Centennialista Filipino Association officers and representatives had the honour of meeting Paul Raymund P. Cortes, who served at the time as Assistant Secretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
Representatives from the Philippine Consulate General also joined the engagement, creating a meaningful connection between government officials and members of the Filipino community.
The meeting was an important opportunity for Centennialista to represent the experiences and aspirations of Filipinos living, studying and building their careers abroad. It also highlighted the value of maintaining strong relationships with the institutions responsible for serving and protecting Filipino nationals overseas.
Supporting Filipinos Beyond Borders
Migrant workers and overseas Filipinos make significant contributions to their families, communities and the Philippine economy. However, living and working in another country can also involve challenges related to employment, immigration, access to services and adjusting to a new environment.
Engagements with migrant affairs and consular officials help community organizations better understand the services and assistance available to Filipinos abroad. They also create opportunities for community voices to be represented and for important information to reach the people who need it.
For Centennialista Filipino Association, supporting Filipinos means helping people connect with reliable networks, community resources and institutions that can provide appropriate guidance.
Building Relationships Through Bayanihan
The meeting reflected Centennialista’s commitment to the Filipino value of bayanihan. By building connections between government representatives, community leaders and members, the organization helps strengthen a network where Filipinos can support one another.
These relationships are important because community service is most effective when people and organizations work together with a shared purpose. Every connection can become an opportunity to guide someone, share valuable information or help a fellow Filipino feel less alone.
Centennialista Filipino Association is honoured to have participated in this meaningful engagement with Philippine migrant affairs and consular officials.
As the community continues to grow, Centennialista remains committed to connecting Filipinos, promoting cultural pride and helping create a stronger support system for Filipinos in Canada and beyond.