Two important gatherings on September 20 made it a busy and significant Friday for Winnipeg’s Filipino community.
In the morning, Her Excellency Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Maria Andrelita Austria, along with Consul General Angelica Escalona and diplomatic staff from the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto met with community leaders at the Residence Inn conference room to provide updates on key concerns raised during the Town Hall she hosted in April. The conversation focused on topics such as the nationwide registry for Filipino nurses, overseas voting registration, and the services offered by the Migrant Workers Office, among others.
Among those present at the community leaders gathering were Philippine Honorary Consul for Winnipeg Ronald Opina, Allan Pamplona (Caring for the Environment Manitoba), Araceli Ancheta (Pinays Manitoba), Joanne Viviezca (Filipino Friends of Immigrants in Manitoba), Perla Javate (Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba, Inc.), Dante Aviso (Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba), Ray Sator and Ronald Mervin Sison (Knights of Rizal Winnipeg), Karla Atanacio (Manitoba Filipino Business Council Inc.), Atty. Daniel Cleto (PKF Lawyers) and Barangay Canada’s Kris Ontong who also represented Immigration Partnership Winnipeg.
Around noon, a lunch event at the Manitoba Legislature welcomed the Filipino Canadian National Congress (FCNC) visiting directors led by President Eddie Villarta. The FCNC officials are in Winnipeg for their 3rd Annual Leadership Convention and National Gala on September 21 at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre.
Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino, a proud member of the Filipino community, delivered greetings on behalf of the provincial government. Also in attendance were MLAs Mintu Sandhu (The Maples) and Diljeet Brar (Burrows), both representing provincial ridings with large Filipino communities. These two gatherings made it a memorable day of collaboration and celebration for Winnipeg’s Filipino leaders and advocates.