Philippine Consulate Independence Day Celebrations

Philippine Consulate Independence Day Celebrations

By Michelle Chermaine Ramos
The Philippine Reporter

Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.

The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto started the triple celebration of the 123rd Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, the third Filipino Heritage Month in Toronto and the Quincentennial Commemoration of the Philippines with a flag raising ceremony on June 11, 2021, at the Main Office of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. The rest of the festivities continued online on June 12 through a livestream event with messages from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Filipino and Canadian government officials and community leaders. Messages this year addressed the Filipino diaspora’s contribution in the fight against COVID-19 and the need to unite to raise awareness to end anti-Asian racism.

Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs, praised the Filipino diaspora for helping keep the global healthcare systems and infrastructures essential for commerce and trade afloat. “Our healthcare workers are our best and most credible ambassadors of goodwill beside whom even diplomats pale. They don’t just avow saving lives, they do it. The Filipinos’ dominant global helping presence singlehandedly vindicated our push for receiving countries to adopt the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration,” he said. “I was there in the United Nations when some countries expressed reservations over the global compact. Many of these countries now see the Filipino as essential to their recovery. They cannot heal without you. The global Filipino has redefined to a higher level what it means to be an essential worker.”

Rodolfo D. Robles, Philippine Ambassador to Canada, emphasized the community’s ongoing responsibility to teach the Filipino youth to understand and appreciate our vibrant heritage and to combat the anti-Asian racism which surged during the pandemic. “I enjoin all Filipinos to join the Asian community across Canada in standing up against the unreasonable hate or racism against Asian-Canadians including Filipino-Canadians. Let us all watch out for each other and work with the overwhelming majority of Canadians who do not tolerate racism in whatever form,” he said.

Consul General Orontes V. Castro’s message focused on the need to see the light in a long stretch of darkness. “When we focus on all the goodness born despite and more so because of this pandemic, this meaning(ful) month and this day truly become a joyful celebration for all of us,” he said. “These historic acts recognizing the contributions of Filipinos in the economy as well as in enriching the diversity and social fabric of the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba and Canada as a whole is indeed an inspiration for the Filipino Canadian community especially for the healthcare and essential workers including Filipino frontliners who have selflessly offered their lives to be able to care and save lives during these challenging times.”
Toronto Mayor John Tory expressed his gratitude to the community and Filipino frontliners.

“Generosity, selflessness, resiliency…these are hallmarks of our Filipino community you’ve heard me say before alongside family where you do such a great job of showing leadership in how to be good parents and good people and good families. Faith is something that’s a hallmark of the community as well and of course I can’t leave food out of that and all of that is exhibited vividly every single day. I am so looking forward to the day when we can celebrate together again.” He also added, “and I do continue to make the promise that when these events are back on, I will eat the balut next year. I promise that I’d do it and it will happen.

His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins said that while the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines is significant to Filipinos, it is also a cause for great celebration for the Archdiocese of Toronto. He said, “The way in which we have advanced as a community of Christians is very very much influenced by the example of people who have come to this country from the Philippines from the Catholic community who have so wonderfully led us in the experience of faith and have proclaimed it in a wider community.”

The livestream ended with recessional musical numbers by mezzo-soprano Renee Fajardo and pianist Ron Michael Adea.

