19 June 2012- The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto participated in various events organized by the Filipino community in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and other parts of the province of Ontario, Canada, to commemorate the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Since the first week of June, the Philippine flag was raised and waved, the Lupang Hinirang sung with fervor and Philippine heritage and culture showcased in all provinces under the Consulate's jurisdiction by the vibrant Filipino communities.
The major independence-day related events included the following:
- "Proudly Pinoy" organized by the Jean Vanier Catholic School/Toronto Catholic District School Board last June 2;
- Freedom Ball Reception of the Federation of Filipino Canadians of Brampton last June 2;
- Philippine Independence Day at the City of Vaughn by the Philippine Heritage Band and Scarborough Ontario Senior Association, with the presence of Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua last June 3;
- Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Center by the Philippine Canadian charitable Foundation (PCCF) last June 9;
- "Pistahan sa Toronto" at the Toronto City Hall by the Filipino Centre last June 9;
- Filipino-Canadian Association of London District's Annual Philippine Heritage Celebration last June 10;
- Independence Celebration Gala Night in Hamilton by the Filcom umbrella group Hamilton Filipino Community Centre last June 10;
- Flag-raising.Independence Day celebration at the Markham Civic Center by the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians, with the presence of Mayor Frank Scarpitti last June 10;
- Filipino Fiesta by the Federation of Filipino Canadian of Brampton last June 10;
- Philippine Day luncheon at hosted by the Filipino-Canadian employees of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto last June 12;
- Independence Day at the Brampton City Hall by the Brampton Filipino Seniors Club last June 12;
- Flag-raising Day at the City Hall in Barrie by the Filipino-Canadian Association of Barrie last June 12;
- Gala Night Celebration of Philippine Independence by the Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Organization in Mississauga last June 16;
- Wreath-laying Ceremony at Earl Bales Park, Toronto, by the Knights of Rizal on June 19; and
- Miss Maria Clara Coronation 2012 by the Kababaihang Rizalista Inc., Toronto Chapter on June 22.
Two of the highlight events in Toronto were the flag-raising program at the Toronto City Hall and in the Queen's Park Legislative Building last June 12, which were attended by officers and staff of the Consulate and Filipino community leaders and members.
Also in attendance were Canadian federal, provincial and city officials including Councillor Pam McConnel of Toronto Centre-Rosedale; Inspector Doug Quan, Acting Staff of the Toronto Police Service; Speaker of the House Dave Levac of the Liberal Party; Charles Sousa, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration; Margaret Best, Minister of Consumer Services; Brad Duguid, Minister for Economic Development and Innovation; Glan Murray, Minister of Training Colleges and Universities; Kathleen Wynn, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs; and Mr. Dipika Damerla, Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure.
The message of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty was presented to Philippine Consul General to Toronto Junever Mahilum-West.
Premier McGuinty conveyed his warm felicitations to the Filipino nation and the Filipino community in Canada. He paid tribute to the Filipinos in Canada for "making their mark in every field and in every part of the globe. The Filipino community has contributed so much to the strong and vibrant multicultural fabric of Canadian society. Filipinos who have chosen Canada as their new home bring with them their solid family ties, their remarkable work ethic and a unique culture that bridges East and West."
The complete text of the Premier's message may be downloaded from the Philippine Consulate General's website at www.philcongen-toronto.com.
All the officers and staff of the Consulate, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and members of the Filipino-Canadian community and associations added a distinctive Philippine color to the Independence Day fiestas in Toronto in their Filipiniana finery.
