(2025 February 01). Vancouver, CA — On January 21, 2025, the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Vancouver announced plans to launch a Philippine Assistance Outreach Service (PAOS) in March 2025. This initiative will focus on supporting international students, their dependents, and temporary foreign workers, particularly within the Filipino community in Canada. The goal is to provide essential resources to help individuals overcome settlement, employment integration, and cultural adaptation challenges.
The PAOS initiative is a collaborative effort between the Philippine Consulate General and the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in British Columbia (UPAABC). The organizations aim to offer meaningful support to Filipino migrant workers, caregivers, international students, and spouses. By joining forces, they hope to enhance the experience of Filipino nationals in Canada, address unique challenges, and foster greater integration into Canadian society.
Consul Ericka Anna Abad has highlighted the importance of community-driven efforts for this outreach and called on both UPAABC and FilNet to lend their expertise in organizing the event. Vice Consul Marco Harder will oversee the preparations for the PAOS while Consul Abad is on leave and ensure that all logistical aspects are efficiently handled as the event approaches.
The collaboration among UPAABC, FilNet, and the Philippine Consulate General is expected to impact the Filipino community in Canada significantly. By offering vital services and guidance, the PAOS initiative aims to promote better integration and overall well-being of Filipino migrants as they navigate their new environment.
With these combined efforts, the PAOS event in March 2025 is set to be an essential step in strengthening the connection between Filipino nationals and the broader Canadian society.
By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua
(MBB)
