On Monday, August 10, Secretary Dante Francis “Klink” Ang II met with representatives of Filipino organizations at the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) in Mississauga. He discussed how the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) supports Filipino organizations abroad and helps connect them with potential business partners.

Secretary Ang explained that although the CFO does not have an office in Canada, it works closely with Filipino associations overseas. He highlighted several CFO initiatives, including the LINKAPIL program, scholarship and economic-development opportunities in the Philippines, cultural immersion, student exchanges, and the promotion of Indigenous Filipino culture. He described the CFO as a broker that helps build connections and facilitate partnerships.

A question-and-answer session followed his presentation. Erlinda Insigne, president of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV), recalled Secretary Ang’s role as press officer when Baguio City and Vaughan established their twinning relationship 29 years ago. She shared that the partnership was created to promote social, cultural, and educational exchanges, as well as economic opportunities between the two cities.

While numerous official visits, cultural and educational exchanges have taken place over the years, Ms. Insigne noted that economic opportunities have been challenging to develop. Secretary Ang assured attendees that his office is ready to help advance this objective.

Included in the pictures are: Sonny Martinez, AFCA Past-President; Irene Hiponia, IFCNA President; Secretary Ang; Lurvie Deblois, FCAV Advisor; Kerwin Tate, Deputy Consul General Toronto; Erlinda Insigne FCAV President.