Alberta Filipino Journal - January 2023 Issue

Let go of what’s gone. Be grateful for what remains. Look forward to what’s coming.

2022 is over but don’t be anxious if things have not happened Yet. Trust in the timing, be confident of the process, and trust the Supreme Being. For the reason that in His Divine Perfect time, our life will unfold as it should.

Believe in our selves and our capabilities.

If we think we can, we can; if we thing we can’t, we truly can’t. Remember, that life is similar to a clean and well-maintained engine. It generates power. By trusting in the timing of our life, favourable things will happen when they are meant to happen.

ooOoo

The Dignity of Identity

Everyone is unique. Insecurities and frustrations can be avoided by not expecting too much in return and not comparing yourself with others. Avoid personal reference then. It’s because we are so different that we have so much to share.

ooOoo

A visitor’s place in one’s place

Hosting a visitor is not an easy task. A host has to please his visitor by satisfying both the wants and the needs while inside his premise. Both the invitee and the invited should reciprocate the feelings of comfort and felicity. However, a visitor, no matter how long will the stay be in one’s place. He will remain a visitor and will never have to claim ownership of the premise where he stays. Certain limitations as well as ethical norms then, shall still be observed. A visitor holds entitlement and some privileges but not the right of proprietorship. At a certain point in time, a visitor has to leave.

We all, are the visitors or guests in this world. This is not our place and therefore, we have to go back to where we were. And, we cannot abuse one’s kindness, generosity,

and hospitality by staying longer in the host’s house or premise. There is truly a time to depart and leave the place where you no longer have the place as every event expires.

We were all visitors of the 2022 and it’s about time now to proceed visiting the rest of the 2023 in order to seek the right place and put the proper perspective in favour of the remaining years in our lives.

ooOoo

In 2023, find a place where peace is

in place

Let’s stay where we can utilize our expertise and capabilities and not where we are treated as utilities. Let’s stay where our worth is continuously valued and recognized. What matters is the person and not the matter.

Lito Mendoza Velasco

Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2

Jose L. Angeles

Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales and Advertising CP: 780-916-7677, Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com

Lito Mendoza Velasco

Editor-in-Chief / Associate Publisher 780-655-5126 editor@albertafilipinojournal.com

Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles

Administrator / Office Manager Sales and Advertising, 780-993-5503 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com

Moses Billacura

Sports Editor / Photographer Videographer

Lianne Angeles Associate Editor

Mark Angeles, Mike Angeles Distribution Managers - Edmonton Stephen Burry Distribution Manager - Calgary 1 (587) 938-3100, Freedommigrate@gmail.com

Melanie C. Gomez Website and Graphic Designer

Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida, Ida Beltran-Lucila, Kristian Cereno, Marco Luciano, Mervin Mendoza Cereno, Nicky Gocuan, Giselle General, Januel Cedrick Ibasco, Fr. Jhack Diaz, Bing J. Jaleco

Contributing Writers: Katrina Marielle U. Cereno, Leonila Samarita, Raquel Getigan, Jasmine-Grace Nacu Irvin Bautista, Babylyn Bautista-Felix

Do not fall victim to fake Canadian Job Postings for Engineering Professionals on LinkedIn and other Job Board Websites

ENGINEER IN ACTION

Mervin Cereno, P. Eng. mmcereno@gmail.com

Mervin Cereno is a Filipino immigrant in Canada. He is a Filipino-Canadian Engineer licensed to practice Engineering in Alberta and British Columbia. Based in Edmonton, he is employed by one of most sought-after Construction and Engineering Consulting firms as a Senior Structural Engineer. He is a Volunteer and Advocates to help Filipino-Canadian Engineers to pursue their Professional Engineering License in Canada.

For advice on a specific case in pursuing your application, whether in ASET or APEGA, please email me at mmcereno@gmail.com.

This Article was published in the Alberta Filipino Journal last year. I intentionally resubmit this Article to warn Internationally Educated Engineers that there is a proliferation of Job Postings in Facebook, LinkedIn and some legitimated Job Board websites in the Middle East that promise easy access to move to Canada as Engineers.

Many people use social media to post job opportunities in Canada with promising salaries and offers of employment. A typical posting that flooded social media recently is similar to the picture above. The usual victims are those who are desperate in their present situations. Filipino Engineers are among them, as there are many who work as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in the

Facts before you can be employed as an Engineer in Canada:

1. The practice of Engineering in Canada is a Regulated Profession—similar to the licensing process in the Philippines wherein your education and experience has to be assessed.

2. You cannot call yourself and work as an Engineer in Canada without undergoing the Licensing Process for each Province of your intended work place.

3. You cannot have a Professional Engineering License in Canada without undergoing a Professional

Middle East. These individuals lost their job because of the pandemic and have now become the target of this “Job Posting”.

Felix de los Santos, a Leader Worth Emulating

his tenure as President of CUPE, Felix got involved in the Filipino Community and was elected as President of the Filipino Retirees’ Association in Alberta from 2010 to 2014 (4 years). Felix is happily married to Lourdes Angeles de los Santos and blessed with two children, Jennifer and James.

Felix de los Santos is one of our community’s leaders and has made a difference in the Edmonton Filipino Community. He helped with negotiations to ensure the stability of jobs for many Filipino employees in the Edmonton Public School Board. He is a silent leader that looked after the welfare of our unionized “kababayan”! Felix you are our unsung hero and your leadership is admirable and worth emulating.

by Jun Angeles

The year was 1972, and Felix de los Santos graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Accounting at San Sebastian College in Manila, an exclusive school for men. Like the old saying “Go West Young Man”, right after graduating, Felix ventured to join his sister in High Prairie, Alberta a small town north of Edmonton. Going from living in the cosmopolitan city of Manila to a town about the same size or even smaller than Santa Cruz, Marinduque where he was born was a shocking experience. He landed in High Prairie and right after arriving, his sister, who was a head nurse of the local hospital, put him to work in a lumber yard . It was not a suitable place to start a life and after six months, he applied for a carpentry job at the Gendall Recreational Trailer Company and gained experience as a handy man. After 2 years, he applied to a more challenging job with the Edmonton Public School Board (EPSB). He spent a lifetime in this career, 41 years from 1976 to 2017, moving up to become head custodian. Because of his inborn leadership skills, Felix got involved in EPSB’s Canadian Union of Public Employee Local 474. From 1976 to 2008 he was elected as CUPE Secretary-Treasurer. As treasurer of CUPE 474, he represented membership to participate at the Alberta Congress Board, which included government officials, public and private sectors and unionized workers. As CUPE local 747 Treasurer, he became part of the negotiating team of EPSB. From 1995 to 2000 and for over 8 years, he was a nominating member of the National Rainbow Committee of CUPE Alberta Division. He was able to participate as a National Rainbow delegate in the Human Rights Conference held in Ottawa. He also attended the National Convention (CUPE) held in Vancouver with a delegation of 3000 members. With his extensive experience in the union, he was elected as a full-time President of CUPE Local 474 and finally retired as CUPE President. During

The de los Santos Family

The CUPE Assembly Filipino Retirees’ Association

Crosstown Auto makes it 2 out of 3; Hanjan South Resto, WSB Flip Hoops, KR3W, Tita Slayerz, Dadiver Connection bag other titles in PSA-Crosstown Auto Fall-Winter Basketball Tournament

By Moses Billacura

Three Crosstown Auto Centre squads advanced to the finals and managed to clinch two title wins in the Fall-Winter 2022/2023 season of the Philippine Sports Association(PSA)-Crosstown Auto Centre Basketball Tournament, January 14, at the Blessed Oscar Romero High School gym in Edmonton.

WSB Flip Hoops denied Crosstown Auto a third championship trophy after scoring a 95-76 victory in the Open Division 2.

Crosstown Auto successfully ruled the Super Master's Division by spilling the Team WD40, 92-85 and the Master Division 1 by taking down Team Brodie, 83-79.

The multi-titled Changes for Hope lost to Hanjan South Restaurant, 8288 in the premier Open Division 1.

