Ambassador Robles (second row, second from right) joins the Filipino community in British Columbia, Yukon, and Northwest Territories for a virtual Town Hall meeting hosted by Philippine Consul General Maria Andrelita Austria (first row, second from right) on 12 June 2021.

For many decades, the Filipino Diaspora in Canada has celebrated the Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in June, in line with the Philippines’ commemoration of Independence Day on June 12th. This period is often a time for the Filipino community to gather and highlight Filipino culture, history, and the stories of Filipino migrants in Canada.

In October, 2018, Filipinos in the country were given another reason to celebrate when the federal House of Commons unanimously passed Motion-155 declaring the month of June as Filipino Heritage Month throughout Canada. Canadians of Filipino descent, many of whom moved to the country in the 1960s and 1970s, welcomed this development that recognized the contributions of their community to Canadian society.

From Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia and the Yukon, community organizations have been known to hold various cultural programs and ceremonies in observance of these two important events. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the past two years have seen these events move to the virtual sphere. While still maintaining physical distance and avoiding non-essential travel, Filipinos in Canada converged online to engage in town hall meetings, cultural shows, concerts, and even flag-raising ceremonies.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Rodolfo D. Robles greeted the Filipino community during their celebrations and thanked them for their active role in sharing their cultural heritage with other Canadians. He encouraged members of the Diaspora to continue their work and introduce the younger generation of Filipino-Canadians to their roots.

Ambassador Robles made special mention of the Filipino-Canadians working in the essential services and thanked them for their dedication. “I share with you our gratitude and recognition for the selfless Filipino-Canadian frontliners who perform the daily tasks of serving their communities, often at great risk and personal sacrifice,” he stated. “I ask that you continue to keep them in your prayers. Maraming salamat po sa kanilang kabayanihan!”

He enjoined everyone to continue to follow the health and safety guidelines of their local authorities and expressed hope that the next Filipino Heritage Month would see the Filipino community meeting in person again.