25 February 2021, Calgary – The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) and the Social Security System (SSS) in Calgary jointly briefed the Filipino clients of the non-profit organization Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) on 18 February 2021.

The briefing was done during a webinar organized by CIWA for sixty-three (63) families under its Filipino Community Development Program (FDCP).

Consul General Zaldy Patron discussed the PCG’s consular services covering passport, retention and reacquisition of Filipino citizenship, civil registration, notarization and legalization of documents, and verification of NBI clearance. He also showed to the participants how to book an appointment at the PCG’s online passport appointment system. Further, he informed them about the PCG’s ongoing registration of overseas voters and encouraged those eligible to register before the 30 September 2021 deadline.

SSS-Calgary Representative Rhea Balicas-Biggs, on the other hand, discussed the SSS membership, services and benefits.

Through the FDCP, CIWA assists Filipinos in Calgary, regardless of their immigration status, in their integration to the Canadian society through activities such as family reunification support, parenting workshops, youth engagement activities, one-on-one counselling, in-home support, social events, and resource referrals.

The PCG has partnered with CIWA to promote the welfare of the Filipinos in Calgary.

“CIWA’s Filipino clients were very appreciative of the presentations of the PCG and SSS at its recent webinar. They found the sessions very informative and they became more aware of the services they can still get from the Philippine Government even as they transition to living in Calgary,” Ms. Maria Chelo Galay, CIWA FDCP Coordinator, said about the webinar.  END.