10 March 2020

Embassy of Canada, Philippines

Visa Application Centre
Level 6-8 RCBC Plaza Tower 2
6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Philippines 1200

Dear Visa Officer:

Greetings in the name of the Lord!

I, Ma. Kristina Erasquin Alejo, 28 years old, married and a law-abiding citizen of the Republic of the
Philippines is writing this letter as an earnest expression of my interest in applying for a student permit. It is
my pleasure to share with you that I have successfully qualified for a one-year Biotechnology fast-track
program at Centennial College, DLI # O19394700003 in Toronto, Ontario for the January 2022 intake.
Attached herewith is my Letter of Acceptance.

PERSONAL INFORMATION AND EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND

I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering at Saint Louis University, Baguio City. After
a thorough review for the Licensure Examination for Chemical Engineers in the Philippines, I passed and
acquired my License for Chemical Engineer last June 2017.

I started my professional career at Unioil Petroleum Philippines, Inc. last August 2017 as Laboratory
Technician which conducts physical and chemical analyses of assigned petroleum oil samples (incoming
raw materials, in-process products, semi-finished products, finished products and other samples) in
accordance to the standards of ASTM. After a year, I shifted to another manufacturing industry, the Big
Boss Cement, Inc., where I’m presently affiliated in the same position I had in my last employer. Raw
materials and product quality control are my primary responsibilities to assure that they conform to the
required standards using variety of instruments, calculations and engineering techniques.

WHY BIOTECHNOLOGY?
With the two industries I have work with, Cement is where I belong and where my heart is. In the last few
years of Science and Technology, there is a new area of biotechnological research in the Construction
Industry where the major substance is Cement. Biotechnology is very common to chemical,
pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and agricultural industries. It offers countless solutions to common
environmental problems well beyond the construction industry. A number of labs and startups across the
world are looking into ways to use living organisms and organic waste to create materials that would
otherwise be built using lumber, oil-derived plastic, or other environmental resources.

I have always wanted to introduce Biotechnology in the cement industry especially in my home country,
the Philippines, to revolutionize and help cement companies lessen its negative impact and adverse effect to
our environment. Additionally, to develop and improve cement quality in a tropical place like ours through
Biotechnology. These are the reasons why I decided, aside from professional growth to take up
Biotechnology Program in Centennial College.
This program will offer detailed practical training in microbiology and chemistry (analytical, organic and
biochemistry). Laboratory techniques including aseptic technique and appropriate safety procedures will be
extensively highlighted. A special feature of this diploma program is its project-focused approach, with
independently designed microbiology projects that will enhance my problem-solving and research skills to
fully equip myself with proper skill set to achieve my greatest goal for my future endeavor. Having the
knowledge in Chemical Engineering Principles which I earned from my university, cement
chemistry/technology from my profession, work experience and an international in Biotechnology would
for sure be a far leverage for me to reach my goal and objective.

WHY CANADA?
Canada is known to embrace multicultural citizens and I am thrilled to experience what this country has to
offer. I choose Canada for its diverse quality learning system that would help me grow professionally. I
believe studying in Canada would help make me a globally competitive and educated individual. Canada’s
quality of life ranks as the top in all the world and offers an affordable education in terms of tuition fees for
international students. Canada was also acknowledged for its effective governance in controlling the virus
and it just speaks as to how reputable, reliable and secure Canada is.

WHY CENTENNIAL COLLEGE?

In selecting an institution that offers Biotechnology, it is imperative that the curriculum is highly applicable
in the line of my work, leading me to Centennial College’s fast-track program in Biotechnology.
Centennial College programs cultivate a capstone project where students work in teams to solve issues
faced by industry.
In addition to the curriculum of the program, the latest Key Performance Indicator survey conducted by
Colleges Ontario showed that graduate of Centennial College provides high satisfaction rate in terms of
providing the knowledge and skills that are useful in their career.

PLANS AFTER STUDY

After the completion of my program from Centennial College within the time frame indicated in my
student permit, I will surely go back to my home country with a great pride holding an international
credential and will return to the company where I currently work with a Canadian degree.
Our Human Resource Manager gave me a letter (please see attached file) recommending me for higher
position in the organization once I finish my chosen program and get a post-degree diploma.

PROOF OF FUNDS
I know that pursuing study is a life-changing decision that will make a lot of effort and expenses. I always
believed that what have been invested today will be tripled back tomorrow which is why I am taking this
new step for better and bigger opportunities ahead of me. Meanwhile, the costs of my study have already
been prepared. I have already settled my full one-year tuition fee ($17,000 CAD) for Centennial College
last May 8,2021 which was financed by my sister, Melcar April Alejo, through selling one of her properties
(please see attached document) and have also allotted funds enough for my living expenses that I have
deposited in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) in the form of Guaranteed Investment
Certificate (GIC) amounting to $15,000 CAD. A bank certificate issued by Bank of the Philippines
Islands (BPI) is also presented in this letter for your reference.

HOMETIES
Temporarily leaving my country, the Philippines, especially my beloved parents is one of the most crucial
decisions I needed to make. When I was growing up, I have maintained my strong bond with my Family
especially with my Mama and my Papa (kindly see attached photos as proof of our relationship). With
every milestone that I have achieved and downfalls that I have encountered they were always within my
reach and the thought of being away from them makes me feel anxious. Despite my decision to take a
fleeting journey in Canada I will still be returning upon completion of my program. As a family-oriented
person, I don’t see the point of staying longer after graduation in a place where I have no single blood
connection. Also, being the youngest daughter in our family, it is expected of me to take good care of my
parents as they age, particularly now that they are in their 60s. Furthermore, I have a 10-year-old brother
who still needs proper care and guidance, whereas my mellowing parents can no longer keep up with his
development.

We, Filipinos, are prominent for having our Family as our greatest asset whereas they can never be
exchanged to anything else regardless of its monetary value. I am saying this not because I am dependent to
them but because I love them unconditionally and that my presence at home is a necessity. This journey
will be another milestone for me when I finish my program and once again celebrate it with them. My
international diploma will be my expression of love that despite being away for the meantime I have still
succeeded and I will be coming home as the person that they have moulded through their sacrifices to let
them know that they no longer have to worry for it’s my turn to take care of them.
Also, as stated in my plans after study, I will go back where I currently work.
Personally, I have BPI PHILAM LIFE INSURANCE with a coverage of ₱390,000 and have government
contributions like SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, PHILHEALTH and HOME DEVELOPMENT
MUTUAL FUND which will cater of my pension and health insurance upon my retirement.
DECLARATION
I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for your efforts in taking time to read this letter. I have
accurately presented to you the necessary information about myself, my plans and intentions for the future
most especially my return to the Philippines.
I had the opportunity to travel to Singapore in November 2019. During that travel, I was a law-abiding
visitor and I did not stay more than the days allowed. Rest assured that I will be the same for the duration
of my study program in Canada.
As a diligent citizen of my country and I vow to fully comply with your terms and conditions in my
temporary stay in Canada. In relation to this, I humbly ask for your support by giving me the chance to
push through with this program by granting me a student permit.
I believe that the information that I provided is adequate. However, if you have questions, please feel free
to contact me at +639063629359 or email me at makristinaalejo@gmail.com. Have a wonderful day!

Respectfully Yours,

MA. KRISTINA E. ALEJO

Student Permit Applicant
Attached
As stated