2013-02-05
Seventeen more Filipino-Canadians were awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals for their remarkable accomplishments and significant contributions to society. The first Filipino-Canadian Senator, Tobias Enverga Jr., represented the Government of Canada and was the guest speaker during the presentation of awards held on 15 December 2012 at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto. The Senator congratulated and commended the recipients for their dedication and commitment to pursue volunteer work, uphold the welfare of the community and contribute their share to further enriching the culturally-diverse society in Canada.
Like Norma Carpio, Amy Ada, Minda Neri, Senator Tobias Enverga Jr., Rosemer Enverga and Consolacion Quejas who previously received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Award, the following Filipino-Canadians were also presented the award during the inspiring ceremony in the presence of their families and guests:
1. Flordeliz Dandal, Executive Director of the Kababayan Community Centre Multicultural Services, for her 23 years of dedicated service to the settlement agency to help and support newcomer immigrants;
2. Artemio Pangilinan, President of ANCOP International Canada Inc., for his vital projects and fundraising activities for marginalized people in the Philippines and other developing countries;
3. Resty del Rosario, a long-time community leader who led and handled various projects in the Filipino-Canadian community;
4. Victoria Santiago, a dentist by profession and a recognized supporter of many community and charitable organizations;
5. Romy Mananquil, a recognized leader in the field of visual arts;
6. Emiliano Silverio, one of the founders of the order of the Knights of Rizal, who serves as Knight Grand Commander and Canada Region Adviser of the KoR for 17 years;
7. Andy Garcia, a philanthropist who has donated to many international causes, including the Sto. Nino Chapel in the Philippines;
8. Alex Parucha, a World War II Veteran and now 94 years of age, who continues to be active in the Filipino-Canadian community;
9. Ben Ferrer, a dedicated community leader and the vice president of the Silayan Community Centre which provides services for newcomers;
10. Eleanor Calbes, world-renowned soprano, who played lead roles at various productions of the Canadian Opera Company and founder of Opera Mississauga, City Centre Musical Productions and the Fiesta Filipina Dance Company;
11. Linda Javier, president of the Filipino Centre in Toronto (FCT) and a dedicated community leader, whose diligent efforts continue to give the Filipino-Canadian community a home in Toronto;
12. Dr. Francisco Portugal, a family physician known for his charitable undertakings in the Philippines, the “Canadian Aid Relief Project” (CARP);
13. Gene Doroteo, Sr., a World War II veteran and at age 93 continuous to assiduously advocate for and lead various causes in the Filipino Canadian community;
14. George Poblete, a dedicated community leader who worked for various projects such as the implementation of the Leyte Disaster Relief Funds Campaign which gave huge financial assistance to landslide victims;
15. Bonner Villabroza, an active and committed community leader in Hamilton, Ontario, and the president and CEO of the Hamilton Community Filipino Centre;
16. Very Rev. Francis Galvan, a much recognized religious leader whose pastoral assignments include St. Brigid parish in Toronto, St. Catherine of Sienna Parish in Danforth and currently serves as the Provincial Superior of the Agustinians in Canada;
17. Eduardo Lee, publisher of the oldest Filipino community newspaper, “Atin Ito,” which continues to promote and enhance information dissemination among the Filipino community in the Greater Toronto Area and across Ontario.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is awarded by the Government of Canada through the Office of the Governor General to worthy and outstanding 60,000 Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada to give recognition to their important accomplishments and contributions to their fellow countrymen, their community, or to Canada over the past 60 years.