The event was organized by the Royal City Sister City Society, headed by Ms. Anicia Jalac Miles. The Society serves as a support organization for the official sister-city relationship between New Westminster, B.C. Canada, and Quezon City, Philippines, fostering cultural understanding and friendship between the two communities.
The celebration commenced with a parade around the park, followed by the ceremonial raising of the Philippine flag graced in attendance by Consul General Gina Jamoralin, New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone, BC Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Minister of Labor Jennifer Whiteside and Councillor Maita Santiago of Burnaby.
In her remarks, Consul General Jamoralin reflected on the significance of Philippine Independence and paid tribute to the generations of Filipinos who fought for and safeguarded the nation's freedom.
“Today, as we stand here honoring the flag—and more importantly honoring the men and women who made it possible for us to raise it for the last 128 years—we have the solemn duty as Filipinos to continue the work that they have started,” she said.
The Consul General emphasized that Filipinos overseas can fulfill this responsibility in many ways, including promoting solidarity among members of the Filipino diaspora around the world, contributing to the growth of the Philippine economy through investments in the country, and exercising their political rights and civic duties through participation in Philippine elections. The Consul General also encouraged to reinvigorate the New Westminster - Quezon City sisterhood partnership by exchanges of visits by the Mayors of New Westminster and Quezon City.
The B.C. Officials recognized the valuable contributions of the Filipino Canadian community to the cultural, social, and economic life of British Columbia in their speeches. END.
