PH Consulate General in Toronto Commemorates the 124th Philippine Independence Day with Flag Raising Ceremonies at the Toronto City Hall, Brampton City Hall
Clockwise from left: Consul General Orontes V. Castro delivers his remarks during the Flag Raising Ceremonies at the Nathan Philips Square, Toronto City Hall on 12 June 2022. In his remarks, CG Castro conveyed appreciation for the support of the local government to the Filipino community; (L-R) Councilor James Pasternak, Toronto Mayor John Tory and Consul General Orontes V. Castro in front of the hoisted Philippine flag, surrounded by the IPEN and OFWC beauty title holders; City of Toronto Mayor John Tory delivering his remarks where he acknowledged the important contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community to Toronto, especially during the height of the pandemic and requested the continued warmth and support of the Filipino community in the future development Toronto ; Councilor James Pasternak, Consul General Orontes V. Castro and Toronto Mayor John Tory with members of the Filipino Community; Consul General Orontes V. Castro receiving a Proclamation from City of Toronto Mayor John Tory recognizing the outstanding contributions of the Filipino community to the City of Toronto. (Photos from Toronto PCG)
TORONTO 16 June 2022 – On the occasion of the 124th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, and in celebration of the National Flag Week and the Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto and the Philippine Independence Day Flag Raising Committee held a Flag Raising Ceremony at the Nathan Philips Square in front of the historic Toronto City Hall on 12 June 2022.
The event, led by Consul General Orontes V. Castro and City of Toronto Mayor John Tory, was attended by local government officials, including Councilor James Pasternak and Toronto Medical Officer of Health Eileen Patricia De Villa, who all gave their support and joined in the celebration with the Filipino-Canadian community. Also present were officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General and its attached agencies, members of the Filipino community, officers and members of the Ontario Filipino Women’s Club, Cavitenos of Canada, National Congress of Filipino Canadian Associations, Philippine Independence Day Council, Knights of Rizal, Kababaihang Rizalista, Muslim Filipino Association of Canada, Partido Federal Party, and IPEN and OFWC Beauties.
Consul General Orontes V. Castro also presented Mayor John Tory with the Quincentennial Award for his continued support to the Filipino community.
A Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show, sponsored by the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF), was later held in Albert Campbell Square, Scarborough, Toronto where Consul General Castro Mayor Tory were the guests of honor. The Fiesta is traditionally held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre by the PCCF to raise funds to support indigents in the Philippines and Canada. Due to the pandemic, the event was held virtually for more than two years. This year, the event was held outdoors and offered free to the general public.
A flag-raising was also held at the City Hall of Brampton in the afternoon of 12 June where Consul General Castro was joined City of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Regional Councilor Rowena Santos, Regional Councilor Paul Vicente, Councilor Jeff Bowman, and the Filipino community in raising the Philippine flag at the Brampton City Hall.
In his remarks, Mayor Brown thanked the Filipinos for their positive and significant contributions to the development of the City of Brampton. He then presented Consul General Castro with a Proclamation recognizing “Filipino Canadians have contributed tremendously to the socio-economic fabric of Brampton.”
For more information, visit https://www.torontopcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philcongen-toronto.com, https://www.facebook.com/PHinToronto/ or https://twitter.com/PHinToronto. END
Consul General Orontes V. Castro and City of Toronto Mayor John Tory were the guests of honor during the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show on 12 June 2022 sponsored by the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation led by its President, Ms. Rosemer Enverga. Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson and recently re-elected Member of Provincial Parliament Aris Babikian (riding of Scarborough-Agincourt) were the other dignitaries invited to the event. The Pinoy Fiesta is a celebration of Philippine arts and culture, Filipino Heritage Month and the Philippine Independence Day. The event featured non-stop entertainment and it showcased Filipino food, art and culture. (Photos from Toronto PCG)
Clockwise from left: Consul General Orontes V. Castro(2nd fr R) joined Mr. Expedito Lim, President of Brampton Filipino Seniors Club, and Mr. Delfin Palileo, Chapter Commander of Knights of Rizal-Brampton, in placing a wreath at the Ontario War Memorial before the start of the flag raising at Brampton City Hall on 12 June 2022; Consul General Orontes V. Castro ( 2nd from L) and Brampton City Mayor Patrick Brown (2nd fr R) were joined by Regional Councilor Rowena Santos and Councilor Jeff Bowman in raising the Philippine flag at the Brampton City Hall; City of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown (R ) Filipino Canadian Regional Councilor Rowena Santos (center) and Consul General Orontes V. Castro, delivering their respective speeches. (Photos from Toronto PCG)
Top photos: Consul General Orontes V. Castro presented the Quincentennial Award to Regional Councilor Rowena Santos and City of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown for their invaluable service to the Filipino community; Bottom photos: Consul General Orontes V. Castro and Mayor Brown led the flag raising with the Filipino community at the Brampton City Hall. (Photos from Toronto PCG)