Canadian Multicultural Council - Asians in Ontario Honours  Toronto Filipino Educator

By: Jennifer S. MacLean
Toronto-Canada
May 6, 2015



CMC-AO  is  an umbrella organization of over twenty  Asian cultural, professional and business, associations in Ontario which promotes Asian culture and heritage. The 12th annual awards event was held at the Premiere Convention Centre on May 3, 2015 in Richmond Hill, Ontario with notable government officials and multicultural  community leaders in attendance. The kick-off ceremony was held earlier and hosted by the York Regional Police in Aurora, Ontario.

Bicolano Tony A. San Juan, a passionate educator, committed  community organizer and engaging leader, immigrated to Canada with his family in 1986 from the Philippines via Nigeria.

Since his arrival and adjustment in the very competitive environment in Toronto, Tony San Juan has been involved and engaged in numerous civic and community services. As a volunteer, he is focused and active in many challenging community projects and initiatives where his professional  qualifications and leadership skills are employed to best advantage. 

As president of the Philippine Teachers Association of Canada ( PTAC),  he led and developed programs and services involving Ontario teacher certification, career search building & transition and professional development workshops for internationally-educated teachers as well community projects in academic tutoring & homework and ESL sessions.

In the Catholic education system, he convened and assisted forming the Filipino Canadian Parents Association in Catholic Education ( FCPACE) offering conversations and activities focusing &  involving Catholic parents in the Filipino Catholic community .  Tony was instrumental in working towards the creation of the Filipino Advisory Committee, recently appointed by the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB).

A lifetime member of Filipino Centre Toronto( FCT), he is a member of its Outstanding Student Awards Committee, recognizing and encouraging FilCan students excel in their academic endeavours.

Currently, he is focusing and coordinating efforts in organizing a Movement for the formation of a Council of Filipino Canadian Leaders with the aim of unifying the community and consolidating the common goals and aspiration to be an institutional player and  contributor into the Canadian political process and social & economic life .

 A founding president of Camarines Norte Association Canada-Ontario and founding vice president of Feati University Alumni Association, respectively, he spearheaded a scholarship program for needy-but- deserving students both in his home province and alma mater.

 From time-to-time, he contributes written articles to Filipino-managed local newspapers and other media. He participates and serves as guest speaker or presenter in conferences, seminars and workshops. He is currently a special commentator with 2 community-based radio talk shows: Talakayan Radyo AM 1430 and  online Pinoy Radio.com. stations.

Tony San Juan has worked as a permanent teacher in both the Toronto  public school board  and the former Metro Separate school board .  A family man and happily married to Jocelyn Acuna, they have five adult children and 9 grand kids, and is still doing occasional teaching in Toronto and hopes to continue his community affiliation and volunteer service in his adopted country.(JSM).