The mayor proclaimed the week of June 12, 2016 as Philippine Independence Day weeklong celebration and cited Vancouver Pinoys’ contribution to the province.

“The [Filipinos’] contribution to our city and our history and also what the city is today going forward, is enormously important. [We recognize your] community in Vancouver by flying the flag for a week this time of year,” said Mayor Robertson, who also thanked Consul General Neil Ferrer for organizing this year’s celebration and his hard work.

“We have strong relations between our leaders, with our president and prime minister as well,” said Ferrer, who is celebrating the flag raising for the third time.

Singer diva Janice Cunanan sang the national anthem with international music icon Pilita Corales as the special guest.

Filipino-Canadian Christian Cunanan feels proud that the mayor gave importance to the Filipinos’ relationship with them by raising the flag in the city hall for a week. The flag-raising is part of the weeklong celebration of the Independence Day. It kicked off with the Pista ng Bayan at Memorial South Park on June 4.

“The Pista is a long time tradition when the community gathers together for a whole day event and showcase various aspects of Filipino culture,” says Joel Castillo, president of the United Filipino­-Canadian Association in British Columbia (UFCABC), the conglomerate of over 20 Filipino community groups and associations in the province which organized the event.