KR3W topped the Open Division 3 at the expense of the Ilonggo Brothers, 92-86 while Dadiver Connection bagged the Master Division 2 crown by beating S-SABC Family, 82-66

PSA president Gary Perpetua led tournament officials in awarding the trophies and medals to the winners.

Mythical team members were also

selected by a panel of PSA officials.

Open Division 1 mythical team selection were Brent Ogrimen, AJ Mapa, Jimwell Craus, Jeric Giron and Paul Redondo of Cavanagh Dental, Milo Villamor, Virson Orquez, Jester Tandoc and Gian Jumilla of Changes for Hope, Anmol John and David Navalta and Jon Seong of Hanjan South Restaurant, Maverick Tameta of Flying Eagles.

John Mendoza, Clark Acielo, Paul Redondo, Maverick Tameta, Vinn McMullen of Crosstown Auto, Julius Rosales, Jian Jumilla, Nico Yola of WSB Flip Hoops, Alexi Tenorio and David Navalta of Origin, Ivan Balala and JL Fedilo of Barako Boys were named in the Open Division 2 mythical team.

In the Open Division 3, selected were Paul Redondo of Ilonggo, Jess Espejon of Fernando's Automotive, Gery Palmejar of Ilonggo, Julius Rosales of Fernando's, JL Fedilo of Amigos, Jimwell Craus of Soul Reapers, James Maglalang of KR3W, Renzo Sibug of Crosstown Auto, Ralph Ocampo and Jerome Mejia of Amigos.

Open Division 4 members are Jotham Ramos of Tita Slayer, John Walter of Southeast Hooper, Jim Due of EDM Painting Ltd, Jollo Sta.Clara of Millenium Ballers, Charles Due of EDM Painting, Aaron Villalon of Outplay, Ivan Gravela of CCF Edmonton, Cyril Mangon of Aesthetics, Russel Fernandez of REC Boys, Adrian Pablo of EDM Painting.

In the Master's Division 1, selected were Joven Datu, Jay-r Sumagit, Floyd Eyao, Carlo Chengco, Eric Sanggalang, Homer Carpio, Erdz Orquez, Sam Cajilig, Joseph Gonzales and JR Perpetua while in Division 2 were Jeff Corpuz, Gary Galvez, JC Rosillo, Gian Musa, Jhae-r Agbang, Ernesto Hufana, Jay Tibayan, Jhong Jocson, Elizar Inoc and Jake Bonafe and in the Super Master Division were Evan Paredes, Jecris Bautista, Zoe Bravo, Aldren Talens, Alex Galang, Carlo Chengco, JR Eje, Eric Sanggalang, JR Perpetua and Jepoy Maranan. (with reports and photos from Ariel Nealega/PSA)

TRANSACTION | ELKS RE-SIGN CANADIAN RB ANTE LITRE

The Edmonton Elks announced Saturday they have re-signed Canadian running back Ante Litre to a one-year contract. Litre, 28, returns for a second season with the Green and Gold after suiting up for all 18 games in the 2022 CFL campaign.

“I’m coming back because we have a lot of unfinished business from last year,” Litre says. “I believe in my teammates, I believe in the coaches, I’ve got a lot of faith in this team. I think we can make a good run at the Grey Cup this year, so I’m excited to get back to work with everybody.”

A veteran of five CFL seasons, Litre had a career-high 241 yards rushing on 54 carries and ran for a touchdown in 2022. He also caught 16 passes for 89 yards and ranked third on the Elks with seven special teams tackles last season.

“I imagine building off the role I had last year, whether that’s being the starter or a special teams guy, whatever duties I’m asked to do, I’ll do it for this team,” says Litre, who was voted Unsung Hero in the 2022 Elks Fan Awards. “Whatever it takes to win, I’m going to do it.”

Before joining the Elks as a free-agent last February, Litre spent four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, who drafted the Vancouver native out of Simon Fraser University with the 28th

overall pick in 2017.

In 73 career regular season

CFL games, Litre has 41 receptions for 319 yards, and 147 rushes for 519 yards with three touchdowns. Litre has also appeared in six postseason games, and was a member of the 2018 Grey Cup champion Stampeders.

“Edmonton is going to get the best version of Ante Litre,” says the six-foot-zero, 229-pound back. “I’m going to come in the best shape I’ve ever been. There’s not going to be any gas spared in the tank for this run this year.”

The Elks opens their 2023 regular season against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Commonwealth Stadium on June 11. Edmonton’s first pre-season is set for May 22 in Calgary.

Super Master Division

Champion: CROSSTOWN AUTO CENTRE

Master Division One Champion: CROSSTOWN AUTO CENTRE

Master Division Two Champion: DADIVER CONNECTION

Open Division One Champion: HANJAN

Open Division Two Champion: WSB - FLIP HOOPS

Open Division Three Champion: KR3W

Open Division Four Champion: TITA SLAYERZ

PH athletes to join five major tournaments abroad

MANILA – It will be a busy year for the national athletes who are going to compete in five major international competitions.

First in the calendar is the 32nd Southeast Asian Games which will be hosted by Cambodia from May 5 to 17. Next is the 2nd World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia (Aug. 5-12) followed by 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China (Sept. 23-Oct. 8), World Combat Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Oct. 21-30) and 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Bangkok and Chonburi, Thailand (Nov. 17-26).

The heads of the delegation to the five tournaments, namely baseball’s Chito Loyzaga (SEA Games), fencing and pentathlon’s Richard Gomez (World Beach Games), surfing’s Dr. Jose Raul Canlas (Asian Games), wrestling’s Alvin Aguilar (World Combat Games) and karate’s Richard Lim (AIMAG) will be busy, too.

“That’s how busy Filipino athletes will be as sports competitions return almost all at the same time as pandemic restrictions are dramatically eased worldwide,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president, Representative Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, in a statement released

to the media on Friday.

Meanwhile, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio begged off as chef de mission (CDM) to the 2024 Paris Olympics due to leadership responsibilities and obligations at the SBP, PLDT and Smart.

“My current leadership roles and ongoing matters in the said organizations may not give me the full capacity for the CDM role,” Panlilio said in his letter to Tolentino. “In as much as I would be so delighted to accept this assignment, I had to regretfully decline this most prestigious position.”

“I will continue to provide support to the POC so that our athletes can replicate or even surpass our great showing at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, but I believe providing help outside of the CDM role should allow the POC a great opportunity to add another helping hand, which would only benefit our athletes further," Panlilio added.

The POC will announce a replacement for Panlilio next week. (PNA)

Bachmann: No delays on financial support to athletes

allowances, I’m going to make it happen,” declared Bachmann.

The PSC Chief also laid down his plans to bring back free meals for the members of the Philippine team. He also encouraged the PSC workforce to come to him if they have any suggestions or thoughts they want to share relative to the service they carry-out for their clients. “I work best when I am on the ground - talking & listening to people I am supposed to serve,” said Bachmann, adding “I would rather go to the athlete, and I also encourage our Commissioners to do the same.”

Bachmann, who was joined by Commissioners Edward Hayco, Olivia “Bong'' Coo and Walter Torres plans to take up a four-point priority plan with his Commissioners as they hold a board meeting today.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann’s first order of mission for the PSC manpower: “No delays on the financial support that PSC provides the athletes.”

Bachmann, on his very first flag raising ceremony as the sports agency’s 12th chairman made very clear his intent to be of service to the athletes. “Yun ang pinaka urgent na bagay para matulungan natin sila. If there is any delay of allowances of any athlete, paki delay din yung akin. My salary also. Give me the names of those athletes, give me the names of the NSAs, ako na yung maghahabol. Because, when I say that there is no delay in

Aside from supporting the athletes, the newly-appointed sports chairperson also assured the PSC family that they are part of his priority as he addressed them Tuesday saying, “kayo rin ay mga MVPs, because of the work you do to support our athletes.” The PSC employees also greeted chairman Bachmann, who will be celebrating his birthday tomorrow, January 11.

