STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Embassy of Canada

Immigration and Visa Section

Levels 6-8, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza,
6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City,
Manila, Philippines 1200

Statement of Purpose

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please refer to my statement of purpose for my student visa application.

I. PERSONAL INFORMATION

I am Anthony Koko R. Carlobos, 23 years old, currently residing at 450-D Mango Avenue, Cebu
City, Philippines. I have secured a letter of acceptance for the Financial Services – Client Services (FSA)
Diploma program at Seneca College, Newnham Campus in Toronto, Canada, for the September 2023 fall
intake with DLI O19395536013. I would like to express my intent to obtain a study permit that will allow
me to pursue this two-year program.

I am a recent college graduate from the University of San Carlos with a degree in Bachelor of
Science in Accountancy. I graduated with Latin Honors as Magna Cum Laude, which is a distinct
acknowledgment of my commitment to competence and excellence and to attaining the required academic
performance and proficiency. I am also a newly licensed certified public accountant in the Philippines. I
took and successfully passed the board exam, known as the Certified Public Accountant Licensure
Examination (CPALE) held last October 14-16, 2022.

I firmly believe in the adage that “education is the investment that pays the best interest,” which
motivates me to excel and do extremely well in my academic endeavors and garner awards and
certifications in the field of accountancy. After I graduated from Senior High School, I immediately took
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) examination for bookkeepers to
acquire the National Certificate (NC) III in Bookkeeping. I have also successfully completed the tr aining
course for SAP Business One to certify my competency in such business management software designed
for small and medium-sized enterprises.

I am currently employed as an Internal Auditor, in a supervisory position, for Casino Español de

Cebu – a membership club here in Cebu, Philippines. My job entails examining and evaluating the
company’s accounting information system and internal controls. Thus, I recommend ways to attain
operational efficiency and effectiveness. I also ensure that company records are accurate and protected.
Therefore, I conduct inventory counts, maintain a list of fixed assets, conduct cash counts, and perform
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

audit procedures. Part of my job is to review reports submitted to taxing authorities, the Securities
Exchange Commission (SEC), and other government agencies.

II. CHOOSING TO STUDY

Despite the need for accountants in the Philippines, working as one is still viewed as an expense -
generating employee by some businesses. Nowadays, employers prefer to hire professionals that add
value to their endeavors and gravitate toward professionals with a background in finance as it is future -
oriented and helps firms achieve their goals.

I acknowledge my lack of expertise and confidence in providing financial and investment advice
and building customer service relationships. For this reason, I have decided to pursue further studies to
obtain proper training and education in the field of finance by taking up a Financial Services p rogram
centered on Client Services in Canada. By pursuing this path, I perceive myself to be more attractive to
employers in the Philippines because of the versatility of the knowledge I have in accountancy and finance
combined.

As a Certified Public Accountant here in the Philippines, I am competent to deal with the recording
and reporting of financial data. However, this is just one side of the financial aspect of the business. The
other half deals with the funding of business operations which refers to finance. Finance is way broader
than accounting as it deals with evaluating the financial condition of the entity and making decisions on
where and how much funds are to be invested in a project. In the future, I want to be employed as a
finance controller which is a higher-paying job compared to being an accountant or auditor. Thus, the
reason why I want to pursue further studies in the field of finance as it will help my professional career in
the business industry flourish.

My entire studies will be financed by my parents, Julito and Daisy Carlobos. My dad, Julito S. Carlobos
is an Electronics Communication Engineer working for Globe Telecom. On the other hand, my mom, Daisy
R. Carlobos, is a housewife. Through my dad’s hard work and dedication to his profession as an engineer,
we were able to acquire a house and lot at Velmiro Heights Subdivision located at Minglanilla Cebu and a
condominium unit at Casa Mira Towers Labangon Cebu. These properties are being rented out for my family
to gain passive income.

My Aunt Belinda R. Rubio who is a Senior Financial Analyst at CRH Canada Group Inc will be
sponsoring my accommodation and miscellaneous expenses. My Aunt Belinda has given her consent for me
to live with her for free for the duration of my studies. This also brings convenience on my end as Seneca
College is only about 6 km away. The address of the place I will be staying at is 1881 Mcnicoll Avenue,
Scarborough, Ontario, M1V 5M2, Canada, Townhouse 717. Staying with my aunt will give my parents
assurance of my safety throughout the period of my stay in Canada as an international student. My parents
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

and my aunt have been very supportive of my decision to study in Canada. Their reasons for financially
supporting me are mentioned in their Affidavit of Support.

