On Oct. 25, 2018, I rose in the House of Commons to deliver a speech on my support to dedicate June as Filipino Heritage Month in Canada.
The speech reads as follows:
"Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak about M-155, brought by the member for Scarborough Centre.
This motion seeks to recognize, celebrate and raise awareness of the Filipino community in Canada and designate June as Filipino Heritage Month.
My riding of Nepean and the National Capital Region is home to the sixth largest Filipino community in Canada with nearly 10,000 Filipinos.
There are a number of organizations in Canada working hard to keep Filipino culture alive.
One is Canadian Filipino Net which is a group of Canadian Filipinos passionate about raising the profile of Filipinos in Canada by providing news and views about Canadian Filipino communities across the country
According to TINIG PINOY RADIO, an Ottawa-based Internet station - is an online radio station reaches out to millions of Filipinos across the world with its unique blend of programming.
Tinig Pinoy which in English means Filipino Voice delivers news from the Philippines, updates from various Filipino communities in different countries, interviews, and opinions on various issues.
TINIG PINOY RADIO is hosted by founder and executive Dan de Castro - Sun Life Financial Associate Advisor, with Regina Sosing as its fantastic program director, and Gerry Orcia as technical producer.
We have a dynamic Filipino community in Ottawa today.
We have Philippines Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley led by a very active president Nora Arriola.
We have very active Filipino community leaders like Ms. Regina Genducao of Hiligaynon Association of Ottawa,
Ms. Lilly Lay of Filipiniana Association of Ottawa Valley,
Ms. Mely Gomez of Ottawa Valley Fil-Can Seniors Association,
Ms. Maura David of Assumption Parish Organization,
Dr. Ruby Formoso of Philippine Heritage Foundation Canada,
Mr. Rafael Mamaril of Philippine Centre Canada - Ottawa,
Mr. Lawrence Laureta of the Ilocano Ngarud Society of Ottawa,
We also have other very active community leaders like Sonia Del Rosario who was awarded Nepean’s Canada 150th anniversary medal for her contributions to the community.
According to writer Jujanester, Filipinos have great characteristics and qualities every one of us should be proud of.
1. Hospitality: It's a different kind of value system, which has existed for thousands of years.
2. Respect: This is often observed—not just by younger people—but also by people of all ages.
3. Strong Family Ties and Religions
4. Generosity and Helpfulness
5. Strong Work Ethic
6. Love and Caring
Madame Speaker, I am proud to support June as the Filipino Heritage Month.
Thank you Madame Speaker."
