Watch the statement here!
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sent good wishes to the Filipino community.
In a video message, Duterte congratulated the community for its upcoming celebration of Pinoy Fiesta: Unang Hirit sa Tag-init on Sunday, August 14, in Vancouver.
“We like it what you’re doing,” Duterte said in his video message.
President Duterte’s greetings was made possible through the efforts of members of the community, namely, Giovanni Mata, Rey Fortaleza, Mario Hernandez, Christian Cunanan, Rommel Emata, and the Filipino Patriots of Canada headed by Rene Bahena.
The group requested the President’s message to support the Filipino Cultural activity in Vancouver.
The video message can be seen through Philippine News Canada, the television news program of the ReyFort Media Group.
In his message, Duterte was pleased that the community is keeping alive the cultural traditions of Filipinos.
“It’s kind of novel to be celebrating a fiesta in another land,” the President said.
Duterte praised the community for making time to put together this event that will be held at the Memorial South Park in Vancouver.
The B.C. provincial government has declared August 14 as Filipino Fiesta Day in British Columbia.
The proclamation was made by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton, and B.C. Lieutenant General Judith Guichon.
The main guest in the celebration is Megan Young, an actress, model, TV host, VJ, and beauty queen. Young was the first ever and so far the only Filipina crowned Miss World.
In a message, B.C. Premier Christy Clark hailed the Filipino community’s contributions to the life of the province.
“It’s wonderful to see all members of the community gather to celebrate Filipino culture,” Clark wrote in her message.