PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN VANCOUVER HOLDS ONLINE FINANCIAL LITERACY SEMINAR FOR FILIPINOS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, YUKON, AND THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Screenshots of the Zoom participants and resource speakers during the Online Financial Literacy Seminar organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, in partnership with SSS, MWO, and OWWA. The zoom session brought together Filipino community members and resource speakers from various Philippine government agencies and financial institutions to discuss financial literacy, available programs and services, and ways to protect against financial scams and fraud. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 12 November 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, in partnership with the Social Security System (SSS), Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), successfully conducted an Online Financial Literacy Seminar for Filipino temporary workers, students, and permanent residents in British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories on 07 November 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Vancouver time (08 November 2026, 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Manila time).

The seminar aimed to strengthen the financial literacy, digital financial awareness, and fraud prevention capabilities of Filipino migrant workers and members of the Filipino community in Canada. It provided participants with practical knowledge and information to help them manage their finances responsibly, make informed financial decisions, build savings, understand investment opportunities, use digital financial services safely, and protect themselves against scams and financial fraud.

In her opening remarks, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin emphasized the importance of financial literacy and long-term financial planning among overseas Filipinos. Drawing from her more than three decades in the Foreign Service, she highlighted the plight of overseas workers who, despite years of working abroad and supporting their families in the Philippines, reach retirement with insufficient savings. She urged participants to balance their financial responsibilities with the need to build savings for their future security.

Although she was in the Philippines, Consul General Jamoralin joined the seminar despite the early hour to show her support for the initiative. She encouraged participants to learn from the resource speakers and share the information with fellow Filipinos. She also reminded them to register with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver Emergency Response Mapping Registry (VERMAP) to facilitate the Post’s assistance during emergencies, particularly wildfires, and to register as overseas voters for the 2028 Philippine Elections.

The Consul General reaffirmed the commitment of the One Country Team at the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver to supporting Filipinos in British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories and promoting their welfare and protecting their interests abroad.

Social Security System Commissioner Roy G. Padiernos conveyed a special message through a video presentation. The seminar featured presentations from representatives of Philippine government agencies and financial institutions on various financial programs, services, and resources available to Filipinos in Canada. The sessions covered SSS Programs and Services, presented by Mr. Darwin Karl C. Soria, SSS Foreign Representative in Vancouver; OWWA Reintegration Program, presented by Mr. Allan A. Ignacio, Welfare Officer of OWWA; Pag-IBIG Fund, presented by Mr. Kristoffer Bryan Sia, Team Lead of Virtual Office North America; Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), presented byMr. Vernon N. Viloria Information Officer III, Marketing Department - Client Relations and Program Development Division; and GCash, presented by Mr. Raymund Jose M. Abog, Canada Area Sales Head.

An open forum and question-and-answer session also provided participants with an opportunity to raise questions and seek clarification from the resource speakers on matters concerning their financial well-being and access to relevant Philippine government programs and services. Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama of the Migrant Workers Office in Vancouver delivered the closing remarks.

The online seminar was facilitated and moderated by Mr. Neil Justin Nicolas, Administrative Staff of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). It gathered 66 participants from across British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, reflecting the Filipino community’s strong interest in enhancing financial literacy, strengthening financial preparedness, and making informed decisions toward a more secure future.

Through this collaborative initiative, the Philippine Consulate General and its partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the financial well-being of Filipinos overseas by providing access to relevant information, practical financial guidance, and resources that support their economic security and informed financial decision-making.

The seminar underscored the importance of financial literacy and responsible financial management among Filipinos overseas, particularly in navigating the financial systems and services available in their host communities. END