PH flag raising in Parliament Hill

PH flag raising in Parliament Hill

The Philippine Flag on display at Parliament Hill on June 11, 2018.

By Jose Victor ‘Jayvee’ Salameña

OTTAWA–Members and guests of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) and the Filipino-Canadian community once again raised the Philippine Flag at the steps of Canada’s Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada on June 11 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day. Continuing this poignant tradition in its 6th year, originally begun by the late Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr., the contingency of Filipino-Canadians joined Philippine Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia, various Canadian Senators and Members of Parliament in unfurling the Philippine Flag in the steps of Canada’s Parliament, and raised the Philippine Flag with the Canadian Flag to celebrate the heritage and contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community in their new home in Canada.

Philippine Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia with guests at the Flag Raising Ceremony

The ceremony was also a fitting tribute to the late Senator. Many of his Senate colleagues spoke of the warmth and solidarity they shared with Senator Enverga, and how much they miss his presence in the Senate. Senators Fabian Manning and Victor Oh, close colleagues who served with the late Senator, spoke of Senator Enverga’s sense of humour and willingness to serve. They passed on their gratitude and thanks to the late Senator’s wife, Rosemer Enverga, who was also in attendance.

The senators, along with Members of Parliament Michael Levitt, Marco Mendicino, and Peter Kent (who represent the Greater Toronto Area federal ridings of York Centre, Eglinton-Lawrence, and Thornhill, respectively) who were also in attendance, spoke warmly and kindly of the contributions that the Filipino-Canadian community continues to make in the Canadian multicultural mosaic, and of the community’s hard work and accomplishments in Canada. These same sentiments were also echoed in the House of Commons in their session that day, as Members of Parliament from the various political parties gave their warm compliments to the Filipino-Canadian community for the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence from Spanish rule.

Members of the contingency were later treated to a lunch in the East Block, followed by various performances and a visit to the Senate chambers.

PCCF and guests in the Senate Chambers
(Photo courtesy of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation)

The Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation organized the event (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation)