PH Consulate General in Vancouver Welcomes Participants of the First-ever Filipino Heritage Walk

Philippine Consul General Arlene T. Magno (1^st row, rightmost), together with the officers of PCG Vancouver, DMW and OWWA, welcome the twenty-eight (28) Grade 5 students from Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary School, accompanied by three (3) teachers and three (3) guides during their visit to the Consulate, as part of their PH Heritage Walk on 7 June 2024. Also in photo is Ms. Sammie Jo Rumbaua (4L), Chairperson of Mabuhay House. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

11 June 2024 – In celebration of Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, twenty-eight (28) Grade 5 students from Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and guides, visited the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver as part of the first-ever Filipino Heritage Walk on 07 June 2024. This initiative was led by Mabuhay House, in close collaboration with teacher Shannon Boyland.

The group was warmly received by the Consulate team, led by Consul General Arlene Magno, who offered the students a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of the Consulate. Consul Analyn Ratonel shared with the students information about the Philippines, including its diverse culture and rich history. Following this, Consul Ericka Anna Abad explained the pivotal consular functions of the Office. Assistant Labor Attaché Olive Macawili and Welfare Officer Allan Ignacio then discussed the significant roles of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)

and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), respectively. One of the highlights of the visit was the Dual Citizenship oath-taking ceremony, which the students had the privilege to witness.

(Top left photo) Consul Analyn Ratonel gives a presentation on the Philippines and shows a video on PH tourist destinations. (Top right photo) The students witness the Dual Citizenship oath taking ceremony led by Consul Ericka Anna Abad. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

The students enjoyed a taste of traditional Filipino hospitality with refreshing calamansi juice and Filipino pastries.  The Consulate also provided them with special giveaways, including chips and candies from the Philippines, making the experience both memorable and enjoyable.

Apart from the Philippine Consulate, the group also visited the Multicultural Helping House, Migrante House, Ben Flores monument at the Mountain View Cemetery, MLA Mable Elmore’s Office and a Filipino store before walking back to the school.

The Filipino Heritage Walk is part of an ongoing effort by Mabuhay House to celebrate and educate students about the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, fostering greater appreciation and respect for diverse cultures. END

(Top left photo) The students enjoy the Filipino treats provided by the Consulate. (Top right photo) Ms. Shannon Boyland and her students thank the Consulate for the warm welcome and the insightful briefings conducted during the visit. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)