PR-08-2022
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne took part last February 26 in the Freedom Day – Colours of the Philippines festival organized by the Filipino Community Council of Victoria, Inc. (FCCVI), an umbrella organization of Filipino groups and associations in the Australian state.
Held at The Filipino Hub, the FCCVI’s headquarters in the suburb of Brooklyn, the festival celebrated the 36th anniversary of the peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 alongside the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in the state. It also highlighted colorful Filipino cultural traditions and natural wonders.
The Consulate was represented at the festival by Deputy Consul General Anthony Mandap, who delivered the keynote address.
In his address, Mandap called on the community to carry on the legacy of EDSA and never diminish its significance. “For the benefit of those who are not old enough to remember this day, those who never heard of it at all, or those who were taught a different version of history, February 25, 1986 was when we, as a united people, ended 20 years of corrupt, tyrannical rule to restore democracy and power to the Filipino people,” he said.
Mandap also reminded registered overseas Filipino voters to cast their ballots and vote wisely in the May 9, 2022 Philippine national elections. “Our success or failure as a nation depends on how we wield our power of choice,” he cautioned.
The event was also attended by Thuy Dang, Councillor and Deputy Mayor of the City of Brimbank, which covers Brooklyn. Councillor Dang conveyed greetings from the Mayor and City Council, and committed to continue supporting Filipino community events in the city.
For his part, Marlon de Leon, FCCVI president, thanked the city government and other donors and benefactors for supporting FCCVI’s activities. Freedom Day, he said, is already the third Filipino festival organized by FCCVI in 2022 alone.
One of the highlights of the event was the conferment of awards by the Filipino Communities Council (FILCCA) of Australia to outstanding Filipino individuals and community organizations in 2021.
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