Blog
On July 12, 2025, the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Vancouver hosted a comprehensive Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) at the Executive Suites Hotel in Burnaby, British Columbia. This initiative aimed to equip temporary foreign workers (TFWs), international students, and their spouses with essential knowledge and resources to navigate life in Canada.
🧠Empowering Newcomers with Essential Information
The seminar attracted approximately 123 participants, including TFWs, international students, and other Filipino immigrants. Recognizing the diverse needs of attendees, the event featured a hybrid format, offering both in-person and virtual participation options via Google Meet and the Filipino community channel K-Jam. This approach ensured broader accessibility for those unable to attend in person.
🎤 Keynote Addresses and Expert Sessions
The seminar commenced with Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, who emphasized the importance of the PAOS in bridging information gaps for Filipinos newly arrived in Canada. She highlighted that while the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) provides general information, the PAOS offers targeted insights pertinent to the current status of attendees.
🧠Informative Sessions and Resource Booths
Attendees participated in various sessions covering topics such as:
- Settlement and Integration Resources
- Credit Management
- Income Tax
- Workers’ Rights and Canadian Labor Laws
- Updates on IRCC Policies
- Credentialing Processes in British Columbia
In addition to the sessions, several organizations set up booths to provide consultations and information on:
- Legal Services: Northam Law
- Mental Health Support: Mabuhay House Society, Pinoy Pride Vancouver Society
- Settlement and Integration: Mosaic, FilNet, Little Mountain Neighborhood House Society
- Community Resources: United Filipino-Canadian Associations in BC, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants – Vancouver, UP Alumni Association in BC, Filipino International Student Association – University Canada West
🤝 Collaborative Efforts for a Stronger Community
The PAOS was organized in partnership with the Migrant Workers’ Office – Vancouver and several esteemed Filipino community organizations:
- United Filipino-Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC)
- Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants – Vancouver (PICPA)
- University of the Philippines Alumni Association in BC (UPAABC)
- Filipino International Student Association – University Canada West (FilSA)
đź“š Directory of Filipino Community Organizations
To further assist attendees, copies of the Directory of Filipino Community Organizations in BC, Yukon, and Northwest Territories were distributed. This directory contains contact information for various organizations, enabling Filipinos to connect with groups that align with their interests and needs.
đź”— Additional Resources and Information
For more details on the PAOS and other initiatives by the PCG Vancouver, visit the official website.
Stay connected with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver through their Facebook page and Instagram for updates on upcoming events and services.