“I want to assure everyone that I am here to be of service. Period. No personal agenda. I am here to serve our national athletes, the NSAs, and the PSC organization.” assured Bachmann.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham 'Bambol" Tolentino. (Contributed photo)

Experior Financial, Greatway Financial, WFG Insurance under FSRA-led Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators review

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) is focused on protecting consumers and maintaining public confidence in the life and health insurance sector. Consumers should be confident that their licensed agents recommend suitable life and health insurance products with the coverage that they need.

Most individual life and health insurance policies in Ontario are sold through agents contracted with Managing General Agencies (MGAs). A life and health insurance MGA is an intermediary which is generally licensed as a life insurance agent and/or corporate or partnership agency to distribute life insurance.

It generally has an agreement with insurance companies to find agents to sell the insurers’ products. Typically, insurers delegate compliance duties such as agent screening, training, and monitoring to their MGAs.

Since launching in 2019, FSRA has made MGAs a focus of its supervisory efforts. In

its 2020-2023 Annual Business Plan, FSRA stated that it would develop a proposed regulatory framework and supervisory approach for distribution channels that rely on MGAs. This supported FSRA’s priority to enhance market conduct oversight to better protect consumers in the life and health insurance sector.

Read on for highlights of FSRA’s supervisory efforts and regulatory actions in this area.

Conducted thematic reviews

Review of Insurer-MGA relationship

Between September 2020 and March 2021, FSRA assessed the due diligence conducted by insurers in the key areas of agent screening, training, and monitoring delegated to MGAs. This evidence-based review identified gaps and a lack of clarity relating to the specific roles and responsibilities shared among insurers, MGAs, and independent

agents. The review specifically found industry-wide, systemic issues related to insurer oversight of MGAs, the results of which were published in July 2021.

In the report, on the supervisory front, FSRA also committed to building its agent oversight capacity and continuing its risk-based supervision of the end-toend distribution. This includes assessing particular MGA business models that could potentially result in negative consumer outcomes due to the activities of persons regulated by FSRA.

Review of three MGAs Building on the commitment to assess particular MGA business models, between December 2021 and June 2022, FSRA led a joint Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) cooperative review of three MGAs that followed a tieredrecruitment business model (may also be referred to as a multi-level-marketing, network-marketing, recruitment-focused,

or tiered-level model). The review observations include potential market conduct and consumer risks requiring additional action by FSRA. It is recognized that this business model is not the standard practice for all life and health MGAs.

As a follow-up to this initiative, FSRA:

• is conducting a thematic review of selected life insurance agents licensed in Ontario and contracted with three MGAs: Experior Financial Group Inc., Greatway Financial Inc., and World Financial Group Insurance Agency of Canada Inc.

• will develop an expanded supervisory plan and initiate a review of selected insurers that have a contract with the aforementioned MGAs in the fall of 2022, beginning with ivari and Industrial Alliance and Financial Services Inc. (Industrial Alliance)

• ivari sponsored the most agents with two of the three reviewed MGAs

• Industrial Alliance conducted the most business with the largest reviewed MGA during the most recent (2021) review period

• will release draft interpretation Guidance for public consultation in the fall of 2022

• plans to consult on a proposed Rule to enhance the MGA regulatory framework in 2023

• will consider appropriate regulatory action

Sought expert insights

In 2020, FSRA established a Technical Advisory Committee (the Committee) to seek technical input and advice from industry experts on trends and issues related to MGAs. FSRA considers the Committee’s advice and recommendations when developing Guidance and approaches to regulating the insurance sector.

For example, the Committee was instrumental in verifying the observations of FSRA’s 2021 Insurer-MGA Relationship Thematic Review. Further, the Committee has informed FSRA’s initial work on a regulatory framework for distribution channels that rely on MGAs. FSRA will continue to engage the Committee and other stakeholders as the regulatory framework develops into the interpretation guidance and proposed Rule noted above.

FSRA will continue to enhance and execute on its regulatory framework and supervisory approach for insurers, MGAs, and agents. FSRA will work with the government on policy reforms, as necessary, and stakeholders to ensure that regulated entities better understand their obligations to treat customers fairly.

As part of the policy development process for enhancing the regulatory framework for MGAs, FSRA would engage a wide range of stakeholders, including its advisory committees and consumer advisory panel, consumer advocates, trade organizations, and other Canadian jurisdictions.(Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario). -News release from FSRA

Experience in Canada under the supervision of a Professional Engineer.

4. You cannot have an Offer Letter from a Canadian Employer if you are not a Professional Engineer in Canada.

5. Obtaining a work visa for any Profession in Canada is a lengthy process. The Employer/Sponsor needs to prove that there is no available Permanent Resident or Citizen that is in Canada for that particular position. This is impossible since the unemployment rate in Canada is still high.

6. Do not come to Canada as a Temporary Resident (tourist), hoping to land an Engineering Job. That will never be the case. Go with the right process.

7. Even if you have a Ph.D. and more than 15 years of experience from a Big Company, if try to apply for a job online, the chances of being accepted are very low. You have to be in Canada as a legal resident to be considered for a position.

8. If you have a Professional Engineering License from any State of the US (PE) – you can be employed as an Engineer in Canada, but you still have to be registered as an Engineer in the Province of your destination.

9. If you have a Chartered Engineering status from the UK, New Zealand, or Australia, you can be employed as an Engineer in Canada, but you still have to be registered as an Engineer in the Province of your destination.

10. If you are recognized as an Engineer in the Middle East or an ASEAN Engineer, there is still no equivalency that is in place for any of the Province of Canada at this time. You will still have to apply using the usual process.

In summary, do not be a victim to false promises of a better job in Canada without knowing the facts. Yes, Canada indeed needs Engineers. Use the internet to research facts for the licensing process for each province.

The Articles I am writing in Alberta Filipino Journal serve only as additional information base on my personal experiences and knowledge. For specific advice regarding your circumstances, you can email me and I am happy to answer all your concerns.

A Prosperous Sinulog comeback in Cebu

After two years of hiatus due to the pandemic. Sinulog events on Sunday, January 15, 2023, went well with no major untoward incidents even as thousands of spectators converged for the celebration. (PRO7) chief, Brig. Gen. Jerry Bearis said the festivities were generally peaceful. The celebration this year gave the city government and Sinulog Foundations Inc. (SFI) a benchmark for a more inclusive festival in the coming years.

A total of 16 contingents performed at the grand parade. 10 other contingents backed out due to venue preparation issues. Despite their decision, Cebu Mayor Michael Rama thanked the performers from different groups. He cited the enthusiasm of the Sinulog dancers to perform at the South Road Properties (SRP), where the festival was held for the first time.

The Grand Prize winners were: Sinulog Grand Parade 2023’s Sinulogbased Category Best in Musicality category - "Inayawan Talent Guild

No choice but to import onions - PH Government

The shortage in the supply of onions in the country has forced the Department of Agriculture (DA) to allow its importation.

PBBM said they are looking for ways to increase the production of homegrown onions to avoid importation in the future. This includes helping the growers. The DA gave the green light for the importation of 21,060 metric tons (MT) of onions, 3,960 MT of fresh yellow onions, and 17,100 MT of red onions last week, to stabilize the continuous increase of its price and to address the supply gap prior to peak harvest in 2023.

Lawmakers from the House of Representatives and Senate called for an investigation on the matter as some of them expressed the belief that a cartel is behind the soaring prices of locally produced onions. The President raised the need to address smuggling in the country, noting that they are looking into the strategies implemented by other nations against illegal activity. One big part of the solution against smuggling is digitalization in the Bureau of Customs, the present system is not working. As his government works to prop up investments and business activities in the country, Marcos

Filipino-American Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel, Crowned Miss Universe 2022

R’Bonney Gabriel, the first Filipino American to win Miss USA has crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night (Jan 14) among the nearly 90 contestants from around the world who took part in the competition, involving “personal statements, in-depth interviews and various categories including evening gown & swimwear”. Gabriel a fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor is a former high school volleyball player and a graduate of the University of North Texas. A short bio posted on the Miss Universe website said she is also the CEO of her own sustainable clothing line.

