Consul General Joins Celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day in Calgary

Consul General to Calgary Gilberto Asuque delivers his remarks at the Multicultural Fiesta organized by the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. (Calgary PCG photo)

CALGARY 08 July 2019 – Consul General to Calgary Gilberto Asuque joins various ethnic groups in their celebration of the Canadian Multiculturalism Day stressing the valuable contributions of the Filipino community in Alberta to the country-wide program to promote mutual understanding and respect among peoples of all background.

Consul General Asuque spoke at the Multicultural Fiesta held on 27 June 2019 at the Marlborough Park Community Centre and organized by the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), a non-profit organization which provides settlement and integration services to all immigrants and refugees in Southern Alberta. 

Cultural groups from various countries in Asia, Middle East,  Latin America and Africa performed during the multicultural event as part of the celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day.  The Philippines came with the largest participants with the gentlemen in barong Tagalog and the ladies in Filipiniana dress.  The other cultural groups came in their national dress or costume.

In his remarks, Consul General Asuque stressed the importance of multiculturalism, diversity and inclusiveness in the society and the significant role of all ethnic groups in building vibrant and prosperous communities in Canada.  He congratulated the Philippine participants for sharing the Filipino culture through songs and dances during the multicultural fiesta, as he noted that June of each year is celebrated as Philippine Heritage Month in Alberta and all over Canada in recognition of the significant contributions of Filipino-Canadians to the social, economic, cultural and historical richness of the Province.  

Multiculturalism Day is observed every 27 June and is part of a week-long celebration of events culminating in Canada Day on 01 July.  It is intended to encourage individuals to reflect on their shared commitment to democracy, equality and mutual respect.

Consul General Asuque later attended the Canadian Multiculturalism Day Forum organized by the Asian Heritage Foundation.  The forum is part of the efforts to ensure equitable participation of all Canadians in the continuing evolution and shaping of all aspects of Canadian society and assist in the elimination of any barriers to that participation. The Forum was also attended by the Consul General of China and the Consul of the Japanese Consulate General in Calgary.  The Philippines, Japan and China are the Asian consular missions among the nine permanent Consulates General in Alberta.

The speakers at the forum were Tribunals of the Alberta Human Rights Commission and Chief of Commission Michael Gottheil, Calgary Arts Development President and Chief Executive Officer Patti Pon, and University of Lethbridge Indigenous Student Affairs Director and Instructor, Canadian Race Relations Foundation Board member and Alberta Anti-Racism Council member Roy Pogorzelski.

Filipino community leaders Action Dignity executive director Marichu Antonio, and Cesar Cala also attended the Forum and dialogue on multiculturalism. END

The gentlemen in barong Tagalog and the ladies in Filipiniana attire during the Multicultural Fiesta. (Calgary PCG photo)

Consul General Asuque (second from left) with the guests and speakers at the Canadian Multicultural Day Forum, namely (from left) Asian Heritage Foundation’s Teresa Woo-Paw, Roy Pogorzelski, Consul General of China Madame LU Xu, Patti Pon, Michael Gottheil, and representatives of the provincial government and the Consulate General of Japan. (Calgary PCG photo)

Action Dignity executive director Marichu Antonio (left) of and Cesar Cala (right) with FOCUS on Senior founder Rossbina Nathoo (second from right), join Consul General Asuque (center) and guest at the Canadian Multiculturalism Day Forum held in Calgary. (Calagary OCG photo)

For more information, visit https://www.calgarypcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinCalgary/.