Click the images below to enlarge
VANCOUVER - November 30 is Andres Bonifacio Day and it’s not just in the Philippines anymore. The City of Vancouver proclaimed November 30 as Bonifacio Day to commemorate the Filipino hero’s role in helping achieve independence for the country. In a simple ceremony held at a gathering of the Filipino Canadian New Era Society at the Capri Hall on November 22, Councillor Heather Deal presented the proclamation signed by Mayor Gregor Robertson to the Filipino community.
Deal said the proclamation was in recognition of the Filipino-Canadian community’s significant contribution to the social, economic and cultural development of Vancouver. She adds the city wanted to join Filipino Canadians as they commemorate the legacy of Bonifacio, and how his ideals complement that of Canadian society as well.
“The democracy that’s represented by Bonifacio on the work that he did in the Philippines is very important to us here because that’s the same spirit of independence and democracy that we have here in Canada. It’s not just about the wonderful culture of the Philippines here, but it’s about the fact that Bonifacio himself represents the same kind of things that we represent here in Canada,” said Deal.
It may not be a National Holiday like in the Philippines but Pinoys are more than happy with the proclamation. Community leader Rey Umlas says the proclamation is a sign that the current city government is working hard to have an inclusive community. “This is the first time so far in the history of the Fil-Canadian community that the city acknowledged and recognized how valuable it is, the culture and presence of the Fil-community..in recognizing Andres Bonifacio and for that we’re very grateful,” said Umlas.
But remembering who Bonifacio is and what his role was in Philippine history does not end with having the proclamation alone. Umlas added it is the responsibility of Pinoys here in Canada to make sure that Bonifacio’s legacy continues, especially to young Filipino Canadians who were born and raised here.
“The responsibility falls on our shoulder to remind them that without the heroes like Bonifacio, the freedom that we enjoy will not become to fruition. It’s very important to look back to who we are as a community. Maski magulo sa Pilipinas, iisang tao,iisang bayan,iisang puso,” added Umlas.
Filipino Canadian New Era Society President Perla de Peralta gave a short message on Bonifacio’s role as one of the Philippines’ most prominent heroes. She was grateful to the City of Vancouver for choosing the society’s gathering in presenting the Proclamation.
De Peralta received the proclamation certificate at the event, which also marked the the birthday celebration of the group members Rose Tedlie, Hipolito Abellera, Jun Cotin, Antonio Macaraeg, Myrna Reginaldo, Erlinda Baldos, Flora de Leon, Marciano Macasaet, Virginia Ferrer, Louie Hamilton, Esther Viaje, and Leonarda Sopoco.
Peralta’s group was founded seven years ago and has more or less 200 members. Deal was accompanied in the program by fellow city councillor Geoff Meggs.