At the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner, Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped hands with

runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, then beamed after her name was announced. The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez. Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Carino, rounded out the top five finalists. Last year’s winner was Harnaaz Sandhu of India.

Meanwhile, Philippine bet Celeste Cortesi failed to enter the Top 16. She showcased her advocacy for children’s rights as she strutted her pink swimwear with a cape that featured colorful handprints made by kids from Marawi in outreach work and showed elegance in her bedazzled yet subtle sky-blue strapless gown during the preliminaries.

Photo source: SunStar.com.ph

Photo source: Missosology Facebook

Photo source: R'Bonney Nola Gabriel/IG

Photo source: Paradise Philippines/Facebook

Miss USA R’Bonney Nola and Miss Philippines Celeste Cortesi

Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel

LUMAD BASAKANON

ordered

and Cultural Troupe", Sinulog Grand Parade 2023’s Free Interpretation category Best in Musicality - "Lumad

Basakanon", and Sinulog Grand Parade 2023's Street Dance Category - "Omega De Salonera" from Surigao del Norte.

reform in the bureaucracy to curb smuggling, lower logistics costs, and ensure the ease of doing business.

Canada’s deportation policy is inhumane and ineffective

Deportations from Canada went into overdrive even during the pandemic. Most migrants who lost their status and were being processed by CBSA (Canada Border Service Agency) were lined up for deportation. Some were made to apply for “PRRA (Pre-Removal Risk Assessment)”, which is an opportunity for the applicant to seek protection by describing, in writing, the risks you believe you would face if you were removed. Others applied for a “Judicial Review”, which is not an appeal but a way for the Federal Court to examine the process that led to the decision and determine if the process was fair and reasonable. This delays their deportation for a few months but in the end, many were not lucky enough and were deported while others went into hiding.

According to published documents, there were 12,122 people removed in 2020. That is 875 more than the previous year and the highest number since 2015. Some of these deportations were “administrative removals” or people who decided to “leave on their own”. Immigration Canada imposed a moratorium on deportation in March 2020 but lifted it in November while were still at the height of the Covid Global Pandemic. Immigration Canada ignored public health experts who warned that travel of any kind can spread COVID-19 from one place to another. It was a risk, especially during times where more highly transmissible COVID variants were coming out.

Prior to 2020, Canada’s Corporate Documents show that The Canadian government deported 117,531 people between 2006 and 2014. In the last several years, despite official moratoriums on deportation to these countries, more than 500 people were sent to Iraq, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia and other politically volatile states. The 2012 “Refugee Exclusion Act” (Bill C-31, officially known as Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act) allows the Immigration and Refugee Board to strip accepted refugees of their permanent residency

MIGRANTS' VOICES

Marco Luciano mluciano2@gmail.com

status and face deportation. The federal government is currently pursuing reopening asylum files under “cessation applications” and forcing refugees whose circumstances may have changed to leave Canada.

In 2022, while the whole world was transitioning to post-Covid society and economy, more deportation continued. In a published inquiry, the numbers disclosed by IRCC indicated that in 2022, 1,688 people were ordered deported, and 409 of them left or were forced to leave the country while others were awaiting enforcement. Many of these migrants have gone underground, undocumented. This process and policy of deportation has become a failure, not to mention inhumane. Many stayed and hid. Joselito (not his real name) is a construction worker. He said “When I got my deportation order I just went into hiding. I changed my name when I started working for a construction company”. Joselito has been undocumented in Edmonton for 12 years and has no plans of leaving any time soon. “My children are in high school and college. I cannot afford to send them to school when I go back home” he added.

A majority of people that are being deported in Canada came in “legally”. They were workers with

proper work permits or students with proper visas. For one reason or another they lost their status. These individuals came with hopes and dreams and have families to support. Many came from countries of the “global south” or third world. Going back means losing their hopes and dreams. Most importantly, they will lose the means to support their families. They made the hard decision to stay without status even at a risk of getting detained and deported.

On January 3rd, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser proudly announced that Canada welcomed a record number of immigrants last year, hitting its target of 431,645 new permanent residents. It exceeded the 2021 numbers. He also announced that his government plans to settle more immigrants to help address labour shortages in various sectors. Immigration targets will increase as planned every year for the next three years, according to its 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, tabled Nov. 1, 2022. The government’s goals are to bring in 465,000 new permanent residents this year, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025. Fraser said in a news release, “Newcomers play an essential role in filling labour shortages, bringing new perspectives and talents to our communities, and enriching our society as a whole”.

This is good news at face value. It was not clear if these figures will come from outside Canada. There are over 500,000 undocumented migrants across Canada that were good workers and are ready to work to fill the so-called labour needs of Canada. In light of the announcement, the next humane thing to do is to put an indefinite moratorium on deportation and prioritize those that are undocumented by regularizing their status.

Marco Luciano is the Global Council Representative of Philippine based Migrante International. He is also the current Secretary General of its chapter Migrante Canada.

Migrante Alberta members visited MP for Edmonton Griesbach Blake Desjarlais in his office in Ottawa

Just transition won’t sell in Alberta

world that it is fully committed to combatting climate change along the lines of the Paris Agreement which clearly identifies “just transition of the workforce” as a pillar of the accord.

For Alberta, this means transitioning tens of thousands of workers in the oil and gas industry— including thousands of Filipinos—to other sectors and “low-carbon jobs.”

long and short of it is that just transition is simply unacceptable at this point in time for much of the province. The oil and gas industry is simply too big, too vital, and too critical to Alberta’s future that any discussion will be an exercise in futility for Ottawa.

Bing J. Jaleco bingjaleco@yahoo.com

Raleigh “Bing” Jaleco was a veteran journalist and public relations consultant in the Philippines. He started out as a correspondent for Ang Pahayagang Malaya and then moved on to be a reporter, and then an editor, of The Manila Chronicle. He also served as news editor of The Manila Standard, business editor of The Manila Times, and sub-editor at the Manila Bulletin. He landed as a permanent resident in Canada in 2016.

THE latest word war between Alberta and Ottawa over the federal government’s just transition plan highlights the difficulties that Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government face when dealing with Alberta. And by the looks of it, the divide will only continue to grow wider, and the relationship to deteriorate further.

What does “just transition” mean? The Government of Canada website defines just transition as “preparing the workforce to fully participate in the low-carbon economy while minimizing the impacts of labour market transitions; identifying and supporting inclusive economic opportunities for workers in their communities; and putting workers and their communities front and centre in discussions that affect their livelihoods.”

Going by the semantics, it is evident that the federal government is focusing on its campaign to establish a low-carbon economy and show the

Or, as Premier Danielle Smith calls it, Ottawa’s plan to kill Alberta’s oil and gas industry.

In a way, just transitioning mirrors the difficulty of creating a low-carbon, net-zero economy especially for Alberta. While the federal government does make valid points about creating a lowcarbon economy and promoting competitiveness in the future, the

Premier Smith already drew the line when she said, “We are not going to be shutting down our oil and natural gas industry. We are not going to be transitioning our workers, who are in good, highpaying meaningful, important jobs, into installing solar panels, which is the idiocy (federal Green Party Leader) Elizabeth May was first proposing when this kind of thing came out.” Enough said.

The prime minister’s insistence

on playing hardball with Alberta doesn’t seem to be consistent with his campaign to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement. And, by extension, his war with Premier Smith will do more harm than good to his climate change initiative and his attempt to take a lead role in the international stage.

On the other hand, Smith is finding the issue more to her advantage as she rallies her base and keep Alberta firmly on the conservative side.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith

Photo source: Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

Marco Ligasan Family Holiday Get Together in Edmonton

This past Christmas Season, Marco Ligasan had the opportunity to gather all his children from different parts of North America to join him in a family reunion of togetherness in celebration of Christmas.

FROM A VANTAGE POINT GOD FORGIVES AND FORGETS

Isaiah 43:25 KJV

Isaiah 1:18 KJV

Psalm 103:12 KJV

The verses listed above are very encouraging to me. Each of these Scriptures speak of God’s forgiveness primarily to the people of Israel: but in a broader context, they apply to all who have “called upon the name of the Lord.”

