Jasper Filipino-Canadian community leaders commemorate the 126th year of the Philippine Independence with a flag raising ceremony in front of the Emergency Services Building on June 12.
The days honours the legacy and the bravery of many Filipinos who fought and sacrificed their lives for the freedom and liberation of the Philippines from more than 300 years of Spanish colonization.
The celebrations began with a land acknowledgement by Marlan Reodica Furlotte and a prayer of thanksgiving by Kathleen Bautista.
Clara Adriano provided a welcome message and introduction about Filipino Heritage Month and Filipino community history in Jasper.
In 2018, the Government of Canada declared June as Filipino Heritage Month to celebrate, recognize and share awareness about the valuable contributions of the Filipino Community throughout the Canadian history.
In Jasper, the first Filipino arrived in 1987, and more arrived in the early ‘90s to work as nannies.
More came in 2006 when Canada began opening its doors to help staff the hotel and food service industries.
Over the past three decades, the Filipino population has been increasing, and many now work in most establishments and business sectors in town.
Today, there about 400 Filipinos who reside and call Jasper their home.
Many have become naturalized Canadians but keep their culture and heritage instilled within themselves.
Mayor Richard Ireland later provided a brief message.
Calliel Sario and Faith Gabrielle Marcojos sang “O Canada,” which was followed by the flag raising ceremony and singing of the Philippine National Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” by Calliel Sario, Faith Gabrielle Marcojos.
The flag bearers were Frank Marcojos, Lito Bautista and Tony Adriano.
