Ambassador Robles meets Filipinos in Montreal

As Canada loosens its travel security regulations, and movement within the country is less strict. The Philippine Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Rodolfo D. Robles together with his team did their first in-person community outreach mission to Montreal since the start of lockdown last year. Ambassador Robles arrived in Canada during the height of the pandemic where his confirmation by the Gov. General of Canada was delayed for few days obeying protocols of travel. He had to complete his self-quarantine days.

After his appointment, though consular services in Ottawa are continuous by appointment, it only happens and takes place at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa. While the whole nation still struggles with its free movement during this pandemic period, Filipinos in Montreal exert the effort of waiting for appointments and travelling two and half hours from the city to the capital city.

Filipinos in Montreal were so excited to meet in person the new Ambassador and his team. The embassy’s first community outreach service headed by Deputy Chief of Mission, Consul General Noel Fernandez lll arrived first time since the start of the Covid 19 crisis. The mission started on August 26 2021 and end on Aug. 31, 2021.

Saturday, August 28, 2021, was scheduled for the Meet and Greet event. Which was prepared and arranged by Alvin Concha – Cultural Attache Consul, First Secretary and Consul General Eric Aquino and the program was hosted by Ms. Greg Marie Concha-Mariño, First Secretary and Consul. Meet and greet is always conducted every time a new Ambassador to Canada is assigned. Ambassador Rodolfo Robles had conducted twice the meet and greet event. One done virtually and this time in-person meeting. Nothing can replace the feeling of joy and contentment of meeting an individual in person. Observing health and safety regulations, a number of participants were restricted to by invitation only. Attendees were all leaders of various visible organizations here in Montreal and some private enterprises.

One of the most inspiring messages from the present Ambassador was his personal advocacy on Credential Recognition in Canada (CRC). According to him, Filipinos not only in Canada had performed great roles in medical fields and so in many essential services, most especially during this pandemic period. Knowing how hardworking, skillful and capable Filipinos are in their respective field. He wants to do all his effort before he finishes his term to work on recognizing the credentials of Filipino-trained professionals. He admits that a lot will be done to achieve this goal but he is full of hope and positivity.

Being one of the Philippines’ founding Dean of Arellano University School of Law and the Father of Filipino Ombudsman or “TanodBayan” authoring the law creating the office of the Ombudsman in 1978. And with all the credentials presented to the former Governor-General of Canada Ms. Julie Payette, no doubt that his Excellency Hon. Rodolfo R. Robles will be the shining armour of Filipino-trained professionals who wants to practice the skills acquired in the Philippines ‘ prestigious academic, vocational and technical training institutions. The event was ended with pictorials that wear happy and contented faces. Indeed that was a great meet and greet. Thank you, Ambassador Rodolfo D. Robles. Welcome to Montreal. Bienvenue a Montreal…Mabuhay ka

For videos of the event visit our Youtube Channel https://youtu.be/mS578hXBMl8