Four From Ontario bag 1998 Presidential Awards

The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto announced that out of a total 139 nominations received this year for 33 countries around the world for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Outstanding Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas, four awardees are from the province of Ontario. The four will receive their plaques from President Joseph Ejercito Estrada at ceremonies on Friday, December 11, 1998 at 6:00 P.M. at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace in Manila.

The following have been identified as the awardees from Canada: Dr.Manuel M.Garcia, the Philippine Development Assistance Program, Dr. Anita B.Chen, and the Philippine Heritage Band. The first two were endorsed by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the latter two were submitted by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto.

The Philippine Heritage Band will be receiving the "Banaag ng Pilipino Award". The Band, celebrating its 18th anniversary this year is well known and appreciated not only in Filipino community circles but among the Canadian population in Toronto as well, for their active participation at the CNE and the annual Santa Claus Parade. The concert and marching Band has received numerous awards for the promotion of Philippine musical heritage, youth training and development, and the recognition given by the Canadian government for their active participation in multicultural projects.

The endorsements submitted by different Philippine Embassies and Consulates around the world were screened by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, the government agency tasked with promoting the welfare of Filipinos worldwide, until 8 organizations and 22 individuals were finally chosen to receive the awards.