The 1st-semester tuition fee deposit, amounting to CAD 8,849.24, has been paid on March 7,
2023 (Please see attached payment confirmation receipt) at Seneca College.

I have attached my sponsor’s bank certificates and statements, which will be utilized fo r the
expected living expenses amounting to CAD 28, 673.34 or PHP 1,136,831.98 for the entire duration of
my course.

My sponsor bank savings and other sources of funds currently amount to CAD 51,140.11 or PHP
2,032,226.12. This amount includes my parent’s personal savings and the additional financial support of
my aunt.

Please refer to the table below for the summary of my expenses and funds for my first academic year:

Estimated Expenses Amount in CAD Amount in PHP References

Seneca College Offer

Total Tuition Fee for one year 16,673.34 661,059.58
Letter

Living Costs 10,000.00 396,477.00

Immigration, Refugees,
and Citizenship Canada
Travel Costs 2,000.00 79,295.40

Note: Conversion rates based in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas March 22, 2023.
Link: https://www.bsp.gov.ph/SitePages/Statistics/ExchangeRate.aspx

(CAD 1.00 = PHP 39.6477) and (USD 1.00 = PHP 54.3530)

Total Estimated Annual Expenses: CAD 28, 673.34 or PHP 1,136,831.98.

Source of Funds Amount in CAD Amount in PHP References

Seneca College Official
Paid 1st-semester tuition fee CAD 8,849.24 PHP 350,852.01
Receipt
Sponsor 1 Parent - PNB Personal Savings
Account
USD 5,128.48 or
PNB Bank Certificate
USD Account# 3012 6004 2600 CAD 7,030.63 PHP 278,748.27

PHP Account# 3012 1004 2593 CAD 14,349.88 PHP 568,939.90

Sponsor 1 Parent - Metrobank Personal
Savings Account Metrobank Bank
Certificate
PHP Account# 2163 2162 57074 CAD 9,155.73 PHP 363,003.55
Sponsor 2 Aunt – Simplii Financial Personal Simplii Financial
Savings Account Statement (Latest
Balance as of February
CAD Account# 0101 559 649 CAD 8,027.59 PHP 318,275.48 28, 2023)
Sponsor 2 Aunt – Simplii Financial Chequing Simplii Chequing
Account Statement (Latest
Balance as of February
CAD Account# 0071 818 330 CAD 849.00 PHP 33,660.90 28, 2023)
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Sponsor 2 Aunt – Canada Trust Bank

Personal Savings Account
Canada Trust Bank
Statement (Latest
CAD Account# 0618 6368 470 CAD 1,169.97 PHP 46,318.62
Balance as of
CAD Account# 7919 6383 659 CAD 1,825.06 PHP 72,359.43

Note: Conversion rates based in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, March 22, 2023.
Link: https://www.bsp.gov.ph/SitePages/Statistics/ExchangeRate.aspx

(CAD 1.00 = PHP 39.6477) and (USD 1.00 = PHP 54.3530)

Total Source of funds: CAD 51,257.1 or PHP 2,032,226.12

III. STUDYING OVERSEAS

When the opportunity to pursue, further studies were first presented to me, I thought of studying either
here in the Philippines or internationally, such as in the US, Australia, or Canada. In my contemplation, I
considered the quality of education in finance as my utmost priority, followed by other factors such as the
cost of living, language, safety, and cultural diversity. With time, effort, and resources poured into this
decision, it is imperative to properly research my options and choose the best one that aligns with my
academic goals and career path.

First, I sought educational institutions in the Philippines, and I have found out that taking up a
master’s degree is aligned with my future goal of becoming a finance controller. The list of schools in my
home country, the Philippines, which I was considering for my further studies is shown in the table below.

