The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver marked the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a highly successful celebration on 11 June 2026 at the Vancouver International Film Festival Center. The reception and film screening of Filipino-Canadian film maker Kent Donguines’ Treasures of the Rice Terraces, operated under this year's national theme from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP): "Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan." (Freedom. Future. History.).
This year carries immense historical significance, marking the 70th anniversary of PCG Vancouver as the first Philippine Foreign Service Post in Canada, and exactly 165 years since Benson Flores, the first recorded Filipino arrival, settled in British Columbia in 1861.
The memorable evening seamlessly unified high-level diplomacy, rich cultural heritage, and strong community solidarity. Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin in her opening remarks, observed a moment of silence for the recent Mindanao earthquake victims, then underscored the excellent bilateral relations of the Philippines and Canada, specifically in Vancouver, Yukon and the Northwestern Territories.
The program featured an Independence Day message from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., joint video greetings from British Columbia (BC) Premier David Eby and Member of Legislative Assembly Susie Chant, and an inspiring keynote address by BC Assembly Speaker Raj Chouhan. In a powerful display of municipal partnership, Vancouver City Councilor Lenny Zhou (representing Mayor Ken Sim) expressed hopes to host next year's event in a brand-new Filipino Cultural Center before joining Councilors Mike Klassen, Sean Orr, and Lucy Malone to read the city proclamation declaring June 12, 2026, as Philippine Independence Day in Vancouver.
Guest partook in vibrant gastrodiplomacy with traditional delicacies from Goldilocks-Canada and Jollibee-Granville.
The iconic Sails of Light in Canada Place was also illuminated with the colors of the Philippine flag on the evening of 12 June as a symbol of solidarity between the Philippines and the City of Vancouver.
Thank you to all our partners, dignitaries, and the vibrant kabayan community for joining us in bridging oceans, cultures, and generations!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Canada! 🇵🇭🤝🇨🇦
