Filipino Heritage Month Celebration Kicks Off in Vancouver

(Left photo) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin and United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC) President Christian Cunanan receive the Proclamation of Filipino Heritage Month in Vancouver from Deputy Mayor Lenny Zhou. (Right photo) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin delivers her remarks at the Flag Raising Ceremony, Community Fiesta & 4/26 Memorial. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

VANCOUVER, BC 02 June 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, led by Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, joined the members of the Filipino community and Canadian officials at a Flag Raising Ceremony / Community Fiesta & 4/26 Memorial held at the Filipino Plaza in Vancouver on 31 May 2025.

The event is one of various Philippine Independence Day & Filipino Heritage Month activities organized by the United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC), and is the first of the Filipino community-led events in Greater Vancouver in celebration of the 127^th Philippine Independence Day.

Consul General Jamoralin, in her remarks, highlighted the importance of Filipino Heritage Month as a time to honor the rich culture, history, and contributions of Filipino-Canadians across the country. She also underscored that this year’s celebration takes on an even deeper significance as the Filipino community dedicates this occasion to remember and honor the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Block Party tragedy.

Joining the celebration were several Canadian officials, including British Columbia Premier David Eby, Deputy Mayor Lenny Zhou representing the City of Vancouver, Member of Parliament Don Davies, Member of the Legislative Assembly Mable Elmore, and representatives from TransLink, among others. Each delivered messages of solidarity, recognizing the vibrancy and resilience of the Filipino community in British Columbia.  Deputy Mayor Zhou also presented the Vancouver City Government’s Proclamation of June 2025 as Philippine Heritage Month in Vancouver.

(Top photo) Eleven doves are to be released as a symbol of peace and remembrance for the 11 lives lost in the Lapu-Lapu Block Party tragedy. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

A solemn memorial tribute was held during the program to honor the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Block Party tragedy. The tribute featured messages of hope, the offering of flowers, the lighting of candles, and the symbolic release of eleven doves, serving as a moving gesture of remembrance. A short presentation of donations to support the victims’ families and loved ones was also included in the program.

The day’s program also featured cultural performances by local Filipino artists and youth groups, as well as a showcase of Filipino culinary favorites, offering attendees a taste of the Philippines’ vibrant culture and hospitality.

Filipino Heritage Month, officially recognized every June across Canada, celebrates the enduring legacy and contributions of over 1,000,000 Filipinos who now call Canada home. END

(Top photo) UFCABC presents its cheque donation for the victims’ families of the Lapu-Lapu Block Party tragedy.  (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Tean Vancouver PCG at the Philippine Consulate booth. (Photo by PCG Vancouver)

(Left photo) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin with Member of Parliament Mr. Don Davies after the ceremony. (Right photo) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin and United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC) President Christian Cunanan light the candles for the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Block Party tragedy. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)