Filipino Community Celebrates 128th Philippine Independence Day and 40th Anniversary of Filipino Plaza at Annual Flag Raising Ceremony

By Janice Lozano

VANCOUVER, BC – June 6, 2026 — Hundreds of community members, leaders, dignitaries, elected officials, cultural organizations, and supporters gathered at Filipino Plaza for the annual Philippine Flag Raising Ceremony, officially launching Filipino Heritage Month and Philippine Independence Day celebrations throughout June.

This year’s ceremony was especially meaningful as the Filipino Canadian community celebrated two historic milestones: the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 40th Anniversary of Filipino Plaza, the first park in Canada dedicated to the Filipino community.

While the day began under dark clouds and steady rain, the weather did little to dampen the spirit of the celebration. Community members arrived in full force, demonstrating the unity, resilience, and bayanihan spirit that has long defined the Filipino community in British Columbia. As the ceremony progressed, the skies gradually cleared and the sun emerged, almost as if joining the celebration itself. The welcome appearance of sunshine provided a beautiful and symbolic backdrop to a day filled with pride, reflection, and community spirit, reminding everyone that even after the storm, brighter days lie ahead.

The event was emceed by Virgil Hilario and Mylene Lim, who welcomed guests and reflected on the importance of Philippine Independence Day, Filipino Heritage Month, and the enduring legacy of Filipino Plaza. The program began with a Land Acknowledgement delivered by Clifford Belgica and Allan Fernandez, recognizing the Indigenous Peoples on whose traditional territories the celebration took place.

The ceremony continued with the singing of Canada’s national anthem, O Canada, led by Salve Dayao, followed by the raising of the Philippine flag and the singing of Lupang Hinirang, led by Edz Dularte.

Leading the flag-raising ceremony were UFCABC President Arcie Lim, Consul General Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, and TransLink Vice President Maria Pontikis.

A special highlight of the day was the presence of UFCABC President Arcie Lim, who welcomed guests while proudly wearing his distinguished Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree regalia, the patriotic degree of the Order. The Fourth Degree has also been referred the right arm of the church.