It is certainly a wonderful truth that God forgives our sins. Of course, forgiveness is only possible through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The wrath that we deserved was poured out upon Him. However, God goes beyond just forgiving us: He forgets our sins as well.

To forgive is one thing, but to forget is another level entirely.

Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines. He used to be a student-leader during his college days and became one of the founders of the Tau Gamna Phi, one of the world leading Philippine-produced fraternities. His immensurable love for the human race has brought him to the conviction of translating his mission from fraternity into Divinity--from a mere brotherhood into sainthood. Tito authored a book entitled Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, which means, wherever you throw, it will stand.

The phrase “blotteth out” has the idea that the record of our sins has been completely expunged (erased). Now let’s try to apply this wonderful attribute of God to our own relationship. We are supposed to be like God, aren’t we? If we are saved we are being conformed to the image of Christ, and we have God on the inside of us transforming us to be like Him.

If all that be true, then we should be able to forgive and forget like God.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

“I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

CANADA ACCEPTED 431,645 PERMANENT RESIDENTS IN 2022

FROM MIGRATION TO IMMIGRATION

IRCC announced that they have reached their target of 431,645 permanent residents in 2022, surpassing their previous record from 2021. This represents the largest number of people welcomed in a year in Canadian history. Prior to setting a new record for admissions in 2021, the last time Canada welcomed such a large number of newcomers was in 1913.

According to IRCC, in 2022, they processed approximately 5.2 million applications for permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship, which doubles the number of applications processed in 2021. IRCC added resources, introduced new technology, streamlined processing, and brought more processes online. These changes, they said, are all important improvements to Canada’s immigration system.

Canada focuses on addressing the acute labour market shortages and one thing is certain, immigration is a key part of the solution.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes to Canada’s immigration system. Despite these challenges, IRCC announced that it has reduced its overall inventory by nearly half a million applications.

At the end of November, IRCC had processed approximately 4.8 million applications—nearly twice the 2.5

million processed during the same period last year. For study permit processing as of Nov. 30, IRCC has processed over 670,000 study permits, nearly 700,000 work permits and over 260,000 visitor visas. Canada welcomed a record-breaking 405,000 new permanent residents in 2021, surpassing the previous record from 1913. IRCC expects a record number of new Canadians in 2022-2023, with approximately 251,000 new citizens welcomed from April to November—surpassing the total number of new Canadian citizens for the last fiscal year. To address the labour shortage, Canada has put in place measures to help harness the labour market potential of temporary and permanent newcomers to Canada such as extending work permits to spouses and working age dependants of temporary foreign workers, at all skill levels; temporarily lifting the 20-hour per week cap on the number of hours that eligible postsecondary students are allowed to work off-campus while class is in session; implementing measures to allow foreign nationals whose postgraduation work permit expired or will expire between Sept. 20, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2022 to work in Canada for an additional 18 months, expanding the Rural and Northern immigration

pilot, exempting physicians from current requirements; due to changes to the NOC, 16 additional occupations are now eligible under express entry and many more.

Canada continues to be a top choice for people looking for a new place to work, study and build their lives with their families. The government of Canada set a target to welcome 465,000 permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.

If you have questions regarding the above article, you may contact Marjorie

at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain, or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of CICC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCICs.

Marjorie Carmona Newman

Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education Committee.

Settlement or Arrangement

While considering the emotional, spiritual, physical and psychological preparedness before marriage it seems that the financial affairs such as individual finances, investment, properties and the like are set aside prior to marriage and are categorically taboo to discuss.

A marriage settlement is also known as a prenuptial agreement and has grown in popularity for celebrity couples and well-off families. In whatever way, a prenuptial agreement or marriage settlement is an agreement signed in concurrence between the couple entering the union of marriage

According to EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209 THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES July 6, 1987

Article 1 states that “Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlements may fix

by profession and Apprentice at Atty. Romeo Sese Law office.

the property relations during the marriage within the limits”, it was mentioned that the marriage is an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences and incidents are governed by law in the Family Code of the Philippines However, this provision also mentions that a regime of absolute community of property applies automatically upon marriage. However, that regime is

subordinate to the terms of a valid prenuptial agreement.

Another reference to Pre-nuptial agreements is in Article 75 under the Family Code of the Philippines, which states that “The future spouses may, in the marriage settlements, agree upon the regime of absolute community, conjugal partnership of gains, complete separation of property, or any other regime. In the absence of a marriage settlement, or when the regime agreed upon is void, the system of absolute community of property as established in this Code shall govern.” (119a)

The prenuptial agreement will clearly state what will happen to these properties in case the two separate or if one of them passes. A prenuptial agreement also protects both parties from debts incurred during the marriage, preventing their better half from being responsible to pay off the debts in the absence of his or her partner. (nuptials.ph)

However, just because they are legal does not mean that every prenup will be enforced by a court. Here are the main circumstances in which they will be found invalid:

1. Signatures and Witnesses. A prenup must be in writing (no oral prenups), and signed by both parties entering into the agreement.

2. Financial Disclosure. You and your partner must provide complete disclosure of your financial situation to each other prior to entering into a prenup.

3. Duress or Coercion. As is true for any type of contract, duress or coercion to enter into a contract can result in the contract being invalidated. So, don’t put pressure on your partner to sign a prenup.

4. Grossly Unfair. Judges can also invalidate a prenup on the grounds that it is grossly unfair.

5. Illegal Clauses. Certain things are not permitted to be in prenups.

The most important of these things are clauses relating to child custody and child support. As well, this includes any illegal acts or “moral” type clauses such as penalties for adultery.

In short, if you are fair about things when entering into a prenup and follow the required rules, the chances are very good that your prenup will be valid. (prenup.ca)

At this juncture, it is important to consider the purpose of entering marriage and the purpose of having this kind of agreement or settlement. Consequently, for whatever causes or for whatever reasons, do not forget the essence or key for entering into marriage, which is Family.

Bukas ang mga nominasyon para sa pinakamataas na karangalan sa Alberta

Hinihikayat ang mga Albertan na magmungkahi ng mga kahanga-hangang mamamayan, mga pinuno at innovator para sa pagiging miyembro sa Order ng Kahusayan ng Alberta (Alberta Order of Excellence).

Hanggang sa 10 mga indibidwal ang ilalagay sa Order ngayong taon bilang pagkilala sa mga kahanga-hangang kontribusyon sa kanilang komunidad, lalawigan at higit pa.

Ang mga nominasyon ay tinatanggap sa buong taon ngunit dapat matanggap bago ang Pebrero 15 upang maisaalang-alang para sa investiture ngayong taon. Ang mga nominasyon na hindi napili noong 2023 ay isasaalang-alang hanggang sa tatlong taon.

Ang mga nominado ay dapat na mga mamamayan ng Canada na kasalukuyang naninirahan sa Alberta at, kung mapili, dapat na makadalo sa seremonya ng invstiture. Hindi maaaring imungkahi ng mga tao ang kanilang sarili, ang kanilang asawa o isang miyembro ng kanilang malapit na pamilya.

Ang impormasyon tungkol sa Order, kabilang ang mga alituntunin sa nominasyon, mga pormularyo ng nominasyon at talambuhay ng mga nakaraang inductee ay makukuha sa Alberta Order of Excellence na website.

Resources on Pregnancy, Adoption and New Parents

Giselle General gqgeneral@gmail.com

Whether it is the first or fourth child in the family, whether through adoption or pregnancy, changes that expand one’s family is both exciting and daunting.

Below are some resources that can help provide additional support to fill the gaps, or to supplement what is available in one’s home.

