Calgary’s Filipino leaders and elected government officials gathered at the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines office in Calgary to commemorate the 124^th year of the Philippines’ independence from Spain’s colonial rule.

Consul Zaldy Patron read the letter from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and highlighted the Rizal Monument that was built in Airdrie, which has become one of the important symbols of strength and impact of the Filipino community in Alberta.  

Mr. Patron also thank the Filipino leaders and supporters of the Consulate office’s events in promoting the Filipino culture and cuisines.  He gave information on the upcoming Philippine Expo events that will highlight businesses from the Philippines.  The intent is to encourage and create export opportunities for businesses from the Philippines.

GLOBE CEO Dr. Ernie Alama and COO Abel Pagaling attended the event and were warmly greeted by the staff and volunteers of the consulate as well as many of Calgary’s Filipino leaders.

According to Dr. Alama, the Philippine Independence Day is more than just a symbolic celebration. It is grounded in the rich history and heritage of Filipino patriotism, love for freedom, and the principles of democracy.

“One of the key symbolic icons of freedom is knowledge gained through education. Our National hero Dr. Jose Rizal epitomized the fight for human dignity, rights, and freedoms through education,” said Dr. Alama.  “In his famous novel ‘Noli Me Tangere,’ Dr. Jose Rizal emphasized the importance of education. He said: ‘All our efforts tend to educate our people – education, education, education of our people – education and enlightenment’ (Ynares, 2015, Jun 21).”

Dr. Ernie Alama parallels the aspirations of Filipinos going overseas to study with that of Dr. Jose Rizal’s endeavor to get educated in Spain, where he broadened his knowledge and deepened his love for the Philippines

As for the event, Mr. Pagaling was delighted to see the community leaders come and meet in person after two years of restrictions because of the pandemic.  

“Calgary and I would even say Canada, is blessed with great Filipino leaders.  It’s great to see so many of them in this room,” said Abel Pagaling, COO of GLOBE.  “It’s an honor to meet and connect with the leaders of the community, to celebrate with them, and to look for areas of collaboration.  Education can be one of the areas where private and non-profit can collaborate and should collaborate because of the benefits it brings to the community.”

To know more about the Consulate General of The Republic of the Philippines in Calgary, visit https://philcongencalgary.org/.

–GLOBE