PH Consulate General in Calgary Launches Filipinos in Alberta: Migration, Communities and Challenges
Philippine Consul General to Calgary Emma R. Sarne presented Minister Muhammad Yaseen of the Ministry of Immigration and Multiculturalism with a copy of the Filipinos in Alberta Book.
CALGARY 23 December 2024 – Continuing its celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines and Canada Diplomatic Relations in December 2024, the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary formally launched the book FILIPINOS IN ALBERTA: MIGRATION, COMMUNITIES AND CHALLENGES by the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, in collaboration with Dr. Glenda Tibe-Bonfacio on 17 December 2024 at Dr. Jose Rizal Hall, Philippine Consulate General, Calgary.
The book, Filipinos in Alberta, chronicles the Filipino migration narrative within the province of Alberta, Canada. Spanning from the 1960s to the present day, the book intertwines academic discourse with personal accounts, offering profound insights into the Filipino experience in Alberta. This publication not only aims to enrich scholarly understanding but also serves as a crucial contribution to the broader migration story of Filipinos across Canada. This project was spearheaded and conceptualized by former Consul General Zaldy B. Patron in 2020.
Invited guests during the event were Hon. Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism in Alberta, Dr. Glenda Tibe-Bonifacio, Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities, Lakehead University, who co-authored the Filipinos in Alberta, Mr. Benjamin Ang, President of Solid Industries and Machine Shop Ltd., who was featured in the 75 Faces of Migration, book contributors, as well as Filipino Community Leaders based in Alberta.
In her remarks, Consul General Emma R. Sarne stated that the launch of Filipinos in Alberta is both a celebration and reckoning. “It is a reflection of a community that has helped shape a province, and in turn then shaped by it. This book is not simply a compilation of stories, it is a monument of journeys undertaken, sacrifices endured, and triumphs hard won. It is fitting that this project was spearheaded by former Consul General Zaldy Patron, my predecessor, whose vision recognized the need to document these experiences and share that the contributions of Filipino-Albertans are not just remembered but honored,” Consul General Sarne added.
Minister Muhammad Yaseen emphasized that the book Filipinos in Alberta not only highlights the challenges and triumphs of Alberta’s Filipino community but also reinforces the resilience and determination that define their contributions. Most importantly, it enriches the broader narrative of Alberta’s multicultural identity and the migration story of Canada as a whole. “The values of hard work, family, and community that define Filipino culture have strengthened Alberta, making it a more inclusive and prosperous place for everyone,” Minister Yaseen said.
Deputy Consul General Victorio M. Dimagiba Jr. also introduced the special publication entitled Filipinos in the Field : 75 Faces of Migration, spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, and the Philippine Consulates in Calgary, Toronto &, Vancouver which featured 75 Filipinos, Filipino-Canadians, and Canadians of Filipino descent who excelled across diverse fields and made invaluable contributions to different sectors of Canadian society. Fifteen (15) of the 75 Faces were from the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan selected for their inspiring contributions and leadership in their various fields of expertise.
The Filipinos in Alberta book is also currently available for download as an e-book at the website of the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary at bit.ly/FilipinosAB
The 75th anniversary, with the theme, "Building Bridges, Celebrating Connections", encapsulates the dynamic and forward-looking diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Philippines and Canada are again embarking on new pathways for collaboration such as in defense, agriculture and food security, energy, development cooperation, cybersecurity, among others. At the same time, the two countries continue to celebrate milestones and enjoy robust people to people relations. END
Consul General Emma R. Sarne presented a copy of the Filipinos in Alberta and 75 Faces of Migration to Dr. Glenda Tibe Bonifacio (left) and Mr. Benjamin Ang (right).
The event was attended by Minister Yaseen, book contributors and Filipino community leaders based in Alberta.
Deputy Consul General Victorio M. Dimagiba Jr. introduced the special publication Filipinos in the Field: 75 Faces of Migration
For more information, visit https://www.calgarypcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinCalgary/.