PROGRAM AND TUITION FEE PER

SCHOOL SUBJECT RELATED TO FINANCE
DURATION YEAR
• Financial Statement Analysis:
De La Salle Master of Science in
Investors and Creditors’ PHP 100,000
University Accountancy (2 years)
Perspective
• Financial analysis
St. Scholastica's Master of Science in
College Accountancy (2 years) • Issues in corporate finance/ PHP 100,000
investment

University of San Master of Science in • Quantitative Business Analysis

PHP 50,000
Carlos Accountancy (2 years) • Treasury Management

Despite the great curriculum offered by the institutions stated above, these schools still do not
provide the courses made available in Seneca College such as Mathematics of Business and Finance,
Day-to-Day Banking, Credit and Compliance, Data Analysis Tools for Business, Foundations of Customer
Service, and Negotiation Strategies for Business. These courses are vital in the field of finance as they
are essential in managing and improving an organization's financial performance and directing accounting
operations.
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

IV. STUDYING IN CANADA

Canada, which is renowned for providing top-notch education with reasonable tuition costs, became
my final choice. In Canada, international students enjoy the same rights and freedom that protect all
Canadians. It has a high standard of living and is one of the countries that provides the best quality of life.

The country is open, safe, and culturally diverse, and I will feel at home in both the community and in
the classroom. Being surrounded by this kind of environment will give me peace of mind and a sense of
security for my family and loved ones here in the Philippines.

Aside from the courses available only in Canada, which were stated earlier, I chose this country to
pursue my further studies because of the advanced education system and methods of teaching it delivers,
global competitiveness it presents to its international students, and the sense of personal growth where I
would get to meet people with different cultural backgrounds.

Narrowing down my decision, Ontario became my state of choice because it is the largest city in
Canada and has a strong economy becoming a home to high-tech, financial services, and other knowledge-
intensive industries. This makes Ontario a great option for international students like me who are part of the
business industry because it provides the right environment conducive to learning. In addition, Ontario is also
the state where my aunt lives making it more convenient on my end.

Prior to my application to Seneca, I researched other Canadian educational institutions which offer
programs in the field of finance. The list of schools I was eyeing on is shown in the table below.

SCHOOL AND PROGRAM AND TUITION

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
INTAKE DURATION FEE
Financial Services –
Seneca College • Reputation
Client Services CAD 32,022 • Without Co-op
(Fall 2023) • Extensive course list
(2 years)
Centennial College Financial Planning • Cheap • Limited Courses
CAD 17,463
(Fall 2023) (1 year) • Short Duration
Financial Planning &
Lambton College (Fall • Mostly international
Wealth Management CAD 25,800 • With Co-Op
2023) students
(2 years)
Diploma in Business – • Expensive
Conestoga College • Good ranking
Finance CAD 33,966 • Far from
(January 2024) placements
(2 years) accommodation

Seneca became the best option as it prides itself on delivering great polytechnic education that
combines rigorous academics with practical training across a huge range of careers and professions. In order
to make my mark in the industry, I need to be part of an institution with a pool of expert faculty, excellent staff,
outstanding facilities, and deep connections to the industry I am in.

With God’s grace, I was recently accepted by Seneca College to be a student in their Financial
Services – Client Services program. As stated earlier, I chose the Financial Services – Client Services
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

program because of my observation that companies, especially those in the Philippines, are gravitating
toward business professionals with a background in accounting and finance. This program will provide me
with knowledge of financial advice related to day-to-day banking, credit and mutual fund investments, and
insurance.

In addition, I’ll receive training in customer service in areas such as emotional intelligence, corporate
and business ethics, negotiation strategies, and intercultural behavior and communication, through this
program. With all that said, it proves that Seneca’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates are highly recognized
and well-renowned for their quality. Combining the highest academic standards with practical, hands-on
learning, expert teaching faculty and the latest technology ensures that a future Seneca graduate like me will
be career ready.

Aside from the competence that would be instilled in me once I have finished my studies in Canada,
I would also be very confident in accepting jobs requiring an in-depth understanding of finance. Meanwhile,
the thought of being a future alumnus of Seneca, a reputable international school, brings me one step closer
to my main goal, which is to increase my rate of employability in better-paying jobs and higher chances of
promotion. The value of recognition from an international educational institution in Canada, a country with an
advanced economy, has a greater bearing compared to a developing country like the Philippines.

