Address by Minister Dion on the occasion of the 118th anniversary of Philippine independence

Speech

June 16, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario

Check against delivery. This speech has been translated in accordance with the Government of Canada’s official languages policy and edited for posting and distribution in accordance with its communications policy.

We are here today to celebrate a joyful event: the anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. But, alas, we must start on a tragic note.

Indeed, I must first take the time to recognize the efforts of the Government of the Philippines in trying to resolve the hostage-taking that resulted in the tragic loss of John Ridsdel and Robert Hall.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared, “We are more committed than ever to working with the Government of the Philippines and international partners to pursue those responsible for these heinous acts and bring them to justice, however long it takes.”

Ladies and gentlemen, 118 years ago, in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898, when the Philippines declared their independence from Spain, there were 8 million inhabitants spread over some 7,000 islands. Today, there are 100 million Filipinos and Filipinas, still spread over some 7,000 islands.

Right here in Canada, we are fortunate enough to count among our fellow citizens over 700,000 Canadians of Philippine descent, who live in and contribute to the diverse Canadian fabric.

I feel touched to celebrate this national day with you today, because Manila is the first city I visited as minister of foreign affairs. The occasion was the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, summit. This has a symbolic value for me: the world is shifting, Asia-Pacific is becoming an inevitable centre of gravity, and the Philippines is at the heart of this new reality.

Canada, with its European roots, firmly belonging to the Americas, is going to channel more and more of its Asia-Pacific spirit. The Pacific Ocean, as large as it is, brings us closer and defines us as neighbours. Canada, a multicultural country composed of multiple Asian communities, including Filipinos, must contribute to making the Pacific—as its name indicates—a haven of peace and friendship among all its peoples.

It is true that the Philippines is one of Canada’s closest partners in Southeast Asia. We have to rejoice in the fact that since our countries established diplomatic ties in 1949, our relations have been strong and friendly in all sectors. But we cannot rest on our laurels. There remains a great unexplored potential shared by our two countries. Our ties must grow closer every year. Prime Minister Trudeau, and all members of the Canadian government, are convinced of that.

This is true for our bilateral relations, as well as for the role that our two countries want to play in the world side by side. A strong Philippines is necessary for a strong Asia-Pacific region. This is why Canada has to celebrate the Philippines, the country that accepted to serve from 2015 to 2018 as our port of entry to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN]—our “coordinating country” and a country that supports Canada’s bid to join the East Asia Summit.

This highlights how much Canada-Philippine friendship is precious to us. We will commemorate this friendship again next year, a particularly auspicious year, when we celebrate Canada’s 40th anniversary of being an ASEAN dialogue partner.

We are determined to strengthen our linkages with the Philippines, strengthen our commercial and scientific exchanges and our tourism linkages and learn from one another when it comes to best practices of governance. Speaking of which, I must congratulate the Philippines on the successful elections that were recently held. The continued efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and processes serve as models for the region.

But to really know a country, nothing beats poetry. Who better to celebrate the beauty of this endeavour than José Rizal, the great Philippine polymath, who died much too young:

Beside a spacious beach of fine and delicate sand
and at the foot of a mountain greener than a leaf,
I planted my humble hut beneath a pleasant orchard,
…………………………………………………………………………………
Hurled upon a rock of the country I adore;
…………………………………………………………………………………

you come to me anew, dreams of rose and gold,
…………………………………………………………………………………
hurricane, I thank you; winds of heaven, I thank you
that in good hour suspended by uncertain flight
to bring me down to the bosom of my native earth.
[Translated from the Spanish by Nick Joaquin]

May the Philippines indeed come anew with dreams of rose and gold.

My warmest wishes to the people of the Philippines on this anniversary of the declaration of independence.

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Hon. Stéphane Dion Global Affairs Canada Government and Politics