PH Consul General, Edmonton Mayor Discuss PH-Edmonton Cooperation
Consul General Gilberto G.B. Asuque (left) discusses with Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson (right) the Filipino Community in Edmonton, Alberta, and possible cooperation between the Philippines and Edmonton on various areas including smart city development. (Calgary PCG photo)
CALGARY 12 September 2018 – Philippine Consul General to Calgary Gilberto G.B. Asuque paid a courtesy call on Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson to discuss the services of the Consulate General for Filipinos, Filipino-Canadians and other clients on 06 September 2018.
Consul General Asuque informed Mayor Iveson about the big Filipino population in Edmonton and Alberta, the establishment of the Consulate General in 2016, and the recent Philippine Heritage Month declaration by the Provincial Government of Alberta.
The Consul General also shared with the Mayor the ongoing discussion in ASEAN about the establishment of an ASEAN Smart City Network (ASCN), which will be participated by the cities of Manila, Cebu and Davao. He expressed the Philippines’ interest to learn from the best practices of Edmonton as a smart city, and informed the Mayor that Canada is one of ASEAN’s dialogue partners.
Mayor Iveson described the Filipinos in Edmonton as extraordinary not just in terms of population, but on how they organize the community and how they give back to the community. He acknowledged the growing Filipino entrepreneurship in his city and also welcomed the Philippine Heritage Month declaration.
According to the Mayor, Asia offers opportunities for trade, investment and tourism for Canada. He said he was very interested in the opportunities in ASEAN, especially in the areas of smart city, innovation and technology.
Mayor Iveson assumed office on 29 October 2013. He served as a member of the Edmonton City Council for two terms from 2007 to 2013 before becoming the 35th Mayor of Edmonton. END
For more information, visit www.calgarypcg.dfa.gov.ph.