4 July 2012 - In an unprecedented recognition of the growing impact of Filipinos immigrants and temporary workers on the Canadian economy, Canadian government officials took turns in honoring Philippine Independence Day on June 12 in Ottawa.
Some 50 members of the Senate and House of Commons honored the occasion with their presence.
His Worship, Mayor Jim Watson, set off Independence Day celebrations in the Canadian capital with a flag-raising ceremony at the Ottawa City Hall, followed by the declaration of Philippine Heritage Week from June 12 to 19.
Noting that Filipino-Canadians have been celebrating Philippine Independence Day in Canada since 1967, the Mayor's Declaration "urges all citizens to join with members of the Filipino community as they celebrate their vibrant heritage."
Following the city hall ceremony, the Philippine flag was unfurled at Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Headquarters during Philippine Flag Day ceremonies presided by Vice Mayor Eli El-Chantiry, Chair of the Police Service Board (PSB).
The OPS program commenced with a stirring rendition of the national anthems of the host country and of the Philippines by Ms. Lovely Andalay as the Philippine flag was unfurled.
Speeches delivered by Mr. El-Chantiry and Deputy Chief Ralph Erfle explained the importance of exposing the city's police force to vibrant Filipino traditions in order to nurture Canada's multicultural mosaic.
Philippine Ambassador to Canada and Mrs. Leslie B. Gatan as well as Ms. Sonia del Rosario, president of the Philippine Independence Committee in the Ottawa Valley (PICOV), led the Filipino community at the city hall rites.
Remarks given by Ms. del Rosario, and Ambassador Gatan honored the heroes of the Philippine Revolution and traced the rise of Asia's first Republic.
The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa also mounted an exhibit of portraits of common Filipino folk and staged a demonstration of Filipino martial arts by Siling Labuyo Arnis of Canada.
In her exhibit of selected "Philippine Portraits", Canadian photojournalist Liza Linklater illustrated her deep respect for the Filipino people and the Philippines.
"The thing that is so very special about the Philippines is its welcoming, friendly, creative, forgiving, kind and resilient people. The Philippines is so much more than the view presented by the world press. Every day these hard-working people get up to support their families. It is these daily occupations and the dignity and pride that attach to even the humblest of tasks that I have tried to capture in my photographs," Ms. Linklater pointed out.
Across party lines, Members of Parliament rose to speak in the House of Commons to salute Philippine Independence.
Mr. Joe Daniel (MP, Don Valley East - Conservative) cited the great contributions of Filipinos in building Canada and in enhancing the lives of the nation's aging population.
Mr. Bob Dechert (MP, Erindale - Conservative) noted that bilateral relations were continuously strengthened by the over half a million Canadians with Filipino roots.
Mr. Andrew Saxton (MP, North Vancouver - Conservative) enjoined his colleagues to celebrate the many contributions the Filipino community makes to Canada.
Mr. Don Davies (MP, Vancouver Kingsway - NDP) declared that Filipino "labour, professional and business activities, deep contributions of culture, and renowned love of life are all making Canada a richer place for everyone."
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (MP, Winnipeg North - Liberal) praised Filipinos for their hard work, strong moral values, kindness and generosity.
Capping the June 12 celebration was the unprecedented reception hosted by the co-chairs of Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group, Messrs. Don Davies and Kevin Lamoureux.
They conveyed the message that, beyond immigration, the Philippines offers many trade and other opportunities that would reinforce bilateral relations.
On behalf of the Canadian Government, the Honorable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, extolled Filipinos for changing Canada for the better and thanked them for contributing to every area of Canadian life. He also presented to Ambassador Gatan a framed greeting from The Right Honorable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.
Also among those who joined the celebration of Philippine Independence were Thomas Mulcair, leader of the Official Opposition and Leader of Canada's New Democrats, who spoke of the attachment of Filipinos to Canadian values and of the depth of Philippines-Canada friendship.
The Honorable Jim Karygiannis (MP, Scarborough Agincourt - Liberal) paid tribute to Canadians of Philippine heritage who helped foster Canada's identity as a proud multicultural nation that embraces a wide variety of cultures.
