09 June 2018, Montreal - Ambassador Petronila Garcia participated in the FAMAS gala celebration of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence as guest of honor and speaker (top photo), which also coincided with the 55th anniversary of FAMAS. During her remarks, Ambassador Garcia noted that the Philippines is the oldest democracy in Asia, and took stock of the country’s accomplishments as a nation.

Ambassador Garcia called on all Filipinos in Canada to take pride on their Filipino heritage and to be motivated to do more for our country, noting that our national heroes paid the ultimate price in the fight for freedom for our beloved country.

The borough of Cote de Neige in Montreal, which is home to the largest number of Filipinos in Montreal, has declared June 2018 as Philippine Heritage Month, and the FAMAS Gala Celebration is one of several events that have been organized by the Filipino community to highlight the 2018 Philippine independence day celebrations.