28 November 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in partnership with the Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), held an Information Session for Filipina migrant workers in the afternoon of November 16 at the Our Lady of Assumption Parish Hall at Bathurst.  The Bathurst area is where a significant number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), most of whom are caregivers, work and reside.

The information session was well-received with 53 participants in attendance.  The session kicked off with a video on “Basic Financial Management” and “Pangangasiwa ng Maliit Na Negosyo” from the National Reintegration Center for OFWs which was later augmented by a lecture from Western Union Country Manager Chito Gonzales.  Vice Consul Bolivar L. Bao gave a PowerPoint presentation on the consular services offered by the Consulate General followed by a similar presentation by Labor Attaché Leonida V. Romulo on the services offered by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Toronto.

Toronto Police Services also participated in the event by sending Police Detective Chris Hoeller who gave a briefing on Human Trafficking. Ms. Nora Angeles, Director of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, briefed participants on interpretation and court support services the clinic offers.  The clinic’s advocacy is addressing on the concerns of women who have been victims of violence.  The presentations of the Toronto Police Service and the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic were augmented with additional information and advice from the CCSYR staff.

Finally, Ms. Alicia Blanco, a Family Court Support Worker, gave a lecture on housing support services which proved to be of great interest to the newcomers.

The Information Session received overwhelmingly positive feedback.  The CCSYR envisions another round of Information Sessions for a new batch of attendees and more future partnerships with the Philippine Consulate General. END