Fiesta Filipina, Viola – presidential awardees

Fiesta Filipina, Viola – presidential awardees

THE Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) informed the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto that two of the awardees selected for the Year 2004 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas are from Ontario, Canada. They are the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada (FFDTC) and Mr. Arturo T. Viola, Councilor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The FFDTC will be awarded the Banaag, while Mr. Arturo Viola will receive the Pamana ng Pilipino award.

Banaag Award is conferred on Filipino and foreign individuals or associations for their contributions which have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities while the “Pamana ng Pilipino” award is conferred on Filipinos overseas, who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

Founded in 1966, FFDTC has embarked on a mission to preserve and share Philippine culture and traditions to allow the second- and third-generation Filipino-Canadians to know their roots through Filipino music, song and dance. A Filipino-Canadian, Mr. Arturo Viola, on the other hand, currently serves as Deputy Lord Mayor at Niagara-on-the-Lake. He topped the Council race of this scenic city in 2003. He is widely known in the community for his public service including civic and charitable work.

The Presidential Awards for Filipinos and Private Organizations Overseas are conferred on distinguished Filipino individuals and organizations overseas by the President of the Philippines in a ceremony during the observance of the “Month of Overseas Filipinos” in Manila. So far, 190 Filipinos and private organizations overseas been conferred this award since its establishment in December 1991.

The Awarding Ceremonies is set on 15 December 2004 at Malacanang Palace.

(PRESS RELEASE)