Resources for Parents Going Through and After Pregnancy

1. There are many resources available for preparation of the birth which can help with what to expect and things to address. A short list is:

a. Alberta Health Services Health for Two 780-735-3008 https://www.albertahealthservices. ca/findhealth/service.aspx?Id=5807

b. Terra Centre for Teen Parents: 780-428-3772 https://terracentre.ca/

c. Multicultural Health Brokers Coop (Intercultural Family Resource Network): 780-423-1973 http://mchb.org/interculturalfamily-resource-network/

2. There are times when miscarriages, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or other events occur, and the grieving family members need

support to cope with the death and loss. Some resources are:

a. Grieving Parents Society of Edmonton: 780-451-5381 http://grievingparents.ca/

b. Baby’s Breath: 1-800-363SIDS (7437) https://www.babysbreathcanada. ca/

3. Postpartum Depression is an important concern, and any woman who just gave birth and is experiencing symptoms should seek help in order to stay happy and healthy. Some resources are:

a. Family Futures Resource Network (Managing Motherhood): 780-413-4521

b. Healthy Beginnings Postpartum

Program, Edmonton Zone: Either your hospital will recommend this, or you can directly contact the program if you need help. They have translation/ interpretation services included: 780-342-4719

4. Sometimes, when more than one baby arrives, the challenges can multiply. Some resources that can help with a twin, triplet (or more) birth or adoption are:

a. Edmonton Twin and Triplet Club https://www.ettc.ca/

b. Multiple Births Canada http:// www.multiplebirthscanada.org/

Resources for Parents Going Through and After Adoption

1. Being well-equipped with knowledge

about the adoption journey is really valuable. This resource, in addition to the family law resources in the city as well as your own adoption agency, can help: Adoption Options 780-718-4272 http://www.adoptionoptions.com/ 2. Many children are adopted at an older age and have challenges in their adjustment, mainly because they didn’t feel consistent love and support in their early years. This is a resource that can help: BI (Adoption Beyond Infancy) Adoption Society

of Alberta http://www.adoptionabi. com/

Many of these resources are within Edmonton, while some are within the province or even throughout the country. This is not an exhaustive list, and it is only to serve as a starting point for resources. Please remember that everyone struggles with big changes in their lives, and every single person and family unit is absolutely deserving of help, whether it is from government, charitable resources and the community at large.

ARTWORK BY FILIPINO ARTIST IN REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, FEATURED IN DFA 2023 CALENDAR

Calgary, 5 January 2023 – The artwork of Mr. Pepito Escanlar, a Filipino artist based in Regina, Saskatchewan, is one of the art pieces to grace the 2023 “Juan with Culture” Calendar of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Mr. Escanlar’s painting entitled “Dinagyang” takes pride of place as the featured piece for January 2023 in the DFA Calendar, which showcases the artworks of Filipino artists from various parts of the world.

“Dinagyang” depicts a major religious and cultural festival held in Iloilo City, Philippines, and the vigor, youthfulness, exuberance and

colorful costumes of the performances at the annual festival.

The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary nominated Mr. Escanlar’s “Dinagyang” for inclusion in the said calendar.

“I am pleased to see Mr. Escanlar’s painting in the DFA 2023 Calendar, noting that several copies of this have been distributed in many countries through our Philippine Embassies and Consulates General,“ Consul General Zaldy Patron said.

“Through the ‘Juan with Culture’ Calendar, Mr. Escanlar’s artwork will now be appreciated by an international audience,” he added.

Mr. Escanlar was one of the two Regina-based Filipino artists that the PCG featured on its firstever painting exhibit called ALAALA (Memories) that was held on 23 September to 19 October 2022 at the PCG’s Dr. José Rizal Hall.

Part of the PCG’s cultural diplomacy program is to raise the profile of the Filipino artists in Alberta and Saskatchewan, the two Canadian provinces under its consular jurisdiction.

Mr. Escanlar, who is also the current Philippine Honorary Consul in Regina, is an architect by profession and a native of Iloilo, Philippines.

Mr. Escanlar is known for his active community work in Regina and is also engaged in local projects to encourage youth involvement in

visual arts. He worked with the Urban Canvas Program for the Downtown Regina Business Improvement District from 2019 to 2021.

PCG CALGARY LEADS RIZAL DAY COMMEMORATION AT RIZAL MONUMENT IN AIRDRIE, ALBERTA

Calgary, 1 January 2023 – The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary led the Filipino community in Alberta in commemorating the 126th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. José Rizal with a simple wreath laying ceremony at the Dr. José Rizal Monument at Nose Creek Regional Park in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada on 30 December 2022.

Joining the PCG in the event were Member of Parliament (AirdrieBanff) Blake Richards, Member of Legislative Assembly (Airdrie-East) Angela Pitt, Airdrie City Councillor Ron Chapman, the Filipino Airdrie Association, the Rizal Monument Project Team, and the other members of the Filipino community in Alberta.

The program began with the singing of the Philippine and Canadian national anthems led by Ms. Jewel Arwen Nierva, which was followed by short remarks by Consul General Zaldy Patron and

the invited distinguished guests.

In his remarks, Consul General Patron said that Dr. Rizal, with his excellence in many fields and his courage to fight the Spanish colonizers with ideas of liberty and freedom through his written works, was the epitome of a true Filipino. He called on all Filipinos in Alberta and the rest of Canada to draw inspiration from the life and deeds of Dr. Rizal. Just like the Philippine national hero, Consul General Patron said the Filipinos could be noble, wherever they are, and that they should safeguard and defend the freedom enjoyed by the Philippines.

For his part, MP Richards expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the Filipino community in Alberta. Similar remarks were made by MLA Pitt, Councillor Chapman, and Mr. Jun Martin, President of FAA.

Following the remarks, a simple

Unveiled on 23 October 2021,

wreath laying ceremony was held, led by Consul General Patron. Honor guards from the Alberta Sheriffs and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police carried the wreath.

the construction of the Dr. José Rizal Monument was a project initiated and led by the PCG and undertaken in partnership with the Airdrie City Council, Filipino Airdrie Association, Rizal Monument Project Team, 46

major sponsors, and 201 brick donors.

On 19 June 2022, the National Historical Commision of the Philippines designated the first Rizal Monument in Alberta as a Philippine historical site.

The year 2022 was a year of breakthroughs for the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary as we strove harder to deliver quality and efficient consular services for the estimated 260,465 Filipinos under our consular jurisdiction and promote their welfare, while at the same time undertaking various cultural and economic diplomacy projects to enhance the ties between the Philippines and the two Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

1. Improved Delivery of Consular Services

Our clients continued to enjoy the comfort and convenience of our much bigger consular office where we transferred in May 2021 to improve our service to the public. Through our online appointment system, we made it faster and quicker for our customers to transact business in our office. Booking appointments for our passport and non-passport services had also become much easier.

This year, we processed 16,028 passports and 8,200 non-passport services. More than 2,700 applicants took their oath for the retention and re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship. We conducted five consular outreach missions in Edmonton, Fort McMurray, and Grand Prairie in Alberta and in Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan where we were able to deliver 3,507 consular services.

Under our Assistance-to-Nationals program, we were able to assist 104 individuals this year, with 58 of them receiving financial assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs through the PCG’s endorsement. We paid for the repatriation of three Filipinos and two shipments of remains, and extended welfare financial assistance to 53 Filipinos in distress.

On 27 April 2022, Mr. Pepito Escanlar took his oath of office as Philippine Honorary Consul in Regina to assist the PCG in serving the Filipino community in Saskatchewan.

2.

Promotion of Welfare of the Filipinos

In partnership with the newly created Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Vancouver, we successfully negotiated the Philippines-Alberta MOU on the Recruitment of Filipino Nurses. Signed on 6 October 2021, after many months of lobbying and negotiations, the MOU will pave the way for a government-to-government recruitment of Filipino nurses from the Philippines and the provision of financial assistance to Filipino internationally educated nurses who are now in Alberta. Further, under the MOU, Alberta has expressed openness to the proposal of the PCG and the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to deliver the province’s nursing bridging program in the Philippines through accredited institutions.

