Mr. Stephen Andrada, Board of Director, Committee on Education, Employment, and Bridging Support Programs of UPAABC, moderates the Mentor Session for Filipino International Students of Kwantlen Polytechnic University at the Surrey Public Library-City Center. He also discusses the BC Labour Market Outlook and BC Newcomer Services Program later in the program.

 
09 September 2024 – A Mentor Session for Filipino International Students of Kwantlen Polytechnic University was held at the Surrey Public Library-City Center on 07 September 2024. The mentorship session was organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in British Columbia (UPAABC) and Kwantlen Polytechnic University Pinoy Community (KPU Pinoy). This was the 3rd mentorship session for the year, and the 6th overall, since the program started in 2023.

Consul General Arlene Magno articulated, in her opening remarks, the importance of mentor sessions for Filipino International students to help them cope with their challenges and discover potential opportunities in Canada based on the experiences of the mentors who come from various industries around which they could possibly build their future careers.

Consul General Arlene T. Magno delivers her opening remarks.

Resource Speakers during the Mentor Session (clockwise from the top) : Project Management and Financial Services by Ms. Vickie Rubio Buechler, Project Manager, Fujitec Canada, Inc. and Licensed Life Insurance Agent of Greatway Financial; Human Resources by Mr. Eli Yanga, Senior Manager for Organizational Development and Change with the BC Provincial Government; Digital Analytics by Mr. Gerry Yanga, Workforce Insights Specialist, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia; and, Trade and Entrepreneurship by Ms. Rhona Doria, Event & Sponsorship Coordinator, Surrey Board of Trade and Owner, Hablon Styles & Hues.

CG Arlene Magno poses with mentors (L-R) Mr. Gerry Yanga, Mr. Eli Yanga, CG Arlene Magno, Ms. Rhona Doria, and Ms. Vickie Rubio Buechler, after handing them their certificates of appreciation. Also in the photo are Ms. Bella Balisi Bevilacqua, President of UPAABC (leftmost), Mr. Stephen Andrada (2R), and Mr. Dennis Saavedra of the KPU Pinoy Community (rightmost).

The participants actively engaged the mentors at the Q&A portion, facilitated by Mr. Stephen Andrada.

Consul General Arlene T. Magno, together with the UPAABC, KPU Pinoy, and attendees in a photo opportunity