Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo discuss consular services being extended to Founding Chairman of Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association (IFCAN), Mr. Austin Gaqui. (Toronto PCG photo)

Philippine Consul General to Toronto Orontes V. Castro and Consul Edwin Gil Mendoza with Honorable Ahmed Hussen, Canada's Minister of Families, Children Social   Development  and formerly, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. (Toronto PCG photo)

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