To promote the welfare of the Filipino temporary foreign workers (TFW), we joined POLOVancouver, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Vancouver, Calgary

YEAR-END MESSAGE OF CONSUL GENERAL ZALDY B. PATRON

2022: A YEAR OF BREAKTHROUGHS

Catholic Immigration Service (CCIS), and the Catholic Social Services (CSC) in organizing the 1st TFW Assembly in Calgary on 24 September 2022 that was attended by 75 Filipino TFWs from various parts of Alberta.

To help make our community safer, we held a Webinar on Public Safety and Domestic Violence on 1 December 2022 in partnership with the Calgary Police Service.

3. Actively Promoted Philippine Culture and Heritage

We worked with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to designate the Dr. José Rizal Monument in Nose Creek Regional Park in Airdrie, Alberta, as a Philippine historical site. On 19 June 2022, the 121st birth anniversary of the Philippines’ national hero, the NHCP gave this recognition to the first Rizal Monument in Alberta.

The Dr. José Rizal Monument in Airdrie, unveiled on 23 October 2021, was a project initiated and led by the PCG and undertaken in partnership with the Airdrie City Council, Filipino Airdrie Association, Rizal Monument Project Team, 46 major sponsors, and 201 brick donors.

On 30 December 2022, for the second year in a row, we organized the Rizal Day celebration at the Dr. José Rizal Monument in Airdrie.

To promote and mainstream the Philippine cuisine and support the Filipino-owned restaurants, we spearheaded the 1st Filipino Restaurant Month in Canada (FRMC) in April 2022. Forty (40) restaurants in seven provinces and 18 cities in Canada joined the inaugural FRMC, which was jointly undertaken by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, the Philippine Consulates General in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver, and the Philippine Department of Tourism. The publicity for the FRMC generated 53.3 million total media impressions and a total media ad value of $2.9 million as the Philippine cuisine and the participating restaurants were featured in various platforms across Canada. Wanting to enhance the quality of teaching the Filipino language in five high schools in Alberta and three non-formal Filipino language centers in Alberta and Saskatchewan, we partnered with the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippine Cultural Center Foundation, and Filipino Canadian Saranay Association of Alberta, in organizing the 1st Conference on Filipino Language and Culture on 15-16 October 2022 in Calgary.

Thirty (30) Filipino language teachers and educators in Alberta and Saskatchewan were taught and trained how to teach the Filipino language as a heritage language.

To raise the profile of the Filipino artists, we embarked on our first-ever painting exhibit and featured 21 artworks of Regina-based painters, Mr. Pepito Escanlar and Mr. Patrick Fernandez, during a month-long two-man painting exhibit called ALAALA (Memories) which was held from 23 September to 19 October 2022 at the PCG’s Dr. José Rizal Hall. We also helped Binhi ng Lahi Philippine Folk Dance Troupe in promoting Season 2 of the Sining Filipinas International Online Lecture Series.

4. Pursued Education Cooperation between the Philippines and Alberta and Saskatchewan We were able to connect University of Regina with CHED so they could explore potential cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) now has six (6) scholars studying in University of Alberta (U of A) under the DOST-U of A Graduate Scholarship Program that we helped negotiate in 2019.

We continued our efforts to link up Philippine government agencies and universities with the major universities in Alberta and Saskatchewan in the hope that they would agree to cooperate in the future.

5. Assisted Filipino Entrepreneurs and Promoted Philippine Exports To help small- and medium-sized companies in the Philippines gain export market in Alberta and Saskatchewan, we organized the 1st Philippine Trade Expo in Edmonton, Calgary, and Regina in July-August 2022 in partnership with the Edmonton-based Filipino Canadian Trade Expo and Mission. We organized two business-related webinars to support the Filipino entrepreneurs in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The first was on Setting Up Businesses in Canada, held on 19 October 2022, followed by a webinar focusing on the Opportunities for Franchising Philippine Brands, which was held on 18 November 2002.

6. Successfully Conducted Overseas Voting During the overseas voting period for the

2022 Philippine national elections from 10 April 2022 to 9 May 2022, the PCG counted 5,350 mailed votes from Filipino overseas voters. On 9 December 2022, the PCG resumed the registration for overseas voters.

7. Helped Gain Recognition for Five Presidential Awardees from Alberta With the PCG’s endorsement, three outstanding individuals and two outstanding organizations from Alberta were among the 56 recipients of the 2021 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO). Due to the pandemic, the awarding was held on 29 June 2022 in Manila.

As the year 2022 comes to an end and on behalf of my colleagues at the PCG, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the Filipino community in Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as to our partners in government and business for their support and cooperation that made it possible for the PCG to successfully undertake our programs and projects this year.

Rest assured that we will continue to pursue meaningful activities in 2023 to promote the interests and well-being of our community and our country.

Maraming salamat po at Masaganang Bagong Taon sa ating lahat!

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START

Matthew 13:10-17

“For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” My dear friends, the gospel of today is reminding us that if we use properly what God has entrusted to us it will lead us to the place filled with milk and honey. When we maximize what God has entrusted to us for His glory we are doing what we are created to do. And we are becoming who we are according to His plan. By being entrusted by the Lord to do something, we have the responsibility to execute those missions to the best of our capability, or else, they will be taken away from us. God has given each one of us a gift from the abundance of His heavenly Gift Shop.

Use them well for others. Suffice it to say, God gave us responsibility to benefit others, not us. God gave you a talent. He gave you a gift. Are you using it? If not, better start now.

As an ordained minister, I have been reminded that the gift of priesthood is not a special power to enjoy but a responsibility or a cross to be carried on my shoulders. Such responsibility entails me to protect my place and my people from defilement. It is my duty to remind people not to forget God. It is my task to safeguard my people from the plague and horror of diabolic attacks.

Friends, it is your task too. It is everyone’s calling or vocation. Sometimes, we don’t understand what we heard, we don’t even perceive what we see; but, never be disappointed.

Fr. Jhack Diaz

Instead, continue asking for graces from the Lord. We have a God who gives us the needs we deserve.

Friends do not forsake the fountain of living water. Attune your life to abundance by recognizing the Lord. There is fountain inside you. Do not walk around with an empty bucket.

Let us pray. Lord, you are the source of our lives. In you, we trust. Thank you for making our life burst with your infinite love and blessings.

Blessings, Fr. Jhack

house. This cosmic climate has a destructive yet cleansing energy, providing you with an opportunity to unapologetically cut ties with anyone or anything that is no longer serving you. Don’t feel bad about implementing strict boundaries, blocking old flames, and removing yourself from unhealthy situations, because doing so will provide you with a great sense of relief and the freedom to move forward unhindered by these sources of drama.

Love will be at the forefront of your mind as the new year kicks off, dear Cancer, because four celestial bodies are moving through the sector of your chart that governs matters of the heart. Whether you’re

Plan on structuring your New Year’s resolutions around healing, dear Libra, because four celestial bodies are moving through Capricorn and your solar fourth house. Though these vibes might inspire you to nurture others, your energy would be better spent catering to your own emotional, mental, and physical needs. A desire to move slowly and lounge at home could also come into play, and you’ll want to listen to your body when it tells you that it’s time to lay low. There’s also a good chance that your mood will fluctuate, shifting from closed off and desensitized to emotionally charged and full of gratitude. Give yourself permission to ride these waves, and try not to get upset by how others are feeling.

People are drawn to your sage advice and emotional depth right now, dear Scorpio, because four celestial bodies are moving through sensible Capricorn and the sector of your chart that governs communication. Though the new year tends to bring out anxieties and excitement in the collective, try not to overextend yourself with emotional heavy lifting for anyone who wouldn’t do the same for you. On a personal level, these vibes are great for massaging that brilliant mind of yours, so you might want to set resolutions around learning a new skill or reading more.

You’ll feel inspired to set financial resolutions for yourself in 2023, dear Sagittarius, because four celestial bodies are traveling through the sector of your chart that governs money and materialism. These vibes are perfect for investing in yourself and opting to purchase fewer yet nicer things in the coming year as the stars make an effort to refine your taste in clothing, appliances, food, and cosmetics. Luckily, as long as you stay dedicated to achieving success, you should have plenty of income to work with.

you seek. Luckily, an increase in your popularity can make it easier to find new opportunities, because people are more willing to open doors and give you a leg up.

