Filipino Heritage Month

Mabuhay! (In the Filipino language Tagalog, mabuhay means “long live”)

In the early 1970s my mother and auntie immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, from the Philippines in hopes of finding a better future. Born and raised as a Filipino Canadian, I am beyond blessed for the sacrifices that they made for our family. I am sure many people in Canada can relate to my family story.

Filipino immigration began late compared to other nationalities. In fact, records of Filipino immigrants in Canada were found in the 1930s and were in small numbers. In the 1990s there was an increase in immigration from the Philippines. Opportunities to work and live as caregivers across Canada opened many doors. As a result, more began to settle in major Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver.

The goal for many Filipinos was to bring their immediate families to Canada. An individual would arrive as a temporary worker, leaving their spouse and children behind. Reunions would occur with their families in Canada as soon as permanent residency was achieved. Filipinos, along with many other Asian Canadians, contribute to the country’s economy greatly.

Many individuals from the Filipino community have made a profound impact on the Canadian society. In 2012, Canada’s first Filipino senator, the late Tobias C. Enverga Jr. was appointed. As a member of the Senate, one of his primary focuses was to advocate for people with Down Syndrome, a condition that one of his daughters had. Rey Pagtakhan, another Filipino Canadian was first elected to Parliament in 1988. He also served as the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) from 2001 to 2002. Today, many Filipinos in Canada continue to shape the country’s character and heritage in more ways than ever before.

Filipino Heritage Month takes place every June and is a month-long celebration. It was declared in Canada on October 30, 2018, in the Filipino Heritage Month Act, 2017. It is significant to acknowledge that the declaration of the Filipino Heritage Month was initiated by Paulina Corpuz of Toronto, Ontario, through a petition. From coast to coast to coast, throughout all regions of Canada, I encourage you and your families to attend events, join activities, try different Filipino cuisine, share stories, learn the language, and celebrate the special relationship between the Filipino people and Canada.

Salamat! (In the Filipino language Tagalog, salamat means “thank you”)

Jacqueline Nanali
Regional Representative for Human Rights, Manitoba