The Philippine Teachers Association of Canada ( PTAC), in diverse observance of the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day celebrated the historic event, uniquely, of all places in a park setting. The 6-year old socioprofessional samahan ng mga guro sa Canada, joined the Salusalo sa Earl Bales Park, an urban oasis in the heart of North York, City of Toronto,Ontario sponsored by the Philippine Independence Day Council ( PIDC) on June 16th, 2012.

With lots of fanfare, parade, food bonanza, political messages, park games  and a volleyball tourney, the celebrators from the FilCan teachers group also included a mini lesson conducted, informally but comfortably, at the park grounds about the main historical events and highlights of the declaration of independence in Kawit, Cavite from the Spanish rule.
 
Organized in 2006, the Association is composed of licensed & practicing teachers and educators in Ontario as well as former teachers and education professionals from the Philippines who are now residents and citizens of Canada. Headed by PTAC President Tony A. San Juan,OCT, the current Executive Board is comprised of : Vice Presidents Rose Cruz & Boni Curutan, Secretaries Bernadette Gapuz, Maricon Bernasor & Gigi Nicholas, Treasurers  Pet Collantes & Grace Avila, PROs Jesse Panem & Sam Posadas, Auditor Mila Curutan & Elena Aguilar, Business Managers Mel Tumamao & Redentor Andres and Directors Joan Ang, Rose Apilado, Ruvy Bendoy, Mary Rose Cacdac,Dr. Norman Daroy, Cielito Drapeza,Venus Geraneo,Perly Laganas, Benedicta Madamba,Sheryl Maligsay and Erlyn Simanero. The Advisers are Leone Manzanares, Marlene Mogado, and Rosalina Bustamante.
 
PTAC initiates and conducts various projects, programs and services in the Filipino Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area offering professional  academic resource outreach engagements, teacher credential assessment service, home country book donation project, teacher mentoring and volunteering referrals, professional career search strategies, community organizations linkages and professional immigrants employment network----- all undertaken under succesful schemes of partnership, participation, sponsorship, seminars and the bayanihan spirit.(JSM/tsj)

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine