28 JULY 2026, VICTORIA, BC. Last 13 June 2026, PCG Vancouver, represented by Vice Consul Marco Harder, attended the annual Mabuhay Festival in Victoria, BC. The festival was organized by the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre, along with Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA), Victoria Filipino Canadian Seniors Association (VFCSA), and Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association (VFCCA) to celebrate June as Filipino Heritage Month in Victoria, BC.
In his remarks, Vice Consul Harder emphasized H.E. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s message in celebration of the 128th anniversary of Philippine independence, citing his explanation why we commemorate 12 June as the anniversary of our independence: “We commemorate June 12 because freedom, at its deepest, must be asserted by the people themselves. It was not just a date given to us but a date chosen by Filipinos who believe that these islands had the right to govern themselves, protect their own independence, and to chart their own destiny.” He also appealed to the Filipino Community in Victoria to continue promoting solidarity among the Filipino diaspora all over the world and strengthen people to people links between the Philippines and Canada through their individual efforts and initiatives.
As British Columbia’s provincial capital and a major urban center in Vancouver Island, the City of Victoria has attracted immigrant populations over the years. According to the 2021 Canadian census, over 8,000 Filipinos live in the Greater Victoria Area and work in various fields such as healthcare, education, and services. The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver serves this community through various initiatives such as its regular annual outreach mission to the city. END