QUINCENTENNIAL AWARDS
In recognition of their exemplary leadership and inspiration, enduring friendship, and invaluable, consistent and full support to the Filipino community and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto on the occasion of the celebration of the 123rd Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Filipino Heritage Month and the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, OC, Oont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
The Honourable Janice C. Filmon, C.M., O.M., Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
The Honourable Douglas Robert Ford, Premier of Ontario
The Honourable Brian Pallister, Premier of Manitoba
The Honourable John Tory, Mayor of Toronto
The Honourable Marco Mendicino, MP Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
The Honourable Deborah Schulte, MP, Minister of Seniors
The Honourable Salma Zahid, MP for Scarborough Centre
The Honourable Monte Gary McNaughton, MP, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Cathy Cox, MLA, Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage
The Honourable Doly Begum, MPP for Scarborough-Southwest
The Honourable Jon Reyes, MLA of Manitoba for Waverley
The Honourable Malaya Marcelino, MLA for Notre Dame
The Honourable John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Regional Municipality of Durham,
The Honourable Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton
The Honourable Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener
The Honourable Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham
The Honourable Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga
The Honourable Dan Carter, Mayor of Oshawa
The Honourable David Ryan, Mayor of Pickering
The Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan
The Honourable Brian Bowman, Mayor of Winnipeg
The Honourable Justice Steve A. Coroza, Court of Appeal of Ontario
Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health of Toronto Public Health
Ms. Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Brampton City Council
Mr. James Pasternak, Councillor, City of Toronto
Ms. Lisa Bower, Councillor, Ajax Town Municipal Council
Mr. Joseph Martino, Chair, Board of Trustees, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Ms. Sharon Hobin, Chair, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Ms. Luz del Rosario, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Dr. Brendan Browne, Director of Education, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Ms. Marianne Mazzorato, Director of Education, Dufferin -Peel Catholic District School Board
Mr. Markus de Domenico, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Ms. Ida Li Preti, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Ms. Teresa Lubinski, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Ms. Maria Rizzo, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Mr. Frank D’Amico, CD, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Mr, Michael Del Grande, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Mr. Garry Tanuan, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Mr. Norm Di Pasquale, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Mr. Daniel Di Giorgio, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Ms. Angela Kennedy, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Ms. Nancy Crawford, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Mr. Keith Baybayon, Student Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Ms. Kathy Nguyen, Student Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Mr. Darryl Brian D’Souza, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Mr. Mario Pascucci, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Mr. Shawn Xaviour, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Mr. Frank Di Cosola, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Mr. Thomas Thomas, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Mr. Bruno Iannicca, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Ms. Anna da Silva, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Ms. Brea Corbet, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Mr. Stefano Pascucci, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Mr. Alejandro Garcia Polo, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Ms. Heather Fernandes, Trustee, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

INTERFAITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS
His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto
His Grace, Most Reverend Albert LeGatt, Archbishop of St. Boniface, Winnipeg, Manitoba District School Board
Rabbi David Seed, President, Toronto Board of Rabbis
Very Reverend Archpriest Sergey Rasskazovsky, Rector, Parish Council President, Russian Orthodox Church Patriarchal Representation in Toronto
Reverend Father Lorenzo Salandanan, Pastor, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Archdiocese of Toronto
Reverend Nicanor M. Gonzales, Director, International Operations, Jesus is Lord (JIL), Americas 1
Reverend Monsignor Enrique M. Samson, Jr., St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Reverend Dr. David Hearn, President, The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada
Reverend Orlando G. Olano, Christian Minister, The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada

POSTHUMOUS
The Honourable Tobias C. Enverga, Jr. Senator, Senate of Canada
Sir Alex Chiu Former Councillor, City of Markham
Mr. Jess Cabrias Filipino Canadian Community Leader and Journalist
Ms. Vida Cruz Former President, Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants (AFCA)
Ms. Rosalina Bustamante, Filipino Canadian Community Leader, Markham

INDIVIDUAL AWARDEES
Mr. Ron Michael Adea, Pianist; Mr. Patrick Alcedo, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Dance York University; Mr. Jeffrey John Andrion, PT, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Director of International Programs, Hope and Healing International, Physiotherapist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Ms. Helen Chua Balderama, Associate Director, International Partnerships and Programs, York International, York University; Ms. Renee Fajardo, Mezzo Soprano and Student, College of Music, University of Toronto; Mr. Austine Gaqui, RPN Frontliner – Registered Practical Nurse Founding Chairman, Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association; Mr. Jose Dominick Guballa, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Student, Earth Sciences University of Toronto; Mr. Mark Guinto, Manager, Business Development & Public Affairs, Office of the Mayor, City of Pickering; Mr. Rodolfo D. Lastimosa, Jr., Elected Member, Council of the College of Nurses of Ontario; Mr. Mark Mabanglo, Department of Bio-Chemistry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Mr. Romeo Mananquil, Artist, Philippine Artists Group (PAG) of Canada; Mr. Ignacio “Mogi” Mogado, Artist, Philippine Artists Group (PAG) of Canada; Mr. Clyde Pacis, President, The Paper Crane & Co.; Ms. Maria Rosario Quinto, RN, Frontliner – Registered Nurse President, Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association; Mr. Ryan Tuazon, Regional Director Anderson College of Health, Business and Technology;

