PH embassy leads Heritage Month, Independence Day celebrations

PH embassy leads Heritage Month, Independence Day celebrations

Ambassador Rodolfo D. Robles.
Screenshot from the Philippine Embassy in Canada Facebook page.

By Irish Mae Silvestre
The Philippine Reporter

The pandemic certainly won’t be putting a damper on this year’s Philippine Heritage Month.

On June 11 at 6 a.m. ET/6pm PH, set your alarm for the ‘Lessons for a Changed World: The Legacy of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines.’ Organized by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, the event focuses on the country’s rich history and tells the story of the Philippines’ indigenous community. It also marks the 123rd anniversary of Philippine Independence, with this year focusing on Filipino pre-colonial ancestors.

In a video posted on the Philippine Embassy in Canada’s Facebook page, Ambassador Rodolfo D. Robles acknowledged that this year’s celebrations will certainly be different due to the pandemic. However, he highlighted the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Filipinos who fought for their country’s freedom 123 years ago.

“This has been passed on to us because brave Filipino men and women cherished and protected this freedom,” he said. “Now, we’re called upon to use this freedom that we enjoy to unite and heal our communities. As we celebrate the Filipino Heritage month, let’s honor the contributions of our kababayans to Canadian society over many decades. Weaving their own stories of hard work and compassion into the country’s vibrant and multicultural tapestry.”

Viewers can also learn more about community members during ‘Proudly Philippines, Proudly Pinoy.’ In collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulates General in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, the virtual event will take place from June 12 to July 11 and will focus on the achievements of prominent Filipino Canadians in various fields including politics, media, the arts, and business. Videos will be posted on the respective official websites and social media accounts of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulates General in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver.

Watch ‘Lessons for a Changed World: The Legacy of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines’ on June 11. (Screenshot from the Philippine Embassy in Canada Facebook page.)

In his remarks, Robles also pointed out that this should also be a time to reflect on the increase in anti-Asian racism across the country.

“I enjoin all Filipinos to join the Asian community across Canada in standing up against the unreasonable hate or racism towards Asian Canadians, including Filipino Canadians,” said Robles. “Let’s all watch out for each other and work with the overwhelming majority of Canadians who do not tolerate racism in any form.”

In addition to wishing Filipino Canadians an enjoyable Philippine Heritage month, Robles urged people to follow the guidance of local health authorities.

“I hope to see you all soon when we can all gather again as one community,” he said.

Watch ‘Lessons for a Changed World: The Legacy of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines’ on youtube.com/DFAPHL or facebook.com/dfaphl.

Watch ‘Proudly Philippines, Proudly Pinoy’ on the official websites and social media accounts of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulates General in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver.

‘Lessons for a Changed World: The Legacy of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines’ will focus on the stories of the Filipino indigenous community. (Screenshot from the Philippine
Embassy in Canada Facebook page)