PR-08-2025
21 March 2025, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne successfully hosted a Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) for Filipino students. Around fifty participants gathered to discuss essential topics on living and studying in Australia, including community engagement, employment, immigration and legal support, health and safety, among other pertinent topics. The event was also held in celebration of National Women’s Month, which saw attendees and organizers wearing purple as well as purple ribbons to underscore their support.
Acting Head of Post Ralph Vincent C. Abarquez opened the PAOS with short remarks emphasizing the importance of active and informed participation in both student life and the broader Filipino community in Victoria. Drawing from his experiences as a former international student, he highlighted the critical role of community support and the resources provided by the host country, the Consulate General, and the Filipino community at large.
Consul Jan Sherwin P. Wenceslao followed, outlining the Consulate General’s services and reaffirming its commitment to supporting Filipinos abroad. He encouraged the students to participate in the upcoming 2025 Philippine national elections, stressing the implementation of internet voting and the process for registration in the Overseas Voting and Counting System (OVCS) by May 7, 2025.
Mr. Israel Camacho, president of FASTCO, outlined the organization’s services, strategic plan up to 2027, and the numerous benefits available to overseas Filipino students through FASTCO’s network and community support. He emphasized the importance of community engagement, particularly through volunteering, as a remedy for isolation and an avenue for personal and professional growth.
Ms. Jamaica Zuanetti from International Education Melbourne presented on Melbourne’s role as a global hub for international education. She discussed the various programs available to international students, including free public resources such as the city’s libraries, Maker’s Hub, the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program, The Couch, and other initiatives designed to support students and ensure a productive stay in Melbourne.
The seminar featured two key panel discussions. The first panel focused on Cultural Integration, Legal Support, and Immigration Services featured Ms. Zuanetti, Ms. Lee Montajes, an educator and motivational speaker, Atty. Michelle Martinez from Whittlesea Community Connections, and Atty. Alfe Roder, from Roder Lawyers. They addressed questions from the participants on a range of issues including the biggest challenges faced by overseas Filipino students, such as legal issues and confusion regarding the application for different visa pathways. Practical aspects discussed included tenant rights and resolving housing disputes, various norms involving living in Victoria, as well as the stages of social integration. The panel also highlighted the forms of assistance for international students, including pro bono legal advice, counseling, financial assistance, and various international student services in Melbourne.
The discussion also touched upon social issues, such as the lack of social connection, community and family violence, including patterns of controlling behavior, discrimination, harassment, and visa abuse; and the need for awareness of rights and available forms of assistance. Additionally, the panel addressed social factors critical to the success of international studies such as the right mindset, dealing with family and homesickness, lack of social support, and maintaining motivation.
The second panel discussion focused on Work Rights, Employment Opportunities, and Career Growth, featured Ms. Janeca Gross from the Australian-Philippines Business Council (APBC) and Ms. Florence Macusi Dato, representing the Migrant Workers Centre (MWC). They addressed questions from the audience regarding differences in job hiring practices and priorities between the Philippines and Australia, key selection criteria of employers, and strategies to address and avoid underemployment. They also discussed the minimum standards of fair work and available resources and assistance for employees, including the national minimum wage, requirements for superannuation, minimum hours, social services, and flexible work policies. The panel further explored aspects of hiring and job promotion in Australia, as well as formalized policies and procedures for resolving workplace disputes.
The event concluded with a networking merienda catered by Drom Bakery, a local partially Filipino-owned artisan bakery, which featured a selection of sweet and savory pastries. Feedback from participants was positive, with many expressing anticipation for future events organized by the Consulate General.
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne continues its commitment to supporting Filipino international students in Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. According to the most recent statistics, the Philippines is the fifth-largest source of international students in Australia, with 6,485 students currently enrolled in Victoria alone, as reported by the Australian Department of Education.
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