Philippine Consulates in Toronto’s Thanksgiving party

Consul General Rosalita S. Prospero hosted an end-of-the-year Thanksgiving Reception on 29 December 2016 at the Philippine Consulate General’s Public Hall for the leaders and representatives of Filipino community organizations in Toronto and nearby cities under the Consulate’s jurisdiction.

The Consul General took the opportunity to introduce new members of the Philippine Consulate family from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and Pag-ibig Fund (Home Development Mutual Fund).

The Consulate announced improvements in the delivery of service by the Consulate to the public, most already in effect and some, to take effect in the beginning of 2017. The improvements include earlier release date for legalization of documents; spot release for NBI finger printing; designated window and priority service for senior citizens and persons with disabilities; observance of long hours every second Friday of the month instead of every third of the month. The Consulate will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the said days, an hour longer than previously observed.

The Consulate also took the opportunity to share information about Philippine citizenship reacquisition and retention, enhanced security features of the new e- passport and the on-going registration for Philippine overseas voting. The guests were encouraged to register to qualify as overseas voter for the 2019 Philippine mid-term national election process.

In her speech, Consul General Prospero conveyed to over 100 attendees her appreciation for the support of the Filipino community to all the activities of the Consulate General, most especially with regard to their assistance during cultural activities, consular outreach missions and the assistance provided by settlement workers and organizations to newly-arrived Filipinos. She asked for more support on future collaborations on projects to be undertaken by the Consulate.

Before breaking bread with the Filipino community on traditional Filipino dishes, and as a final note of thanks, the officers and staff of the Consulate rendered a medley of Filipino Christmas carols to the community. END.