Message from Chairman-Filipino Heritage Council of Canada

 
By Antonio A. San Juan,OCT-Ret
Toronto-Canada
June 3, 2020
 
 


 On behalf of the Filipino Heritage Council of Canada-FHCC, I am honoured and pleased to extend my warmest greetings to my fellow "kababayans" and to the entire Filipino community in Canada and across the world as we observe the 122nd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. As we celebrate our "Araw ng Kasarinlan", albeit in virtual mode, we have to remember and honour the struggle and sacrifices of our heroes and martyrs who laid their lives for our cherished freedom.

Today we should collectively renew our hope and commitment to value the inviolability of independence and the principle of democracy.  Our solid and conscious pride in our national identity as a people is a testament that the courage and patriotism of our forebears have not been forgotten. Indeed, we have inherited their unbridled & ardent love of country and determination in bringing these roots in this adopted land. As it is incumbent upon us, with utmost humility, I call on all of us to profoundly share and engage in purposeful community building and advocacy service in our respective communities.

Historically, last October 30, 2018, the Parliament of Canada proclaimed June as "Filipino Heritage Month" to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of Filipinos within the Canadian landscape for which we are thankful. Across the globe, culturally as Filipinos, every day we are celebrating our distinctive heritage and faith, by simply living our lives in a way that embodies who we are and where we came from. 

On June 19, 2020, we will be also commemorating the birth anniversary of our foremost national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The  "Great Malayan" and "First Filipino" and his martyrdom, humanism, ideals, and writings have given valid reasons and impetus for us as Filipinos to collectively aspire and achieve the right paths of nationalism and independence of our beloved country.

Propagating and promoting our heritage and tradition foster respect and open-mindedness for us as Filipinos and Filipino- Canadians. Culture defines our national identity and our history. Celebrating our common interest as well as our differences helps unite and educate us all. Ergo, being proud Filipino adults and youths, we should pledge to continuously preserve our national heritage for it is the significantly valuable wealth of our distinguished country and people. 

Once again, with great pride and joy, I greet and pray that we may all have a happy and meaningful "Araw ng Kalayaan"!

"Mabuhay po tayong lahat. Mabuhay ang ating bansang Pilipinas"!

Most sincerely,

Antonio "Tony" A. San Juan,OCT-Ret.

Chairman

Filipino Heritage Council of Canada-FHCC

June 12, 2020