06 June 2012 -His Worship Gérald Tremblay, Mayor of the City of Montréal in Canada, extended a warm official welcome to His Excellency, Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan at a reception on 5 June 2012 at Montreal City Hall with some 200 guests of Filipino origin in attendance.
A pre-reception meeting between Ambassador Gatan and Mayor Applebaum explored ways to strengthen the bonds between the Embassy and the city government. After the tête-à-tête, the Ambassador inscribed a message on behalf of the Philippine Government on the City Hall's official guest book.
Joining the Ambassador's entourage were officers of the Philippine Embassy, namely, Deputy Chief of Mission Abraham R. Estavillo, Minister Neil Frank R. Ferrer, First Secretary Eric Gerardo E. Tamayo, First Secretary Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo and First Secretary Porfirio M. Mayo, Jr.
At the welcome reception honoring the Philippine Ambassador, profuse compliments were heaped on the Filipino community. In his remarks, Mayor Tremblay extolled Filipinos in Montreal for their generosity and exceptional contribution to Montreal's famed multiculturalism with over 120 ethnic communities living in harmony in Canada's second largest city. He also applauded members of the Filipino community for their solidarity, an important value Filipinos share with his constituents. "Montreal stands for equality and liberty. Fraternity is the glue that binds the two," Mayor Tremblay averred. "You have found a way to take your place and show what family is all about," the Mayor added.
Executive Council Vice Chair and Côte-des-Neiges borough Mayor Michael Applebaum and Councillor Marvin Rotrand of the district of Snowdon, echoed the Mayor's high praise for Filipinos whom they said were proud of their Philippine heritage as well as of Canada and what the country stands for.
In the lead up to the 114th anniversary of Philippine independence and the 151st birthday of the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, the city officials anticipated that Filipinos will be celebrating values that Canadians too hold very dear: racial equality, democracy, peace, harmony, and cooperation. In particular, Mr. Rotrand observed that these fundamental values have endeared Filipinos to their host countries across the globe. The energy and vitality of large Filipino diaspora, he said, have given so much to make the economies of so many countries work well. According to Mr. Rotrand, Filipinos, wherever they go, visibly foster the values of community, family, good neighborliness, hard work, and participation.
That "Filipinos, through their hard work, have aided the city's growth and prosperity and have made Montreal a far better place" was the resounding consensus among Montreal's officials.
Impressed by the city government's hospitality and support, Ambassador Gatan assured Mayor Tremblay that he would work for closer relations by helping actualize a twinning agreement between Montreal and Manila. "Filipinos in Montreal represent the best of Filipino values. There is a lot to learn from the example of Montreal in spreading the gospel of peace, equality and fraternity," the Ambassador remarked.
Ambassador Gatan also vowed to make a strong case for the opening of a career or honorary consular office in Montreal. "Any decision in this regard will take into account the imperatives of direct public service to the estimated 16,000 Filipinos residing in the area, economic diplomacy and closer cooperation with the local government. I ask for the community's patience and understanding as we go through the long process of opening a consular office, career or otherwise, in Montreal. Let's hope it happens soonest," he stated. END