18 June 2019,
Calgary, Alberta
-- Consul General Gilberto Asuque and the entire personnel of the
Philippine Consulate General joined in the celebration of the “3rd
Sulong Kalayaan Picnic at the Park”, an event organized by the Philippine
Independence Organizing Committee of Calgary – Sulong Kalayaan Society
(PIOCC-SKS) on 16 June 2019 at Riley Park in Calgary.
The event was held to
commemorate the 121st Anniversary of Philippine Independence and to
celebrate Philippine Heritage Month. The Government of Alberta proclaimed June
of each year as Philippine Heritage Month in recognition of the significant
contributions of Filipino-Canadians to
the “social, economic, cultural and historical richness of the Province of
Alberta.” The House of Commons of the
Federal Government of Canada also issued a resolution declaring June of each
years as Philippine Heritage Month. There are more than 950,000 Filipinos in
Canada.
PIOCC-SKS Chair Bryan Ymbang said PIOCC was
established by SKS mainly to undertake activities in celebration of the
anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence in June. This year’s
main event was “3rd Sulong Kalayaan Picnic at the Park”, which
featured lechon and other Filipino cuisine, as well as Filipino music
and dance through cultural performances by various talents from the community. (Photos below)
