Filipino Community in Saskatoon Celebrates Independence Day 2017
The Filipino community in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan raises the Philippine flag at the Civic Plaza of the Saskatoon City Hall on June 10 to open the community celebrations of Philippine Independence Day 2017.
15 June 2017 CALGARY – The Filipino community in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan celebrated the 119th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence with several activities held on June 10 and 11, organized by the Filipino Canadian Association of Saskatoon (FILCAS) and participated in by Consul Eric R. Aquino.
The celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony held at the Civic Plaza of the City Hall. Consul Aquino conveyed the greetings of Consul General Julius A. Torres, who was overseeing the Consulate’s Independence Day commemorations in Calgary, and read the independence day message of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Mayor Charlie Clark, and Member of the Saskatoon Legislative Assembly (MLA) Eric Olauson spoke at the ceremony. Mayor Clark announced that June 10 to 17 would be observed as Philippine Independence Week and that the Philippine flag would remain on the city’s flagpole for the rest of June. The Filipino community was commended for being productive citizens of the city. MLA Olauson noted that in the last few years, Filipinos have become the largest group of immigrants into Saskatchewan and that he looks forward to continue working with the Filipino community for greater development of the province.
FILCAS hosted a gala at the Travelodge Saskatoon which featured the awarding of the first “Most Outstanding Pinoy in Saskatoon 2017.” FILCAS accepted nominations for the award, and chose the awardee based on his or her positive impact on the community and the city, spirit of volunteerism and community service. This year’s award was presented to Mr. Michael San Diego, a leader in the province’s non-profit housing industry and appointed Commissioner at the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission in December 2016.
The Saskatoon Philippine independence day celebration also included a children’s fun day held at the Dundonald School on June 11, where Filipino families gathered for a potluck luncheon and children participated in traditional Filipino games such as the pabitin.
For more information, visit www.calgarypcg.dfa.gov.ph. END
Mr. Michael San Diego (center) accepts the “Most Outstanding Pinoy in Saskatoon” award from FILCAS President Marte Nogot (L) and Consul Aquino at the gala night organized by FILCAS at the Travelodge Saskatoon on 10 June 2017.