Distinguished Manitobans were honoured on December 12 at the Manitoba Legislature where they received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, in celebration of the 70th anniversary year of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne.
Among the recipients of the high honour is Ernesto Ofiaza, Jr., president of the Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada, Inc. (FMAACI). Nominated by MLA Mintu Sandhu, Ofiaza expressed his gratitude to The Maples’ provincial legislator on a Facebook post. “Thanks for nominating me as one of the recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for Community Leadership and Service. Maraming salamat at mabuhay ka!”
In addition to Ofiaza, other kababayan recipients include Leila Castro of 204 Neighborhood Watch, Garry Alejo of NorthWest Bear Clean Patrol, MAFTI’s Genalyn Tan, Emmie Joaquin of Pilipino Express, PCCM’s Rodge Lopez, Vice-Principal Dr. Porie Pedrina, Lucille Nolasco Garrido of 92.7 CKJS-FM and Joanne Viviezca of Filipino Friends of Immigrants in Manitoba.
A total of 1,000 medals will be awarded at ceremonies held throughout the province during the Platinum Jubilee year which began on February 6, 2022.
