18 September 2017 – Consul General Julius D. Torres attended the Fiesta of Peñafrancia celebration of the United Bicolanos of Alberta (Edmonton) and the 35th Gala Night of the VisMin Club of Edmonton on 16 September 2017, representing the Consulate at those important community events.

The United Bicolanos of Alberta (Edmonton) commemorated the Fiesta of Peñafrancia with a pageant featuring Bicolana leaders in Edmonton, with prominent Filipino community leader Eloisa Lau named as “Queen of Bicol”.  Aside from Consul General Torres, former federal Minister of Employment and Social Development Jason Kenney was also Guest of Honor at the celebration.

In his remarks, the Consul General congratulated the organizers for their successful event and commended them for their continued promotion of Filipino culture and heritage.  He also encouraged the attendees to look beyond their local circles and take a more active political role in the wider community.  He noted that Filipinos are the largest group of immigrants coming into Canada, with Alberta receiving the highest percentage, and said that such a large number of Filipinos have the potential to influence government policies.

Consul General Torres also attended the 35th Gala Night of the VisMin Club of Edmonton and was accompanied at that event by Philippine Honorary Consul General in Edmonton Esmeralda Agbulos.  The Consul General also commended the Club members for undertaking numerous service projects and repeated his call for more Filipino community involvement in the wider community.