13 June 2018, Calgary - The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary led the Filipino-Canadian community in Calgary, Canada in celebrating the 120th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence.

 

On 10 June 2018, Consul General Gilberto Asuque led some 100 Filipino community leaders and the Consular staff in the signing of the National Anthem and then hosted a Filipino breakfast reception at the Centre 10 Building, where PCG is holding office in Downtown Calgary. Despite the inclement weather that day, many Filipino-Canadian community leaders attended the event. In his remarks, Consul General Asuque highlighted the theme "Pagbabagong lpinag/aban, Atay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan" for this years' Philippine Independence Day. He urged the Filipino-Canadian community to stay united and thanked them for their continued support for the national development of the Philippines.

 

Consul General Asuque remarked that this year's Philippine Independence Day celebrations in the Province of Alberta had become more meaningful with the proclamation issued on 1 June 2018 by the Government of Alberta declaring the month of June of each year as Philippine Heritage Month across the province. He congratulated the Filipino-Canadians for their collective efforts and lobbying that led to the issuance of the Proclamation.

Consul General Asuque addressing the Filipino-Canadian community of Airdrie, Alberta.

There were other Independence Day-related activities held in Calgary and nearby towns, which Consul General Asuque and the PCG officers and staff also attended. Among these were the Independence Day Dinner held on 8 June 2018 and led by the Philippine Independence Day Organizing Council of Calgary-Sulong Kalayaan Society (PIOCC­ SKS) at Max's Restaurant in Northeast Calgary. The next day, PIOCC-SKS also spearheaded the Filipino community's Independence Day celebrations in Calgary's Prairie Winds Park.

 

In the afternoon of 10 June 2018, rain, wind and cold weather did not stop the Filipino Airdrie Association from organizing a parade and community celebration at Nose Creek Regional Park in Airdrie, Calgary.

At noon of 12 June 2018, a Philippine Flag Raising Ceremony was held at the Calgary Municipal Building, upon the initiative of PIOCC-SKS. Consul General Asuque again congratulated the Filipino community leaders for their successful project to convince the Provincial Government to issue the Proclamation declaring June of each year as Philippine Heritage Month. He rallied the Filipino organizations to unite and contribute their time and resources to develop the activities and programs for the first and historical celebration of Philippine Heritage Month in June 2019.  This event will be the opportunity for Filipino-Canadians to show their valuable contribution to the social and cultural mosaic of Alberta, Consul General Asuque said.

Consul General Asuque leading the raising of Philippine flag at the Calgary Municipal Building on 12 June 2018.

Some local government officials of Calgary and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta graced the abovementioned celebrations to express their solidary and support for the Filipino-Canadian community.