30 June 2017, Vancouver—The Philippine Consulate General participated in a number of flag-raising ceremonies and celebrations held in Metro Vancouver and Lower Mainland to commemorate the 119th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence.

On 10 June 2017, the Consulate attended the flag-raising ceremonies at the Richmond City Hall.  Consul General Neil Ferrer joined Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie and the Richmond City Council officers; Members of Parliament Joe Peschisolido and Alice Wong; Members of Legislative Assembly Teresa Wat, Linda Reid, John Yap, Jas Johal and Mable Elmore in raising the Philippine flag. The event was organized by the Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) Richmond 55+sers in celebration of the Philippine Independence and 150th Anniversary of Canada’s Confederation.  Consul General Ferrer acknowledged the support of city, provincial and federal officials to the Filipino-Canadian community and thanked the organizers for showcasing Philippine culture and heritage through dances, songs and Filipiniana costumes. The flag-raising event was followed by a whole-day FUNtastic Canada celebration that included a parade, multicultural presentations, sports tournament, music, zumba and yoga.

On the following day, 11 June 2017, the Philippine flag was raised in the cities of North Vancouver and New Westminster.  Consul General Ferrer, who was joined by North Vancouver City Mayor Darrell Mussatto, and officers of Metro Vancouver Philippine Arts and Culture Exposition Society (MVPACES) and Consulate personnel, led the flag raising ceremonies at the Civic Plaza in North Vancouver. At the ceremonies, Consul General Ferrerread the message of President Rodrigo RoaDuterte on the occasion of the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence. Mayor Mussatto proclaimed June 12, 2017 as Philippine Day in North Vancouver. Following the flag raising, the Consulate joined the annual Independence parade held at the Waterfront Park to celebrate the Philippine Days Festival organized by MVPACES.

From North Vancouver, Consul General Ferrer proceeded to another Philippine flag raising ceremony at the City Hall of New Westminster.  Consul General Ferrer and His Worship Mayor Jonathan Coté led the flag raising, followed by the declaration of June 12 as Philippine Independence Day in the city by Mayor Coté.  The event was also attended by city councilors and Filipino community leaders in Metro Vancouver.  The flag raising was followed by a parade and cultural presentations at the River Market Quay.

Consul General Ferrer also attended the Gala Night of the United Filipino-Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC) in commemoration of the 119th Philippine Independence at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver on 17 June 2017.  As the special guest speaker at the gala, he spoke on this year’s Independence Day theme, “Kalayaan 2017: PagbabagongSama-samangBalikatin.” He called on the Filipino-Canadians present at the event to support the positive and constructive change espoused by the administration of President Duterte towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth and a strong and progressive nation.  Ms. Jaki Peñalosa, an Iloilo-based designer of modern Filipiniana fashion and advocate of the use of Philippine indigenous fibers and fabrics, showcased her intricate Filipiniana designs during a special fashion show segment during the gala.
 
The Consulate also participated at the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of B.C.’s (UPAABC) “Third Chapter: The Philippine Languages in Song, Serenade, Debate, Poetry and Dance” (IkatlongYugto: Harana, Kundiman, Balagtasan, Tula at Sayawan) held at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in Richmond, B.C. on 24 June 2017.  The event, jointly organized by the UPAABC and the Languages Department of KPU in cooperation with PCG, signaled the cultural exchange partnership of UPAABC and KPU, highlighting the Filipino culture and languages of Filipino immigrants that make up part of multicultural fabric in Canada, through song, dance, poetry, art and food.  The Consulate held a mini-exhibit of Philippine arts and crafts, and tourism materials, for the academic community to see and appreciate. END