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11 June 2024, Ottawa – The Embassy of the Philippines to Canada, led by Ambassador Maria Andrelita S. Austria, in cooperation with the Canada-Philippines Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, led by Member of Parliament  Marco Mendicino, hosted a diplomatic reception to celebrate the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and Filipino Heritage Month on Parliament Hill on 11 June 2024.  Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez, the first Filipina to serve in the Canadian Ministry,  was the Guest of Honor.

Over 150 distinguished representatives from the federal government, diplomatic corps, Filipino community, and key partners from various sectors filled the Sir John A. MacDonald hall.

As co-host of this year’s Philippine Independence Day reception, MP Mendicino shared stories of his recent visit to the Philippines and emphasized Canada and Philippines’ collaboration on trade and security and strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.

In her toast remarks, Ambassador Austria proudly cited the Philippines rapid growing economy, and its young, dynamic and hardworking population. She also recalled the many positive developments in Philippines-Canada bilateral relations, highlighting the recent exchanges of high-level visits of Canadian and Philippines’ officials and the establishment of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture Office in Manila. Ambassador Austria shared anecdotes of certain communities in Canada and the Philippines who benefited from the close relations between the two countries. “These truly, are the best testament to the quality of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada – that we are able to leverage these relations for a better life for the people of Canada and the Philippines. Yet there is more work to be done. As we continue to work towards elevating the relations between Canada and the Philippines to a more comprehensive level, our efforts will involve closer cooperation on matters such as stronger defense and economic engagements, a better policy environment for our temporary foreign workers, the recognition of Philippine earned credentials, and building Filipino cultural centers in Canada,” said Ambassador Austria.

In response, Minister Valdez recalled the history of Filipino migration to Canada to make a living and strengthen the Canadian economy. Minister Valdez described the Filipino working attitude as hardworking, never complaining, and doing the work with a smile. Minister Valdez lauded the Philippine Embassy’s efforts and the works of the Filipino community for stronger people-to-people ties and their contribution in building the Canadian economy.

For this year’s reception, the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, was sung by Ms. Vanessa David, followed by Mr. Jhune Leonardo who sang the Canadian National Anthem. Filipino-Canadian double bassist and composer Kelsea Hopkins serenaded the crowd.

As in the past National day diplomatic receptions, this year's event also provided an opportunity to promote Philippine culture and gastronomy. The hall entrance was adorned with Cobonpue’s design screen divider and Philippine native decors. Popular Filipino dishes such as pork lechon, pancit palabok, pork and chicken spring roll, sisig, beef mechado, adobo skewers, ube halaya, leche flan, and puto, partnered with cocktails using Filipino liquor from Destileria Limtuaco such as Ube Rhum, Calamansi Rhum, and Paradise Mango Rum were served and enjoyed by the guests. END