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| First time the Philippine flag flew proudly at Region of Durham HQ 2021 |
One of the goals of Durham Filipino Fest is to initiate relevant projects for our community. As what our tagline says, "We bring people together..." One of those most important project was to raise the Philippine flag at Regional Municipality of Durham Headquarters in Whitby.
We started in 2021 while the pandemic was still in place. We applied to hoist the Philippine flag at one of the community pole at Durham Regional Headquarters which was approved and declared and a Proclamation was issued declaring June as Filipino Heritage Month by Regional Chair John Henry & its Council. That time, we cannot gather so the Philippine flag was hoisted without a ceremony. It was flying in public for seven days.
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| Regional Municipality of Durham 2021 during the pandemic photo |
Despite the restrictions to gather, we came for the picture taking with the Philippine flag hoisted at a community pole by the entrance. Doesn't it looked so nice on the picture? Below photos were shared by our friends who came and visit Durham Region HQ on this first flag raising.
We did not raise our flag in 2022. We hope to return when the pandemic is finally over. We were still scared that time. We will also look after the welfare of the members of our community.
In 2023 last year, we return for the second time to raise the Philippine flag at the same venue at the Regional Municipality of Durham Headquarters. This time, a large number of Filipino-Canadians eagerly came to show their patriotism and help celebrate June Filipino Heritage Month. June Filipino Heritage Month was declared across Canada on October 30, 2018.
The Region of Durham Chair & CEO with the Regional Council again issued a Proclamation declaring June as Filipino Heritage Month in Durham. Local politicians came to join our community, namely: the Mayor of Whitby and its Deputy Mayor, some Councilors, community leaders and mostly, the presence of the Regional Chair, John Henry who gave the Certificate of Proclamation to Durham Filipino Fest at the end of the ceremony. It was a success. |
| The mass singing of the Philippine National Anthem in 2023 |
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| With the Regional Chair & mayor of Whitby |
This year's flag raising ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 7, 2024 at 2 PM in the afternoon to be attended by the Regional Chair John Henry and other invited dignitaries. We hope our community will once again rally behind and to stand proud for our heritage and culture in our beloved region of Durham. It will be participated by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto who will also raise the Philippine flag in the city of Whitby on June 24, 2024 at 10 AM. Please follow this link as June Filipino Heritage Month is listed on the Region of Durham website: https://www.durham.ca/en/regional-government/office-of-the-regional-chair.aspx#2024
This June 7, 2024, notable and popular local media personality and community advocate and a resident of Durham Region as well will be the Emcee at our ceremony, Ms. Gizele Mirasol. A separate post for her profile will be posted and we will know her more...
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| Ms. Gizele Mirasol |
Come and join and help us in continuing to build our growing and progressive Filipino community in Durham. At the same time, promoting our heritage and culture.
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