PH Ambassador Austria and Governor Tamayo Lead the UFCABC Flag Raising Ceremony at the Filipino Plaza in Vancouver

(Left photo) Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. raise the Philippine flag on 04 June 2023 at the Filipino Plaza in Vancouver. (Photo from Vancouver PCG) (Right photo) The Vancouver PCG personnel, UFCABC board of directors and officers, officials from the Government of British Columbia and members of the Filipino Community gather at the Filipino Plaza to mark the Filipino Heritage month and Philippine Independence Day. (Photo from UFCABC)

06 June 2023 – The Philippine flag was raised by Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr., on 04 June 2023 at the Filipino Plaza in Vancouver.

The flag raising ceremony is one of the various Philippine Independence Day activities organized by the United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC) and is the first of the Filipino community-led events in Greater Vancouver in celebration of the Filipino Heritage Month in Canada.

This year’s Independence Day theme is “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan” (Freedom. Future. History).

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria said that, “It is important to recall the brave men and women who fought for

our nation's independence and their sacrifices endured in the past to find meaning in the freedom we value today.” She likewise reminded the community of their responsibilities to the future generation, i.e., to build a good reputation, to let the people know who Filipinos are and to support causes and advocacies that will ensure a better future for all.  Meanwhile, Governor Tamayo, in his message, commended the contributions of Filipino-Canadians to the economic development of both the Philippines and Canada.

The event was also attended by various officials from the Government of British Columbia, namely: MP Don Davies, MP Taleeb Noormohamed, MLA Mable Elmore, MLA Michael Lee, and Councillor Maita Santiago. END

(Top photo) Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. (standing) greets the Filipino community on this auspicious event.  Also in photo are Ambassador Austria, Consul General Arlene Magno, Consul General Rea Oreta and UFCABC President Anicia Miles.

(Left photo) Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria (4^th from right) with MLA Mable Elmore and UFCABC board of directors and officers. (Photos from Vancouver PCG)