09 July 2014 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto held an overseas voters field registration during the Philippine Colleges and Universities Alumni Association’s (PCUAA’s) Annual Summerfest Picnic and Games last July 06 at the Mississauga Valley Park in Mississauga, Ontario. 

The Consulate team, composed of Consul General Junever Mahilum-West, Consul Shirley Banquicio, Janet Hizon, Roberto Ruben Fajardo, Fatima Muallam and Oliver Baranda, joined PCUAA’s annual event and took the opportunity to render mobile overseas voters registration services, as well as conduct an information campaign on dual citizenship and Winter Escapade 2. PCUAA, headed by its president Tom Mascardo, graciously provided the Consulate team with a booth for voters’ registration and consular/tourism information.

Consul General Mahilum-West, a UP Alumni Association of Toronto honorary member and PCUAA’s guest speaker, conveyed to the guests the Philippine Government’s call on all eligible Filipino voters to take part in the 2016 elections.  The Consul General also stressed that voting is open to all qualified Filipino citizens and dual citizens.

Alumni members of Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, Central Philippines University, College of the Holy Spirit, De La Salle University, Feati University, Mapua Institute of Technology, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, San Beda College, University of the East, and University of the Philippines were among the participants in PCUAA’s 2014 Summerfest.  A number of PCUAA members and their families registered as overseas voters with enthusiasm.  Queries of some members about the rights and duties of dual citizens were addressed during a brief Q&A session. After the Protocol of Agreement between the Philippines and Canada for the Avoidance of Double Taxation was expounded, most interested applicants opted to pursue their intention to acquire dual citizenship and subsequently register as voters. “Save the Date” flyers for Team Canada’s Tourism Promotion program, Winter Escapade 2 – It’s More Fun in the Philippines Tour slated from January 30 to February 06, 2015, were also distributed to the members, their friends and guests.

PCUAA’s Annual Summerfest, with its sports activities and potluck “salu-salo” continues foster and renew the members’ spirit of camaraderie and inclusiveness among their alma mater colleagues as well as members of other alumni associations.  This year, PCUAA members and their families shared and enjoyed their time with their kababayans and proved that it was not only about having fun, rest and recreation but also about rekindling their links with our motherland. END