CFO, Philippine Officials in Canada in talks for a Potential YouLeaD Program Implementation

February 10, 2026 | Pasay City - The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), headed by Sec. Dante Klink Ang II, met with Philippine Ambassador to Ottawa Mr. Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, Consul General in Vancouver Gina A. Jamoralin, and Consul General in Calgary Emma R. Sarne, to discuss the proposed implementation of the Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) program.


During the meeting, Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Canada officials expressed enthusiasm for the program and shared insights from the Winter Escapade program and VIP tours implemented in partnership with Rajah Tours. They suggested exploring potential collaboration with Rajah Tours to assist with logistical requirements and possibly bring down costs of the program.

In discussing the proposed seven-day YouLeaD itinerary, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and security, recommending that high-risk or extreme activities be avoided and that the age group of participants, particularly minors, be carefully considered. In response, the CFO acknowledged these concerns and expressed its commitment to enhancing security for participants, including the consideration of providing medical insurance for YouLeaD participants.

In discussing the proposed seven-day YouLeaD itinerary, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and security, recommending that high-risk or extreme activities be avoided and that the age group of participants, particularly minors, be carefully considered. In response, the CFO acknowledged these concerns and expressed its commitment to enhancing security for participants, including the consideration of providing medical insurance for YouLeaD participants.

Additional recommendations included establishing clear criteria for participants, forging partnerships with organizations and local government units to secure sponsorships and reduce program costs, and incorporating activities that promote political empowerment. Both parties agreed to further refine and finalize the program itinerary and timeline, with the CFO emphasizing the flexibility of the YouLeaD Program. Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Canada officials, in turn, committed to providing additional feedback and comments on the proposed itinerary.

Apart from the YouLeaD discussion, concerns were also raised regarding Filipino international students who depart without undergoing a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), highlighting the risk of students being insufficiently informed prior to leaving the country. While PDOS is not mandatory for Filipino international students, the CFO shared that it has taken the initiative to address this gap by disseminating educational content through its social media platforms.

Also present in the meeting were Undersecretary Ma. Arlene S. Borja, Ms. Marita del Rosario-Apattad, Ms. Lindsay Mercado, and Ms. Angelika Paredes of the Project Management Division.

[Photo Credits: Mr. Jerry Carual]