12 June 2019, Calgary, Alberta -- Consul General Gilberto
Asuque led the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in
Calgary for the celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the
Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a reception on 12 June 2019 at the
Calgary Petroleum Club. The event also commemorated the 70th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the
Philippines and Canada.
The reception was a first for the Philippine Consulate
General in Calgary, which opened in February 2016.
Addressing about 200 guests from the local government,
consular corps, leaders of the Filipino community, the academe, and the
business community, Consul General Asuque highlighted the significance of
commemorating the proclamation of Philippine Independence in the history of the
Filipino people. Quoting from the Independence Day message of Pres. Rodrigo Roa
Duterte, the Consul General said that the path to independence was not without
cost as it was “nourished by the sweat and blood of our patriots, heroes and
martyrs.” The challenges faced by our
forefathers emphasized the Filipino’s determination and sacrifice that led to
the freedoms that we enjoy today, the Consul General added.
Consul General Asuque also recognized the contribution
of the more than 950,000 Filipinos in Canada to the richness of Canadian
culture and economy. Such contribution was also recognized in 2018 when the
Government of Alberta and the federal government of Canada designated the month
of June as “Philippine Heritage Month” that is celebrated through cultural
events spearheaded by various Filipino community groups.
One such event was the flag-raising ceremony organized by the Council and Assembly of Filipino Federations and Associations (CAFFA) at the Calgary City Hall also on June 12. Consul General Asuque and all personnel of the Philippine Consulate General joined members and leaders of the Filipino community at the said flag-raising event.
In his remarks at the Consular reception, the Consul
General mentioned that after 70 years of friendship, the Philippines and Canada
welcome the challenge of further strengthening and moving forward the bilateral
relations. He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of personnel of the
Philippine foreign service in working towards this end, as well as in providing
consular services to Filipinos abroad including the over 175,000 Filipinos in
the Province of Alberta with the over 75,000 Filipinos in Calgary and the over 33,000 Filipinos in the Province of Saskatchewan.
The two provinces comprise the consular jurisdiction of PCG
Calgary.
The reception also featured an exhibition of
Philippine tourist destinations, while tourism videos projected on the main
screen before and after the program showed guests the many beautiful
attractions in the country.
The Calgary Petroleum Club is a historic, world-class
facility that offers exclusive access to services including events for more
than 70 years now. Historically, membership was made up primarily of oil and
gas executives, but this has been extended to other industries and business
establishments, including consular missions. 
