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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL - CALGARY
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Calgary PCG Formally Launched the Book FILIPINOS IN ALBERTA : MIGRATION, COMMUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Home Press Release
17 December 2024 – Continuing its celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines
and Canada Diplomatic Relations in December 2024, the Philippine Consulate General
Calgary formally launched the book FILIPINOS IN ALBERTA : MIGRATION,
COMMUNITIES AND CHALLENGES by the Philippine Consulate General in
Calgary, in collaboration with Dr. Glenda Tibe-Bonfacio on 17 December 2024 at Dr.
Jose Rizal Hall, Philippine Consulate General, Calgary.
The book, Filipinos in Alberta, chronicles the Filipino migration narrative within the
province of Alberta, Canada. Spanning from the 1960s to the present day, the book
intertwines academic discourse with personal accounts, offering profound insights into
the Filipino experience in Alberta. This publication not only aims to enrich scholarly
understanding but also serves as a crucial contribution to the broader migration story of
Filipinos across Canada. This project was spearheaded and conceptualized by former
Consul General Zaldy B. Patron in 2020.
Invited guests during the event were Hon. Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration
and Multiculturalism in Alberta, Dr. Glenda Tibe-Bonifacio, Dean of Social Sciences and
Humanities, Lakehead University, who co-authored the Filipinos in Alberta, Mr.
Benjamin Ang, President of Solid Industries and Machine Shop Ltd., who was featured
in the 75 Faces of Migration, book contributors, as well as Filipino Community Leaders
based in Alberta.
In her remarks, Consul General Emma R. Sarne stated that the launch of Filipinos in
Alberta is both a celebration and reckoning. “It is a reflection of a community that has
helped shape a province, and in turn then shaped by it. This book is not simply a
compilation of stories, it is a monument of journeys undertaken, sacrifices endured, and
triumphs hard won. It is fitting that this project was spearheaded by former Consul
General Zaldy Patron, my predecessor, whose vision recognized the need to document
these experiences and share that the contributions of Filipino-Albertans are not just
remembered but honored,” Consul General Sarne added.
Minister Muhammad Yaseen emphasized that the book Filipinos in Alberta not only
highlights the challenges and triumphs of Alberta’s Filipino community but also
reinforces the resilience and determination that define their contributions. Most
importantly, it enriches the broader narrative of Alberta’s multicultural identity and the
migration story of Canada as a whole. “The values of hard work, family, and community
that define Filipino culture have strengthened Alberta, making it a more inclusive and
prosperous place for everyone,” Minister Yaseen said.
Deputy Consul General Victorio M. Dimagiba Jr. also introduced the special publication
entitled Filipinos in the Field : 75 Faces of Migration, spearheaded by the Philippine
Embassy in Ottawa, and the Philippine Consulates in Calgary, Toronto &, Vancouver
which featured 75 Filipinos, Filipino-Canadians, and Canadians of Filipino descent who
excelled across diverse fields and made invaluable contributions to different sectors of
Canadian society. Fifteen (15) of the 75 Faces were from the provinces of Alberta and
Saskatchewan selected for their inspiring contributions and leadership in their various
fields of expertise.


Consul General Emma R. Sarne presented a copy of the Filipinos in Alberta and 75 Faces of Migration to Dr. Glenda

Tibe Bonifacio (left) and Mr. Benjamin Ang (right)



The event was attended by Minister Yaseen, book contributors and Filipino community leaders based in Alberta



Deputy Consul General Victorio M. Dimagiba Jr. introduced the special publication Filipinos in the Field : 75 Faces of

Migration



The Filipinos in Alberta book is also currently available for download as an e-book at the

website of the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary at bit.ly/FilipinosAB

The 75th anniversary, with the theme, "Building Bridges, Celebrating Connections",

encapsulates the dynamic and forward-looking diplomatic relations between the two

countries. The Philippines and Canada are again embarking on new pathways for

collaboration such as in defense, agriculture and food security, energy, development

cooperation, cybersecurity, among others. At the same time, the two countries continue

to celebrate milestones and enjoy robust people to people relations.