V. FUTURE PLANS AND TIES TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY

As they say, life begins at the end of one’s comfort zone. Being an international student in a country
I have never been to before is far from my comfort zone. Being an international student would help distinguish
me from other candidates for finance professional positions. A diploma from a reputable international learning
institute will further solidify and attest to my competence in my field of work. If given the chance to study in
Canada, the experience will help me grow not only academically but also personally and will greatly help me
in my career progression for the betterment of my future. I fully understand it will only be a temporary stay,
and I sincerely hope that I have evidently stated my intentions in pursuing my studies in your country.

As I come back to the Philippines right after my studies, I am aiming to be fit for one of the employment
opportunities stated below:
Companies
Variables Ulticon Builders
Accenture Inc. Fresenius Medical Care Outsource Accelerator
Inc.
Financial Planning &
Position Finance Consultant Finance Controller Finance Supervisor
Analysis Specialist
PHP 53,000.00 PHP 62,500.00 PHP 75,000.00 PHP 80,000.00
Average
Or Or Or Or
Monthly Salary
CAD 1,336.77 CAD 1,576.38 CAD 1,891.66 CAD 2,017.77
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Glassdoor.com/job- Glassdoor.com/job- Glassdoor.com/job-

Glassdoor.com/job-listing
listing listing listing
Reference Link:
Link: Link: Link:
shorturl.at/qNQ49
shorturl.at/hltCD shorturl.at/cknI9 shorturl.at/uFHZ9

Note: Conversion rates based in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, March 22, 2023.

It is my utmost intention to return to my home country, the Philippines, and be back with my family
including our pets, relatives, and friends. To be away from my family for the entire duration of my studies is
a very difficult decision that comes with my choice to invest in myself for my career. My mom and dad, at the
ages of 53 and 54 respectively, are not getting any younger. That is why, once I am finished with my studies
in Canada, I look forward to staying with them in the Philippines and taking care of them in their senior years.

Part of who I am today is my friends. My friends from high school and college are the people with
whom I share the ups and downs that I go through in my life. I cannot imagine being far from them for a very
long time. Surely when I return to the Philippines right after my studies, I will bond with my friends, and I
cannot wait to share my experience as an international student. As a Certified Public Accountant in the
Philippines, I am also a member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). I look
forward to continuing to hold my membership status as this is a reminder that PICPA’s mission vision of
upholding accountability is the purpose of why I wanted to be an accountant. It is also worth noting that my
family has residential properties in Cebu, Philippines. These properties include a house and lot in Velmiro
Heights Subdivision in Minglanilla, Cebu, and a condominium in Casa Mira Towers in Labangon, Cebu – both
of which are held out for rent.

About my travel history. I have been to different islands locally such as Bohol, Camotes, Boracay,
Leyte, and Dumaguete just to name a few. For my international travels, I’ve been to Singapore, Malaysia,
and Hong Kong with my family. In the entirety of our travel, my family and I have complied with and followed
the rules and regulations of the countries we have visited, and rest assured, the same will apply throughout
my stay in Canada as a student.

In recent years, my family and I tried to apply for an Immigration Visa in Canada last 2011 and a
Tourist Visa in Canada as well for my siblings and me last 2019. The said applications got denied. The reason
for the Immigration Visa refusal is due to a misunderstanding with the documents submitted. On the other
hand, the tourist visa application got denied due to a lack of proof or reason to come back to our home
country.

VI. DECLARATION

I have always been a good student and, most importantly, a law-abiding Filipino citizen. As an
international student in Canada, I have thoroughly read and understood my rights and obligations. I recognize
my responsibilities to my studies: to be held accountable for being enrolled and paying my tuition on time,
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

buying the necessary study materials for my program, being present in my class schedules, and adhering to
the rules that the college has set in place.

I intend to abide by all the conditions that come with a Canadian Study Permit set by Immigration,
Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). I truly understand the objective and importance of complying with
the Canadian Government Rules and Regulations as a future temporary resident, and I can commit that I will
not be a liability or burden to the Canadian Government during my temporary stay. At the end of my studies,
I will return to my home country, the Philippines.

I sincerely hope for your kind consideration to approve and grant me a study permit visa to pursue my
studies in Financial Services – Client Services September 2023 intake. I would like to express my immense
gratitude for the efforts you have put into reviewing my application. Everything is highly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your kind consideration, and may this letter find you in good health.

Sincerely,

Name: Anthony Koko R. Carlobos

Date: March 25, 2023
Signature: