Advisories & News
Press Release
CONSUL GENERAL SALLE MEETS WITH OFFICIALS AND PROFESSORS OF YORK UNIVERSITY, DISCUSSES KEY PRIORITIES FOR COLLABORATION
2025-10-15
9 October 2025, Toronto – Consul General Kristine Leilani R. Salle, accompanied by Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague and Cultural Officer Maricel Samonte, met with officials and faculty members of York University led by President Rhonda Lenton. The meeting underscored the Consulate General’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with York University, particularly in advancing the Philippine Studies program.
Consul General Salle emphasized the importance of Philippine studies in promoting greater understanding of Philippine culture among non-Filipinos especially in light of the growing number of Filipinos in Canada. She conveyed the Consulate’s intention to continue working closely with the University to promote cultural and academic exchanges.
President Lenton acknowledged the strong relationship of York University with the Philippines and expressed interest in exploring new areas of collaboration aligned with the Consulate’s priorities. York officials and professors in attendance provided updates on past, ongoing, and future partnerships with Philippine institutions.
Among the key areas for collaboration were strengthening cultural exchanges through the continuation of a Philippine studies program at the University; organizing more public and academic discussion on Philippine-related issues and concerns; expanding linkages with Philippine higher education institutions, and advancing disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) initiatives. A scholarship program under the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) program, continuing exchange of best practices and the use of Artificial Intelligence for DRRM were among the highlights of the discussions.
Consul General Salle presented and handed over to President Lenton three copies of the Philippine Studies publication “Philippines to the World: A Global Catalogue of Philippine Studies Programs Abroad Promoting Academic Excellence and Cultural Diplomacy.” The book documents 24 institutions across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania, including York University, that were supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda for the inclusion of Philippine Studies into their curricula. “The book is a testament to the close cooperation between the Philippines and York University and serves as a blueprint for promoting educational and cultural exchanges”, Consul General Salle remarked during the handover. END
