PH Consulate General and York University Formalize Philippine Studies Program in Toronto
Signing the Deed of Donation were clockwise from top left: Consul General Orontes V. Castro; Dr. Ethel Tungohan, Assistant Professor of Politics and Social Sciences and Focal Point for the Philippine Studies Program of York University; Dr. Rhonada Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor of York University; Consul General Castro delivers his remarks with Dr. Lenton; Dr. Lenton and Consul General Castro before the signing of the Deed of Donation; Dr. Tungohan, Dr. Lenton and Consul General Castro. (Photo from Toronto PCG credits to Mr. Alex Felipe, York Centre for Asian Research).
TORONTO, 24 November 2022 - Representatives from the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and York University met on 21 November 2022 to sign the Deed of Donation granting PhP5,000,000.00 or around CAD$116,000.00 to the University for the implementation of a Philippine Studies Program.
Consul General Orontes V. Castro signed on behalf of the Philippine Government whereas Dr. Rhonda L. Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor of York University, led the signing for the University. The objective of the program is to enhance people-to-people relations between the Philippines and Canada through academic programs, projects, and activities related to Filipino history, cultures, and society.
The donation was made possible through the initiative of the Honorable Loren Legarda, Senator and President pro tempore of the Senate of the Philippines.
In a message read by Consul General Castro, Senator Legarda highlighted her advocacy for cultural diplomacy and the importance of academic engagements in strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada. “The Philippine Studies Program at York University will highlight the relevance of the academe in enhancing our countries’ relations and opening opportunities for more collaboration in various fields,” Senator said in her message.
Likewise, Dr. Lenton, in her remarks, conveyed the University’s deep appreciation for the donation. She noted that the implementation of a Philippine Studies program at York University highlights the mutually-shared values between the Philippines and Canada; and will lead to further cooperation on higher education.
Consul General Castro, for his part, noted that the donation will go a long way in promoting Philippine culture and cooperation between the Philippines and Canada, especially with the increasing number of Filipinos in Canada based on the latest partial results of the 2021 Census conducted by Statistics Canada.
Projects and activities which are expected to be implemented under the program include lectures, enhancement of the Filipiniana collection of the University, research and publication; and institutionalization of a Philippine studies course.
The signing of the Deed of Donation was attended by York University officials, professors, and students; officials of the Consulate General; and leaders of the Filipino-Canadian community. OMNI News in Canada covered the event and the TV coverage can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/OMNIFilipino/videos/973720674018873/
For more information, visit https://www.philcongen-toronto.com/ and https://web.facebook.com/PHinToronto END
Top; left photo: Consul General Castro (center) with Guests during the Deed of Donation signing; Top right photo: Guests witness the signing of the Deed of Donation; Bottom photos: Dr. Lenton and Consul General Castro during the exchange of gifts. (Photos from Toronto PCG credits to of Mr. Alex Felipe, York Centre for Asian Research).