Honourable senators, June 2021 marks the third annual Filipino Heritage Month, a time when all Canadians can celebrate Filipino culture and heritage, and recognize the contributions of Filipino Canadians throughout our history. This year also marks the historic five-hundredth anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines.

With a population of nearly 1 million in Canada, and nearly 160,000 in my home province of British Columbia, Filipino Canadians make up the third-largest group of Asian immigrants to Canada. Filipino Canadians have a rich history, a vibrant culture and strong work ethics that make every facet of Canada better and stronger.

This has been all the more evident throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped our nation. Deeply rooted in the virtues of Christian love and the sanctity of life, Filipino Canadians are truly appreciated for their commitment to caring for others, their contributions in the care of the elderly and the vulnerable and their families in hospital, care homes and homes. Their essential roles throughout the health sector and in communities are immeasurable.

The motion that was adopted in 2018 to designate the month of June as Filipino Heritage Month was chosen as it coincides with Philippine Independence Day on June 12. On June 12, 2013, this important day was marked by the inaugural flag-raising ceremony and celebration on Parliament Hill, organized by the late senator and good friend Tobias Enverga Jr. In celebration of this year’s one-hundred-twenty-third anniversary of Philippine independence, the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation has a virtual Pinoy fiesta and trade show in Toronto. The PCCF was founded 10 years ago by the late Senator Tobias Enverga Jr. with the help of his wife Rosemer, and friends Jaime and Thelma Marasigan, Romeo and Rebecca Rafael, Danio Penuliar and Sena Flores. PCCF was established to support various charitable needs and has organized annual activities with the goal of bringing together the Filipino-Canadian community and promoting the spirit of charity.

Honourable senators, please join me in thanking the selflessness and dedication of the many Filipino Canadians on the front lines of health care and senior care, and in recognizing the important contributions and efforts of Filipino organizations and members, past and present, to the well-being and betterment of our nation. Mabuhay Canada and the Philippines. Salamat po. Thank you.