Advisories & News
Press Release
NEW PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL IN TORONTO ADDRESSES THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE GTA
2025-10-06
6 October 2025 — On Thursday, 2 October 2025, more than 80 members of the Filipino Community in the Greater Toronto Area representing some 50 organizations and businesses came together to welcome the newly-appointed Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines in Toronto, the Honorable Kristine Leilani R. Salle.
In her remarks, Consul General Salle paid tribute to the dynamic, resilient, and inspiring Filipino community in Ontario and Manitoba, which comprise almost half of the Filipino diaspora in Canada. She emphasized her dual responsibility of “uphold(ing) and promot(ing) the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people” in Canada and more importantly, with the community’s support, “build(ing) an environment that uplifts Filipino communities and businesses both here and back home.”
She outlined six priority areas for her term in Toronto, namely (1) enhancing consular services to ensure greater accessibility and efficiency, (2) strengthening cultural connections through Sentro Rizal Toronto, (3) harnessing professional empowerment by advancing efforts toward credentials recognition, (4) promoting bilateral economic engagement in key sectors such as food security, agri-tech, clean energy, mining, and innovation, including through collaboration with Filipino-owned businesses and activations utilizing the DTI SME Showroom at the Consulate, (5) boosting tourism and reconnection through the annual Winter Escapade and new programs under development, and (6) encouraging stronger civic participation to help shape the future of the Philippines.
Consul General Salle also introduced the Consulate team alongside the representatives from the attached agencies, such as the Migrant Workers Office/Overseas Welfare Office, Philippine Trade and Investment Center, and SSS Toronto. She reaffirmed the team’s commitment to service stating that “the Consulate’s doors are always open, not only to you but also to your ideas, collaboration, and connection… I look forward to working with you, learning from you, and growing together as one Filipino community, which is strong, proud, and united here in Toronto.”
During the Q&A, the attendees expressed their enthusiasm to collaborate with the Consulate on various initiatives in arts and culture, business, and legal, financial and social services to support the Filipino community. Several participants also sought clarification on consular matters, particularly on dual citizenship.
The evening concluded with a shared appreciation for Filipino cuisine, as guests and Consulate staff enjoyed a delicious spread of traditional street food prepared by Kariton Foodcarts.END