FILIPINO-CANADIAN COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AWARDEES
Alpha Kappa Rho Society of Canada, Alitagtag Batangas Association of Canada, ANCOP International Canada, Inc., Ang Negrosanon in North America Association, Asociacion Negrense, Association of Caviteños in Canada, Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants, Association of Filipino Canadian Engineers, b2Bpreneur, Batangas Provincial Association of Canada, Bicol Canada Community Association, Block Rosary Crusade, Camarines Norte Association Canada-Ontario, Circulo Capampangan Cu, Durham Filipino Fest, Eastern Samar (Canada) Association, El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI Toronto Chapter, Federation of Filipino Canadians, Federation of Filipino Canadians of Brampton, Filipino Achievers Canada, Filipino Association Richmond Hill, Filipino Canadian Association of Niagara, Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan, Filipino Canadian Students Association (FILCASA), Filipino Center Toronto, Filipino Construction Professionals of Ontario (FilConPro), Filipino Heritage Council of Canada, Filipino Seniors of Mississauga, Filipino-Canadian Community House, Filipino-Canadian Heritage & Resource of Durham, Filipinos in Canada – Academics, Researchers and Scholars, Filipinos in STEM (FilSTEM), Hamilton Filipino Community Centre, Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) / Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association, International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation- The Philippine Working Group, Kababaihang Rizalista Inc., Toronto Chapter Canada, Kababayan Multicultural Centre, Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre, Kalayaan Filipino Cultural Organization, Lipa City Association of Canada, Mabuhay Philippines Festival, Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians, Muslim-Filipino Association in Canada, Ontario Silliman University Alumni Association, Order of the Knights of Rizal Canada Region, Order of the Knights of Rizal Don Valley Chapter, Pangasinan Association of North America, Peace Officers Living in Canada Incorporated Association (POLICIA), Philippine Artists Group of Canada, Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation, Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto, Philippine Heritage Band, Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), Philippine Teachers Association of Canada, Pueblo Science, Scarborough Ontario Seniors Association (SOSA), Silayan Seniors Volunteer Group of Mississauga, Sta. Barbara Ulopan Ed Canada, Taste of Manila Festival, The Outstanding Canadian Foundation, The Proud Cauayeños Association of Canada, Toronto City Hall – Flag-Raising Committee, United Architects of the Philippines Ontario Canada Chapter, United Filipino Canadian Seniors Association of Hamilton, University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto

MEDIA AWARDEES
Atin Ito, Ms. Marita Lee; Balita, Ms. Tess Cusipag; Filipinos Making Waves, Ms. Tess Torralba; Media Concept Broadcasting Network (MCBN), Mr. Nestor Von Canton; Philippine Press Club of Ontario, Ms. Rosalinda Tijam, President; The Philippine Reporter, Mr. Hermie Garcia & Mrs. Mila Garcia; TOMz Radio Toronto, Mr. Ramon Datol; Talakayan Radyo Filipino, Ms. May Cabrias; Ms. Felicitas “Baby” K. Jimenez Journalist; TV Natin, Mr. Alan Basa

SETTLEMENT ORGANIZATIONS
Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA), Catholic Community Services of York Region, Kababayan Multicultural Centre, North York Community House

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Michelle Chermaine Ramos is a multidisciplinary artist and multimedia journalist focusing on arts, culture, spirituality, martial arts and news that impact Filipino Canadians. She has profiled prominent entrepreneurs and trailblazers in the diaspora. E-mail: pitchmichelle@gmail.com for news tips or book recommendations.