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Press Release
NIAGARA FALLS ILLUMINATED IN COLORS OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG FOR 126TH ANNIVERSARY OF PROCLAMATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE AND 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINES-CANADA DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
2024-06-20
Niagara Falls illuminated in the colors of the Philippine flag
13 June 2024, Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls was illuminated in colors of the Philippine flag to commemorate the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations.
Niagara Falls was illuminated with vibrant blue, red and white for half an hour, which was followed by a fireworks display. The special illumination was made possible through the support of the City of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Commission and the Filipino community.
Prior to the illumination, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto held a reception for the Filipino community and officials of the Niagara region. Among the guests who attended the reception were Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Michael Ford representing Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Members of the Provincial Parliament Wayne Gates and Jennie Stevens, Niagara Regional Councillors Joyce Morocco and Sal Sorento, Niagara Falls Councillor Mona Patel, Mr. Steve Barnhart of the Niagara Parks Commission, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia Dyah Lestari Asmarani and members of the Filipino community.
In her welcome remarks, Consul General Angelica Escalona said that it was the first time for the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto to hold the reception for the celebration of Philippine Independence in Niagara Falls. Noting that Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was able to view Niagara Falls from the Canadian side, she said that Filipinos are honored that a Rizal monument will be built overlooking the Falls.
Minister Ford, for his part, emphasized the important contributions of Filipinos to the Province of Ontario. “Ontario is proud to be home to the largest Filipino community in Canada, who for decades have been central to the multicultural identity of our province”, Minister Ford said. END
Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Michael Ford giving his remarks during the reception
(Left to right) Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Consul General Angelica Escalona and Minister Ford during the ceremonial cutting of the cake
(Left to right) Mr. Renato Aoanan of the Filipino-Canadian Association in Niagara (FCAN), Members of the Ontario Provincial Parliament (MPP) Jennie Stevens and Wayne Gates, Mayor Diodati, Mr. Rod Cuizon of FCAN, Mr. Steve Barnhart of the Niagara Parks Commission, Consul General Escalona, Minister Ford, Niagara Regional Councillor Sal Sorento, Ms. Eileen Tinio-Hind of FCAN, Niagara Falls Councillor Mona Patel, Regional Councillor Joyce Morocco and Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate
Consul General Escalona with members of the Filipino community
Officers and staff of the Pilippine Consulate General in Toronto and attached agencies in front of the illuminated Niagara Falls