23 December 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver celebrated the 2015 International Migrants Day and December as Month of Overseas Filipinos on December 18. 

Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, in his welcome remarks, underlined the strong groundwork of the Filipino diaspora in shaping the Philippines’ image and standing in global affairs, paying tribute to the Filipino migrants for their significant role as partners in the country’s collective efforts towards achieving the goals of national growth and local development. 

Celebrating December as Month of Overseas Filipinos, Consul General Ferrer also highlighted the month of December, in the Philippines, as the period when the whole nation commemorates the hard work and sacrifices, achievements and positive contributions of the more than 10 million overseas Filipinos worldwide.

To commemorate the two events, the Consulate General recognized the contributions of successful overseas-based Filipinos, particularly in British Columbia, in the field of arts and visual media, with an art exhibit at the Consulate’s public area. The opening ceremony of the exhibit displaying the artworks of Danvic Briones, Tessie Dichupa, Esmie Gayo Mclaren, Edgardo Lantin, Lenore RS Lim, and Art Zamora was held on the same date. The exhibit, which is part of the Consulate General’s cultural diplomacy program, will run for the next six months. END