Three Filipina-Canadians did the Philippines proud after they were awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II at Toronto’s Queen’s Park last Dec. 12, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
In a news release posted on its website, the DFA said the investiture ceremony was held at the Legislative Building at Toronto’s Queen’s Park.
Awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal were:
Norma Carpio, president of the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), for her leadership in fostering unity and collaboration among Filipinos and other ethnic groups, for promoting Philippine culture and heritage and for organizing cultural festivals and promoting young Filipino talent;
Amy Ada, for her leadership in advocating causes within the Filipino-Canadian community and for showing newcomers to Canadian society need not leave the heritage of their country behind, and Minda Neri, former president of PIDC, for her volunteer work and contributions in promoting cultural understanding through appreciation of Philippine heritage and culture.
The DFA said the Ontario provincial government distributed around 2,000 Diamond Jubilee Medals to recipients in recognition of their remarkable accomplishments and important contributions to society.
Citizenship and Immigration minister Michael Chan, who presided over the investiture ceremony, lauded the awardees for making a difference, for their inspiration and example, and for their constant efforts to foster a better world.