The Late Senator Tobias Enverga Jr.

November 16, 2017

The Late Senator Tobias Enverga Jr.

At the CONBUSAC event last July 2017 in Toronto with the Governor of Bohol and other Dignitaries.

I came to know him in 2012 when I was invited by Amy Basingan for the 35th Kababayan Centre Anniversary in Toronto. He came in later that night with wife Rosemer Enverga. Amy Basingan brought me to him and that was that formal meeting that started our collaboration in the community.

I wrote about him many times and I brought him closer to our community in Durham Region by inviting him every time for our events. I felt that he needs to be closer to our community to support him in his ordeals and intrigues he was going through with his detractors. That was my way of helping a very dedicated man so he won't lost his footing with all those controversies thrown at him. In the end of it all, he came out triumphant and was rightfully vindicated. The community came to love him and they accorded him warm welcome in Durham Region.

At the Bohol Association of Canada event, undated. Credits: Li ERON

I believe in him. There was not a single moment that I doubted his sincerity and dedication in bringing our community to the helm. He was the man who pulled us out from obscurity. Senator Enverga Jr. brought our Filipino community, our culture, everything about being a Filipino to the doorsteps of the highest echelon of Canadian politics where he showed his fellow Parliamentarians and in the Senate, how it is to be a Filipino.

At an event in Durham Region, undated. Credits: Li ERON

It is his warmth, his free- spirited disposition that makes us proud of him, makes us feel important. He was never arrogant. He crosses every boundaries to reach out everyone in the community. It is his kind of leadership that inspired so many....that inspired me. That kindness on his face.

As a Senator, he was continually involved in the many aspects of the parliamentary process. He continued to sit on several standing committees with demanding legislative agendas aimed at strengthening each and every bill that passes before it.

During the Leonard Arp Annual Memorial Fundraiser in Oshawa, undated. Credits: Li ERON

The Senator has also taken many strides in strengthening Canada-Philippines relations. Over the years in his capacity as Canadian Senator, he had the opportunity to participate in several important bilateral announcements between the two countries. He was also working with various representatives and officials in the Philippines including Canadian and Philippine Ambassadors that helped in fostering good relations between Canada and the Philippines.

Senator Enverga Jr. is also fortunate to travel with many Canadian delegations to strengthen Canadian relations all over the globe. As a representative of the province of Ontario and to all Filipino-Canadians all over the country. He helped in promoting our Filipino culture and carrying our voices.

But what is most remarkable of him was his character of blending within our community. His constant appearances to my events were sometimes noted and jokingly asked, "Why is he coming to your event in short notice?" Maybe because he found our community very hospitable to him as well. he felt welcomed too.

With Philippine Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. in Toronto, July 2017.

Senator Enverga Jr. is a profound supporter of the Leonard Arp Annual Memorial Fundraiser which he has attended for three years in a row in Oshawa. He showed up to welcome our visiting priests at those concerts I organized. He came around and joined our Simbang Gabi with wife Rosemer Enverga who brought in snacks for our refreshments after the mass. He was everywhere. In return I gave him the opportunity to give a speech or welcome our guests. He was just full of energy. And he wouldn't sit. He will go around, shake hands and met everyone.

The news of his passing caught me off guard as well as everyone. The man who tirelessly work to promote our race and culture to the whole of Canada and to the world is now called home by our Creator. But his example as a leader that brought us so much delight and inspiration will not die with him.

I will not forget the last time we saw each other at the Most Outstanding Canadian Awards where he came to my table and tapped me on my shoulder to congratulate me before leaving the venue. Who would thought that was the last?