By Noemi Victorino
In the dynamic and ever-growing city of Surrey, where cultures converge and diversity thrives, one voice continues to rise — the voice of the Filipino Canadian community. Now the third most spoken language in the city, Filipino is no longer just a cultural identifier; it’s a growing presence, a social force, and a quiet strength that deserves greater recognition and visibility.
Surrey is projected to become the largest city in British Columbia. With such growth comes the need for all communities—especially those as vibrant and significant as the Filipino Canadian community—to claim space, assert presence, and contribute meaningfully to the city’s future.
This call to visibility and civic engagement is not merely aspirational—it is urgent and timely. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has consistently demonstrated, through quiet and authentic leadership, that the Filipino Canadian community is seen, valued, and respected.
When the Lapu Lapu tragedy shook both the Filipino and broader communities, it didn’t make the news that Mayor Locke personally delivered—through nearly an hour of traffic— the City of Surrey’s Book of Condolences to the Philippine Consulate General. She could have sent it by courier, but she chose not to. She understood the emotional weight those pages carried—the heartfelt messages of mourning and support from Surrey residents. There was no media spotlight. No press release. Just a sincere act of solidarity, compassion, and integrity. That kind of leadership doesn’t need a microphone. It speaks volumes—not only about Mayor Locke’s character but about how deeply the City of Surrey values its Filipino community.
Filipino Canadians have long been contributors to Surrey’s social fabric. Whether through frontline work, business ownership, volunteerism, or their active participation in faith-based and cultural organizations, they exemplify good citizenship. But contribution is only one part of the equation. The other—just as vital—is visibility. Filipino Canadians must step out from the margins of gratitude and into the center of influence. That means taking up leadership roles, shaping policy, joining advisory councils, sitting at the table where decisions are made, and branding the community not just as contributors, but as builders of Surrey’s identity.
In a recent interview with Mr. Rey Fortaleza of Reyfort Media—and in several personal conversations I’ve had with her—Mayor Brenda Locke once again demonstrated her genuine connection to the Filipino community. Through her stories and reflections, it became clear that her appreciation for Filipino culture runs deep and personal.
She spoke warmly of being gifted a delicate jusi handkerchief, a sampaguita-scented candle, and—perhaps most endearingly—her fondness for pancit. These weren’t grand political gestures, but something far more meaningful: expressions of relationship, warmth, and authentic cultural appreciation.
But the story cannot stop at being appreciated—it must continue with empowerment. Filipino Canadians must organize not only around culture and community events, but also around civic engagement. Surrey’s multicultural identity must include the Filipino narrative—not in the background, but up front. As the third largest language group in the city, Filipino Canadians have every reason, and every right, to shape the dialogue of where Surrey is heading.
The Filipino community is not just a cultural presence; it is a civic asset. And now, more than ever, is the time to step forward—not just as participants, but as partners in the growth and future of Surrey.
The moment is here.
The community is ready.
Surrey is listening.
Full Interview With Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke
Surrey is poised to become the largest city by population in BC by the year 2030. What are your thoughts about this?
Surrey was seen as the 2nd cousin of Vancouver, what has changed over the recent years?
How ready is Surrey to assume the mantle in the near future as B.C.’s dominant city?
In terms of infrastructure, what are the most pressing needs of Surrey if it were to best serve its growing population?
To add to that, what are we doing municipal-wise to get the attention of the provincial government to fund the schools and our hospitals?
In addition to school and hospital issues, are there any other issues that you are hearing from the residents of Surrey?
You served as MLA and city councillor and now mayor of Surrey. From your personal experience, what makes Surrey a great city?
How about Surrey being the Sports City of Canada?
What conversations are you having with federal governments about the future of Surrey?
Surrey and other municipalities in B.C. will hold local elections in 2026. What are your plans for the 2026 election?
We represent the Filipino-Canadians in Surrey in British Columbia, how can we support the City of Surrey as citizens and individuals?
Being Mayor, MLA and Counsellor, you are already probably aware that the Filipino-Canadian community has always longed for a space for them to congregate, organize people, serve the community and vice-versa. Honestly, we are struggling to get that together, and it has been many many years, perhaps decades. What can the city, perhaps guide us in making that dream a reality?
Stay tuned for the full interview with Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke to be shown on Philippine News Canada and OMNI Television.
ReyFort Media 
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