[Clockwise from top: Guests listen (1) as Ambassador Garcia delivers her remarks (2), Ambassador Garcia together with members of the Philippine Embassy (3), Ambassador Garcia greets MP Matt DeCourcey and Global Affairs Canada Director General Ian Burchett(4)]
16 June 2017, Ottawa – In commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa brought together members of the diplomatic corps, officials of Canada’s federal and local government, business, academic, and civic organizations, and representatives of the Filipino community in a reception held on 15 June 2017 at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia welcomed guests and thanked them for joining the Philippines in its celebration of liberty and self-determination. In her remarks, she underscored that in a backdrop of geopolitical unpredictability and unease, the Philippines is carrying forward the culture of dialogue as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2017. She also noted that the Philippines’ chairship comes at a time when ASEAN marks its 50th Anniversary and ASEAN – Canada celebrates 40 years of Dialogue relations.
Ambassador Garcia spoke on the Philippine Government’s ongoing campaign against illegal drugs, citing the zero tolerance for human rights abuses by law enforcers and a focus on effective and sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration programs for surrendering drug users. She stressed that democracy in the Philippines continues to be vibrant, with the executive branch enjoying overwhelming support from the Filipino people and the existence of a strong system of checks and balances through the legislature, judiciary, civil society and free press.
Ambassador Garcia also spoke on the continued expansion of Philippines – Canada bilateral relations, highlighting the opening of the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, Alberta in 2016 and of the Philippine Trade Office in Toronto this year. She expressed the Philippines’ support for celebrations of Canada’s 150th Anniversary and informed the audience that the Philippines will be mounting an exhibit at the International Pavilion from 20 November to 8 December 2017.
Representing the Government of Canada, The Honorable Matt DeCourcey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed Canada’s sympathies for the ongoing conflict in Marawi City and hope that the situation would soon be resolved. He also spoke at length on the good relations enjoyed by both countries and the important role of the Filipino community in Canada, emphasizing Canada’s desire to continue working with the Philippines on achieving both countries’ shared goals and aspirations.
The reception, which was attended by an estimated 300 guests, also featured an art exhibit titled: “Filipinism: What Makes Art Filipino” featuring the works of Aris Bagtas, Anna Lumpas, Ronna Manansala, Wilfredo Rufon, Sr., and Eman Sia. – END –