22 June 2019
– Philippine Ambassador Petronila Garcia and Consul General Gilberto Asuque highlighted
the contribution of the Filipino diaspora to the economic, cultural, social and
historical richness of Canada during the celebration of the 121st
Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence organized by the
Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations (CEFA).
The
celebration by CEFA coincided with the Philippine Heritage Month in Alberta
observed in June of each year as proclaimed by the Provincial Government and
all over Canada as declared in a Motion passed by the House of Common of the
Federal government.
In her
message at the Red Carpet Dinner held at the River Cree Hotel in Edmonton, Amb.
Garcia (photo left) said that: “This year, we also celebrate the first
Canada-wide Filipino Heritage Month in recognition of the growing Filipino
Diaspora in the country and their contributions to Canadian Society. From the first Filipinos who crossed the
Pacific Ocean in the early 20th century, we now find Filipinos in
all possible areas of the country, working in different sectors, from coast to
coast to coast.”
The 121st Philippine Independence Day was also an opportunity to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Canada Relations which Amb. Garcia described as “an important milestone in both our countries’ bilateral relations that have steadily grown in the political, economic, and other spheres, as well as through people-to-people exchanges, since 1949” adding that “we look forward to continue our work in strengthening ties with Canada, an endeavor in which the Filipino community will undoubtedly play an important role.”
For his
part, Consul General Asuque (photo right) spoke on the theme Kalayaan
2019: Tapang ng Bayan, Malasakit sa Mamamayan” as a way for the Filipinos
in Canada “to remember and honor the heroism, patriotism, nationalism and
self-sacrifice of our Filipino forefathers in the struggle for independence;
instill in the hearts and minds of the youth the greatness of the Filipino race,
the legacy of their national heroes and the ideals of their nationhood; and
show unity and strength during challenging time.”
The
Consul General congratulated the CEFA for organizing the event during the first
celebration of Philippine Heritage Month which the Government of Alberta
proclaimed as “the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of
Filipino-Canadians in Alberta, and to honour Philippine Independence as well as
the historic struggles of Filipinos.”
Officials
of the Federal and Provincial Governments also attended the CEFA event. Hon. Kaycee Madu, Minister of
Municipal Affairs, conveyed the greetings of Alberta Premier Jason Kenny
of Alberta. Hon. Kelly McCauley, MP - Edmonton West expressed the best wishes of the
Conservative Party while Councilor Andrew Knack conveyed the greetings of Mayor
Don Iveson of Edmonton.
|
Amb. Garcia,
Consul General Asuque and guests with the CEFA officers led by Mr. Surtida
(left). |