Though the emergence of a new year typically conjures images of large parties, bottles of bubbly, and people celebrating, you might not be in the most extroverted mood with four celestial bodies traveling through your solar twelfth house. That’s right, dear Aquarius, 2023 threatens to kick off with you stuck in a bit of rut, potentially causing you to slip into hermit mode. Luckily, the stars support your desire for solitude, especially once Venus moves into your sign on January 2, encouraging you to prioritize self-care, restoration, and grace through the coming weeks.

You might begin to feel as though you’re the center of your social circle, dear Pisces, because four celestial bodies are moving through the sector of your chart that governs community. Organizing large gatherings and giving back to your community can be particularly satisfying as the stars push you to bring people together. While this cosmic climate is poised to elevate your popularity, you might begin to feel overly responsible for the well-being of those around you. Use these vibes to your advantage by making new connections and looking for ways to improve your social standing, but avoid taking on more emotional labor than you can handle.

GENERAL POINT OF VIEW

Political Impact of Non-Citizens

provide you the tools, training, and support if you haven’t done it before.

Make an impact with your wallet, front lawn, and platforms: Did you know that you do not need to be a citizen to donate to a campaign? This is absolutely true!

Many people don’t realize how much of an impact $10 of $25 can make.

gqgeneral@gmail.com

Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region of the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, and has a career in the nonprofit sector. She works at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, which provides free legal help to low-income Edmontonians. She channels her creativity by writing in her personal blog, FilipinaYEG, and self-published a book called The Humanity of Me, and is active in numerous volunteerbased initiatives.

Here in Canada as far as politics goes, there are two things that only citizens can do –vote and run for political office. These hold a lot of power and impact, and for those of us who migrated here, it can take years for us to reach the point that we become citizens. The problem is that more often than not, when we attain our citizenship, we haven’t been involved in any political activity and discourse. It’s tough to integrate this in the routine we’ve lived for many years.

I’m here to let you know that while waiting for your Canadian citizenship, there are several meaningful ways to make an impact in politics. Here are some of the ways you can do this.

Engage or interrogate candidates and political parties: Government policies, whether municipal, provincial, school boards, and federal, impact everyone regardless of citizenship status. Just as a few examples, you use public transit and roads, go to hospitals, send your children (or you yourself can go to) publicly funded schools. Your voice and involvement can encourage policies and programs that help your life. Simply due to where you live, you absolutely have the permission to ask important and difficult questions to political parties and candidates when they knock on your door, publish media content, and in candidates’ forums.

Support a candidate or political party: In some ways, politics is the same regardless of country. In order for a candidate to win, the most people need to vote for them. And lots of resources are needed for voters to be aware of the candidates who are running. You do not need to be a citizen to support a campaign ran by a candidate or a political party. You can join a team delivering flyers and doorknocking. You can help in their headquarters office to feed volunteers or stock up lawn signs and flyers. Many candidates, especially those that are not backed by big money, rely on the help of everyday people to be successful. You can do this anytime. Campaign teams will

A case of bottled water or a box of cookies can fuel a volunteer team for a whole day. Also, the more people telling a candidate that a certain issue is important to them, the more likely it gets integrated into the campaign platform. Finally, you don’t have to be a citizen or even the homeowner to have a sign supporting a candidate or even a political cause – although it is prudent to also check your condo or home association bylaws to make sure you comply with those too.

Instill the importance and impact of voting to younger family

members: In my first six years in Canada, I lived in a house where all my Filipino elders were not yet citizens. When I got my citizenship in 2012, I had to figure out everything about voting on my own and through outside resources. Youth and young adults rely on their elders and the people they know who had lived in Canada longer than they have. The encouragement and support with voter registration and discussing politics will make a tremendous impact.

In my humble opinion, if we want to make the most of the opportunity to build our lives in Canada, it’s just as important to play a role in making our community better. With privilege comes responsibility and your actions plant seeds of awareness that can grow exponentially more than you realize. And yes, once you have finally gained citizenship, voting

makes a tremendous impact. Running for politics even more so. I hope that this is something people consider in this new year especially with a provincial election coming in the near horizon.

6 Things you might not know about the Municipal Budget

On December 16, City Council passed a budget that sets the direction of our city for the next four years. My main goals for this budget were to protect public services, create safer streets, improve transportation options, take action on climate change, invest in affordable housing, and fund the core services that make life better and more affordable. We know that Edmontonians are facing high cost of living pressures. That’s why this 4-year budget focuses on affordability, not austerity.

6 Things You Need to Know About

the 2023–2026 Budget:

1. This Council cut spending on lower priorities and funded the projects Edmontonians asked for:

Between the Operating and Capital budgets, Council approved over $170M worth of spending reductions. This includes $60M in spending reductions from an organization-wide review over the next four years. We also directed Administration to identify $240M in funds that can be reallocated to priority needs in the City, like core public service 2. This budget invests in our core services and infrastructure. We’ve increased the necessary funding for Snow and Ice Control, Public Transit, Encampment Clean Ups, Facility and Asset Renewals, and more.

A third of our Capital Budget will go to renew what we already have so that Edmontonians can continue to enjoy their city for decades.

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi

From Mayor Sohi’s Desk

By Mayor Amarjeet Sohi

3. We invested over $700M in Housing, Transportation, Climate Action, and Economic Development giving more stable funding now and for budgets to come.

By baking-in funding to the base budget, Council has made a transformational change to how the City funds these priorities. This ensures Council will not need to search for money every year to fund necessary services and programs like Affordable Housing and On-Demand Transit.

4. The 4.96% tax increases for 2023 will cost the average single-family homeowner ($402K house value) about $136 more this year.

This increase starts to fill the gap left in funding from the past five years of low or frozen tax increases that did not keep up with inflation and population growth.

5. This tax increase is comparable to many other municipalities around the province.

Edmonton’s tax increases are in line with many increases approved in surrounding municipalities which range from three to seven percent for 2023.

6. There are more chances for the City to fine-tune our budget over the next four years.

Council debates budget changes in the Spring and Fall, and makes annual adjustments at the end of each year through 2026. Edmontonians will have several more chances to advocate for funding or reductions as the City carries out the direction set in this budget.

Although this budget process was complex and at times emotional, I am proud of it. We truly built a budget for all Edmontonians by making investments in every corner of this city. By investing in these areas today, we are saving you money for tomorrow.

I support this budget and I am thankful for everyone involved in this process. This is how we build an Edmonton for all of us.

A celebration of friendship and accomplishment

L-R: Romy Nacilla, Ghie Nacilla, Cora Velasco, Jhet Divina, Patricia Divina, Roel Divina, Alfie Alipio, Abel Cereno (Photo by Lito Velasco)

The Divina Family hosted a dinner party and invited few friends including AFJ, after the completion of their house’s construction by Alfie Alipio, contractor and owner of RAR Property Developments. Thankful hearts are blessed.

CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE:

Moving Forward

Birthdays are everyone’s most cherished moment as this is when we celebrate the covenant between life and its Giver. Nobody is born alone. There are two causes of life that we have to acknowledge, appreciate, and recognize. The first is the Ultimate Cause or Giver, our God and the second are the proximate causes, our parents. Now, He who doesn’t acknowledge, appreciate, and recognize his or her life is also rejecting its Causes. Lucky are these individuals who truly celebrate life with significant people around them. May you all continue to share the gift of life with others. Active co-existence follows essence.

Leohood Roales unfolds another year in his life Best Wishes!

A well-known Triskelion Vlogger in Toronto, friend of Philippine Senator Robinhood Padilla, celebrated his birthday in the company of his faithful friends and fellow Triskelion last January 4, 2023.

Mayet Angeles - groom’s mom, bride Annalyn Salazar Salva and the groom Julius Angeles Salva, and Gilbert Angeles Salva

Jeremelle Votary’s 19th birthday - January 2023

Lexmilla Serrano’s 60th birthday - January 2023