SASKATOON — Provincial officials joined the Filipino community on June 8 at Civic Square for the flag-raising ceremony as part of the festivities for Filipino Heritage Month, commemorating the Philippines’ 127th year of independence on June 12.
Saskatchewan Senator Tracy Muggli, MLAs Jamie Martens (Martensville–Blairmore), Ken Cheveldayoff (Saskatoon Willowgrove), Jordan McPhail (Cumberland), and Mayor Cynthia Block honoured the Filipinos' contributions to the province, whether in the health-care and education sectors or as entrepreneurs.
Opposition MLAs Kim Breckner (Saskatoon Riversdale), April ChiefCalf (Saskatoon Westview), Hugh Gordon (Saskatoon Silverspring), Tajinder Grewal (Saskatoon University–Sutherland), and Ward 2 Councillor Senos Timon were the other elected officials who joined the festivities.
The Kalayaan (Freedom) flag-raising ceremony is part of the proclamation of June as Filipino Heritage Month, showcasing how the provincial and municipal governments, as well as the community, recognize the contributions made by Filipinos in Saskatchewan over the years.
Senator Muggli said she is thankful to FILCAS for organizing the meaningful event, which has become one of the annual and cherished traditions in Saskatoon since 2004, symbolizing the Filipinos’ proud statement of identity, resilience and unity.
“Filipino-Canadians are among the fastest-growing and most vibrant communities in Saskatchewan. Your contributions, from health-care to education and public service, are woven deeply into the fabric of this province and city. But just as important as what you do is how you do it with commitment, compassion and a strong sense of family and community,” said Muggli.
Muggli said that, as St. Paul’s Hospital’s executive director before her appointment to the Senate, she witnessed the resilience and compassion of Filipino health-care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they went above and beyond in serving during such a difficult time.
Martens, who represented Minister of Immigration and Career Training Jim Ryder, emphasized that the provincial motto, “From Many Peoples Strength,” recognizes the diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures that contribute to an inclusive society.
“You have chosen to make your homes here in Saskatchewan. You contribute so much to your communities by sharing your customs and cultures with us. You share your food, your music, your festivals and your joy. For that, this province is richer. We are known as a home for a vibrant Filipino community,” said Martens.
Almost 3,500 Filipinos have moved to Saskatchewan, and since 2007, 20 per cent of newcomers to the province have come from the Philippines, choosing to leave their homes, friends and families to settle in an unfamiliar place with extreme winters.
Cheveldayoff, representing the Government of Saskatchewan and spoke on behalf of Premier Scott Moe, said this year Filipinos in Saskatchewan are not only celebrating the Philippines’ 127th year of independence but also FILCAS’ 52nd anniversary.
“I feel fortunate to live in a province and a country where multiculturalism is so prominent. Our provincial motto succinctly and elegantly expresses our identity. Every culture brings its unique knowledge and experiences, and sharing our cultural practices and traditions with our neighbours and friends brings us closer together as a community while encouraging acceptance, understanding and inclusivity,” said Cheveldayoff.
McPhail, who has strong Filipino ties, with his wife coming from Cebu in the southern Philippines, said their community in La Ronge has a strong and vibrant Filipino-Canadian presence and thanked FILCAS for being one of the first to reach out as they evacuated from the wildfires.
“We are proud to see the Filipino spirit continue to inspire and shape our province. But today is not just about looking back. It is also about honouring the profound impact you make each day in this place that we all call home. Here in Saskatchewan, thousands of Filipinos have found that second home,” said McPhail, who represented the Opposition and spoke on behalf of Leader Carla Beck.
He shared the warm hospitality he experienced when they visited his wife’s province in the Philippines in February this year, where they met her family and friends and saw tourist attractions like Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and the beaches of Boracay and Panglao, while tasting what he said was the best lechon (roasted pig) in the world.
Block, who enjoyed the Bulaklan (flower garland dance) by the Kumintang Folk Dance Ensemble, said she was inspired by McPhail’s story of how he experienced the beautiful culture of the Philippines and how he and his wife are raising their two daughters to be proud of their First Nations and Filipino heritage.
“I’m proud that we get to declare this Filipino Heritage Month. I’m proud to say that many of you in this event today are my friends. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to hear the story of MLA McPhail and his wife, given their strong Indigenous roots and the welcoming spirit that Indigenous people bring to all of us, as the original welcome to us all,” said Block.
