Alan Tudge greets Filipino community on Independence Day

In lieu of the 120th Philippine Independence Day, MP Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge extends his best wishes to the Filipino community through a letter.

Mr Tudge extends his best wishes to the Filipino community of their Independence Day. Source: Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs

“To all Filipino Australians celebrating this day, I offer you my warmest greetings for a wonderful celebration."

In his letter, Mr Tudge mentions that Filipino migration to Australia and Filipino-Australian trade relations began earlier than the country’s independence from Spain in 1898. His letter notes that aside from trading in sugar and coffee in the 1800s, Filipino seafarers also arrived in Australia to work as pearl divers in the 1870s.

He also acknowledges that the Philippines is becoming one of the fastest growing migrant communities in Australia, with the country becoming a major source of permanent skilled migrants.

According to Mr Tudge, “Filipino Australians continue to make a valuable contribution to our nation’s social, economic and cultural life.”

 

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