Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver Hosts a Diplomatic Reception to Celebrate 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

(L-R) BC Deputy Speaker and MLA Mable Elmore, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, Vancouver City Mayor Ken Sim, BC Speaker Raj Chouhan in a cake cutting ceremony. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

13 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver hosted a reception in commemoration of the 127^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at Alice MacKay Room, Vancouver Public Library on 12 June 2025.

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin welcomed more than one hundred guests to the occasion, which included British Columbia government officials, members of the consular corps, business leaders, and professionals from academia and the media.

In her remarks, Consul General Jamoralin stated that the three words in this year’s theme: “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” captured the soul of the Filipino nation – a people who have triumphed over adversity, who remain committed to building a better tomorrow through Bagong Pilipinas, and who never forget the struggles that shaped their identity. She also conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the steadfast support extended by Canada and its partners in British Columbia, particularly in the wake of the tragedy at the

Lapu-Lapu Block Party. She also highlighted the significance of the recent Second Meeting of the Philippines-Canada Joint Economic Commission (JEC), emphasizing its role as a vital forum for enhancing trade and investment cooperation and further strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

(Left photo) Consul General Jamoralin receives Vancouver City’s proclamation of June 2025 as Philippine Heritage Month from Mayor Sim. (Right photo) Mayor Sim conveys his special message. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

(Left photo) BC Deputy Speaker Elmore presents Premier David Eby’s message to Consul General Jamoralin. (Right photo) BC Speaker Chouhan delivers his speech. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

The distinguished guests of honor—Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, Speaker Raj Chouhan, and Deputy Speaker Mable Elmore of the BC Parliament—delivered special messages extending their congratulations to the Filipino-Canadian community on this meaningful occasion.

“Himig Kabataan” delighted the crowd with their musical performance as guests enjoyed the Filipino dishes prepared by Plato Filipino. Jollibee and Goldilocks provided attendees with complimentary gifts to take home as a token of appreciation. END

(Left photo) A spread of Philippine dishes prepared by Plato Filipino were enjoyed by the attendees. (Right photo) Himig Kabataan serenades the guests with their musical performance. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

Consul General Jamoralin with the officers and Staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and the attached agencies. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Vancouver City Mayor Sim strikes a pose with Philippine’s beloved mascot, Jollibee. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

(Clockwise) Mayor Ken Sim, Speaker Raj Chouhan, Vancouver Police Department Chief Constable Steve Rai, Deputy Speaker and MLA Mable Elmore with Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin and officers of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and the attached agencies at the reception line. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)