Filipinos Mark PH Independence Day, Filipino Heritage Month in Greater Toronto Area
Deputy Consul General Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez and Federation of Filipino-Canadians in Ontario Chair Monina Serrano flank Mr. Zachary Nixon, who represented Member of Parliament Bill Blair. (Toronto PCG photo)
TORONTO 25 June 2018 — The week surrounding 12 June was a busy week for the Filipino-Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area, as they celebrated the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence with a series of activities.
The Philippine flag was proudly hoisted in Mel Lastman Square of the North York Civic Centre, Provincial Parliament on 12 June, and in the following key cities in the Greater Toronto Area: Toronto, Vaughan, Brampton, Markham and Hamilton.
The 120th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence also coincided with the celebration of the first Filipino Heritage Month, following a proclamation the Toronto City Council last 08 November 2017.
Local officials, including Toronto Mayor John Tory, Councillor James Pasternak and Councillor Nathan Shan, joined the celebration with the Filipino-Canadian community.
In their remarks, they acknowledged the important contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community to the economic development of Canada and their role in further enriching Canada’s cultural mosaic. The messages of the officials carried a common theme: they cited the shared values of freedom, democracy and the importance of family that binds the Philippines and Canada.
During the flag-raising at North York Civic Center, Consul General Rosalita S. Prospero thanked the Canadian officials for their continued support and assistance to the Filipino community in Toronto.
After the flag-raising ceremony at the Mel Lastman Square, the Consulate General hosted a brunch dubbed “Pambansang Almusalan” at the premises of the Consulate General for the leaders of the Filipino and Filipino-Canadian organizations, officers of settlement agencies, and members of the Filipino-Canadian media organizations.
Messages from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III were read by the Officers of the Consulate General.
The event was also a celebration of world-class Filipino talent. A quartet of former members of the Opera Chorus of the Philippines serenaded the audience with three songs in Filipino: “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Kalesa,” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal.” An encore performance featuring the song, “Maaala Mo Kaya,” was also played by popular demand. A brunch of traditional Filipino breakfast fare capped the morning’s activities.
Meanwhile, Deputy Consul General Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez led the flag-raising ceremony at the Grounds of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Queen’s Park.
Organized by the Federation of Filipino-Canadians in Ontario, the event was attended by Councillor Nathan Shan and Councillor Jim Kerrigianis. Member of Parliament Bill Blair was represented by Mr. Zachary Nixon. END
For more information, visit www.torontopcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.philcongen-toronto.com
or https://www.facebook.com/PHinToronto
(Clockwise from top): Consul General Rosalita S. Prospero reads the message of the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Deputy Consul General Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez reads the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano. Officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and attached agencies pose for a souvenir photo, while members of the Opera Chorus of the Philippines render Filipino classics. (Toronto PCG photo)