June 12th 2012 will mark the anniversary of the Independence of Philippines. In recognition of this special day, the Surrey Philippines Independence Day Society (SPIDS) organized a great event at the Chandos Pattison Auditorium. We are blessed in this multicultural nation, especially in Surrey, with such strong links to Philippines. The Filipino community in British Columbia and more particularly in Surrey has enriched our social fabric and strengthens our diverse Canadian identity. It is because I believe that celebrating Philippines Independence Day preserves a significant and vitally important cultural link to the past, for both present and future generations, that I wish everyone peace and prosperity on this anniversary of Philippines Independence Day.